What if after we die we are just dead? What if there is nothing else -- just an eternal sleep? Would you live differently? When I go to church, I'm afraid I'll be struck by lightening or something because of my thought processes. Like when they talk about the virgin Mary... never once have I NOT thought "yeah right!" It's not that I mean to think it, it just pops in my head. Then I look around to see if anyone is looking at me and reading my mind. And one time I got hysterical laughing when everyone started jumping around and speaking in tounges and stuff. I blended right in that time though. I really don't think anyone noticed. Again, it wasn't that I meant to do it, just happened. In the forefront of my church memories is the time I was asked to leave. My son was crying and an usher or whatever they call them came over and ever so subtle whispers to me, "Would you mind taking him outside?". My answer? "Hell no I don't mind!" I left and I'm pretty sure I've never been back. I would never stroll in somewhere and drop my kid off in "the kid spot" and just let someone that I didn't know preach to them, especially not knowing what they were preaching! Of course I was just visiting and before Steph informed me about integration, I never knew that some churches didn't allow the kiddies in with the grownups. I've never been spiritually moved in a church. Not one time. So again I ask, what if........
Just want you all to know that Crys and I had a long talk tonight. And I aksed if it would be okay for me to ask you all to chime in with your thoughts. I know you are the right women because platitudes are not something you offer. You are REAL women, like her...like ME...and have something from God that she should hear. Please comment to my best sister Crystal!
I have to ask what if....when we die we are not just dead? That's really what matters. If none of this Jesus stuff is true then we die and we are dead. If it is, well that's a different story. If it is true then when you die you are either with God or separated from God for eternity. Forever. And ever. What if it is true?
I also have to say that we all have crazy thoughts in church. I am soooo thankful that noone sitting around me can read my thoughts. Sometimes I am planning my meal plan for the week. Sometimes I am wondering if I truly, deep down believe the Bible. Sometimes I think of a funny thing and get the giggles. Sometimes I get tickled at something that no one else would think was funny and I would be humiliated if I had to explain what I am laughing at. It's all OKAY! God is our Dad, he thinks things we say and do and even think are cute. He's proud of us because we are His kids. He also wants us to experience Him and that experience doesn't have to be in church. Don't misunderstand me here, I am all for being in church but as for experiencing God..that may be more likely to happen outside of church especially if churches have hurt you in some way. God loves you. If he had a fridge your picture would be on it. He created you. He made you unique. You know how much you love your kids? He loves you more. Merry Christmas!
Hi Crystal, I think we all wonder "what if" at times, but when I look in the faces of my children and the world around me, I just KNOW. I can see God's hand in so many things. As depraved sinners separated by our sin we would never choose on our own to seek out God, but when your heart is softened and turned towards him I urge you to not fight it. Separation from our father is a sad and empty life, and we are so blessed to be given redemption and a chance to be with him. I think inappropriate thoughts such as grocery lists and lunch plans and are my kids disrupting the visitors sitting in front of me..... and so on. As for feeling unwelcome or uncomfortable in church then you are not in the right church for you. I would probably feel like laughing if someone started speaking in tongues, or wondering when the snakes were coming out? but that is just because that is out of my church comfort zone, so you need to find a church that feels like you just walked into HOME. Where you and your child are welcome just as you are, be that in service or in nursery. Having Faith is a choice and choosing God is so amazing. All the sin and crap is forgiven and you are valued, and made in his image to glorify him. He is seeking you and desiring you to choose him. I just know the times in my life that I have wandered away from the safety of his arms I felt the emptiness and bitterness of sin. There is no comfort in the brokeness of the world. I will pray for you and for the peace that awaits you in knowing Him.
6 comments:
What if after we die we are just dead? What if there is nothing else -- just an eternal sleep? Would you live differently? When I go to church, I'm afraid I'll be struck by lightening or something because of my thought processes. Like when they talk about the virgin Mary... never once have I NOT thought "yeah right!" It's not that I mean to think it, it just pops in my head. Then I look around to see if anyone is looking at me and reading my mind. And one time I got hysterical laughing when everyone started jumping around and speaking in tounges and stuff. I blended right in that time though. I really don't think anyone noticed. Again, it wasn't that I meant to do it, just happened. In the forefront of my church memories is the time I was asked to leave. My son was crying and an usher or whatever they call them came over and ever so subtle whispers to me, "Would you mind taking him outside?". My answer? "Hell no I don't mind!" I left and I'm pretty sure I've never been back. I would never stroll in somewhere and drop my kid off in "the kid spot" and just let someone that I didn't know preach to them, especially not knowing what they were preaching! Of course I was just visiting and before Steph informed me about integration, I never knew that some churches didn't allow the kiddies in with the grownups. I've never been spiritually moved in a church. Not one time. So again I ask, what if........
PS
Merry Christmas!
Just want you all to know that Crys and I had a long talk tonight. And I aksed if it would be okay for me to ask you all to chime in with your thoughts. I know you are the right women because platitudes are not something you offer. You are REAL women, like her...like ME...and have something from God that she should hear.
Please comment to my best sister Crystal!
I have to ask what if....when we die we are not just dead? That's really what matters. If none of this Jesus stuff is true then we die and we are dead. If it is, well that's a different story. If it is true then when you die you are either with God or separated from God for eternity. Forever. And ever. What if it is true?
I also have to say that we all have crazy thoughts in church. I am soooo thankful that noone sitting around me can read my thoughts. Sometimes I am planning my meal plan for the week. Sometimes I am wondering if I truly, deep down believe the Bible. Sometimes I think of a funny thing and get the giggles. Sometimes I get tickled at something that no one else would think was funny and I would be humiliated if I had to explain what I am laughing at. It's all OKAY! God is our Dad, he thinks things we say and do and even think are cute. He's proud of us because we are His kids. He also wants us to experience Him and that experience doesn't have to be in church. Don't misunderstand me here, I am all for being in church but as for experiencing God..that may be more likely to happen outside of church especially if churches have hurt you in some way. God loves you. If he had a fridge your picture would be on it. He created you. He made you unique. You know how much you love your kids? He loves you more. Merry Christmas!
Hi Crystal,
I think we all wonder "what if" at times, but when I look in the faces of my children and the world around me, I just KNOW. I can see God's hand in so many things. As depraved sinners separated by our sin we would never choose on our own to seek out God, but when your heart is softened and turned towards him I urge you to not fight it. Separation from our father is a sad and empty life, and we are so blessed to be given redemption and a chance to be with him. I think inappropriate thoughts such as grocery lists and lunch plans and are my kids disrupting the visitors sitting in front of me..... and so on. As for feeling unwelcome or uncomfortable in church then you are not in the right church for you. I would probably feel like laughing if someone started speaking in tongues, or wondering when the snakes were coming out? but that is just because that is out of my church comfort zone, so you need to find a church that feels like you just walked into HOME. Where you and your child are welcome just as you are, be that in service or in nursery. Having Faith is a choice and choosing God is so amazing. All the sin and crap is forgiven and you are valued, and made in his image to glorify him. He is seeking you and desiring you to choose him. I just know the times in my life that I have wandered away from the safety of his arms I felt the emptiness and bitterness of sin. There is no comfort in the brokeness of the world. I will pray for you and for the peace that awaits you in knowing Him.
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