More Deep Thoughts and Christmas Talk

Thanks, everyone, for chiming in on my inner struggles. I don't know if I'm any closer to finding "where the balance is", but I realized something after I shared my thoughts with Art. I don't know if it really matters how far left some of our church's ideas are. Our church's mission is to be as close to the early church model as possible. So we gather around a meal like the first Christians did. And we go out and serve those in our community, giving to those who are in need.

We strive, as much as possible, to "be Jesus" to everyone by meeting their practical needs. We bring baskets of food to needy families who would otherwise not be able to have a Thanksgiving feast. We make bag lunches and hand them out to homeless people. We find out who needs help cleaning their house, or weeding their garden, or painting a fence, or cutting down some trees, or who needs baby clothes and diapers. Or if they just need some cash. Or furniture.

And you know what? Our church really has made a difference. What we do is working. We've been affectionately nicknamed the "ghost busters" of our city. Because when there is a need in the community, who are you gonna call? Us. Our church. So does it matter if they lean a little liberal? People are experiencing Jesus' love in ways that they understand. And I think that is the most important thing.

(I would like to thank my husband for pointing this out to me, and in fewer words too. I, on the other hand, still don't know how to be succinct.)

On an aside, I think it's kind of interesting that the issue of homosexuals in church got the most air time. Interesting because, out of the three issues I mentioned, it's the one I struggle with the least. And while we're on that subject, I forgot to mention that it's a very personal issue with our pastor, because his son is gay. I can't imagine the struggle his family has gone through, trying to love their boy while completely disagreeing with the path he is on. Anyway, I failed to mention that little fact. It may or may not change the discussion.

I would also like to assure everyone that I'm not bombarded with these ideas every Sunday. They have popped up here and there, and they're subtle. Most often, they're mixed into a discussion about something completely different. But I've taken notice, and it's definitely causing me to think.


Onto other matters. Art and I will be in Manitoba in a little more than a week, and I am so excited. There are babies to meet, and families to hug, and snow to play in, and large Christmas trees to enjoy. (We put up our tree a little while ago, and it's pretty. All two feet of it. With its dollar store decorations.) Hopefully someone over there will have a camera and will be taking pictures, and then I will FINALLY have a few pictures to show you. Boy, do I ever miss having a camera. You've probably all forgotten what I look like...

I have other great news: it snowed today!!! We watched the fluffy white flakes fall during the church service. Our pastor had barely finished giving the closing benediction before the kids dashed outside and started throwing snowballs. And by "the kids" I mean Joe and Art.

The snow isn't likely to stay. The temperatures are supposed to be above freezing all week, and we're finally going to get our winter rain. I'm surprised how little it's rained in the past month. I don't think that's normal. It's been unusually cold and frosty. I've been enjoying the sunlight, and seeing all the mountains every morning, but I'm kind of glad that the clouds are rolling in. It makes things a bit warmer. Though I would prefer the clouds to be snow-laden.

I can't believe how time is flying by. We're already halfway through December. My Christmas break from work is only a week away. Our friend-and-family Christmas party here is only a week away. And then a few days after that, we jet off to the prairies.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday. I just finished downing a late lunch of Arby's, so I'm anticipating a nap in the near future. I just love weekends.