to go or not to go....

Some of the most God-minded people I know do NOT attend a church on a regular basis. They have (bravely) shook off the encumbrances of organized church in order to seek God beyond the walls.....
Why?
Because they only occasionally encountered God in their churches and more often than not, they left a congregational meeting more thirsty for the reality of God, instead, they were filled up with information about God without actually drawing near to Him.
This, too, has been my experience.
"To seek and find God is everything."
There is something lacking in our churches today....something so basic.
I believe it is a true, souled-out, unencumbered, communing worship with the God of the universe.
We have bought into the lie that serving at church, fellowshipping with other church people, ministry training, is the same thing as actually seeking God.
I think of Moses and his encounter with God. Moses ascended Mt. Sinai, stood before the Great I AM, beheld the glory of the Lord all around him, heard the audible voice of the Lord, returned to the people and the bible says he "did not know that the skin of his face shone," The people were afraid to draw near to him because they saw that he had been with God.
That is what I am thirsty for-climbing up God's holy mountain to encounter Him in such a way that my very countenance is changed.
I'm not sure that it is possible to have such an encounter like that in church today, in fact, it would probably make most people uncomfortable.
We're too ordered, scheduled, and defined.
No room for the moving of the Holy Spirit here.(caution: quenching of the Holy Spirit could lead to a hard heart.)
And yet, I do encounter God and I experience sweet times of worshiping Him, talking with Him, seeking His heart and just being with Him.
Ironically, those encounters rarely happen at church and dare I say, never during worship.
My question is this: is there something wrong with me?
Am I the only one who feels this way?
Have I been so indoctrinated that I believe that the church is to provide all my spiritual needs and that fellowshipping with other believers is a substitute for a having a beautiful relationship with the Lord of the universe?????
It sort of reminds me of this current culture crisis.
Some people have come to believe that big government will solve all of our problems.
In like manner, some believe that big church is the answer to those who have a crisis of faith.
So, what is the answer?
Are my expectations too high for organized church?
Possibly....probably.
So, what is the purpose of being part of a church if I rarely encounter God within its confines?
I believe that God will provide me with wisdom that will lead to understanding and I also believe that it will be a process.(...is a process....still processing......)
(I'll get there.)
While I am still on this earth, I don't want to waste time worrying about "coloring within the lines" and, to be honest, my only desire is to please God, not man.(encumbrances, mentioned above.)
My true hearts desire would be to be part of a home-church; like-minded people gathered together for the sole purpose to worship God through studying His word, prayer, singing praises to His name, to be with people who have encountered God and to think that is the norm, not the exception, to be with people who are absolutely in love with Jesus, what I call "Jesus freaks."
Aahhh....that sounds heavenly.
Father,not my will, but Thine be done.

a Christmas letter....

Dear God,

I confess to you that we have not yet put up our Nativity in honor of the birth of your Son, Jesus.
It is sitting in the box waiting to be put into its proper place...patiently waiting.
I've walked by it a thousand times a day....I've told the girls," we have to put the Nativity scene up!" then I proceed on my way.
What is wrong with me?
The tradition in our home goes like this:
1. go get tree
2. set up tree
3. dad and kid put on lights.
4. mom and girls decorate tree.
5. set up Nativity.
6. decorate the house.
Father, we skipped #5 this year, I know you see it and I am sorry.
The box is still sitting there next to the cedar chest where, in theory, the Nativity will be showcased, I really should stop what I am doing right this second and go set it up, but, I find it intriguing why it is still sitting there and I can't help but make the parallel: how often do I do that with you God?
I doubt you've counted, that's just not your style, but I know that it must be so disappointing to see after all the blessings you've bestowed, not that you keep track.
I know that you want to meet with me, commune with me, and I haven't made the time...I'm too busy doing other things...leave me alone...I'll talk to you tomorrow.
The thing is: I know that you are waiting...patiently, lovingly, as you do for all mankind.
Father, fill my heart with your love and mercy and help me to remember that first gift of Christmas so long ago, in a humble manger where you were made manifest in the babe, Jesus.
Thank you, Father, for your tenderness....your love...for how you speak to us....
I know you see me right now and I know that you know what I am about to do, but, just for the sake of argument, I want you to know that.....I was gonna do it all along(she said rather defiantly)....thanks for the nudge.(sorry it took so long)
Love you lots.
xoxoxoxo

Your humble servant, me.
;0)

December book club featuring.....

I loved this book!
Sarah Palin is a true American because she values what is most important in life; God, family, Truth, integrity, and responsibility.
"Going Rogue" is a must read for us whiny women who occasionally feel overwhelmed and ever-so-slightly misunderstood and for those who are seeking their purpose in life.
She is my hero.

warning...this might make you feel bad.

A bumper sticker seen recently:

"Jesus is coming soon......look busy."

Funny....sort of.
I mean this is wrong on so many levels...where do I begin to address the ERRORS in that statement?
Well, how about- JESUS IS COMING SOON- that's a good place to start.
Whether you believe that He is coming in our lifetime or your kids' lifetime or your grandkids' lifetime, the simple truth is that someday, like a thief in the night, the trumpet will sound and we will be with our Lord, we, the faithful who believe and serve the Risen Lord Jesus.
If you have followed this blog for any length of time (Kim) you know that I believe that He is coming in our lifetime because of all that is happening in the Middle East, prophecies are coming true, the things spoken of in God's Word are lining up just as they were foretold by God Himself- truly, the stage is set.
Believing this simple statement has made my spiritual eyesight crystal-clear and my spiritual wattage is so ramped up that everyday is like, "what are we doin' today God?"
Time is so short.
Are we taking precious opportunities given to us to share the love of Jesus Christ with those that we encounter?
Are we that "city on a hill" in our neighborhoods that shows forth the Light within our hearts and to which we show our good deeds for the glory of the Lord?
Do we extend grace to others as it has been extended to us?
I do not know what is holding back the hand of judgment on this crooked and perverse generation, I suspect it is His incredible LOVE for His creation and that it is not His intention that any should perish but that all should come to know Him.

"Look busy."

I serve an all-knowing, all-seeing, everywhere God...how about you?
He know our thoughts, our hearts, EVERYTHING------before we even think it!!!!!!!

"Look busy."

What are we actors? Playing a role?
We can play "CHURCH" till the cows come home and nobody would be the wiser....except for God.
We can warm the pews and be counted....even make a joyful noise.
We can put an offering in the plate as it passes by...God sees.
You can fool your fellow man and even yourself, but not God.

"Look busy."

Perfect statement for this culture that we live in.
That's right, let's bring God down to OUR level, let's put limitations on Him because a BIG ALL-KNOWING-ALL-SEEING-EVERYWHERE God is a bit oppressive, don't ya think? I mean it might make someone feel bad, small even and we wouldn't want to offend anyone in this "everyone-gets-a-trophy-even-the-losers-politically-correct culture in which we live.
Oh my gosh, it's sickening!
It's, it's...why we have shows like "American Idol", (which is one of my favorite shows), but come on....the people who audition in front of professional judges that are TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE singers that proceed to look shocked and hurt and cry even when told that they are terrible singers BY THE PROFESSIONAL JUDGES have obviously had people encouraging them, in fact, lying to them, so that they wouldn't feel bad because that is the very worst thing you can do to someone is MAKE THEM FEEL BAD....
Parents want their kids to get trophies for just participating in a sport.
What happened to rewarding excellence?
Do you see how this trend, this new way of thinking has polluted our kids' attitudes toward doing their best, when everyone will get a "good job" even for doing a piss-poor job/effort, why would kids want to go the extra mile and the extra effort to strive for excellence??????
What is the main role of the Holy Spirit?
Do you know?
The main role of the Holy Spirit is to make man aware of his sin, in fact, it is to make man FEEL BAD.
Can you see how this PC trend is a very brilliant scheme devised by the enemy to thwart the main role of the Holy Spirit-to make man feel bad, to make him realize his need for the Lord.
The great deceiver lies to men and tells them; "you ARE good", and then he tickles the ears of men over and over and over until they refuse to hear anything that makes them feel bad.
It's a good plan, seems to be working well even.
Nice.

"Look busy."

Do you really believe that God will love you more if you "look busy?"
Remember, "Christ died for us WHILE we were yet sinners" and "it is by GRACE that we are saved through faith, it is a gift of God, and not of ourselves lest any man should boast."
There is NOTHING that we can do to make God stop loving us-NOTHING!!!!!!!
He loves the pew-warmers, the actors, the pharisees, but He desires their hearts, minds , and souls.
God has a standard- the shed blood of Jesus which washes us white as snow, but there is a promise build it: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation....."
God is the one who does the work for us, He is the one that changes us and makes us more and more like Him.
We don't have to look busy, we just need to be a new creation that seeks after God's heart.
Know what I mean?
Here's better bumper sticker:

"Jesus is coming soon.....LOOK UP."

a word from Frances.....

"So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19)

Has the morning star arisen in your heart yet?
It's a beautiful picture of the night sky gradually receding and rolling back from the approaching light of day. Slowly, gradually transitioning from night to day, something else occurs: before the dawn breaks, the morning star begins to shine its light on the eastern horizon. "It is a faithful herald of the coming day".
The morning star appears at the right place and at the right time to announce to those in darkness, "the sun/Son is coming, the day is soon at hand."
It appears as a herald while it is still night, for it can't be seen during the day.
Peter tells us the before the millennial "day of the Lord" dawns, in anticipation of Christ's return, the morning star shall rise in our hearts!
What does that mean?
I believe that just prior to Christ's return for His faithful, the actual spiritual "wattage" of God's presence will increase.
Of course, we know that such "light" does not emanate from us, it comes from our union with the Lord Jesus and it is worked in us through the Holy Spirit.
Over and over again, Jesus warned His followers not to become caught up in the world or weary in the battle. He told us that it is to those who overcome that will be given the morning star.
A day is coming before the rapture of the Church, before the second coming of Jesus, when those who follow Christ will be positioned, like the morning star - in the right place at the right time - and they will herald Christ's return.
If we don't allow ourselves to encumbered in the cares and issues of this world, if we remain faithful and true, a time will come when the presence of the Lord, like the morning star, will rise and be visibly seen upon us and the word of Isaiah shall be fulfilled:

"Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the Lord will rise upon you.
Nations will come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising."
_ Isaiah 60:1-3

we went-we saw.....

To celebrate LIFE(after almost 3 weeks of near-death experiences) our entire family went to see the much anticipated "2012".
We were breathless for nearly 2 and a half hours!
I mean this thing took us to the brink and back again over and over and over-it was so great-loved it....from an entertainment standpoint, come on, keep it in perspective, after all this is Hollywood, not the TRUTH project.
The special effects had me grabbing my seat and making sure on several occasions that the floor of the theatre was still there and hadn't fallen into the abyss and beyond.
And, I have to say they did a pretty good job of developing the characters so that when they died...you actually cared.
All in all one of our favorite movies of all time, honestly.
The only criticism I have is this: everybody knows(except Hollywood) that when planes fly into buildings, or terrorists hijack planes, or the economy goes into the crapper, people get scared and go to church....in hordes.
People, when scared, turn back to the Lord if they've turned away or they get closer to the Lord because all of a sudden negative circumstances causes our focus to shift back to what is really important, right?
So, here's a movie that depicts the END OF THE WORLD and there is not a word spoken through the characters dialogue of God, faith, church...NADA.
This shows how OUT OF TOUCH HOLLYWOOD REALLY IS to what is really important in life: a relationship with God, our relationships with our family, leaving behind a legacy of LOVE.
On a side note: this movie is NOT plausible!
I KNOW how it ends and....this is not even close....very nice try-great effects-WOW!
I slept like a baby last night, it didn't even affect my dreams which speaks to how unplausible that scenario really is.
So, go, enjoy-be entertained....while you still can......;0)

To sift or not to sift......

Here's my struggle...my area of weakness in this blog-world: writing things from my heart that contain a very clear message, usually given to me by God, without coming off condemning.
All of you write so skillfully and with such sensitivity to the reader, you are encouraging and uplifting which leads to wonderful introspection--Love that!
Not me- I go for the jugular(mine included).
I am very direct in my writing, I am a direct person, you know, a "cut-to-the-chase" "what's the bottom line?" person, but I know that I am much more sensitive in person because I respond to body language and facial expression, etc, which affects my directness.
So, when I am online- I am direct, however, I do want to encourage and challenge my readers, as well, just like the rest of you, and I want to cause positive self-examination---ALL with an under-current of LOVE-for that is my heart.
I do not wish to be a clanging symbol.
Anyhoo, on to my thoughts for Thursday.
I was talking to Tricia yesterday and she asked me how I was doing to which I responded, "Well, now I have the flu."
"Oh", she said, "so, are you sad?"
"No", I told her...then we talked a little more about her and her family, then we hung up.
I have pondered in my head over and over that little, tiny, insignificant, just-friends-checking-on-one-another conversation.
I'm not sure why she asked me if I was sad but, I think that what is bubbling inside of me that so desperately wants to escape is the overwhelming question:

WHAT DO I HAVE TO BE SAD ABOUT?

Yes, true, I have been sick for awhile....so what?
I am a child of the Most High God.
Yes, true, my husband has been sick, as well...so what?
God loved me so much that He made a way for me to be with Him for all eternity.
Yes, true, now my girls are sick...so what?
God promised that He would never leave me nor forsake me.
Yes, true, I have been isolated from friends/family and life for that matter....so what?
Someday, very soon, I will be with my Heavenly Father and the Heavenly Host will be praising His name and I will be part of that!
Yes, true, the maid has NOT come....so what?
The Lord lifts me up and calls me beloved.
It doesn't get any better than that!
And so I've learned to "pick my battles" by NOT sweating the small stuff, things that will NOT last, temporal things.
My new favorite song is one by "Kimber Rising":

"I don't wanna waste this time....I just wanna make this count...Let your LOVE be my guide cuz IF IT AIN'T YOU....I DON'T WANNA DO IT......"