What's been on my mind...

OK - so I'm still waiting on our new AT&T internet to be up and running at home so that I can post pictures of Mason's party, but a quick and easy description would be that it was a lot of fun! :) Mason had a blast and enjoyed devouring his cake (what a sugar high afterward!). He got lots of fun gifts that he's been enjoying since and that have been taking up most of the non-existent extra space in our house! :) When we get the internet up and running, I'll post some pictures with some more details...

For more of a blog, I have to speak my mind about something really fast. This has really been weighing on my mind this week after something that I saw on Facebook on Monday (I know, like Facebook is the place to spark mind-numbing reflection!). Anyway, my old pastor from Argonia posed a question that went something like this "If there was no music, what would you look for in a church?" I have to say I thought this was a very intriguing question, so I clicked to see the responses that this had received and was excited to read different people's views of what they look for in the church. I have to say, though, that I was thoroughly dissapointed in the answers that were posted. Most seemed very shallow and face-value and while I came to the realization a long time ago that most people's idea of church is just that, I was shocked to see how enthusiastic these people were to post such a response to this question and how overwhelming this consensus was...most people's opinion was that they would look for a dynamic speaker or a place that made them feel welcome. After reading all of these responses, I was moved by my dissapointment at where we are as a church today and what we feel is most important about it. I am, by no means, perfect in my approach to church - let me put that out there as a disclaimer before I go on. I do not claim to know everything and my opinions change from time to time...but I realized some years ago that church is about a lot more than me, so I am always shocked and dissapointed when those that I look up to as my spiritual examples and mentors show that they are more concerned with their own personal satisfaction than with the advancement of God's Kingdom as a whole. I think it's important to take a step back from how we view church and look at the big picture. Music is a huge part of how I worship, as it is a huge part of my life, but I am willing to sacrifice what I consider my favorite type of music if it means that we might reach our community better and therefore, expand God's Kingdom. I wish that I could say that we're all willing to compromise on the things that don't matter, such as style of music, but unfortunately, I have seen A LOT of evidence to the contrary. I admit that I, myself, have been guilty of fighting battles that weren't worth the cost and getting caught up in what I wanted out of church, instead of what really mattered. I consider myself blessed to be a part of a church now that is lead by a team of pastors that see the big picture and are willing to push our selfish desires aside for the good of the Kingdom. I am fortunate to be in a place where I can see God moving and working, even though every day I see people that are willing to die for things that are completely useless and so very trivial. Anyway, I just have to say that I know this will be an ongoing battle, but I had to get this out. Church wears on me sometimes and I have to take a break from all of the bickering. I love my God and I don't understand why others who call themselves His people aren't willing to act like it. My biggest concern is raising my children to not be like those people. I want my kids to be on fire for Christ, and to see that they have been called to something great - to go and make disciples of all nations...not to just sit on a pew once a week and say what you're supposed to say when you're asked a question. Their purpose on this earth is not to sing certain songs in a certain way, or take the offering at a certain time, or to speak their opinion on the color of carpet in the foyer - the purpose for all of our lives is to die to ourselves and allow God to use us for His good - what an amazing thing! How sad that very few realize this. So now my mind will continue to wander - to find ways to raise my children to serve God wholeheartedly...even against all odds.

***I'm stepping off my soapbox now - thanks for reading this if you made it all the way to the bottom :)

Wow - time flies when you're having fun!!!

Mason turns 1 year old in a couple of days!!!! I cannot believe how fast this past year went! I can't believe a year ago we were waiting anxiously for this little miracle to arrive! This past year has had its up and downs, but has taught me so much! I love being a mom to my little red head and have enjoyed walking through this adventure hand in hand with Randal :) What a ride it's been!! Mason is walking everywhere now and he seems to really enjoy this new view of the world! He is getting faster and as I get bigger he's going to be hard to keep up with!!

We are gearing up for the big 1st birthday party on Saturday...I know he won't remember it, but I so want it to be a fun, exciting day for Mason and for all involved! As I was talking with some friends the other day, we decided it would be a great idea to instead celebrate the mother and what she did a year earlier since the kid doesn't remember...I might have to keep that in mind - haha! :)

And here I am again, pregnant with morning sickness and I am exhausted all the time - poor Randal! But at least it's the last time! :) We have our girl on the way, so we're so excited for her arrival! I found out at my sonogram a few weeks ago that I have complete placenta previa (same complication as with Mason, it's just completely covering my cervix this time). We'll have to wait until closer to time, but this could very well mean a scheduled c-section. I'm a little nervous about that - I thought this time was going to be smooth sailing b/c I would know what to expect and now I have to do it a completely different way!!! The good thing is, though, that if we did have a scheduled delivery, it would be early and we would be at least a little bit recovered for Christmas :) We'll have more sonograms as we go along to find out!!

For now, I have lots of running around to do to get ready for the party - I will post pictures next week of the big bash! :)