November 16, 2011 Journal Entry. Letting Go of the World's Traditions. Following God's Ways Instead.

            Almighty God and Father, I worship You and I give You thanks. Today I find myself feeling a sense of freedom from an old habit of trying to fit into the world in which we live. It used to be that I’d participate in manmade traditions without giving them a second thought. However, this year, I feel a tug on my heart to follow Your ways instead.

It'll Thanksgiving Day soon, a day I normally spend slaving in the kitchen while family members watch sporting events and snack on personal favorites.

However, now that our adult children are out on their own now, and I’d most likely have to plead with them to return home for the holiday, I am second guessing all the fuss. After all, our youngest son Travis isn’t fond of the entire turkey meal and it sure would be a lot of work and money for just my husband and me. Not to mention, this time, LeeRoy’s visit may be shorter than normal due to his work schedule.

You know, a funny thing happened today just as I began to reconsider how we might spend the holiday. My husband called home. I couldn't help but smile when he began to speak my thoughts out loud. “I can only return home for a few days this time. Would you consider driving south and joining me at my worksite for the holiday? The campground is hosting a Thanksgiving Day meal and I can make reservations for dinner if you’d like.” No cooking? No cleanup? No fussing? No expectations? “Yes!” I screamed in his ear. 

          Right away, my heart started to fill with excitement. I can't wait for an entire week, spent with my husband free of obligation. I can’t wait to see all that You have planned for us, LORD. This Thanksgiving, Travis and I will be with LeeRoy in Calipatria! I can't wait!

What Happens When a Christian Misses a Church Service

Apologies From a
Repentant Christian

Yesterday, I decided to stay home from church. I was feeling tired and worn down and just wanted to stay in my pajamas.

Right away, something felt wrong. I am not sure why, but I decided to detour from my normal morning routine. Instead of starting my day by reading my bible and spending quiet time with the Lord, I skimmed a few verses of proverbs then began to write in my blog. I was pushing aside meditation and study time with God to write about what I knew about God.

 

By the end of the morning, I had written two stories. In one story, I confessed the mistakes I was making in leading my husband closer to Christ. In the other, I prayed that God would heal my heart and help me become a better wife.

Just after posting both blog stories, I heard a honk from a neighboring friend’s car horn outside my trailer.  A mother and her son were sitting in their car waiting to take my son with them for an afternoon treat. I went outside for a brief moment to say “Thank you,” to the woman.

Just minutes after they drove away, I reached to open the trailer door. Locked! I was still wearing my pajamas! Embarrassed, I sat in my car and waited for my husband to return home from his round of golf. Now, I was determined to take a shower and get dressed as soon as he returned.

My husband pulled up to our campsite approximately 35 minutes later. When I looked into his eyes, I felt like crying. Yet instead, I yelled at him for taking so long to return home. Then, I went inside and turned on the hot water to the shower. No hot water! I had inadvertently turned off the water heater the night before. Frozen pipe water only! My Goosebumps had Goosebumps. After my chilly shower, I attempted to make dinner for my son.  The French style rolls were not pre-sliced. So, I grabbed for a very sharp serrated knife. Within seconds, I had fiercely sliced my thumb.

Immediately, I began to giggle as I looked up to the heavens. Then, I said under my breath as I smiled, "Okay Lord, I get it. I will never miss going to church again!"

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

 

To read this author's personal testimony please go to:

http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html