Skipping Church

I didn't go to church yesterday. I'm not sick. No one in my house is sick. I just didn't go.
I love our minister and our congregation. I love that we are a socially aware community that reaches out to our neighborhood and around the world.
Our minister has been doing a series lately called "Can I Get a Witness?"
It's been really good and eye-opening, but I just couldn't handle yesterday's message especially following the past couple of weeks.
Yesterday's message was Where Were You in April 1994? -- a discussion with a Rwandan minister who was there during the genocide.
I just didn't think I could take the stress.
Instead I stayed home. I did my Bible study. I talked with my husband. I watched Wimbledon. I rested.
I didn't think about mass murder. I didn't think about universal suffering.
I talked with my family about being kinder to each other -- about being compassionate to those we are closest to, and therefore most likely to take advantage of.
I didn't feel guilty for not going to church.
I listened for God and I heard Him say, "Rest, worship, relax. Honor yourself while honoring Me."
I like relational Christianity much more than rules driven Christianity.

Blessings.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . November 1, 2011

Outside my window . . . it is 34 degrees outside with a light frost glistening on the grass. Autumn has definitely arrived!

I am thinking . . . about what truly needs to be done today. My goal is to focus on that and not worry so much about the rest.

I am thankful . . . for a good night's rest and beautiful sunshine this morning.

From the learning rooms . . . ds started wrestling practice yesterday. I've got to be sure there are plenty of healthy foods in the house for him.

In the kitchen . . . last night we had roasted pork tenderloin and succotash. Tonight I think we will have grilled steak and baked potatoes. I have some steaks in the freezer, so I need to get them out and into the marinade.

I am wearing . . . gray sweatpants, a long sleeved t-shirt, a sweater, socks and fuzzy boots. (I had to make an early morning run for dh, so I dressed warmly!)

I am creating . . . a pretty hand towel from green variegated cotton yarn. I really like the pattern.

I am going . . . . to the grocery store in a bit, and to run another errand for dh later.

I am wondering . . . why it has taken me nearly 50 years to figure out that everything changes -- constantly!

I am reading . . . One Was a Soldier (Rev. Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mystery #7) by Julia Spencer-Fleming

I am hoping . . . to get caught up on my Bible study by class time on Thursday.

I am looking forward to . . . dh completing the condo renovation. The renters move in on Friday, so we are almost there!

I am hearing . . . nothing but the hum of electronics which is surprisingly loud.

Around the house . . . more laundry today and putting away the Halloween decor.

I am pondering . . . . why I love crocheting so much now? I have known how to crochet for over 35 years, but it's only been in the last couple of years that I have really embraced it.

One of my favorite things . . . is learning a new crochet pattern. 

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . a doctor's appointment tomorrow, Bible study on Thursday, the dentist on Friday, dh and ds are going rock climbing on Saturday to celebrate the completion of the condo, so I'll be on my own.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

seven baby loaves of pumpkin bread!

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