A Commitment to Faith

So, one of my New Year resolutions, was to go back to church. I have been struggling with this over the last year. G and I are both from different faith backgrounds. We are both Christian, but different. I was raised Catholic, and G was raised Protestant. Once we found out that little J was on his way, we made a family decision to find a "home" for ourselves. A place that we could go as a family, where everyone belonged. I had prayed about this decision for a long time. G had attended a "Night Of Honor" held by one of our local churches. It is an event that thanks all of our communities first responders for their dedication to the community. G had heard Pastor Robert Evans speak at this event, and was very impressed, and thought that I would enjoy hearing him as well. I have this crazy thing, where, when I go to church and hear a sermon, I feel there is a reason that God wanted me to hear it. I wonder and consider how I could possibly apply what was said to my life, and how it can make me better somehow. We found ourselves led to Redwood Chapel. After listening to Pastor Evans, I honestly felt he was telling me the things I needed to hear. I was engrossed in his sermons and his application of the bible, I would read the passages over and over and look over my notes constantly after church. Just before little J was born, I had called to make an appointment to meet with Pastor Evans to discuss some things that had bothered me for a long time. These were things that I have only talked to my husband about. I needed to release these things and wanted some guidance from an objective party. Well, little J made his appearance just a little earlier than we anticipated. Life got busy and we stopped going to church. I finally felt it was time to make the effort to attend again and did. Pastor Evans was no longer there. I felt deflated. Suddenly, I was feeling drawn back to the Catholic church.

Well, this last Sunday, I made the commitment to return to church. I wasn't sure which church until that morning. During the time I had been away, we had received notes from our bible study classmates. These were so uplifting, but I was still wondering if I was being drawn back because of the friendships or because that is where I need to be to praise, and to deepen my faith. I must also admit, that I was a bit embarassed being gone so long to just drop back in.

I have returned to Redwood Chapel. I am so thankful that I did. The first thing that I noticed when I returned, was the Year Verse for 2006:

"Walk in a manner worthy of the calling for which you have been called" Ephesians 4:1 NASB

I felt so blown away by this! It put so many questions in my head. Was I walking worthy for what I have been called to do? Was I walking worthy of all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me? After listening to the elder speak, I am full of so much joy at making sure that I am walking worthy! Another added bonus to returning is a new series being started in our Adult Bible Fellowship group. We are begining a study of this book:Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires, the Respect He Desperately Needs By: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
I think this is going to be an amazing journey! I can't wait to get my hands on the book and listen to the next installment from the DVD in class! As a side note, G and I are not having any troubles, but I think that this series will put a lot of things in perspective and keep the important things fresh in my head.

Now, back to scrappin'! Have a happy day!