I've been thinking alot about what my friend Erin said regarding my "being all over the place." I can see how from the outside in it looks like we are always off to do new things.... but the way I see it, it's all a continuous journey.
If I had the opportunities that a lot of other people have, and if Wayne did, we wouldn't be this way. Most of our friends had their college paid for, so they didn't have to dream about going there. Most of them know what they want to be. They planned their kids and their marriages. We just sort of --- go with the wind. We didn't know we were going to get married so that threw us for a loop. Then we found out we were pregnant and that did us in (not that i dont love my kids, but now we're REALLY stuck for doing what we want to do) SO now, as a family, we've been trying to work out how to achieve our goals. They aren't major.
We both would like to get a degree. We both want to be able to travel. We both want to get out of Fayetteville. We both want him to have a job that takes care of us, with benefits. We both want to make a difference for Jesus Christ. That's all. Not very big dreams.... but dreams we're chasing nonetheless.
Wayne is stuck in a rut. He has been waiting for more than three months now on the Navy. Over a year ago, we lived here and were doing ok, but were unsatisfied and more than a little hopeless. The opportunity presented itself for him to pastor a house church in Cali, and believing we were called there, we took a leap of faith. We all know how that turned out. In California, we were promised a really sweet deal with him working as a trainer for Cross Fit here in Fayetteville. Seeing as how we disliked living in California, and Wayne had always loved training people and thought he could definitely make a career out of it, we moved back here. Only to discover that the owner of this particular Cross Fit franchise was having a hard time getting clients. And that we couldn't make a living. Since then, he hasn't really had a job. He's been trying to get into the Navy, but they have made us jump through every hoop imagineable, including asking us to spend 500 bucks on getting x-rays and what not to prove his eligibility, which makes NO sense and which we cannot do. Back in the day, the service paid for that stuff. I really think they are just pulling our chain, at this point, but I can't imagine WHY.
Wayne makes a few bucks here and there working whenever he can doing just about anything--- and we've been applying everywhere we can think of. But the bottom line is, it's just not working. None of the companies he gets excited about working for are EVER hiring here-- UPS, FEDEX, AMTRAK....
I tried really hard to go to nursing school. it seemed like a great way to help him out without sacrificing being a mom. I completed part of the training but I couldn't get my books, and because this year I had already applied for financial aid in California, I couldn't re-apply for California. So that opportunity basically came and went.
The only thing Wayne feels called to do is ministry. He wants to work with people who need Jesus. He wants to feed the homeless, encourage the downcast, and just share Jesus with people. This was ok when he wanted to be a pastor, but no one would send us to seminary and he couldn't go to seminary without me working, which we felt was unbiblical. Now that we are Catholic, he can't be a pastor. :) So that puts a dent in his plans. He can be a deacon, and still may, but he still has to get to seminary.
He wanted to apply for the fire dept here, which I think he would excel at.... but of course, so does every fresh-faced kid straight out of high school. They aren't hiring. He can't stand the idea of working in the trades, which I support because of the nature of the lifestyle he is surrounded by day in and day out in those jobs (porn, prostitiution, drugs, etc) and he doesn't want to be a cop, which I support, because he's a bit too hot headed and in this city, it's really a lifeless job. Crime is intense here. People are really rotten. It would be too hard to do and not be able to share Christ with them. That and we have NO faith in the justice system. So what to do? It's in God's hands. And on and on it goes. We've been waiting exactly one year now to move in one direction or another, and we are in a perpetual holding pattern.
This all looks kinda depressing and miserable when you look at it, and I do feel that it's been really intense to go through. We've had to learn how to depend on God for really basic living necessities, and it has been rough... far rougher than it ever has been, especially considering that we just had our second child. On the other hand , it has taught us soooo much-- about what we REALLY need, about our faith, about callings and vocations, about each other, and all the rest.
I'm committed to a submitted wifestyle, but it has been extremely difficult for me to put myself in his shoes and understand what he is going through and the despair he is feeling, without losing respect. After all, I have always been fortunate to be able to go out and do whatever I wanted to with no limitations-- if I set my mind to it, God always made a miraculous way. That's how I've had all the amazing jobs I have had. It's a new experience for me to have to hold on and wait like this.
I'm also torn. If my husband just can't do it, I should go out there. But on the one hand, I just don't feel that he will give the kids and house the same attention that I do, and on the other I just dont feel that God would want ME to be the provider!!
I've truly agonized over this for so long now it's a miracle I haven't started to get despairing over it. But last night, while Wayne was just--- bummed-- and we were going over all the possibilities in our heads--- I felt peace for the first time in a long time. I told him I was willing to go to work, if he would work ANY part time morning job and go to school. It is going to be REALLY hard for us, but I think in the long run this will be the solution, because it gives him time to explore what God is truly calling him to do without me having to stress out that I can't even afford butter anymore, you know? I am tired of being poor. I don't want much, but I do want to be able to eat what we want, to wear what we want and not hand me downs, and to see my family. I dont even care about eating out, or about "shopping." or about going to movies or whatever. Just to be able to feel like there wont be some crisis looming around every corner.
I'm a smart girl with a good resume, despite the fact that I haven't done a thing for the last three years, and I can do it.
I've got a lot of clients in my travel agency, but selling plane tickets isn't making me any profit (only cruises, tours, and vacations) and no one I know takes those anymore. I've got to find another way to supplement the family income and that just means getting out there.
The possibilities are endless. I would like to work in a church, but then I wont get benefits. I would like to go back to reporting, but since I dont drive and Fayetteville has no public transportation system, I can't really do that either. I would like to be a flight attendant, but I've got to lose twenty lbs. So I'm sure that as this week unfolds, SOMETHING will present itself. And we will take it. We aren't going to enroll Wayne in school yet because we have to do all the financial aid stuff. So next fall, he's on it. And by then, hopefully, we will either be OUT of Fayetteville, or settled here in a more secure manner. Please pray for me as we transition into this new phase in our lives. This is really a change in my thinking.
In other news, I'm on a total body workout kick. I've been going to the gym every day and that has been SO fun! The kids love the nursery there, and I do tons of stuff I never thought I could do. The first week I was so embarrassed in there I was beet red and pissed off the entire time. But now that I'm feeling a little more confident, I have so much fun!! We go as a family, and nothing beats working out with your man as a date. He is so proud of me when I lift more than the other girls around me.... hehe.
Anyways, I'm off to scour the want ads.
"Perhaps this is one of the secrets of life-- to know 'Glory' when we see it..." --Charlotte M. Mason
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
frustration.... be gone!
I'm having to blog this because my frustration is reaching a peak.
First, let me say that when my dear friend Amanda left the LDS Church, she was met with this decision by dazed glances and some inquisitive comments. Not really much more. Her bishop or something (I can't remember who exactly) came over and asked if they were sure, they explained what was up, and that was that. After that, it was mostly just a problem with her parents.
Me? In the last month I've had about twelve "concerned" phone calls, a couple dozen "nervous" emails, and a whole heck of a lot of blog comments, not to mention some flat out "intervention" techniques... all for deciding to go back to my roots and worhsip the Lord in a Catholic Church setting.
Just this week, Wayne and I thought we would soothe some of our family's fears by inviting people to the Wednesday night Mass.
His brother Scott arrived , late, having missed the part of the service where the Bible is read. He arrived in time for communion, only he didn't listen to what the priest was praying. Instead, he typed to some people on his blackberry. When it was time to get in line for communion, Wayne explained that he could either stay in his seat or come up with his arms crossed to receive a blessing. Immediately, he took offense and went "Oh, that's REAL Christian, man." and stormed out of the church. Later that night, Wayne had to spend THREE hours on the phone with him defending Catholic practice by using scripture. Each time, Scott would bring up something he disagreed with ("Catholics worship Mary,") and then Wayne would attempt to show that that wasn't true. Instead of listening to the answers and processing them and continuing the dialogue, Scott would errupt into this creepy self-righteous screaming fest about how wrong it all was. Literally nothing Wayne did got him to calm down enough to actually listen and eventually he was forced to hang up on him. We thought that would be it, but then this morning he showed up at work and continued trying to damn the Church practices. Wayne told him... "well, you certainly have a right to feel that way, but I don't share your opinion, so lets' just leave it at that." But no, he had to keep shouting and carrying on about how it was all sinful. It was so annoying that Wayne left work.
I've gotten phone calls "reminding me" about the dangers of religion, and about following after false prophets. Friends have "happened" to think of me when emailing out a "Random" bible study they wrote on believing lies.
One person even told me that the RCC was the end times Babylon the Great, and the pope the Anti Christ. Now, I'll admit old benedict does LOOK the part a bit, but let's be serious here. Has anyone actually read his stuff? The guy is a brilliant theologian and an incredibly godly person. I am honored to have him as the head of my church.
Most recently, I've had conversations with people where they literally squirmed in their seats as they looked around at some of our new Catholic decor. Now this is really puzzling to me because I thought we would at least agree that it is good to reflect on the Bible in our lives, like through art, etc. But nope, the second something looks too "Catholic" it creeps people out. A friend of mine who came over for tea asked why I had a crucifix up. "Catholics know that Jesus is risen, right?" I'm like... are you serious??? Of course. They also reflect on the wonderful work on the cross. You can find both flavors of wall crosses in a Catholic store. Personally, I love the crucifix because I love to have that visual aide to remind me of what my Jesus did. I find it enhances my prayer life immensely.
Anyways, alot of you guys are probably reading this now, so obviously you know I'm talking about you and saying that it makes me uncomfortable to feel so scrutinized. I am totally sorry to call you out like THIS but I dont know how else to react.
The thing is, I can totally appreciate the sentiment... the reasons behind the "nervous" calls, etc. You guys want to make sure we dont throw away our gifts, our salvation, etc.
So for the record, and hopefully once and for all, let me reassure you of a few things.
1. We do not think you guys need to become Catholics.
2. We do not think the protestant churches, nondenominational churches, etc. are evil.
3. We STILL believe that the Word of God is the best and only way to tell if something is true or false.
4. We believe the same things we did last year about faith vs. works.
5. We have not become superstitious.
6. We are more in love with Jesus today than we were yesterday
7. We are not engaging in vain repetition or pagan practices.
8. We do not believe that Mary is a goddess and worthy of the praise due to the Lord.
9. We are not practicing cannibalism or necromancy.
10. We have not changed our stance on salvation vs. sanctification, and in fact, we have simply put a name on the post-death sanctification process.
11. We do not believe we or any other person has the power to atone for our sins.
12. We do not believe that Israel no longer matters to God.
13. We have not become slaves to a rulebook.
14. We have not changed our stances on ANYTHING, politically, theologically, or otherwise, other than repenting for believing that Marian apparitions were demonic.
I think that about covers it, so hopefully everyone will be reassured that we are OK, and that God is still very much in control of our lives and at the center of our lives. We are living by faith, nothing has changed about that, and we are just as zealous and on fire for the Lord as we were a month ago, only now it's tempered with a little bit more love and compassion and a whole lot more understanding of our history and heritage as a church and as an individual.
Hopefully that about covers it. I've had a rough day, so I'm sorry if this blog was out of line, but I am getting pretty tired of having to defend myself and our decisions every few minutes. I really believe that if all these people spent as much energy trying to learn what they have in COMMON with the Catholic faith, and what the Catholic faith REALLY teaches vs. what their pastor SAYS it teaches, they might be in for a pleasant, unifying surprise.
That's about it!
/rant.
First, let me say that when my dear friend Amanda left the LDS Church, she was met with this decision by dazed glances and some inquisitive comments. Not really much more. Her bishop or something (I can't remember who exactly) came over and asked if they were sure, they explained what was up, and that was that. After that, it was mostly just a problem with her parents.
Me? In the last month I've had about twelve "concerned" phone calls, a couple dozen "nervous" emails, and a whole heck of a lot of blog comments, not to mention some flat out "intervention" techniques... all for deciding to go back to my roots and worhsip the Lord in a Catholic Church setting.
Just this week, Wayne and I thought we would soothe some of our family's fears by inviting people to the Wednesday night Mass.
His brother Scott arrived , late, having missed the part of the service where the Bible is read. He arrived in time for communion, only he didn't listen to what the priest was praying. Instead, he typed to some people on his blackberry. When it was time to get in line for communion, Wayne explained that he could either stay in his seat or come up with his arms crossed to receive a blessing. Immediately, he took offense and went "Oh, that's REAL Christian, man." and stormed out of the church. Later that night, Wayne had to spend THREE hours on the phone with him defending Catholic practice by using scripture. Each time, Scott would bring up something he disagreed with ("Catholics worship Mary,") and then Wayne would attempt to show that that wasn't true. Instead of listening to the answers and processing them and continuing the dialogue, Scott would errupt into this creepy self-righteous screaming fest about how wrong it all was. Literally nothing Wayne did got him to calm down enough to actually listen and eventually he was forced to hang up on him. We thought that would be it, but then this morning he showed up at work and continued trying to damn the Church practices. Wayne told him... "well, you certainly have a right to feel that way, but I don't share your opinion, so lets' just leave it at that." But no, he had to keep shouting and carrying on about how it was all sinful. It was so annoying that Wayne left work.
I've gotten phone calls "reminding me" about the dangers of religion, and about following after false prophets. Friends have "happened" to think of me when emailing out a "Random" bible study they wrote on believing lies.
One person even told me that the RCC was the end times Babylon the Great, and the pope the Anti Christ. Now, I'll admit old benedict does LOOK the part a bit, but let's be serious here. Has anyone actually read his stuff? The guy is a brilliant theologian and an incredibly godly person. I am honored to have him as the head of my church.
Most recently, I've had conversations with people where they literally squirmed in their seats as they looked around at some of our new Catholic decor. Now this is really puzzling to me because I thought we would at least agree that it is good to reflect on the Bible in our lives, like through art, etc. But nope, the second something looks too "Catholic" it creeps people out. A friend of mine who came over for tea asked why I had a crucifix up. "Catholics know that Jesus is risen, right?" I'm like... are you serious??? Of course. They also reflect on the wonderful work on the cross. You can find both flavors of wall crosses in a Catholic store. Personally, I love the crucifix because I love to have that visual aide to remind me of what my Jesus did. I find it enhances my prayer life immensely.
Anyways, alot of you guys are probably reading this now, so obviously you know I'm talking about you and saying that it makes me uncomfortable to feel so scrutinized. I am totally sorry to call you out like THIS but I dont know how else to react.
The thing is, I can totally appreciate the sentiment... the reasons behind the "nervous" calls, etc. You guys want to make sure we dont throw away our gifts, our salvation, etc.
So for the record, and hopefully once and for all, let me reassure you of a few things.
1. We do not think you guys need to become Catholics.
2. We do not think the protestant churches, nondenominational churches, etc. are evil.
3. We STILL believe that the Word of God is the best and only way to tell if something is true or false.
4. We believe the same things we did last year about faith vs. works.
5. We have not become superstitious.
6. We are more in love with Jesus today than we were yesterday
7. We are not engaging in vain repetition or pagan practices.
8. We do not believe that Mary is a goddess and worthy of the praise due to the Lord.
9. We are not practicing cannibalism or necromancy.
10. We have not changed our stance on salvation vs. sanctification, and in fact, we have simply put a name on the post-death sanctification process.
11. We do not believe we or any other person has the power to atone for our sins.
12. We do not believe that Israel no longer matters to God.
13. We have not become slaves to a rulebook.
14. We have not changed our stances on ANYTHING, politically, theologically, or otherwise, other than repenting for believing that Marian apparitions were demonic.
I think that about covers it, so hopefully everyone will be reassured that we are OK, and that God is still very much in control of our lives and at the center of our lives. We are living by faith, nothing has changed about that, and we are just as zealous and on fire for the Lord as we were a month ago, only now it's tempered with a little bit more love and compassion and a whole lot more understanding of our history and heritage as a church and as an individual.
Hopefully that about covers it. I've had a rough day, so I'm sorry if this blog was out of line, but I am getting pretty tired of having to defend myself and our decisions every few minutes. I really believe that if all these people spent as much energy trying to learn what they have in COMMON with the Catholic faith, and what the Catholic faith REALLY teaches vs. what their pastor SAYS it teaches, they might be in for a pleasant, unifying surprise.
That's about it!
/rant.
For those who have been praying, and those who can start now...
Just a brief update on our dear friends for whom so many of my myspace friends have been praying.
First of all, I want to thank you for having carried their prayers on wings of angels and uniting your own with theirs for the health of their baby girl Sarah over the last seven and a half months.
This afternoon baby Sarah went to be with the Lord. Our sister Jen had to deliver her after being induced, once they could no longer find a heartbeat, which is a tremendously difficult thing to endure. Please, please, continue to pray for this wonderful family-- whose testimony has strengthened so many of ours. Pray for Baby Sarah, for Jen and Joseph, and for the peace of our wonderful Savior to descend upon them and give meaning to what appears to be a horrible tragedy after their faithful saying "yes" to God from the very beginning, even though the circumstances were so difficult.
May God reward their willingness to guard her precious life for as long as she was lent them, and may they all draw nearer to Him as a result.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Please join us all in mourning their loss.
First of all, I want to thank you for having carried their prayers on wings of angels and uniting your own with theirs for the health of their baby girl Sarah over the last seven and a half months.
This afternoon baby Sarah went to be with the Lord. Our sister Jen had to deliver her after being induced, once they could no longer find a heartbeat, which is a tremendously difficult thing to endure. Please, please, continue to pray for this wonderful family-- whose testimony has strengthened so many of ours. Pray for Baby Sarah, for Jen and Joseph, and for the peace of our wonderful Savior to descend upon them and give meaning to what appears to be a horrible tragedy after their faithful saying "yes" to God from the very beginning, even though the circumstances were so difficult.
May God reward their willingness to guard her precious life for as long as she was lent them, and may they all draw nearer to Him as a result.
Thank you so much for your prayers. Please join us all in mourning their loss.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Fat Catholics :)
It's our anniversary today!
Wayne and I went to Manna again on Sunday. We were planning on going to St Patrick's, until my brother called and said he and his wife weren't going to make it and the guy we usually bring to church wouldn't either. Wayne asked if we could go to Manna at the last minute, and I told him it was fine, though inside my heart broke-- I had been looking forward to going to Mass all week!
He said he felt conflicted about what to do with regards to church on Sundays. Because he isn't yet a Catholic, he doesn't feel that the Church is his spiritual authority, and he realizes he needs that covering. He also wants to do right by our old church and not "break ties" so to speak just because we theologically disagree with a few aspects of what's going on. I agree with him on both counts, and I realized how much all this has been weighing on his mind. We have had most of our friends react in a way that is , well, less than thrilled, about our move to Catholicism, but we don't want to return the favor. :) We don't feel compelled to break bonds with protestant friends, etc, only we personally cannot continue to worship in a setting that is outside what we are rea,izing is a more "complete" way for us to appreciate and serve our Lord.
That being said, I made it clear that in the future, I wanted him to give me more warning so I could go to mass also, because I look forward to the Eucharist every week.
I admit I had a bad attitude inwardly about going to Manna... protestant worship services have just plummeted in the experiential aspect for me since re-discovering the Real Presence. But I recognize, of course, that Jesus is there wherever two or three are gathered, and that my "feelings" about it aren't going to make the difference in the relevance of the concept of Glorifying God on the Sabbath day.
So, we went. It was good. The message was excellent, it's a practical series on marriage and since our anniversary is today, we needed to hear it. Wayne surprised me by spending most of his "fellowship" time telling people that hey-- Catholics are Christians too. I saw some funny faces on people as he enthusiastically shared the beauty of the Mass with people. :P
We left uplifted, and spent the rest of the day having some really quality family time. later on in the day, Wayne surprised me even more by saying he finally felt peace about what he's been praying for.
He wants us to continue to go to Manna until he has completed RCIA, and to attend Mass as often as possible on top of that. He feels like because he can't fully participate in the Mass, he doesn't want to turn his spiritual covering over to the RCC until he can. Which I can understand, although I don't like the idea of continuing to go to a church where I can't receive the Eucharist every Sunday until he goes through RCIA.
He started RCIA last thursday and was really bummed about it--- he is light years ahead of the people who were there (including the facilitator) theologically and in biblical knowledge, etc., so it was an exercise in patience to get the answers to some of his harder questions-- and then he ended up answering them himself.
But I am so blessed to see that he is committed to continuing to go despite the "torture," :P I think that's one more sign that this is totally the Lord acting in His life independently of my own pressure on him, which I have made disappear entirely.
I asked St Monica, whose prayers converted her pagan husband and wayward son, to pray for me that God's will be done in Wayne's faith life--- and that if becoming a Catholic would be a source of unity for us, and give him a deeper understanding of his faith, that it would be entirely between him and God, and that I would be only a joyful bystander. I've been amazed at how quickly and painlessly God has answered that prayer.
Last night as he eagerly continued to pour over the Catechism of the Church and his Bible, I smiled to myself as he told me that he couldn't wait to participate fully in the Holy Mass. I can't wait either!! It will be very good for his soul :)
He is getting us a babysitter on Wednesday night so that we can go to Mass together, and I'm looking forward to that.
And today, on our anniversary, we spent our date at the gym. He thinks it's terribly romantic to lead me to fitness, and though I despise every minute of it, I am so glad he thinks it's so fun to do this with me, and I am trying more each day to let go of my anger and embarrassment at what happened to my body after childbirth, and to embrace his enthusiastic attitude that with a lot of work, this can change.
I used to LOVE going to the gym, because I used to be the hot girl, and everyone wanted to come over and talk to me, spot me, help me with this and that. Now I go there and I swear, if I could shoot RPGs out of my eye balls at all the attractive women working out I would. My vanity is totally upset because no one looks at me, or if they do, it's almost with a smile that says "awwww." The image reflecting back at me in the mirror doesn't look like she is effortlessly having fun, it looks like she's sweating profusely and miserable and --- yep--- still fat.
Wayne tries to encourage me by saying the normal things that people say when they are training: "Great job! See, you had two more in you!" Etc. And I swear under my breath at him and fantasize about taking a left hook, dumbell in hand, to his chin...and especially to the face of the blond girl next to me in spandex shorts who is effortlessly benching 215. These days, I want to work out in a dark closet where no one, including myself, can see me. My self image is completely shot to hell and the unfairness of the situation really bothers me--- I didn't do this to myself . This happened because of the most selfless thing I've ever freaking done: carrying and bearing children. I ate right, I exercised, I didn't do all the "me me me " stuff pregnant chicks around me are always doing (the late night runs to Baskin Robbins, the layin on the couch for hours) and I ended up looking like the michelin man, and that aint' right, God.
I know He allowed this for so many reasons... my vanity needs some destroying, partly punishment for my sexual past, partly teaching me to overcome, etc etc. But you know what? It still sucks totally and completely.
Anyways, after this gym experience today for which, unfortunately, I'm going to have to go to confession before I can go to Mass on Wednesday, I was praying the rosary on my front porch trying to calm down, and I realized that that's how Christ felt about the Cross. I mean, hello? He's going: "Look, I'm God, why do I have to suffer through all this.... it isn't fair!" and it wasn't. The cross is the most unjust thing I can fathom--- and yet he embraced it, and paced himself through it, doing so thinking only of others.
That's kinda what I have to do here--- I have made peace with the fact that I look like garbage, but it matters to my husband. And for him, out of my love for him, I have to take this on. Pray for me.
Wayne and I went to Manna again on Sunday. We were planning on going to St Patrick's, until my brother called and said he and his wife weren't going to make it and the guy we usually bring to church wouldn't either. Wayne asked if we could go to Manna at the last minute, and I told him it was fine, though inside my heart broke-- I had been looking forward to going to Mass all week!
He said he felt conflicted about what to do with regards to church on Sundays. Because he isn't yet a Catholic, he doesn't feel that the Church is his spiritual authority, and he realizes he needs that covering. He also wants to do right by our old church and not "break ties" so to speak just because we theologically disagree with a few aspects of what's going on. I agree with him on both counts, and I realized how much all this has been weighing on his mind. We have had most of our friends react in a way that is , well, less than thrilled, about our move to Catholicism, but we don't want to return the favor. :) We don't feel compelled to break bonds with protestant friends, etc, only we personally cannot continue to worship in a setting that is outside what we are rea,izing is a more "complete" way for us to appreciate and serve our Lord.
That being said, I made it clear that in the future, I wanted him to give me more warning so I could go to mass also, because I look forward to the Eucharist every week.
I admit I had a bad attitude inwardly about going to Manna... protestant worship services have just plummeted in the experiential aspect for me since re-discovering the Real Presence. But I recognize, of course, that Jesus is there wherever two or three are gathered, and that my "feelings" about it aren't going to make the difference in the relevance of the concept of Glorifying God on the Sabbath day.
So, we went. It was good. The message was excellent, it's a practical series on marriage and since our anniversary is today, we needed to hear it. Wayne surprised me by spending most of his "fellowship" time telling people that hey-- Catholics are Christians too. I saw some funny faces on people as he enthusiastically shared the beauty of the Mass with people. :P
We left uplifted, and spent the rest of the day having some really quality family time. later on in the day, Wayne surprised me even more by saying he finally felt peace about what he's been praying for.
He wants us to continue to go to Manna until he has completed RCIA, and to attend Mass as often as possible on top of that. He feels like because he can't fully participate in the Mass, he doesn't want to turn his spiritual covering over to the RCC until he can. Which I can understand, although I don't like the idea of continuing to go to a church where I can't receive the Eucharist every Sunday until he goes through RCIA.
He started RCIA last thursday and was really bummed about it--- he is light years ahead of the people who were there (including the facilitator) theologically and in biblical knowledge, etc., so it was an exercise in patience to get the answers to some of his harder questions-- and then he ended up answering them himself.
But I am so blessed to see that he is committed to continuing to go despite the "torture," :P I think that's one more sign that this is totally the Lord acting in His life independently of my own pressure on him, which I have made disappear entirely.
I asked St Monica, whose prayers converted her pagan husband and wayward son, to pray for me that God's will be done in Wayne's faith life--- and that if becoming a Catholic would be a source of unity for us, and give him a deeper understanding of his faith, that it would be entirely between him and God, and that I would be only a joyful bystander. I've been amazed at how quickly and painlessly God has answered that prayer.
Last night as he eagerly continued to pour over the Catechism of the Church and his Bible, I smiled to myself as he told me that he couldn't wait to participate fully in the Holy Mass. I can't wait either!! It will be very good for his soul :)
He is getting us a babysitter on Wednesday night so that we can go to Mass together, and I'm looking forward to that.
And today, on our anniversary, we spent our date at the gym. He thinks it's terribly romantic to lead me to fitness, and though I despise every minute of it, I am so glad he thinks it's so fun to do this with me, and I am trying more each day to let go of my anger and embarrassment at what happened to my body after childbirth, and to embrace his enthusiastic attitude that with a lot of work, this can change.
I used to LOVE going to the gym, because I used to be the hot girl, and everyone wanted to come over and talk to me, spot me, help me with this and that. Now I go there and I swear, if I could shoot RPGs out of my eye balls at all the attractive women working out I would. My vanity is totally upset because no one looks at me, or if they do, it's almost with a smile that says "awwww." The image reflecting back at me in the mirror doesn't look like she is effortlessly having fun, it looks like she's sweating profusely and miserable and --- yep--- still fat.
Wayne tries to encourage me by saying the normal things that people say when they are training: "Great job! See, you had two more in you!" Etc. And I swear under my breath at him and fantasize about taking a left hook, dumbell in hand, to his chin...and especially to the face of the blond girl next to me in spandex shorts who is effortlessly benching 215. These days, I want to work out in a dark closet where no one, including myself, can see me. My self image is completely shot to hell and the unfairness of the situation really bothers me--- I didn't do this to myself . This happened because of the most selfless thing I've ever freaking done: carrying and bearing children. I ate right, I exercised, I didn't do all the "me me me " stuff pregnant chicks around me are always doing (the late night runs to Baskin Robbins, the layin on the couch for hours) and I ended up looking like the michelin man, and that aint' right, God.
I know He allowed this for so many reasons... my vanity needs some destroying, partly punishment for my sexual past, partly teaching me to overcome, etc etc. But you know what? It still sucks totally and completely.
Anyways, after this gym experience today for which, unfortunately, I'm going to have to go to confession before I can go to Mass on Wednesday, I was praying the rosary on my front porch trying to calm down, and I realized that that's how Christ felt about the Cross. I mean, hello? He's going: "Look, I'm God, why do I have to suffer through all this.... it isn't fair!" and it wasn't. The cross is the most unjust thing I can fathom--- and yet he embraced it, and paced himself through it, doing so thinking only of others.
That's kinda what I have to do here--- I have made peace with the fact that I look like garbage, but it matters to my husband. And for him, out of my love for him, I have to take this on. Pray for me.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Nondenominational Theology Vs the RCC, Round One
I got another email that I thought would be best responded to in here because it was the third time someone asked how I can believe the RCC’s theology when "we both know" it’s unscriptural since they teach replacement theology (that the church is israel now, etc)
Here is the best article I have found treating the subject:
Israel and the Church
By James Akin
One of the disputes in Protestant circles is over the relationship between Israel and the Church and whether God still has a special purpose for the ethnic people of Israel in his plan of the ages. Two of the chief disputants are the Protestant schools of thought known as "dispensationalism" and "covenant theology." The former is a relative newcomer on the Protestant scene and was started in the 1830s by an Englishman named John Nelson Darby. A distinctive characteristic of dispensationalism is its insistence that God’s plan of the ages focuses chiefly around the ethnic people of Israel.
With the close of the Church age, many dispensationalists have said they expect God to turn away from dealing with the Gentiles and turn again to dealing primarily with the Jews.This affects dispensationalism’s reading of the book of Revelation as well as much of the rest of biblical prophecy. Dispensationalists see Revelation as a blueprint of future events, chiefly concerning the Jewish people, leading up to a future, earthly reign of Christ known as the Millennium.
During the Millennium, they believe, Israel will be restored as a nation, will return to offering animal sacrifices (in commemoration of Christ’s death on the cross), and will be the most favored nation on earth, with Jesus physically ruling in its capitol. In dispensational thought, the Jews may also have a special status in the eternal order that follows the Millennium.
Covenant theology is much more in line with what traditional Protestant views have been. It tends to be amillennial, viewing the Millennium as the present reign of Christ in heaven and, through the Church, on earth. This is the historic Protestant view, in contrast to dispensationalism’s pre-millennial (future earthly reign of Christ) stance.
Covenant theology thus does not take Revelation as a checklist of future events but as a prophecy of events occurring at the beginning of or all through Church history. Consequently it does not see Revelation as a record of God’s future dealings with the Jewish people. When dealing with apparently unfulfilled prophecies that speak expressly of Israel—such as those in many of the Old Testament prophets—covenant theologians tend to apply them to the Church, arguing that the Church is the spiritual Israel. This "transfer" of prophecies from ethnic Israel to the Church does not go over well with dispensationalists.
If we may speak of the two systems in their unqualified forms, dispensationalism asserts that God still has future plans for the Jewish people and deduces that the Church is not spiritual Israel; covenant theology asserts that the Church is spiritual Israel and deduces that God has no future plans for the Jews different than his plans for any other people.
Both systems cite Scripture for the major premises of their arguments, and the verses they cite seem successful in showing these points. The problem is not with the Scripture passages cited by the two groups but with the conclusions they draw from them. It is the constraints of the two systems that keep their adherents from recognizing that the inferences they make do not follow.
The Catholic Church is able to acknowledge the truth that is found in both positions. Along with the dispensationalists the Church acknowledges that God does still have plans for the Jews as a unique people (Catechism of the Catholic Church 674). Paul clearly indicates this in his writings, especially in Romans 9–11, where he indicates God continues to fulfill his promises about the Jewish people by preserving a remnant of Jewish believers in Christ (11:1–5). This indicates a special place for Israel, for no other people has a promise that there will always be a believing remnant. God also has future plans for the Jewish people: One day the Jewish people as a nation will return to Christ, and this will be one of the signs of the Second Coming and the resurrection of the dead (11:12, 15).
On the other hand, along with covenant theologians, Catholics acknowledge that the Church is spiritual Israel or, in Catholic parlance, the "new Israel" (cf. CCC 877). This too is indicated in Paul’s writings: In Romans 9:6 he says that "not all who are of Israel are Israel." This indicates the existence of two Israels. One—"all who are of Israel"—indicates the ethnic people, not all of whom believe in Jesus. The other Israel, the context reveals, does not include those who have rejected the Messiah. This new Israel, founded by Messiah, exists in spiritual continuity with the Old Testament saints and so counts as a "spiritual Israel." It includes Gentiles who believe in the Messiah and so through baptism are spiritually circumcised (Col. 2:11–12) and are reckoned as spiritual Jews (Rom. 2:26–29).
In his letter to the Ephesians Paul is even more explicit about the Gentiles’ spiritual inclusion when he states that "you Gentiles in the flesh . . . were [once] separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel . . . But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near . . . So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints" (2:11–13, 19).
Thus the Catholic Church, not being constrained by the new theological systems of dispensationalism and covenant theology, is able to avoid the extremes of both while it acknowledges the truths both contain—as it has since before either was invented.
Here is the best article I have found treating the subject:
Israel and the Church
By James Akin
One of the disputes in Protestant circles is over the relationship between Israel and the Church and whether God still has a special purpose for the ethnic people of Israel in his plan of the ages. Two of the chief disputants are the Protestant schools of thought known as "dispensationalism" and "covenant theology." The former is a relative newcomer on the Protestant scene and was started in the 1830s by an Englishman named John Nelson Darby. A distinctive characteristic of dispensationalism is its insistence that God’s plan of the ages focuses chiefly around the ethnic people of Israel.
With the close of the Church age, many dispensationalists have said they expect God to turn away from dealing with the Gentiles and turn again to dealing primarily with the Jews.This affects dispensationalism’s reading of the book of Revelation as well as much of the rest of biblical prophecy. Dispensationalists see Revelation as a blueprint of future events, chiefly concerning the Jewish people, leading up to a future, earthly reign of Christ known as the Millennium.
During the Millennium, they believe, Israel will be restored as a nation, will return to offering animal sacrifices (in commemoration of Christ’s death on the cross), and will be the most favored nation on earth, with Jesus physically ruling in its capitol. In dispensational thought, the Jews may also have a special status in the eternal order that follows the Millennium.
Covenant theology is much more in line with what traditional Protestant views have been. It tends to be amillennial, viewing the Millennium as the present reign of Christ in heaven and, through the Church, on earth. This is the historic Protestant view, in contrast to dispensationalism’s pre-millennial (future earthly reign of Christ) stance.
Covenant theology thus does not take Revelation as a checklist of future events but as a prophecy of events occurring at the beginning of or all through Church history. Consequently it does not see Revelation as a record of God’s future dealings with the Jewish people. When dealing with apparently unfulfilled prophecies that speak expressly of Israel—such as those in many of the Old Testament prophets—covenant theologians tend to apply them to the Church, arguing that the Church is the spiritual Israel. This "transfer" of prophecies from ethnic Israel to the Church does not go over well with dispensationalists.
If we may speak of the two systems in their unqualified forms, dispensationalism asserts that God still has future plans for the Jewish people and deduces that the Church is not spiritual Israel; covenant theology asserts that the Church is spiritual Israel and deduces that God has no future plans for the Jews different than his plans for any other people.
Both systems cite Scripture for the major premises of their arguments, and the verses they cite seem successful in showing these points. The problem is not with the Scripture passages cited by the two groups but with the conclusions they draw from them. It is the constraints of the two systems that keep their adherents from recognizing that the inferences they make do not follow.
The Catholic Church is able to acknowledge the truth that is found in both positions. Along with the dispensationalists the Church acknowledges that God does still have plans for the Jews as a unique people (Catechism of the Catholic Church 674). Paul clearly indicates this in his writings, especially in Romans 9–11, where he indicates God continues to fulfill his promises about the Jewish people by preserving a remnant of Jewish believers in Christ (11:1–5). This indicates a special place for Israel, for no other people has a promise that there will always be a believing remnant. God also has future plans for the Jewish people: One day the Jewish people as a nation will return to Christ, and this will be one of the signs of the Second Coming and the resurrection of the dead (11:12, 15).
On the other hand, along with covenant theologians, Catholics acknowledge that the Church is spiritual Israel or, in Catholic parlance, the "new Israel" (cf. CCC 877). This too is indicated in Paul’s writings: In Romans 9:6 he says that "not all who are of Israel are Israel." This indicates the existence of two Israels. One—"all who are of Israel"—indicates the ethnic people, not all of whom believe in Jesus. The other Israel, the context reveals, does not include those who have rejected the Messiah. This new Israel, founded by Messiah, exists in spiritual continuity with the Old Testament saints and so counts as a "spiritual Israel." It includes Gentiles who believe in the Messiah and so through baptism are spiritually circumcised (Col. 2:11–12) and are reckoned as spiritual Jews (Rom. 2:26–29).
In his letter to the Ephesians Paul is even more explicit about the Gentiles’ spiritual inclusion when he states that "you Gentiles in the flesh . . . were [once] separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel . . . But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near . . . So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints" (2:11–13, 19).
Thus the Catholic Church, not being constrained by the new theological systems of dispensationalism and covenant theology, is able to avoid the extremes of both while it acknowledges the truths both contain—as it has since before either was invented.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
For the naysayers
I keep getting emails from friends who are expressing concern about the recent turn of events in our Faith walk. the latest came from a dear friend which said:
" Can it be you are converting to Catholicism? I knew you had a soft spot in your heart for catholicism, but I didn't think you would convert, considering all of the massive theological shortfalls that I know Wayne has with it... I know we haven't chatted in quite sometime... but when I saw this it made me nervous... I love you guys."
I feel it must be important for me to thoughtfully explain the details in a way that my evangelical brothers and sisters might understand, so that's what I'm going to attempt to do here. But we warned, i'm going to do it in a general sort of a way and not in a deep, scripture by scripture kind of a way. If you are interested in that, I will recommend some readings to you at the end.
I listen to Air One radio, like most evangelicals around here. One of the songs they play is 'the Creed.' -- I think it's by Jars of Clay. It's the entire text of the nicene creed, which all Christians believe. Third wave, charismatic type churches tend not to RECITE it, citing the verse about vain repetition, but originally, this was a major way people were catechized, by the recitation of doctrine. Catholics say it every day at mass.
One thing that has always struck me is that in it, everyone (protestants included) affirm a belief in the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church."
Catholic meaning: "Universal." And yet looking at the world today, it is quite obvious that the church is trying very hard NOT to be "one," seems to have, in many ways, forgotten to be "holy," is certainly not entirely "apostolic," though it may believe that it is, and yet--- it is still CATHOLIC.
Nondenominationals believe that the church is the universal gathering together of the people of God. (those who follow the Jesus Christ of the Bible.)
Catholics, also, believe that protestants are a part of the universal body of Christ. The catechism, I believe, calls them "separated bretheren."
But there comes a point when there is a DEEP, schismatic wound that needs to be addressed. I know that on MY end, as an evangelical nondenominational, I walked AWAY from the Catholic Church and cut ALL ties because I genuinely believed what I was told: that the actions, faith, and rituals of the RCC were demonically oriented. I believed what I was told that the Mass was a demonic sacrifice. I believed we needed to evangelize Catholics. I believed these things because I was CERTAIN that scripture said so-- after all-- theologians everywhere in the protestant church's history called many of these Catholic-only structures and beliefs out as evil abominations. But the Catholic members of my family, both clergy and lay, never cast ME out. They welcomed me with joy at the Lord's supper, over and over again.
Let's look, first, at the reformation. Martin Luther wrote these things on a piece of paper and nailed it to the church door. Wayne likes to remind people that that sounds a lot more dramatic than it really was--- he nailed it there because that's where people would see it, and he didn't make big thing out of it, he quietly pinned it to the door, you know? The things he addressed were spot on. And the church, subsequently, was reformed, both within the authority structure OF the church, and outside as well as people began to break off. Martin Luther's own journals express regret that the schism was so deep. He wanted REFORM, not to break away. But the inertia of his actions ran away with him and thus the Lutheran faith was born.
Internally, the changes were made as well, but the damage was done. People had walked out from under the authority structure of the church, and thus was born protestantism-- protesting the Catholic Church's authority. We believe this was a necessary step in purging, and cleaning up, God's church. We also believe that Satan had an active role in what followed.
So how did we get from that to where we are today, with preachers preaching that to be a member of the Catholic Church is to be united with satan's work, with Babylon the great, the pope is the antichrist, etc. etc.?
Over the years, Wayne and I have realized that people often want to re-invent the wheel, especially in the name of Jesus. There's always this sense of "What God is doing..." that is NEW! and REVOLUTIONARY! We see it in the emergent church, in the relational church, in the "Third Wave" movement, we saw it at Maranatha, in Latter Rain, in the new apostolic....we see it in the mega churches.
Underneath all these movements is actually a further and further break from authority, and as it continues, people-- sincere, genuine believers-- try to REcreate what is already present in the Catholic faith in all sorts of ways. This became incredibly evident to me when I was sitting in the confessional yesterday. Here was a perfect, God-ordained SACRAMENT (special moment of Grace-- a reception of God's covenant with us almost reminiscent of an LDS covenant minus the flawed theology as I meditated on it's purpose) by which I could continue to battle sin in my life. And all I could think about was how nondenominationals are always hounding the creation of accountability groups, etc. It's the same thing, only the structure of the catholic sacrament of reconciliation is literally flawless and incredibly profound and sacred, whereas accountability groups are sort of casual gatherings of sincere believers searching for ways to make a difference in their sin lives. That is but one example among many of attempts to REcreate the sacraments in new ways by these modern movements. What I've come to realize is that in the authority structure of the Catholic Church, all the things we are SEEKING as protestants are already present. We have workers for the harvest, we have church growth in crazy numbers, we have baptism in the Holy Spirit for everyone, we have evangelical outreaches that boggle the mind, we have work for peace and justice, and amazing charity, we have the perfect authority structure, we have excellent accountability, we have small groups, we have prayer groups, we have relational christianity, we have simple church, we have charisms of the spirit, we have family integration.... and on and on it goes. It fulfills all the things the LDS church claims "it's own" in a way that actually agrees with scripture instead of directly contradicting it: the priesthood, the priesthood of all believers, the keys to the kingdom, the temple/ house of God, the sacraments, the "One true Church" concept, the works of charity.
The Catholic Church has history on it's side--- all early theologians... those who saw Jesus themselves, those who continued to teach the faith after Jesus' resurrection, those who WROTE the creeds.....the earliest Christians all held and believed the doctrines and theology of the Catholic Church.
The Church has scripture on it's side. When I took away the "Study Bible" goggles and just looked at the WORD, plain and simple, minus the commentary, I saw so many things that I had missed. Just yesterday, having dinner with Father Tony, we had a moment like that. He was reading to Wayne about the Real Presence from 1 Corinthians.... and he came to the part where it said we must "discern the body" in the bread, lest we reap condemnation on our heads. Discern the BODY! Does it get any clearer than that??
The church has Unity on it's side. Within the structure of the Roman Catholic Church (and the Eastern Orthodox Church) there are PLENTY of different ways of living out your faith, all under one similar theological umbrella, all capable of being united with each other and being complementary to each other. My dad could, on Sept 11 when he was angry, move from Fransiscans who preached on forgiving the terrorists to Jesuits who preached on the fire from heaven for sinners, and back again when he was ready. He could look to the saints who had gone before him to pray for his peace and intercede before the throne alongside those who were walking along the way beside him. And yet all know who they can turn to for their authority, as their leader, who they can stand behind.
This perpetual and growing dissatisfaction with "the church" we see, or vice versa, this maniacal obsession with creating spheres of "like minded DNA" churches all around us is all about the problem at large. Theology, doctrine, etc, is the least of our worries. Evangelicals have for years tried to take Catholics out of the club, but what I've come to realize is that they CREATED the club! And that all the "fathers of the faith" who I can admire as having given their all for God-- those people KNEW without a doubt, that the basic doctrines of the faith needed to be adhered to. Including the things which -- to a protestant-- are NOT basic: devotion to Mary is a blessing so profound that God has graced us with. Early protestants believed it. It wasn't until they got more and more comfortable with their own identity and authority structure outside the church that they began to remove it and reconsider it. The communion of saints is also a huge blessing we miss out on as protestants- an avenue of Grace we refuse. And on and on it goes.
This morning during the homily, our priest shouted out: "it's GOOD to be a Catholic!" people laughed, but you know, I think he has been set on fire anew through us a little bit too... our enthusiasm at discovering (and in my case, re-discovering) the fullness of the deposit of faith available to us believers has just been instrumental. Truly. I only wish I hadn't wasted so much time missing out on this goodness. Fortunately, God was working on me that entire time. I needed to go so deep into the faith movements of modern Christianity that I became a theological whirlwind---tasting of every "move of God" in evangelical America and literally YEARNING for Him in all of them so that I would realize that underneath it all was a beacon of stable light calling me home, and that all it would take was a crumbling of my own vanity and pride and a submitting to the only real spiritual authority on this earth, that of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and of His body, represented by the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
So don't cry for me, sisters and brothers--- rejoice with me that I have FINALLY gotten to the point where Romans 8 is a daily reality for me.... where I can finally rest these tired feet and look around me and recognize my Home.
Lastly, I want to address the fact that Wayne has also gone through the same thing. I KNEW it was God when it was him who started openly and actively participating in things I had been praying for in secret. Mary literally showed us how far we were from REAL conversion because of our pride, and how far we were from peace because of our pride. In those tentative moments, I was afraid that I was being seduced by my "feelings," but the amazing thing is that my husband doesn't share those feelings and longings, and yet he came to the same conclusion. His decision to become a Catholic isn't about CONVERSION to a church. It's converting to a way of life. Its' coming under spiritual authority, it's renewing his conversion to Christ, it is confirming his calling in Christ, it's receiving Christ at the Lord's Table, and it is a powerful testimony to the world.
Catholicism isn't another religion to a protestant. We're discovering it's the "pure and undefiled religion" of the book of James that protestants are so often yearning for. And what kills us is that there are thousands upon thousands of people out there who take their catholicism for granted. I literally wept when I received the Eucharist again-- I think people may have thought I was a bit deranged.
I challenge ALL of you who have written to us out of great concern, or who have held your tongues and simply prayed that we would be moved quickly out of the realm of the Catholic church to re-evaluate with the eyes of Christ.
We aren't saying that you should all go out and be Catholics, although if you did, we would TOTALLY understand why. We are saying that to alienate your Catholic brothers and sisters because of YOUR misunderstandings of what they believe is not only wrong, but cruel. And that we look forward, as time goes on, to being an instrument of peace within the community of Christ-followers here. Our priest was once disfellowshipped from Campus Crusade for Christ, where he had spent every waking moment ministering to souls about the Lord, because he had decided to become a Catholic. Don't make that mistake. Educate yourselves about the history of your own church, and take it back before the days when Martin Luther hung that nail. Jesus said: "My peace I give you."
We are praying for peace and a healing of the wounds of religious war.
" Can it be you are converting to Catholicism? I knew you had a soft spot in your heart for catholicism, but I didn't think you would convert, considering all of the massive theological shortfalls that I know Wayne has with it... I know we haven't chatted in quite sometime... but when I saw this it made me nervous... I love you guys."
I feel it must be important for me to thoughtfully explain the details in a way that my evangelical brothers and sisters might understand, so that's what I'm going to attempt to do here. But we warned, i'm going to do it in a general sort of a way and not in a deep, scripture by scripture kind of a way. If you are interested in that, I will recommend some readings to you at the end.
I listen to Air One radio, like most evangelicals around here. One of the songs they play is 'the Creed.' -- I think it's by Jars of Clay. It's the entire text of the nicene creed, which all Christians believe. Third wave, charismatic type churches tend not to RECITE it, citing the verse about vain repetition, but originally, this was a major way people were catechized, by the recitation of doctrine. Catholics say it every day at mass.
One thing that has always struck me is that in it, everyone (protestants included) affirm a belief in the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church."
Catholic meaning: "Universal." And yet looking at the world today, it is quite obvious that the church is trying very hard NOT to be "one," seems to have, in many ways, forgotten to be "holy," is certainly not entirely "apostolic," though it may believe that it is, and yet--- it is still CATHOLIC.
Nondenominationals believe that the church is the universal gathering together of the people of God. (those who follow the Jesus Christ of the Bible.)
Catholics, also, believe that protestants are a part of the universal body of Christ. The catechism, I believe, calls them "separated bretheren."
But there comes a point when there is a DEEP, schismatic wound that needs to be addressed. I know that on MY end, as an evangelical nondenominational, I walked AWAY from the Catholic Church and cut ALL ties because I genuinely believed what I was told: that the actions, faith, and rituals of the RCC were demonically oriented. I believed what I was told that the Mass was a demonic sacrifice. I believed we needed to evangelize Catholics. I believed these things because I was CERTAIN that scripture said so-- after all-- theologians everywhere in the protestant church's history called many of these Catholic-only structures and beliefs out as evil abominations. But the Catholic members of my family, both clergy and lay, never cast ME out. They welcomed me with joy at the Lord's supper, over and over again.
Let's look, first, at the reformation. Martin Luther wrote these things on a piece of paper and nailed it to the church door. Wayne likes to remind people that that sounds a lot more dramatic than it really was--- he nailed it there because that's where people would see it, and he didn't make big thing out of it, he quietly pinned it to the door, you know? The things he addressed were spot on. And the church, subsequently, was reformed, both within the authority structure OF the church, and outside as well as people began to break off. Martin Luther's own journals express regret that the schism was so deep. He wanted REFORM, not to break away. But the inertia of his actions ran away with him and thus the Lutheran faith was born.
Internally, the changes were made as well, but the damage was done. People had walked out from under the authority structure of the church, and thus was born protestantism-- protesting the Catholic Church's authority. We believe this was a necessary step in purging, and cleaning up, God's church. We also believe that Satan had an active role in what followed.
So how did we get from that to where we are today, with preachers preaching that to be a member of the Catholic Church is to be united with satan's work, with Babylon the great, the pope is the antichrist, etc. etc.?
Over the years, Wayne and I have realized that people often want to re-invent the wheel, especially in the name of Jesus. There's always this sense of "What God is doing..." that is NEW! and REVOLUTIONARY! We see it in the emergent church, in the relational church, in the "Third Wave" movement, we saw it at Maranatha, in Latter Rain, in the new apostolic....we see it in the mega churches.
Underneath all these movements is actually a further and further break from authority, and as it continues, people-- sincere, genuine believers-- try to REcreate what is already present in the Catholic faith in all sorts of ways. This became incredibly evident to me when I was sitting in the confessional yesterday. Here was a perfect, God-ordained SACRAMENT (special moment of Grace-- a reception of God's covenant with us almost reminiscent of an LDS covenant minus the flawed theology as I meditated on it's purpose) by which I could continue to battle sin in my life. And all I could think about was how nondenominationals are always hounding the creation of accountability groups, etc. It's the same thing, only the structure of the catholic sacrament of reconciliation is literally flawless and incredibly profound and sacred, whereas accountability groups are sort of casual gatherings of sincere believers searching for ways to make a difference in their sin lives. That is but one example among many of attempts to REcreate the sacraments in new ways by these modern movements. What I've come to realize is that in the authority structure of the Catholic Church, all the things we are SEEKING as protestants are already present. We have workers for the harvest, we have church growth in crazy numbers, we have baptism in the Holy Spirit for everyone, we have evangelical outreaches that boggle the mind, we have work for peace and justice, and amazing charity, we have the perfect authority structure, we have excellent accountability, we have small groups, we have prayer groups, we have relational christianity, we have simple church, we have charisms of the spirit, we have family integration.... and on and on it goes. It fulfills all the things the LDS church claims "it's own" in a way that actually agrees with scripture instead of directly contradicting it: the priesthood, the priesthood of all believers, the keys to the kingdom, the temple/ house of God, the sacraments, the "One true Church" concept, the works of charity.
The Catholic Church has history on it's side--- all early theologians... those who saw Jesus themselves, those who continued to teach the faith after Jesus' resurrection, those who WROTE the creeds.....the earliest Christians all held and believed the doctrines and theology of the Catholic Church.
The Church has scripture on it's side. When I took away the "Study Bible" goggles and just looked at the WORD, plain and simple, minus the commentary, I saw so many things that I had missed. Just yesterday, having dinner with Father Tony, we had a moment like that. He was reading to Wayne about the Real Presence from 1 Corinthians.... and he came to the part where it said we must "discern the body" in the bread, lest we reap condemnation on our heads. Discern the BODY! Does it get any clearer than that??
The church has Unity on it's side. Within the structure of the Roman Catholic Church (and the Eastern Orthodox Church) there are PLENTY of different ways of living out your faith, all under one similar theological umbrella, all capable of being united with each other and being complementary to each other. My dad could, on Sept 11 when he was angry, move from Fransiscans who preached on forgiving the terrorists to Jesuits who preached on the fire from heaven for sinners, and back again when he was ready. He could look to the saints who had gone before him to pray for his peace and intercede before the throne alongside those who were walking along the way beside him. And yet all know who they can turn to for their authority, as their leader, who they can stand behind.
This perpetual and growing dissatisfaction with "the church" we see, or vice versa, this maniacal obsession with creating spheres of "like minded DNA" churches all around us is all about the problem at large. Theology, doctrine, etc, is the least of our worries. Evangelicals have for years tried to take Catholics out of the club, but what I've come to realize is that they CREATED the club! And that all the "fathers of the faith" who I can admire as having given their all for God-- those people KNEW without a doubt, that the basic doctrines of the faith needed to be adhered to. Including the things which -- to a protestant-- are NOT basic: devotion to Mary is a blessing so profound that God has graced us with. Early protestants believed it. It wasn't until they got more and more comfortable with their own identity and authority structure outside the church that they began to remove it and reconsider it. The communion of saints is also a huge blessing we miss out on as protestants- an avenue of Grace we refuse. And on and on it goes.
This morning during the homily, our priest shouted out: "it's GOOD to be a Catholic!" people laughed, but you know, I think he has been set on fire anew through us a little bit too... our enthusiasm at discovering (and in my case, re-discovering) the fullness of the deposit of faith available to us believers has just been instrumental. Truly. I only wish I hadn't wasted so much time missing out on this goodness. Fortunately, God was working on me that entire time. I needed to go so deep into the faith movements of modern Christianity that I became a theological whirlwind---tasting of every "move of God" in evangelical America and literally YEARNING for Him in all of them so that I would realize that underneath it all was a beacon of stable light calling me home, and that all it would take was a crumbling of my own vanity and pride and a submitting to the only real spiritual authority on this earth, that of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and of His body, represented by the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
So don't cry for me, sisters and brothers--- rejoice with me that I have FINALLY gotten to the point where Romans 8 is a daily reality for me.... where I can finally rest these tired feet and look around me and recognize my Home.
Lastly, I want to address the fact that Wayne has also gone through the same thing. I KNEW it was God when it was him who started openly and actively participating in things I had been praying for in secret. Mary literally showed us how far we were from REAL conversion because of our pride, and how far we were from peace because of our pride. In those tentative moments, I was afraid that I was being seduced by my "feelings," but the amazing thing is that my husband doesn't share those feelings and longings, and yet he came to the same conclusion. His decision to become a Catholic isn't about CONVERSION to a church. It's converting to a way of life. Its' coming under spiritual authority, it's renewing his conversion to Christ, it is confirming his calling in Christ, it's receiving Christ at the Lord's Table, and it is a powerful testimony to the world.
Catholicism isn't another religion to a protestant. We're discovering it's the "pure and undefiled religion" of the book of James that protestants are so often yearning for. And what kills us is that there are thousands upon thousands of people out there who take their catholicism for granted. I literally wept when I received the Eucharist again-- I think people may have thought I was a bit deranged.
I challenge ALL of you who have written to us out of great concern, or who have held your tongues and simply prayed that we would be moved quickly out of the realm of the Catholic church to re-evaluate with the eyes of Christ.
We aren't saying that you should all go out and be Catholics, although if you did, we would TOTALLY understand why. We are saying that to alienate your Catholic brothers and sisters because of YOUR misunderstandings of what they believe is not only wrong, but cruel. And that we look forward, as time goes on, to being an instrument of peace within the community of Christ-followers here. Our priest was once disfellowshipped from Campus Crusade for Christ, where he had spent every waking moment ministering to souls about the Lord, because he had decided to become a Catholic. Don't make that mistake. Educate yourselves about the history of your own church, and take it back before the days when Martin Luther hung that nail. Jesus said: "My peace I give you."
We are praying for peace and a healing of the wounds of religious war.
Letter to my parents
Hi Parental Units,
So I had the most interesting experiences over the last few days I wanted to share with you. (First off, I hope dad's birthday was EXCELLENT!)
Wayne and I went to our Parish's New Members Dinner, where they explain some of the lay ministries to get involved in , etc. This was important to us because we were so active at Manna Church that we couldn't fathom sitting on our hands at St Patrick's, but we had no idea where to start. It was very informative and we were glad for the opportunity to be welcomed into the community--- this really is an amazing parish. We had gone, years ago, to a similar dinner at our old church, but while at that time we were catered a very fancy restaurant meal and introduced to the pastors, this time we were served a simple homemade meal and introduced to the lay ministers who were requesting our help in the community. We were really impressed with the dinner at Manna Church, but this time were doubly impressed with the simple dinner (yay for spending money on the things that REALLY matter!) and the exciting opportunities to work for peace and justice in the world, not just by WORDS of God but by His actions as well.
I am joining the Immaculate Conception Sodality, which is an organization of women which promotes devotion to Mary by their own personal prayer life as well as by serving the community in various ways (praying for the sick at the hospital, bringing meals to new moms, etc. All the stuff I used to do at Manna.)
I have also joined the Legion of Mary, which is a prayer group with an evangelical focus. I am excited to be a part of this group because it is Mary through Medjugorje and Fatima who drew Wayne and I to examine our faith more deeply in light of the History of the Church, etc. We are both very thankful to her! Wayne even wears a miraculous medal now---given to him by the Legion of Mary--- which is amazing considering that two years ago he asked me if I thought it was ok that I still had mine in our belongings!
As I told you, during the event, we ate with Father Tony, the priest who was at the kids' baptismal mass on easter. He is a great guy and a total Godsend. His parents are both HARDCORE baptists, as was he until he became a Catholic. He is in LOVE with the Word of God and has most of the Bible memorized, which is so cool because he speaks about the faith using Scriptural terms, like an evangelical, which helps us so much to really grasp the depth of what he is saying.
Yesterday, I went to my first confession with him. Because he knew I had no idea what to do, he made an appointment with me early, before confession normally starts, to walk me through the whole process. He began by taking me back into the back of the church behind the altar and explaining to me the vestements as he put them on--- which gave me a greater appreciation for the reason behind them! It's based on the Ephesians six armor of God. (the stole representing Christ's authority, and truth, the over garment representing LOVE, because we must wrap the truth in love so that it is received, etc. )
He took me to the front of the church and catechized me with regards to what I was looking at, where everything was, and why. He let me look at the Shofar used to annoint with oil, to look at the sacristy(?), and to really understand the "lay of the land" in the church.
Then we went into the confessional, which these days has a wall panel with a kneeler if you choose, or a second chair so you can do it face to face. He walked me through the entire sacrament, and it was a VERY profound experience for me! In all my years as an evangelical making private confession to God every night on my own (which we can and should do!) I have never so profoundly experienced God's mercy as I did yesterday upon absolution. It was very, very cool and I recommend it to anyone. I went because Mary told the visionaries that it was good for everyone to go to confession at LEAST once a month at Medjugorje, but now I totally understand why.The best part was that it was as moving for HIM as it was for me--- this sacrament is really, really cool.
After confession Wayne and the kids met us and we hung around for a while until he was finished hearing all the other parishioner's confessions. Then we all went out to eat with Father Tony. This was amazing to us because Wayne had set an appt with him at 5:30 to discuss some of the issues he was having a hard time understanding (purgatory, the Real Presence, Mary's perpetual virginity, etc.)
Instead of meeting him in the office, Fr Tony took ALL of us out to eat in a restaurant! He was so personable. He had ordered all these books for Wayne to read (mostly by scott hahn and then the classics-- Ignatius, etc.) and had so much fun explaining all the issues to Wayne using the Bible....which was awesome. In fact, in explaining the Real Presence he pointed out a verse I had never noticed before. I've read it in 1 Corinthians over and over again but I've never noticed that it says we must "discern the body" when we take communion, lest we come under condemnation. How amazing that I never noticed that!!
I could go on all day about the theological chat-- he has a very profound understanding of and appreciation FOR many protestant theologists, in fact, more so than when I had my ongoing series of "letters" both with tante roselyne and with Fr. Ben at Our Lady of Sorrows. But the best part was just how welcoming he was! I mean, he's the parochial vicar of a very large, busy church, and yet here he was taking us out to eat, asking us to join him at the movies when Prince Caspian comes out, offering us a private retreat to soak in all that's happened, and even making plans to take us to a Latin Mass in Dunn with some of his other friends in the parish. He told us we were like fresh wind of the Holy Spirit for him-- an answer to prayer because he had been praying for young couples to join the parish who were active in their faith and catalysts for fellowship, etc. He was as thrilled as we are. Wayne has decided to begin RCIA next thursday!! Also, I have discovered something amazing--- there is a HUGE population of French, Italian, and French African congregants at St Pats!!! Really! Fr Tony even hears confession in both Italian AND French!
It was a monumental change for us, because we are so accustomed to feeling like we are bothering busy business men when we ask our pastors for spiritual guidance. But here was this guy, so enthusiastic to share a moment in the Lord with people, and even better-- so humble that he was as excited as we were that God was at work in our lives. It was very refreshing. Sean and Jess are coming with us tomorrow and they now want to be members here as well. And we are bringing Wayne's friend Mike, who has never been to church.
Anyways, yesterday morning I was at the Park with the kids and the most extraordinary thing happened. This is the real reason I'm writing. First of all, the day I called you about Annika's sleeping problem, she had been, that evening, looking at the cieling and telling us there was a baby there. She would reach her arms out to the baby and try to smooch it and hug it. She told us how much she loved it. I just thought she had an active imagination and played along. She did it again when her grandpa came over and he also played along.
That night is the night she didn't sleep all night because there was a problem with "owies" and "hurt" in "feet" and "hands." I blamed it on growing pains and called you, you'll remember , to ask about it.
The next day we were at the park and she ran off to the sand pit. I ran after her and found her holding a book! The book had this black leather cover and had sustained MAJOR water damage. I opened it to see what it was and though the first twenty five pages or so are pretty much ruined, I was AMAZED to find that it was a book called "The Catholic Girls Guide and Sunday Missal," by a priest named father Lasance. This book, let me tell you, is a GEM. It is absolutely full of little anecdotes and stories designed to instill virtue in young catholic women, and is just so awesome. The back is a missal and prayer book with the prayers in english and latin. It had some prayer cards in there from funeral masses for people that had died in the sixties. I looked around and saw no one, so took it home and I've been reading it ever since. It occured to me at that moment that this was totally a God thing. That's when I realized Annika had been so concerned about owies on HANDS AND FEET. I wonder if she was talking about Jesus?? Maybe that was the baby she was seeing :) Who knows?
Anyways, I looked this book up on the internet and it's really hard to find. It's out of print, but I found it at this Catholic bookstore called Halo Works online. Amazon also sells a couple used ones for like 45 bucks. I want to get one for Annika when she's older and one of the young men's version ones for Ishod. Apparently, this father Lasance made one for girls and one for boys, and it is a TREASURE. I wondered if the sisters at Santa Catalina know about it and if not, you guys should look into getting a copy at your library-- it's absolutely incredible. Book of Virtues times one million, really.
I thought I wold share. I love you!
Mom, since you didn't take home the book on Medjugorje, I want you both to click the link in my signature that says "Pray: Gospas Mission."
Wayne and I had a talk with one of the key players in the Medjugorje phenomenon and he asked us if we would open our home to seekers wanting to know more about the events there because there was no such center in our area. So, we have. We show them videos and pray with them and have a lending librarry with books about it available. Part of that is this website that I made. So check it out and read more about it!
Barbie Nesbitt
Live: Team Nesbitt
Work: Mission Travel
Play: StitchLove Blog
Pray: Gospa's Mission
So I had the most interesting experiences over the last few days I wanted to share with you. (First off, I hope dad's birthday was EXCELLENT!)
Wayne and I went to our Parish's New Members Dinner, where they explain some of the lay ministries to get involved in , etc. This was important to us because we were so active at Manna Church that we couldn't fathom sitting on our hands at St Patrick's, but we had no idea where to start. It was very informative and we were glad for the opportunity to be welcomed into the community--- this really is an amazing parish. We had gone, years ago, to a similar dinner at our old church, but while at that time we were catered a very fancy restaurant meal and introduced to the pastors, this time we were served a simple homemade meal and introduced to the lay ministers who were requesting our help in the community. We were really impressed with the dinner at Manna Church, but this time were doubly impressed with the simple dinner (yay for spending money on the things that REALLY matter!) and the exciting opportunities to work for peace and justice in the world, not just by WORDS of God but by His actions as well.
I am joining the Immaculate Conception Sodality, which is an organization of women which promotes devotion to Mary by their own personal prayer life as well as by serving the community in various ways (praying for the sick at the hospital, bringing meals to new moms, etc. All the stuff I used to do at Manna.)
I have also joined the Legion of Mary, which is a prayer group with an evangelical focus. I am excited to be a part of this group because it is Mary through Medjugorje and Fatima who drew Wayne and I to examine our faith more deeply in light of the History of the Church, etc. We are both very thankful to her! Wayne even wears a miraculous medal now---given to him by the Legion of Mary--- which is amazing considering that two years ago he asked me if I thought it was ok that I still had mine in our belongings!
As I told you, during the event, we ate with Father Tony, the priest who was at the kids' baptismal mass on easter. He is a great guy and a total Godsend. His parents are both HARDCORE baptists, as was he until he became a Catholic. He is in LOVE with the Word of God and has most of the Bible memorized, which is so cool because he speaks about the faith using Scriptural terms, like an evangelical, which helps us so much to really grasp the depth of what he is saying.
Yesterday, I went to my first confession with him. Because he knew I had no idea what to do, he made an appointment with me early, before confession normally starts, to walk me through the whole process. He began by taking me back into the back of the church behind the altar and explaining to me the vestements as he put them on--- which gave me a greater appreciation for the reason behind them! It's based on the Ephesians six armor of God. (the stole representing Christ's authority, and truth, the over garment representing LOVE, because we must wrap the truth in love so that it is received, etc. )
He took me to the front of the church and catechized me with regards to what I was looking at, where everything was, and why. He let me look at the Shofar used to annoint with oil, to look at the sacristy(?), and to really understand the "lay of the land" in the church.
Then we went into the confessional, which these days has a wall panel with a kneeler if you choose, or a second chair so you can do it face to face. He walked me through the entire sacrament, and it was a VERY profound experience for me! In all my years as an evangelical making private confession to God every night on my own (which we can and should do!) I have never so profoundly experienced God's mercy as I did yesterday upon absolution. It was very, very cool and I recommend it to anyone. I went because Mary told the visionaries that it was good for everyone to go to confession at LEAST once a month at Medjugorje, but now I totally understand why.The best part was that it was as moving for HIM as it was for me--- this sacrament is really, really cool.
After confession Wayne and the kids met us and we hung around for a while until he was finished hearing all the other parishioner's confessions. Then we all went out to eat with Father Tony. This was amazing to us because Wayne had set an appt with him at 5:30 to discuss some of the issues he was having a hard time understanding (purgatory, the Real Presence, Mary's perpetual virginity, etc.)
Instead of meeting him in the office, Fr Tony took ALL of us out to eat in a restaurant! He was so personable. He had ordered all these books for Wayne to read (mostly by scott hahn and then the classics-- Ignatius, etc.) and had so much fun explaining all the issues to Wayne using the Bible....which was awesome. In fact, in explaining the Real Presence he pointed out a verse I had never noticed before. I've read it in 1 Corinthians over and over again but I've never noticed that it says we must "discern the body" when we take communion, lest we come under condemnation. How amazing that I never noticed that!!
I could go on all day about the theological chat-- he has a very profound understanding of and appreciation FOR many protestant theologists, in fact, more so than when I had my ongoing series of "letters" both with tante roselyne and with Fr. Ben at Our Lady of Sorrows. But the best part was just how welcoming he was! I mean, he's the parochial vicar of a very large, busy church, and yet here he was taking us out to eat, asking us to join him at the movies when Prince Caspian comes out, offering us a private retreat to soak in all that's happened, and even making plans to take us to a Latin Mass in Dunn with some of his other friends in the parish. He told us we were like fresh wind of the Holy Spirit for him-- an answer to prayer because he had been praying for young couples to join the parish who were active in their faith and catalysts for fellowship, etc. He was as thrilled as we are. Wayne has decided to begin RCIA next thursday!! Also, I have discovered something amazing--- there is a HUGE population of French, Italian, and French African congregants at St Pats!!! Really! Fr Tony even hears confession in both Italian AND French!
It was a monumental change for us, because we are so accustomed to feeling like we are bothering busy business men when we ask our pastors for spiritual guidance. But here was this guy, so enthusiastic to share a moment in the Lord with people, and even better-- so humble that he was as excited as we were that God was at work in our lives. It was very refreshing. Sean and Jess are coming with us tomorrow and they now want to be members here as well. And we are bringing Wayne's friend Mike, who has never been to church.
Anyways, yesterday morning I was at the Park with the kids and the most extraordinary thing happened. This is the real reason I'm writing. First of all, the day I called you about Annika's sleeping problem, she had been, that evening, looking at the cieling and telling us there was a baby there. She would reach her arms out to the baby and try to smooch it and hug it. She told us how much she loved it. I just thought she had an active imagination and played along. She did it again when her grandpa came over and he also played along.
That night is the night she didn't sleep all night because there was a problem with "owies" and "hurt" in "feet" and "hands." I blamed it on growing pains and called you, you'll remember , to ask about it.
The next day we were at the park and she ran off to the sand pit. I ran after her and found her holding a book! The book had this black leather cover and had sustained MAJOR water damage. I opened it to see what it was and though the first twenty five pages or so are pretty much ruined, I was AMAZED to find that it was a book called "The Catholic Girls Guide and Sunday Missal," by a priest named father Lasance. This book, let me tell you, is a GEM. It is absolutely full of little anecdotes and stories designed to instill virtue in young catholic women, and is just so awesome. The back is a missal and prayer book with the prayers in english and latin. It had some prayer cards in there from funeral masses for people that had died in the sixties. I looked around and saw no one, so took it home and I've been reading it ever since. It occured to me at that moment that this was totally a God thing. That's when I realized Annika had been so concerned about owies on HANDS AND FEET. I wonder if she was talking about Jesus?? Maybe that was the baby she was seeing :) Who knows?
Anyways, I looked this book up on the internet and it's really hard to find. It's out of print, but I found it at this Catholic bookstore called Halo Works online. Amazon also sells a couple used ones for like 45 bucks. I want to get one for Annika when she's older and one of the young men's version ones for Ishod. Apparently, this father Lasance made one for girls and one for boys, and it is a TREASURE. I wondered if the sisters at Santa Catalina know about it and if not, you guys should look into getting a copy at your library-- it's absolutely incredible. Book of Virtues times one million, really.
I thought I wold share. I love you!
Mom, since you didn't take home the book on Medjugorje, I want you both to click the link in my signature that says "Pray: Gospas Mission."
Wayne and I had a talk with one of the key players in the Medjugorje phenomenon and he asked us if we would open our home to seekers wanting to know more about the events there because there was no such center in our area. So, we have. We show them videos and pray with them and have a lending librarry with books about it available. Part of that is this website that I made. So check it out and read more about it!
Barbie Nesbitt
Live: Team Nesbitt
Work: Mission Travel
Play: StitchLove Blog
Pray: Gospa's Mission
Friday, April 4, 2008
New Beginnings
Unbelievable. I wrote this whole, long blog and then I accidentally clicked on the wrong tab and totally deleted it! Argh.
OK, to recap (and forgive me if I don't have the patience to make it fascinating again :P)
Wayne and I have been getting to know our new church. We have been seeking what's called "Convalidation," which is bringing your secular marriage into the church, as a sacramental way of receiving God's blessing and grace within the structure of your couple. We want to do this because we had a very quick, spur of the moment, and non-religious wedding, and we want the opportunity to bring God into our marriage in the way HE set it up in the first place... and the blessing of our spiritual authority.
In doing so, we have had to undergo some pretty intensive church counseling. Well, not so much counseling as pushing in the direction of communication. For instance, on Tuesday we filled out what's called a FOCUS questionnaire. We had to separately answer a ton of questions about every aspect of our marriage, which was a WONDERFUL exercise for us because it showed us how much we've overcome (differing socio-economic background, cultural background, relational background, language barriers, differing goals, ideals, values, sexual backgrounds, religious upbringing, etc.)
It also showed us the areas we need to work harder at, and how much God is molding us together as One Flesh already! It was very, very cool and I recommend it to anyone. The Catholic CHurch is great about marriage because it forces people to undergo a six month preparation period to equip them to adequately relate to one another in Christ. AWESOME. I wonder if the percentage of PRACTICING Catholic weddings that stay together is higher than the percentage of PRACTICING protestant weddings?
Anyways, it was good stuff.
Wayne is also beginning the first stages of RCIA, which is the inquiry phase of joining the Catholic Church. He will be going to his first meeting on Thursday night and he is very excited about it. He has MANY doctrinal issues he wants to address, revolving mostly around the Real Presence in the Eucharist and the idea of Purgatory...and the pope. Thanks to Medjugorje, he has TOTALLY made his peace with Mary's role and with the communion of the Saints. Obviously he has also made his peace with infant baptism :P
So, I've been praying that he would come into contact with some knowledgeable Catholics who would really stir up his spirit and not just stagnant old farts for lack of a better term who just go "through the motions." I've been praying that the people we encounter in this parish are really vibrant in their faith! God answered my prayers first through a myspace encounter with a woman who is fascinating in her rich understanding of the deposit of faith, DVora/deb.
And last night, we went to church to eat a 'new members dinner' and get to know our parish. What an incredible night!
We dropped the kids off in the simple, adorable nursery and then went into the social hall, where the lay ministers had set up little boards with the whos and whys of each ministry within the structure of the Parish. There were all sorts of cool things-- scouts, a school, ministry to the homebound, sick, dying, bereaved, young couples, Natural Family Planning, Abstinance awareness, Life issues, feeding the poor, the hungry, etc. Basic elements of a church that works for peace and justice IN THE WORLD, not just "for later." Which I really appreciate-- I think alot of evangelicals have a tendency to say; well, I didn't give him any money, but I gave him a card that tells him about Jesus, so hopefully that made a difference. I think we should give him our SHOES and the card, you know? Anyways, I rejoiced when I saw that this church had a Legion of Mary (which is an organization that empowers lay ministers to go out in pairs and "wash the feet" of the saints by doing the hard and dirty work--service and prayer--- because Mary has promised to guide them to Jesus by imploring them to pray and love God and love others.It's like, Mary's Army. These are the people who C Peter Wagner's intercession team pray against directly-- they are an army of warriors doing battle WITH the Queen of Heaven. It's all very interesting to me.) I was psyched. Since Medjugorje, I've wanted to get involved with the group. The Legion of Mary reps there gave Wayne a miraculous medal, which he wore immediately (I was surprised!) and they promised to come to our house to pray a rosary with us.... wonderful. I've been praying the rosary every day at 5 pm in the winter, 6 pm in the summer, Medjugorje time, along with the church there, in preparation for the apparitions. They also had a table representing the Immaculate Conception Soldality, an organization of Catholic women who promote the Christian faith by (and I quote) "doing whatever Mary tells them to do." I remember a day when this would have made me SHUDDER, and when Wayne and I would have left in a huff.
But instead, we looked at the statue of the Blessed Mother sitting at this display and my eyes filled with tears of gratefulness because she has brought me where she promised she would-- into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with her Son, Jesus, who's grace for us is just astounding.
"Doing what Mary tells them to do," as they outlined on their brochure, involved: worshipping Jesus, going to church and receiving communion, praying daily, reading the scriptures, serving others, and sharing the gospel. Oh nooooez!! The scary Mary people!! :P
To top it off, those women were the ones who cooked us the fabulous dinner. It was very nice.
Anyways, we learned all about the different things involved, and what we liked about it was that it was very much a prayer service... we sang and worshipped the Lord, we prayed (a lot!) and we were lectured to about how the church is made of living stones and that we needed to be a PART of the community for it to work. We also had to get up in front of everyone and introduce ourselves, which took forever but was very good for all of us. And at the end, we received a very Jewish blessing. It was cool, and very different from what we had expected. The only other place we had a "new members evening" was at Manna, where we were catered a DELICIOUS meal by a hot restaurant in town and then the pastors, one by one, introduced themselves on stage. We appreciated so much that this was a prayer service more than just a meet and greet-- and that it asked us IMMEDIATELY to step up to the challenge of WALKING our talk rather than just being spectators who are wined and dined. And I admit, I really liked that it wasn't catered by a fancy restaurant. I liked that I was given a humble meal so that this church could use the funds it would have spent on catering in a different way... to help someone more unfortunate than me.
The other hilarious moment came at the beginning when we were getting drinks. Wayne goes to the table and says: "Oh my gosh. They are serving BEER!!! Is that for us????" He couldn't believe they would serve alcohol at a church event! I laughed, telling him that most Catholics I knew came from Irish, Italian, or Hispanic backgrounds and didn't think of Alcohol in the same way his southern baptist mentors always had. He was pleased and had a Heineken and poured me a glass of Cab, and even pulled out my chair for me!! He has been such a gentleman lately!
Anyways, then came the icing on the cake. We have an appt on Saturday after Confession to speak with Father Tony, the priest who baptized our kids. Wayne has lots of meaty theological stuff he wants to go over. I didn't know him and wasn't sure if he was going to be "Adequate" for Wayne's apologetics-infused mindset.... but I was surprised when he came up to us and sat down. "So are we going to hang out on Saturday?" he said as he stuck out his hand. Wayne and he started to chat and before I knew it I had tears in my eyes. It was totally the Lord.... this man is COMPLETELY in love with SCRIPTURE. He is a master at Catholic apologetics, but at the same time he feels strongly that we are ALL one body and that we need to treat non Catholic christians as brothers in the faith. He feels strongly enough about the sacraments (obviously or he wouldn't be a priest) to be FIRM in his "we need them" stance, but not in a divisive kind of a way. He knew his Bible like the back of his hand, and had an obvious, deep, and lasting passion for the Word of God. He recommended some incredible reading for Wayne to start with, especially a CS Lewis book in which his first sentence reveals that he believes STRONGLY in purgatory! (how did I miss that??) and he really couldn't wait to get to the meat of the conversation. We talked animatedly for so long that we almost missed dinner... and he went out of his way to make a separate appt with me for confession on Saturday to walk me THROUGH the sacrament, which is so helpful to me! He also gave us his personal cell number and told us that we could use it ANY time we needed, day or night, no matter how small the issue, because he really wanted to be available to us! Lastly, he told us how amazed he was that our first time at St Patrick's was the day our kids were baptized. "In a way, I"m relieved," he said, " You looked so happy and I was really feeling terrible because I had no idea who you were. I wanted to know you first!" It was a very welcome change to feel like when we contact our pastors for help with a theological question or what not, we are not bothering a busy business man! I can't tell you how refreshing it was! We left with a renewed sense of awe at God's goodness.
Upon returning home, I had an email in my inbox from Pastor Fletcher, answering my request to explain how he felt about the events at Medjugorje. It was very brief. It said: Barbie, I agree with C Peter Wagner on this one. I am not as passionate about it as he is, but I definitely think he is on track. (meaning that the apparitions of Mary are demonic attemtps to steer people away from Jesus Christ, that the Queen of Heaven is THE most powerful principality, that WW1 memorials are her shrines and that the Sons of Europe were sacrifices to her, etc. etc.)
Upon reading it, Wayne goes: "Well, that settles it." I giggled. We should be able to hash these things out with our pastors. They should take the time to thoroughly explain them to us. Michael is the busy head of a mega church, and can't do that for us, but I would expect to have received an email from our district pastor saying: Michael forwarded me your email and asked me to explain why we think it's dangerous to believe in Medjugorje," or what not. Instead, we had a letter in the mail from our district pastor saying: "Hi! I'm your district pastor. It's very important to me to know how you are doing spritually. Are you involved in a cell group here? Is there anything I can do for you?" As if we didn't consider him a friend and he had no idea who we were. It was so refreshing to know that tonight, God had placed us in the hands of someone whose entire heart was to help us, with no distractions, get the most out of our relationship with God. Someone who wanted "to be available to us at any time! Even if it's two a.m and you are just having an argument."
In the same pile of mail was a present from a "Friend of Medjugorje" addressed to me: in it were two rosaries with medals that had been present at a 2007 apparition during which Mary had blessed all the people and religious articles present. I can't believe what a blessing it is to own a rosary that was blessed by the Mother of Our Lord. It was the perfect end to the perfect night.
OK, to recap (and forgive me if I don't have the patience to make it fascinating again :P)
Wayne and I have been getting to know our new church. We have been seeking what's called "Convalidation," which is bringing your secular marriage into the church, as a sacramental way of receiving God's blessing and grace within the structure of your couple. We want to do this because we had a very quick, spur of the moment, and non-religious wedding, and we want the opportunity to bring God into our marriage in the way HE set it up in the first place... and the blessing of our spiritual authority.
In doing so, we have had to undergo some pretty intensive church counseling. Well, not so much counseling as pushing in the direction of communication. For instance, on Tuesday we filled out what's called a FOCUS questionnaire. We had to separately answer a ton of questions about every aspect of our marriage, which was a WONDERFUL exercise for us because it showed us how much we've overcome (differing socio-economic background, cultural background, relational background, language barriers, differing goals, ideals, values, sexual backgrounds, religious upbringing, etc.)
It also showed us the areas we need to work harder at, and how much God is molding us together as One Flesh already! It was very, very cool and I recommend it to anyone. The Catholic CHurch is great about marriage because it forces people to undergo a six month preparation period to equip them to adequately relate to one another in Christ. AWESOME. I wonder if the percentage of PRACTICING Catholic weddings that stay together is higher than the percentage of PRACTICING protestant weddings?
Anyways, it was good stuff.
Wayne is also beginning the first stages of RCIA, which is the inquiry phase of joining the Catholic Church. He will be going to his first meeting on Thursday night and he is very excited about it. He has MANY doctrinal issues he wants to address, revolving mostly around the Real Presence in the Eucharist and the idea of Purgatory...and the pope. Thanks to Medjugorje, he has TOTALLY made his peace with Mary's role and with the communion of the Saints. Obviously he has also made his peace with infant baptism :P
So, I've been praying that he would come into contact with some knowledgeable Catholics who would really stir up his spirit and not just stagnant old farts for lack of a better term who just go "through the motions." I've been praying that the people we encounter in this parish are really vibrant in their faith! God answered my prayers first through a myspace encounter with a woman who is fascinating in her rich understanding of the deposit of faith, DVora/deb.
And last night, we went to church to eat a 'new members dinner' and get to know our parish. What an incredible night!
We dropped the kids off in the simple, adorable nursery and then went into the social hall, where the lay ministers had set up little boards with the whos and whys of each ministry within the structure of the Parish. There were all sorts of cool things-- scouts, a school, ministry to the homebound, sick, dying, bereaved, young couples, Natural Family Planning, Abstinance awareness, Life issues, feeding the poor, the hungry, etc. Basic elements of a church that works for peace and justice IN THE WORLD, not just "for later." Which I really appreciate-- I think alot of evangelicals have a tendency to say; well, I didn't give him any money, but I gave him a card that tells him about Jesus, so hopefully that made a difference. I think we should give him our SHOES and the card, you know? Anyways, I rejoiced when I saw that this church had a Legion of Mary (which is an organization that empowers lay ministers to go out in pairs and "wash the feet" of the saints by doing the hard and dirty work--service and prayer--- because Mary has promised to guide them to Jesus by imploring them to pray and love God and love others.It's like, Mary's Army. These are the people who C Peter Wagner's intercession team pray against directly-- they are an army of warriors doing battle WITH the Queen of Heaven. It's all very interesting to me.) I was psyched. Since Medjugorje, I've wanted to get involved with the group. The Legion of Mary reps there gave Wayne a miraculous medal, which he wore immediately (I was surprised!) and they promised to come to our house to pray a rosary with us.... wonderful. I've been praying the rosary every day at 5 pm in the winter, 6 pm in the summer, Medjugorje time, along with the church there, in preparation for the apparitions. They also had a table representing the Immaculate Conception Soldality, an organization of Catholic women who promote the Christian faith by (and I quote) "doing whatever Mary tells them to do." I remember a day when this would have made me SHUDDER, and when Wayne and I would have left in a huff.
But instead, we looked at the statue of the Blessed Mother sitting at this display and my eyes filled with tears of gratefulness because she has brought me where she promised she would-- into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with her Son, Jesus, who's grace for us is just astounding.
"Doing what Mary tells them to do," as they outlined on their brochure, involved: worshipping Jesus, going to church and receiving communion, praying daily, reading the scriptures, serving others, and sharing the gospel. Oh nooooez!! The scary Mary people!! :P
To top it off, those women were the ones who cooked us the fabulous dinner. It was very nice.
Anyways, we learned all about the different things involved, and what we liked about it was that it was very much a prayer service... we sang and worshipped the Lord, we prayed (a lot!) and we were lectured to about how the church is made of living stones and that we needed to be a PART of the community for it to work. We also had to get up in front of everyone and introduce ourselves, which took forever but was very good for all of us. And at the end, we received a very Jewish blessing. It was cool, and very different from what we had expected. The only other place we had a "new members evening" was at Manna, where we were catered a DELICIOUS meal by a hot restaurant in town and then the pastors, one by one, introduced themselves on stage. We appreciated so much that this was a prayer service more than just a meet and greet-- and that it asked us IMMEDIATELY to step up to the challenge of WALKING our talk rather than just being spectators who are wined and dined. And I admit, I really liked that it wasn't catered by a fancy restaurant. I liked that I was given a humble meal so that this church could use the funds it would have spent on catering in a different way... to help someone more unfortunate than me.
The other hilarious moment came at the beginning when we were getting drinks. Wayne goes to the table and says: "Oh my gosh. They are serving BEER!!! Is that for us????" He couldn't believe they would serve alcohol at a church event! I laughed, telling him that most Catholics I knew came from Irish, Italian, or Hispanic backgrounds and didn't think of Alcohol in the same way his southern baptist mentors always had. He was pleased and had a Heineken and poured me a glass of Cab, and even pulled out my chair for me!! He has been such a gentleman lately!
Anyways, then came the icing on the cake. We have an appt on Saturday after Confession to speak with Father Tony, the priest who baptized our kids. Wayne has lots of meaty theological stuff he wants to go over. I didn't know him and wasn't sure if he was going to be "Adequate" for Wayne's apologetics-infused mindset.... but I was surprised when he came up to us and sat down. "So are we going to hang out on Saturday?" he said as he stuck out his hand. Wayne and he started to chat and before I knew it I had tears in my eyes. It was totally the Lord.... this man is COMPLETELY in love with SCRIPTURE. He is a master at Catholic apologetics, but at the same time he feels strongly that we are ALL one body and that we need to treat non Catholic christians as brothers in the faith. He feels strongly enough about the sacraments (obviously or he wouldn't be a priest) to be FIRM in his "we need them" stance, but not in a divisive kind of a way. He knew his Bible like the back of his hand, and had an obvious, deep, and lasting passion for the Word of God. He recommended some incredible reading for Wayne to start with, especially a CS Lewis book in which his first sentence reveals that he believes STRONGLY in purgatory! (how did I miss that??) and he really couldn't wait to get to the meat of the conversation. We talked animatedly for so long that we almost missed dinner... and he went out of his way to make a separate appt with me for confession on Saturday to walk me THROUGH the sacrament, which is so helpful to me! He also gave us his personal cell number and told us that we could use it ANY time we needed, day or night, no matter how small the issue, because he really wanted to be available to us! Lastly, he told us how amazed he was that our first time at St Patrick's was the day our kids were baptized. "In a way, I"m relieved," he said, " You looked so happy and I was really feeling terrible because I had no idea who you were. I wanted to know you first!" It was a very welcome change to feel like when we contact our pastors for help with a theological question or what not, we are not bothering a busy business man! I can't tell you how refreshing it was! We left with a renewed sense of awe at God's goodness.
Upon returning home, I had an email in my inbox from Pastor Fletcher, answering my request to explain how he felt about the events at Medjugorje. It was very brief. It said: Barbie, I agree with C Peter Wagner on this one. I am not as passionate about it as he is, but I definitely think he is on track. (meaning that the apparitions of Mary are demonic attemtps to steer people away from Jesus Christ, that the Queen of Heaven is THE most powerful principality, that WW1 memorials are her shrines and that the Sons of Europe were sacrifices to her, etc. etc.)
Upon reading it, Wayne goes: "Well, that settles it." I giggled. We should be able to hash these things out with our pastors. They should take the time to thoroughly explain them to us. Michael is the busy head of a mega church, and can't do that for us, but I would expect to have received an email from our district pastor saying: Michael forwarded me your email and asked me to explain why we think it's dangerous to believe in Medjugorje," or what not. Instead, we had a letter in the mail from our district pastor saying: "Hi! I'm your district pastor. It's very important to me to know how you are doing spritually. Are you involved in a cell group here? Is there anything I can do for you?" As if we didn't consider him a friend and he had no idea who we were. It was so refreshing to know that tonight, God had placed us in the hands of someone whose entire heart was to help us, with no distractions, get the most out of our relationship with God. Someone who wanted "to be available to us at any time! Even if it's two a.m and you are just having an argument."
In the same pile of mail was a present from a "Friend of Medjugorje" addressed to me: in it were two rosaries with medals that had been present at a 2007 apparition during which Mary had blessed all the people and religious articles present. I can't believe what a blessing it is to own a rosary that was blessed by the Mother of Our Lord. It was the perfect end to the perfect night.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Relieved by the Simplicity of the Gospel
I feel as if a giant weight had lifted itself from my shoulders.
Wayne and I went to Catholic Mass together today. I was longing all week to receive Christ in the Eucharist -- to the point of tears-- which surprised him and prompted a big "Real Presence" talk. Our Lady's message at Medjugorje this month prompted me to pray for conversion of my heart. (to put you at ease, not conversion in the sense of "becoming another religion," but conversion in the sense of turning my heart over to Jesus more and more.)
This week has been so intense! First my parents were visiting, my dad for the first time, and we tried to squeeze as much out of every minute as we could. Then, we baptized the kids. We are preparing to be married in the church. We celebrated our DD's second birthday (oh my gosh! She's getting so big!!) and I (through a whole long story I'll blog about another time) had to wean Ishod. (ugh.) Our marriage took a serious turn for the better as we have begun to come together more and more since pregnancy and thrush are behind me (yay!) and it is drawing us closer in the heart. Wayne has been as much changed by the events at Medjugorje as I have in that we are drawing closer to Jesus and becoming more and more in awe of His diving Mercy towards us...and praying for the conversion of all souls. After yesterday's conversation about the real presence in the Eucharist, he surprised the heck out of me by expressing interest in becoming a Catholic. I could hardly believe my ears and immediately thanked the Lord.
Meanwhile, we have been slowly but surely explaining to people what God has been doing in our hearts and it has been very touchy. Some of my friends have just listened, incredulously, and held their tongues. Others have expressed concern. The day I wrote my baptism blog about the kids, only one dear friend wrote to express her congratulations. But I did receive six emails from people telling me that my children were in danger of damnation. My dear friend and Annika's godmother said she could understand and support us in baptizing the children but that she feared we were becoming religious and thus were "out of faith." She cautioned me against that dreaded rulebook, which was interesting, because it's only in my deepening understanding of my catholic roots that I have seen my faith take a leap like never before. Why? Because in Catholic practice, we have the choice to do things by habit, rote memorization, and what not--- or to allow God to infuse us with faith for every minuscule detail of our lives and traditions, and it blows me away.
I thought about it throughout the entire Mass today as I coached Wayne through the standings and sittings and kneelings and crossings... Amazed, I realized first off that I KNEW many of the "why"s, but secondly that I was being brought to life by them too. During the recitation of the Nicene Creed today, the woman next to me bowed when we got to the part that says "born of the virgin Mary...." in special devotion to Mary. I immediately picked up on it, grateful that God is forever teaching me new ways to deepen and understand my faith in His Son. Nothing about the Mass is stale, as I had initially been trained to believe. It is as amazing as we make it when we respond to God in it.
The Homily (that's "Sermon" to you non Catholics) was marvelous...I can't even begin to describe what it was about since it encompassed so many things revolving around Divine Mercy, but the best part was when he touched on the human desire to TAKE instead of receiving. we do it all the time. It was so profound to me-- stop taking what God wants to give you and receive it. Beautiful.
There were only two of us there with Chapel Veils, so I am once again advertising the Chapel Veil Campaign. Wear it with pride, ladies.
There is so much more I want to touch on, but I'll end with this--- receiving Jesus was the highlight of my day. I have never understood the relevance of a sacrament until very recently, and I'm now beyond convinced that opening my heart to Him through this particular sacrament has been fundamental in the deepening of my love for Him and my desire to do His will. God is so good.
Wayne and I went to Catholic Mass together today. I was longing all week to receive Christ in the Eucharist -- to the point of tears-- which surprised him and prompted a big "Real Presence" talk. Our Lady's message at Medjugorje this month prompted me to pray for conversion of my heart. (to put you at ease, not conversion in the sense of "becoming another religion," but conversion in the sense of turning my heart over to Jesus more and more.)
This week has been so intense! First my parents were visiting, my dad for the first time, and we tried to squeeze as much out of every minute as we could. Then, we baptized the kids. We are preparing to be married in the church. We celebrated our DD's second birthday (oh my gosh! She's getting so big!!) and I (through a whole long story I'll blog about another time) had to wean Ishod. (ugh.) Our marriage took a serious turn for the better as we have begun to come together more and more since pregnancy and thrush are behind me (yay!) and it is drawing us closer in the heart. Wayne has been as much changed by the events at Medjugorje as I have in that we are drawing closer to Jesus and becoming more and more in awe of His diving Mercy towards us...and praying for the conversion of all souls. After yesterday's conversation about the real presence in the Eucharist, he surprised the heck out of me by expressing interest in becoming a Catholic. I could hardly believe my ears and immediately thanked the Lord.
Meanwhile, we have been slowly but surely explaining to people what God has been doing in our hearts and it has been very touchy. Some of my friends have just listened, incredulously, and held their tongues. Others have expressed concern. The day I wrote my baptism blog about the kids, only one dear friend wrote to express her congratulations. But I did receive six emails from people telling me that my children were in danger of damnation. My dear friend and Annika's godmother said she could understand and support us in baptizing the children but that she feared we were becoming religious and thus were "out of faith." She cautioned me against that dreaded rulebook, which was interesting, because it's only in my deepening understanding of my catholic roots that I have seen my faith take a leap like never before. Why? Because in Catholic practice, we have the choice to do things by habit, rote memorization, and what not--- or to allow God to infuse us with faith for every minuscule detail of our lives and traditions, and it blows me away.
I thought about it throughout the entire Mass today as I coached Wayne through the standings and sittings and kneelings and crossings... Amazed, I realized first off that I KNEW many of the "why"s, but secondly that I was being brought to life by them too. During the recitation of the Nicene Creed today, the woman next to me bowed when we got to the part that says "born of the virgin Mary...." in special devotion to Mary. I immediately picked up on it, grateful that God is forever teaching me new ways to deepen and understand my faith in His Son. Nothing about the Mass is stale, as I had initially been trained to believe. It is as amazing as we make it when we respond to God in it.
The Homily (that's "Sermon" to you non Catholics) was marvelous...I can't even begin to describe what it was about since it encompassed so many things revolving around Divine Mercy, but the best part was when he touched on the human desire to TAKE instead of receiving. we do it all the time. It was so profound to me-- stop taking what God wants to give you and receive it. Beautiful.
There were only two of us there with Chapel Veils, so I am once again advertising the Chapel Veil Campaign. Wear it with pride, ladies.
There is so much more I want to touch on, but I'll end with this--- receiving Jesus was the highlight of my day. I have never understood the relevance of a sacrament until very recently, and I'm now beyond convinced that opening my heart to Him through this particular sacrament has been fundamental in the deepening of my love for Him and my desire to do His will. God is so good.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
To live the messages--- with pics!
NOTE: I dont have time right now to edit the pic sizes and make them fit. If you want to see the blog WITH pics, please go to my myspace blogsite and read it here:
www.myspace.com/shekinnah and search for March 25, 2008's blog by the same title.
Blessed Resurrection Season to everyone!!! With lent behind us, I feel more free to disclose all of the changes that have been going on in our lives and I am confident through "2 or 3 witnesses" that the direction we see God moving in is truly HIM!
I spent most of the lenten season fasting from books other than the Bible so that I could hear from God with regards to my frustration with the church. It wasn't so much that I DISLIKE our church-- I love it. I loved our church in California. I still do! It's that I disagreed with the way some things were done, I disagreed with a few major biblical precepts, and most of all, I felt like I couldn't fit in. Same goes for Wayne times two million.
We don't "fake it" well and we dont adapt to emotional butt patting well. We dont like catering to people's sinful emotions and we don't want ours pandered to either. We dont need all the mushy stuff that comes with church,(worship songs centered on what God does for us instead of who He is, emotional hand holding during sermons, self help sermons, etc) and we dont think its good for others to experience it either.
Yes, God connects with us relationally, but we believe it is to bring us to a place of repentance, not a place of self righteousness or self gratification.
We think God is INFINITELY greater than the box most people put Him in. We dont think He will smite those who seek Him with a genuine heart in a way He may not be into.
I have rarely felt that I "fit in," in church since getting saved. First, my life experience has been so.. different... that most Christians look at me like I'm a hopeless case. I am ALWAYS learning things that to them are obvious. Secondly, because often the fellowship seems contrived. I once prayed for God to send me some REAL Christian friends, with whom I could be open and honest, and He obliged by sending me two of my dearest girlfriends. But those girls are far now and in the last four years or so, I have made other friends. And in those friendships, I have often felt like I have to try "too hard"--- make excuses for my husband, myself etc. People , lets face it, are judgemental and have a tendency to put a stick in your wheel spokes if they see you aspire to something you maybe aren't ready for. I'm not in any way saying I don't have meaningful Christian relationships-- we have many! But I know that in those relationships there is much to be desired, and that usually that comes because of a frustration on my end and Wayne's end that we can't be OURSELVES---- struggling sinners and all.
I've blogged about it often-- we get a houseguest we can't wait to see, and then they get really wierded out because of a movie we own or a book we like to read or an activity we do regularly. They are always different because no two Christians can agree on what's "OK" and what isn't, right? And we're just as guilty-- although we stopped that a long time ago. We get so easily frustrated with the disunity within the Body of Believers, but we are at a loss as far as what to do-- exept to show them that God is real, that we love Him, and that He wont smite us if we playfully tell each other we'll kill each other or that our daughter is "chunky," or if we watch a movie which may cause another to stumble, etc.
It all goes back to that blessed freedom from the law which we encounter time and again: we go to nondenominational churches because we tire easily of baptists telling us we can't have a glass of wine or pentacostals telling us we can't dance. But then we encounter people who tells us we can't be in ministry if we don't get a degree, or people who tell us if we say "I am scared to death of cockroaches," that God will send us a certain death by a cockroach. I mean, come on. All good principles, but we can take them to creepy-creepy land rather quickly. I am all for fundamentally believing the Bible, but I am so very tired of people forgetting how to LIVE and love each other because they are so inwardly focused on their own relationship with God that they can't imagine that God might do something DIFFERENT with someone else.
Anyways, that rant being over (sorry) we had some serious soul searching to do. Wayne has all but exhausted his pastoral options because we cannot afford seminary and God has not made a way. the prophetic word about Wayne being a pastor, we have concluded, was either not from God or not about a church. Perhaps it was meant that he would pastor our family. We don't feel comfortable with some of the happenings at our church and we are finding more and more that we theologically disagree with a TON of precepts wich people consider "Bible truth," left and right.
One example for me is about the Real Presence of Christ in communion. As the year has gone on I have been made aware that I REALLY believe that Jesus is IN the eucharist. This has made me going to any church but a Catholic one absolutely meaningless for me--- I literally ache to take communion and I long for it so much that I don't see how I'm going to get through the week if I don't get it. And so far, since discovering this, I have only been able to receive the Eucharist twice! I don't drive, so I can't just "go" to mass. If Wayne doesn't feel like taking me, watching the kids, etc, I am just stuck there. And all week long I am preparing my heart to receive Jesus, so it's a huge let down when I dont get to!! I can't describe the longing I experience. I truly am beginning to understand what my CCD teachers taught me when I was a kid-- that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is spiritual sustenance. For me, that reason alone is enough to leave it all behind. I feel like Joan of Arc in the messenger sometimes.... being told she can't take communion yet and shouting: "I want to be at one with Him NOW!"
But nevertheless, I had to explore the other tenets of the Catholic faith that a protestant person is just completely freaked out about--- Saints. Mary. Confession to a Priest. Purgatory. Infant baptism. If any of these were not OK, then I shouldn't be receiving communion, you know?
Mary spoke to me through Medjugorje and I cannot but be a "friend of Medjugorje" myself now. Through her intercession and her apparitions, she has not only drawn me closer to her Son than I can remember being, but she has also shown me that God is infinitely greater than I had imagined, infinitely more loving and personal with us. Along with an understanding of Mary and a reconciliation with her came an understanding of the Saints, which developped an understanding about Purgatory, which led me to infant baptism. ... which led me to Resurrection Sunday--- an amazing Easter in which my heart was made whole!
Wayne and I baptized my children on Easter. We have been debating about it for several months now. The children's godparents felt that though it wasn't "wrong," it wouldn't spiritually "do anything" for them. Me? I'd been going to Catholic church as often as possible for a while whenever Wayne didn't feel like going to our usual church, often alone, and I was sure that I wanted to raise them up in this type of environment. I also wanted to do it as an act of reconciliation towards the Catholic Christians in my family I had wronged. On the other hand, I wanted to be in complete submission to God and my husband-- so if infant baptism turned out to be unbiblical in any way, I wasn't going to do it. We explored it and decided we would do it IF God made the way, which was going to be VERY hard. We had one week before my parents came out to visit and weren't members of a Parish for six months previous. The children's godparents were not Catholic and thus didn't have any paperwork. Then, at the last minute, everything came together... we found out they had an opening on the one Sunday my parents would be here, that we could have two sets of Godparents if one was Catholic, that the Catholic godparent's paperwork trail had come through (we almost called the Pope at one point we were so frustrated with it! :P) and that both the kids could be dunked on the same day. The same day they told us, Friday, we read over the ceremony to make sure that we agreed with everything. Wayne didn't at first-- he felt there was a difference between a Christening and a Baptism. He almost said no, but then changed his mind as we did more research.
Long story short--- initally, infant baptisms WERE practiced. These babies were baptised as a sacrament which represents an act of GOD-- not the baby--- which initiates them into the faith. It is then the baby's job, as s/he gets older, to respond to their baptism through the reception of the other sacraments. Baptism, also, removes the stain of ORIGINAL sin.. after which our sin is our own responsiblity. All of this, we agreed with. Later on in the history of the church, baptists decided that baptism was about a personal decision for Christ-- although that isn't necessarily biblical. So instead of being something GOD does, baptism became something WE do. Pentacostals, nondenoms, etc, followed suite.
It was a stretch for Wayne but he prayerfully wrapped his head around it and in the end, thought it was a good idea. After all, God came to save ALL men, right? So if we baptise all men, we are acting in accordance with God's word. People who respond to that baptism by obedience to God's word are sealed in the book of life.
Ultimately, even if you disagree, you cannot believe that it would HARM these kids spiritually. For us, it ended up not only being only "ok," but "wonderful!" We rejoiced over them as they were initiated into the body of believers and named for Christ.... receiving a new nature. We are looking forward to helping them respond to their call to God. And Wayne was a really good sport about all the beautiful traditions he didn't know a thing about! What a first mass---- having such an active role! :)
And me? I was able to receive the Eucharist-- what a blessing! I wish so much that I could go every day.
Anyways, here are the pictures of our amazing, miraculous day. We don't have many because we had a camera glitch, but I was able to salvage a few-- although they aren't great.
Here's my brother and his wife, holding Ishod, preparing to help us raise up our children as disciples of Christ. The kids' other set of Godparents and my dearest friends, Liza and Chad, were not present in body but we lifted them up in prayer during the ceremony and are excited about their own roles in our children's upbringing.
Here is Wayne and Annika. Wayne has the "what are these wierd Catholics going to do to my poor kids?" Look on his face :P
This is the Altar at the Church. In Catholic churches the lectionary is off to the side and the central focus is the altar, on which the Lord's Supper is prepared.
Here is the baptismal font, watched over by Mary and Joseph. The illuminated oil under them is the oil with which the children were annointed as they were welcomed into the faith. the priest (and we) traced a sign of the cross on their foreheads with it. He also annointed their eyes (to see the word) ears (to hear the word) mouths (to speak the word) and hearts (to live the word and accept it into their hearts!)
Here we all are getting ready to dunk them :)
Opening presents:
and having some awesome family time:
What a glorious day! We ended on a feast of lamb and eggplant and I felt right back at home in my own house :P
Please pray with us for our children as they learn, day by day, to walk with Christ.
To live the messages at medjugorje is to love the Lord and to love others with all our hearts-- to pray, to fast, to live for God. Pray that we would live the messagesin our family for the world to see!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The City of Brotherly Love
Just got back from an amazing trip to philadelphia.
Wayne's sister lives in King of Prussia, a little community in the Philly suburbs. He totally loves it there and has often maintained it's the only "city" he would ever live in... so I was very, very curious to see what it was like.
We drove up on Friday morning, expecting an eight hour trip through several states. Unfortunately, it was DUMPING rain. The kids were really cranky because there was nothing to do or even look at, we could barely see anything, and traffic was inching along. We made it to Washington DC around 14:00, and thought we were making good time, but didn't count on insane DC traffic keeping us at such a slow pace that it took us SEVEN MORE HOURS to get to Philly from there. Wow.
Poor kids--- we all needed to pee, they needed changes, we were starving and tired. We had cookies for dinner because we couldn't find a place to stop. Awful.
We did, however, get to see some really amazing sights, including the capitol building and my very first IRL LDS temple. Which was huge and amazing.
I started getting stoked about 1/3 of the way into Baltimore when I started bonding with the road signs: we went from alternating "Waffle King, JESUS IS LORD (Closed on Sundays)" with "24 hour topless ROADSIDE CAFE" to "OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PEACE, PRAY FOR US!" and "IT'S FRiDAY-- HAVE You ABSTAINED TODAY?" Awesome.
Anyways, we got there at about nine PM. I was immediately taken by the scenery--- it looks SO euro in certain parts!!! Many of the houses had tons of character, there were rolling hills and forests and deer---steps that led no where, remnants of old buildings. Really neat. She lives by a little stream and they have such a cute home.
She's the one sister who really "made it" in life (Wayne's sisters and brothers had a really difficult upbringing, making it a challenge for them that few people could comprehend.) He looks up to her because she has a wonderful family, own her own house, two cars, has college she paid for herself, a great job, etc, etc. For him: she's made it. I love her because we are like two peas in a pod. I always wanted a sister growing up and she and I have so much in common it's ridiculous. She's a very special girl and has such a wonderful family! She's ambitious and fun, culturally literate and interesting, and always has a positive thing to say.
Her husband was doing his National guard weekend so we didn't get the chance to enjoy much of his company, but she does have two kids, one is eleven and the other is nearly two----perfect for Annika to have a total blast.
There was a lot to do in just two short days, so we took advantage of every opportunity. I became TOTALLY smitten with the area--- the Burrough of Bridgeport in particular. Little townhouses lined the street where they were preparing a block party.
Men in utility trucks were driving home after work and getting accosted by gleeful, numerous children as they walked in the door. Moms sat on the porch rocking babies and preparing snacks for the neighborhood kids. St. Patrick's day decorations were up. A couple guys got out of a truck in kilts! The fire department is a mostly volunteer force...cementing the strong sense of community. Block parties abound. The schools are amazing. There is a BEAUTIFUL Catholic church on ever corner. People have grottos in their front yards, with Mary extending her hands to passersby. It looked like heaven to me--- very near to what we saw on Ft. Bragg the other day.
It's a totally blue collar community, of course, but it's a good dream. And more importantly, it's an achievable dream. I knew immediately what Wayne liked so much about the area. Wow.
We had a lot of fun. Philly is beautiful, full of a rich historical heritage and culturally fascinating. I couldn't quite get used to the ----I'm sorry, but this is personal opinion---- hideous accent people have up north, but it definitely provided entertainment. (I kept thinking about Carri on King of queens going: "I mean, do I Towalk so frigging bowad?) My nephew Alex said: "Aunt Barbie, why do you say "totally," all the time?" Hahah.
Anyways.... I have a feeling things are on the up and up. I've discovered a Secret that really changed the way I looked at my circumstances. I don't feel powerless anymore and I don't feel that God is allowing us to go into "Job mode." I feel that God is watching us and waiting for us to pick up the reigns and DO what He's given us to do.
My MIL has given me a van so I can tote the kids around and is footing my car insurance bill, so I'm going to go take my driving test for the first time two fridays from now!
Wayne and I both have a renewed heart for our marriage and our family. We don't feel that things are out of reach anymore. We feel energized and ready to face the world.
God is so good. :)
Wayne's sister lives in King of Prussia, a little community in the Philly suburbs. He totally loves it there and has often maintained it's the only "city" he would ever live in... so I was very, very curious to see what it was like.
We drove up on Friday morning, expecting an eight hour trip through several states. Unfortunately, it was DUMPING rain. The kids were really cranky because there was nothing to do or even look at, we could barely see anything, and traffic was inching along. We made it to Washington DC around 14:00, and thought we were making good time, but didn't count on insane DC traffic keeping us at such a slow pace that it took us SEVEN MORE HOURS to get to Philly from there. Wow.
Poor kids--- we all needed to pee, they needed changes, we were starving and tired. We had cookies for dinner because we couldn't find a place to stop. Awful.
We did, however, get to see some really amazing sights, including the capitol building and my very first IRL LDS temple. Which was huge and amazing.
I started getting stoked about 1/3 of the way into Baltimore when I started bonding with the road signs: we went from alternating "Waffle King, JESUS IS LORD (Closed on Sundays)" with "24 hour topless ROADSIDE CAFE" to "OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PEACE, PRAY FOR US!" and "IT'S FRiDAY-- HAVE You ABSTAINED TODAY?" Awesome.
Anyways, we got there at about nine PM. I was immediately taken by the scenery--- it looks SO euro in certain parts!!! Many of the houses had tons of character, there were rolling hills and forests and deer---steps that led no where, remnants of old buildings. Really neat. She lives by a little stream and they have such a cute home.
She's the one sister who really "made it" in life (Wayne's sisters and brothers had a really difficult upbringing, making it a challenge for them that few people could comprehend.) He looks up to her because she has a wonderful family, own her own house, two cars, has college she paid for herself, a great job, etc, etc. For him: she's made it. I love her because we are like two peas in a pod. I always wanted a sister growing up and she and I have so much in common it's ridiculous. She's a very special girl and has such a wonderful family! She's ambitious and fun, culturally literate and interesting, and always has a positive thing to say.
Her husband was doing his National guard weekend so we didn't get the chance to enjoy much of his company, but she does have two kids, one is eleven and the other is nearly two----perfect for Annika to have a total blast.
There was a lot to do in just two short days, so we took advantage of every opportunity. I became TOTALLY smitten with the area--- the Burrough of Bridgeport in particular. Little townhouses lined the street where they were preparing a block party.
Men in utility trucks were driving home after work and getting accosted by gleeful, numerous children as they walked in the door. Moms sat on the porch rocking babies and preparing snacks for the neighborhood kids. St. Patrick's day decorations were up. A couple guys got out of a truck in kilts! The fire department is a mostly volunteer force...cementing the strong sense of community. Block parties abound. The schools are amazing. There is a BEAUTIFUL Catholic church on ever corner. People have grottos in their front yards, with Mary extending her hands to passersby. It looked like heaven to me--- very near to what we saw on Ft. Bragg the other day.
It's a totally blue collar community, of course, but it's a good dream. And more importantly, it's an achievable dream. I knew immediately what Wayne liked so much about the area. Wow.
We had a lot of fun. Philly is beautiful, full of a rich historical heritage and culturally fascinating. I couldn't quite get used to the ----I'm sorry, but this is personal opinion---- hideous accent people have up north, but it definitely provided entertainment. (I kept thinking about Carri on King of queens going: "I mean, do I Towalk so frigging bowad?) My nephew Alex said: "Aunt Barbie, why do you say "totally," all the time?" Hahah.
Anyways.... I have a feeling things are on the up and up. I've discovered a Secret that really changed the way I looked at my circumstances. I don't feel powerless anymore and I don't feel that God is allowing us to go into "Job mode." I feel that God is watching us and waiting for us to pick up the reigns and DO what He's given us to do.
My MIL has given me a van so I can tote the kids around and is footing my car insurance bill, so I'm going to go take my driving test for the first time two fridays from now!
Wayne and I both have a renewed heart for our marriage and our family. We don't feel that things are out of reach anymore. We feel energized and ready to face the world.
God is so good. :)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
wow
Prayer is amazing. This morning I awoke with fresh perspective~ thank you so much for praying.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
I was determined to talk it out with Wayne and see what could be done, which was a great thing. We determined that since the Navy is taking their sweet time, they probably aren't going to say no, but yes ONCE he can fill a slot they need filled... which may take a while. Today he got a job, to do while he's waiting, which should be really good b/c it brings in about as much as he had been making! We don't have to move in with his dad and will do so ONLY IF he gets accepted into the Navy~ praise the Lord!!
As if that wasn't enough, we are totally amazed at what our God has done for us in the form of our tax return. I mean, amazed. Now we can pay our bills!! Annika told her Nanou all about it on the webcam.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
THEN we got a check in the mail from a dear friend who reads this blog!!! So nice and so helpful. (thank you so much! I'll email you as soon as I get back!)
THEN I got randomly given enough money to pay this months' utility bill.... while I was sitting on the couch knitting and praying! Literally, a friend came by, said "hey, i think you need this more than I do right now," and dropped it off!! The crazy part is-- she doesn't own a computer and I haven't seen her in two weeks... she has no idea how much we needed it. Praise God.
As if that isn't enough, Uncle andy bought us a steak and lobster dinner the other night-- here everyone is enjoying it.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Ishod laughed for the first time
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
ANNNNNNNDDDDD..... I have been given the opportunity to go to Philadelphia (my dream city!!!) for free for the weekend with the kids!!! we leave tomorrow morning at 8:30! wow. God is incredible. Makes me feel bad for struggling. My flesh is so dang weak.
ANyways, I can't thank you guys enough for praying. really. I am sooo (we are soo grateful!)
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
I was determined to talk it out with Wayne and see what could be done, which was a great thing. We determined that since the Navy is taking their sweet time, they probably aren't going to say no, but yes ONCE he can fill a slot they need filled... which may take a while. Today he got a job, to do while he's waiting, which should be really good b/c it brings in about as much as he had been making! We don't have to move in with his dad and will do so ONLY IF he gets accepted into the Navy~ praise the Lord!!
As if that wasn't enough, we are totally amazed at what our God has done for us in the form of our tax return. I mean, amazed. Now we can pay our bills!! Annika told her Nanou all about it on the webcam.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
THEN we got a check in the mail from a dear friend who reads this blog!!! So nice and so helpful. (thank you so much! I'll email you as soon as I get back!)
THEN I got randomly given enough money to pay this months' utility bill.... while I was sitting on the couch knitting and praying! Literally, a friend came by, said "hey, i think you need this more than I do right now," and dropped it off!! The crazy part is-- she doesn't own a computer and I haven't seen her in two weeks... she has no idea how much we needed it. Praise God.
As if that isn't enough, Uncle andy bought us a steak and lobster dinner the other night-- here everyone is enjoying it.
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Ishod laughed for the first time
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
ANNNNNNNDDDDD..... I have been given the opportunity to go to Philadelphia (my dream city!!!) for free for the weekend with the kids!!! we leave tomorrow morning at 8:30! wow. God is incredible. Makes me feel bad for struggling. My flesh is so dang weak.
ANyways, I can't thank you guys enough for praying. really. I am sooo (we are soo grateful!)
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Simple Living Guide
The SImple Living Guide
Every time that we are up against a move I go into deep simple mode. My kids will probably hate me for this when they re older, but it really helps to maintain the sanity in all this. Also, I just recently participated in a thread in Darla Shines' happy housewives club that reminded of the joy of simplicity. I know I've blogged about this before, but some of them have PMed me asking for details, so I thought I'd share with all of you.
To give you an image of what the meaning behind simple living is, I'll quote from my response in the thread:
" SO here's where I learned all this: basic training. I can make you a list of the things I "owned" when I was in basic.
3 set s of uniforms,
3 sets of PT uniforms
2 pairs of boots
1 pair of tennis shoes
My bible
My journal
My prayer book
Paper for writing letters
A couple pens
Stamps
six sets of bras and undies and socks
one dress uniform
a toothbrush
a bar of soap
a washcloth
a towel
a canteen
a razor
a bottle of lotion (that i used on my face, hair, and body!)
and thats IT!!!
But you know what? I've NEVER felt better about life then when things were that simple. You have what you need, you stay busy so you don't get bored, and you enjoy fellowship and teamwork and community with others. If you have to go somewhere, you can have your whole life packed up in one duffel in less than thirty minutes. Laundry day is easy and enjoyable. These are incredible lessons in simplicity for us----- I feel like in society today we allow our possessions to creep into our homes and overwhelm us completely. I know people who have entire attics and garages full of THINGS that now hang over them like a dark cloud of "extra things to do." I know people who live in appartments half the size of their actual apartment because they are so cluttered with "things.""
Also, simple living looks different for every family because every family has different needs. For example, I enjoy knitting, so I keep knitting stuff. Another woman may enjoy decorating, so she might keep little trinkets around the house. Get me?
What follows is my basic plan for home simplification. Modify it as needed.
STEP ONE: Assess.
Go through each room of your house with a pad and pen. Under each room heading, list the "NEEDS" and "WANTS." put a check mark next to the things you already have, and S next to the things you can sell and an X next to the things you can just give away/throw away. If you do not already own one of the things on your list for that room, then highlight it and decide if you need to buy it or if you can get it from somewhere else (craigslist, freecycle, etc) Be ruthless.
Create a "packing list" of personal posessions. If a flood were headed your way in a half hour, what would go in your bag? These are your "needs." Everything else is a want.
STEP TWO: Implement.
Get out the trashbags. Dump trash in one, giveaways in another. Set aside.
STEP THREE: Re-evaluate.
Repeat step one and two.
STEP FOUR: Last things.
With the money you have from the sales of unnecessaries, refurnish with the things on the highlighted list.
STEP FIVE: Repeat.
Yearly.
Hope it helps!
Every time that we are up against a move I go into deep simple mode. My kids will probably hate me for this when they re older, but it really helps to maintain the sanity in all this. Also, I just recently participated in a thread in Darla Shines' happy housewives club that reminded of the joy of simplicity. I know I've blogged about this before, but some of them have PMed me asking for details, so I thought I'd share with all of you.
To give you an image of what the meaning behind simple living is, I'll quote from my response in the thread:
" SO here's where I learned all this: basic training. I can make you a list of the things I "owned" when I was in basic.
3 set s of uniforms,
3 sets of PT uniforms
2 pairs of boots
1 pair of tennis shoes
My bible
My journal
My prayer book
Paper for writing letters
A couple pens
Stamps
six sets of bras and undies and socks
one dress uniform
a toothbrush
a bar of soap
a washcloth
a towel
a canteen
a razor
a bottle of lotion (that i used on my face, hair, and body!)
and thats IT!!!
But you know what? I've NEVER felt better about life then when things were that simple. You have what you need, you stay busy so you don't get bored, and you enjoy fellowship and teamwork and community with others. If you have to go somewhere, you can have your whole life packed up in one duffel in less than thirty minutes. Laundry day is easy and enjoyable. These are incredible lessons in simplicity for us----- I feel like in society today we allow our possessions to creep into our homes and overwhelm us completely. I know people who have entire attics and garages full of THINGS that now hang over them like a dark cloud of "extra things to do." I know people who live in appartments half the size of their actual apartment because they are so cluttered with "things.""
Also, simple living looks different for every family because every family has different needs. For example, I enjoy knitting, so I keep knitting stuff. Another woman may enjoy decorating, so she might keep little trinkets around the house. Get me?
What follows is my basic plan for home simplification. Modify it as needed.
STEP ONE: Assess.
Go through each room of your house with a pad and pen. Under each room heading, list the "NEEDS" and "WANTS." put a check mark next to the things you already have, and S next to the things you can sell and an X next to the things you can just give away/throw away. If you do not already own one of the things on your list for that room, then highlight it and decide if you need to buy it or if you can get it from somewhere else (craigslist, freecycle, etc) Be ruthless.
Create a "packing list" of personal posessions. If a flood were headed your way in a half hour, what would go in your bag? These are your "needs." Everything else is a want.
STEP TWO: Implement.
Get out the trashbags. Dump trash in one, giveaways in another. Set aside.
STEP THREE: Re-evaluate.
Repeat step one and two.
STEP FOUR: Last things.
With the money you have from the sales of unnecessaries, refurnish with the things on the highlighted list.
STEP FIVE: Repeat.
Yearly.
Hope it helps!
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