What's wrong?

So, I have been feeling off....when I feel off I try to evaluate why that could be.  There are a number of reasons I could feel off, after all, I had surgery 3 weeks ago.  But it was not a physical "off" I was feeling.  Maybe I am affection deprived...Andrew is cuddling with me less and less as he grows, and Jamie has constructed a pillow wall between us in bed to avoid bumping me in the night since I had my surgery.  Maybe it is because James has left for college, although I have yet to go more than 6 days with out seeing him since he is so close.  Maybe its my hormones....although hot flashes have subsided. Maybe I am just going stir crazy from being stuck at home and not being able to work.  But work was not all I have been missing.  I have not been able to go to church either.  I am happy to report that I ventured out today, and went to church! And in doing so, discovered what my "off" was. I love gathering together with my brothers and sisters in Christ to Worship and hear God's Word.  Church is where I feel most loved.  As I pondered this, my mind wandered to the people who were once a part of church that no longer are...how does that happen?  I missed 3 weeks of church and it is eating at me, I can not imagine how I would feel if I had to miss longer.  

Life is not easy, we need each other.  We need not attempt to limp through this battle field alone. God's Word is pretty specific on this matter.  Do you know why that is?  As my pastor, Bro Joe Bufford said today, "God wants better for us than we want for ourselves." 

We often sit back and scratch our heads, not knowing what to do next.  If that describes you, start with Hebrews 10:25.  It's clear, and it is for our benefit.

Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  

If you need a church home, I would love for you to join me at the Father's house.  If you have a church home that you have neglected, make it right.  

Just me pondering...

No More

I am wound up....so forgive my rant.....

I am reminded tonight how much the devil wants our children.  Some times just the little things like getting them to get up and come to church without starting World War III.... I have grown weary fighting my oldest child about being at church, but no more.  His spiritual growth is more important than anything else, more important than graduating high school and going off to college.  Parenting is not for the faint of heart, and after meeting with the best Youth Pastor in the world, I have renewed hope that this battle is worth fighting.  His future hangs in the balance.  The world will have its turn once he leaves from under my roof, but for now I will do all I can to equip him to fight that fight.  I know that his decisions are his own, and the consequences as well...but I will rest my head at night knowing that I have done all I could to teach him the truth.  The truth that God's best for him far out weights the lies the devil whispers....the truth that obedience does not mean you are being cheated or missing out....the truth that this journey is bigger that us, and we are here for a reason and we will not be at peace until we are in His will.....

And just to give equal time to the other "almost" teen in my house....I made a mistake with her the other day.  I gave in and agreed to let her get a dress I was not thrilled with.  Her Daddy saw it and expressed his concern.  Hearing those words from him hit me like a ton of bricks.  She is absolutely beautiful, but she is 12 YEARS OLD...had I lost my mind?  Why would I compromise on a dress for a 12 year old? Because I was weary....but again, no more...and the dress..no more...

So I am not the most popular person in my home tonight, and you know what? I don't care.  Like I tell my kids...doing wrong is easy, doing right is always harder.

So I say all that to say this...what is the priority.....I have 6 months till the oldest leaves for college (171 days to be exact) What will I do with it?  Will I spend more time hunting scholarships or praying?  Will I grow weary again and compromise? Will I do what ever it takes to get him around as many Godly people that love him as I can?  Now is the time....and I will take all the prayer I can get.

Pondering.....