Belonging to a Body

... Or to be more specific, The Body. Of Jesus.

 

I learned at church last weekend that my generation (Millenials) are the least "churched" generation in U.S. history. And I wondered... why?

•  Is it because we value authenticity so much that church is no longer considered a "social club" that every respectable person should belong to, no matter if they believe it or not?
• Is it because we have become disillusioned with the concept of organized religion?
• Is it because there are truly fewer Christians in my generation than ever before?

I'm not sure. If it's #1, then I'm perfectly OK with the decline of Millenials going to church. I would rather belong to a Body where all of the members are headed in the same direction, than belong to a Body where some of the members are only pretending to be members. Isn't a body in which all of the parts function together so much more effective than a body in which the eye is only pretending to be an eye?

If it's #2... I understand. But I don't agree. I have had a tiny taste of disillusionment with my local church. It was bitter and sad, but it did not diminish my opinion of The Church. However I might disagree with a decision my local church makes, my love The Church does not change. And in the long run, my love for my local church does not change either, because I am committed to Eagan Hills Church. I love her members, her leadership, her servant's heart, her committment to the truth... and only a major geographical move or a major dissent with her foundational beliefs will shake that commitment.

And if it's #3, I still do not doubt that God has a plan for my generation. And I am passionate about sharing His Truth with them. And everyone.

Next up, I plan to share more about why I believe belonging to a local church is vital to a Christian's walk with God. And more about why I love my church, and how being a mother of a toddler has affected my connection to her.

P.S. Yes, I decided to call my church a "her". You can think I'm a dork. But the Church is called the Bride of Christ... so I figured I can call my church a "her". :)

Father's Day...

I wish I had some beautiful photos and happy thoughts today... but here's all I have...

(Photo of my favorite men was taken on a happier day a few weeks ago)

- 103 degree toddler at 7 am
- Rush to Urgent Care, don't know what's wrong
- Poking, prodding, crying, snuggling
- Whining, whining, whining...
- Quick trip to the park, J enjoyed the swing for the first time
- Baby-mommy nap on the couch (daddy got to nap on his own)
- Carside To-Go for dinner... too wiped out to cook (oh, and it was Kyle's choice!) :)
- Whining, whining, whining some more
- Beautiful moment of the day... feverish toddler running down the driveway to tackle daddy with a big hug :)

Hopefully J will be better tomorrow... or daddy's in for another crazy day!

Honesty...

I tend to only blog when life is easy. When I can make you smile at my toddler's antics and encourage you with what God's been teaching me. But it's been a rough week, and I feel like blogging anyway.

This week has made me thankful that I'm not a single mom! My dear husband has been afflicted with a pain in his eye, and then a torn muscle in his neck. I've been doing my best to care for him, while also praying that he gets better soon for both our sakes!

Josiah seems to be crankier than usual, although maybe it's just my patience wearing thin. This morning a diaper change took about 30 minutes as he decided it was funny to try to kick mommy every time I tried to velcro his diaper on. I had to give myself a mommy time-out and just leave him alone in his room for a few minutes. After I composed myself, he was incredibly sweet and gave me a big hug.... before going back to his antics again! Somehow, we got that diaper on. I also discovered half a box of tissues in the toilet a bit later... oh, the things that can drive me nuts!!

And so, I am thankful for unclogged toilets, naptime, Target runs, fresh-picked lettuce from my garden, and the keyboard that allows me to vent. Oh, and for you, being willing to read my complaints. :)

I am also thankful that even though the simple things in motherhood can be so incredibly tough, God seems to make up for it through other simple things like snuggles, laughter, hugs, and kisses.

My funny man playing with his food