Where I come from

Do you ever look at where you’re from - town, family, church - and are just filled with thanksgiving?  I am.  Especially recently, though I’m not sure why.  For me, my church is a huge part of ‘where I come from’.  Church has always been a big part of who I am.

See, God’s been working on me for months, now.  And for some reason, I keep pushing Him away.  Acting as if I don’t need His help, when I so desperately do.

Let me give you a little background about my church life, and how it’s evolved.  My experiences with God have opened my eyes, and my heart, to how I WANT my relationship with God to be, and now I just need to make it a priority and make it happen.

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From the time I was born, I was raised in the church.  Meaning, I’ve always gone to church.  I’ve been a member of only two churches in my 27 years.  And I feel like I’m blessed for that.

My first church is a traditional church.  It’s an old building on a hill with a steeple, stained glass windows, baptismal pool behind the choir loft, pulpit in the center, rows of pews, a piano, two organs, and a cemetery.  It’s not a large church.  But it was ‘home’ to me for all of my teenage years.  It’s where my grandparents still attend.  It is filled with an older generation that is steeped in tradition, faith, love, support, and hope.

This church met on Sunday mornings at 9:45 for opening assembly (yep, that’s what it was/still is called), 10:00 for Sunday school, and 11:00 for worship/sermon.  You sing hymns with the piano and/or organ.  There’s a choir up front.  There’s only one pastor, and he lives with his family in the parsonage on the church grounds.

About 2.5 years ago, I went from the above mentioned, traditional church (and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with this type of church; it’s what I grew up in, and I wouldn’t change that for ANYTHING), to a contemporary church with a full band, worship pastor, 2-service Sundays (one at 9:30 am, one at 11:00 am), youth pastor, senior pastor, and family ministry pastor.

It was kind of an adjustment. But a GOOD one.  It had gotten to the point at my old church where I was just going through the motions.  I wasn’t growing, and my relationship with God was suffering.  I needed a change.  I needed more.

And God answered.  In a big way.  See, it wasn’t hard for me to leave the church – the building and traditions – it was hard to leave the people.  These are people whom I’ve known my entire life.  That’s what small-town living is.  And I still miss some of those people more than I thought possible.  Especially the ones that are no longer on this earth.  Oh, but how I know they’re happy and rejoicing in heaven. :)

God led me to Crosslink Community Church.  And He led my brother there, too.  And it has been the biggest blessing in my life to watch my brother grow closer and closer to God.  So close, in fact, that the leadership of the church saw Brock as man of distinction – someone they wanted as a deacon of our church.

God led me to meet new people who are excited about Jesus.  He has surrounded me with people who are in love with God, and I’m so thankful. They make me want to be a better person, a better Christian.

So, now, Crosslink is part of ‘where I come from.’ And I cannot wait to see what else God has planned for my life.

I just need to let go of the reigns I think I have on my life, and let Him take over.  God knows best, anyways. :)

Where do you come from?  Small-town living or big city life? Did you grow up in church, or are you still searching for your home?

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Have a great Wednesday, y’all! :)

Questions, questions :)

Brittany Ann from Living in the Moment tagged me, and I love playing along, so here goes:

1. If there is one moment in your life you would "do-over," what would it be?

I imagine in the moment, I would have loved a  do-over a few times, especially when I embarrassed myself, which I can do easily, but I think everything really does happen for a reason.  You learn and grow, and I learned to laugh at myself, even if it was through a raging blush that made me look like a tomato. :)

2. What's your signature dish, i.e., what's your go-to meal that you make like no one else?

Hhmm…I’m not a great, accomplished cook – I really just don’t take the time to do cook.  However, I always take along to family events and reunions a broccoli and cheese casserole.  I love it!  Makes eating broccoli so much more enjoyable. :)

3. Would you want to be able to read minds? Why or why not?

I say no, I wouldn’t want to be able to read minds.  I don’t want to know all the bad and mean things people think about others.  I think it would get depressing to know everyone’s deep and dark secrets.

4. What item of clothing flatters you most?

I think blue jeans…they’re comfy, I don’t have to worry about sucking in to be flattering.  And it contains my hips. :)

5. What do you enjoy doing most when you're home alone?

I love curling up with a good book and the music on low.  It’s my favorite way to relax.  If Marc’s out of town, then that’s what I’ll spend most of my time doing. :) I don’t feel guilty about it at all…it’s really my favorite thing to do. :)

6. If you could pick a different accent to have, what would it be, and why?

Oohhh!  I think either British or Australian.  I don’t think I can pick.  They’re both just sexy. :)

7. How do you keep up-to-date on current events?

I’m really bad about keeping up with current news.  Usually, I catch it on the local news, or on their website.

8. If you could have any other job but the one you have, what would it be?

I have two other jobs I’d want.  First and foremost, more than anything else in the world…I want to be a Mama. :) Praying that God’s plan has that in my future. :) And in terms of full-time occupation, I think I’d really like to be a librarian. I could rock the glasses and messy bun. :)

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And I’m supposed to come up with 8 questions and tag people, but I don’t want to!  If you want to play along, just use Brittany Ann’s questions above and have fun! :)

Happy Monday, y’all! :)

Eight Question Friday :)

Alright…not much is going on.  I came across these questions over on Sonja’s blog, and it sounded like fun! :)

1. If you're a reader, what's your favorite book?

This is a tough one!  I love reading, so it’s really hard for me to single out just one book…how about I single out one author? :) I love me some Nicholas Sparks.  And I’m excited about his new book coming out soon, Safe Haven.  I think part of it is because ALL of his books are based in North Carolina, and that’s the only place I’ve ever lived.  And I love a good love story. :)

2. Why did you choose the career you are in?

Well, I took an accounting class my senior year of high school, and it just seemed to fit.  I thought I would go into teaching prior to that.  It would have been a mistake!  I can’t deal with other people’s kids, especially those that aren’t family! I’m awful, I know!!

3. Dream car, something practical or something flashy?

Probably a little of both?  I love SUVs.  So, it would definitely be something like that.  Hhhmmm…probably a Range Rover?  I think they’re sexy…all black, with tinted windows, and nice rims. :) It’s a dream, right?  However, I do appreciate a muscle car.  But it has to have custom exhaust, nice rims, and tinted windows.  Marc has so spoiled my tastes! :)

4. Would you rather be a giver or a receiver, be honest?

Well, while I do love to receive a great gift, I’d much rather give.  I love to see a person’s face when you’ve picked a gift just for them, and they absolutely love it.  That’s one of the best feelings! :)

5. Are you a spender or a saver?

I guess I’m a little of both.  I like the money I’ve earned!  I try to save my money and use it on something that I really, really want.  Especially if it’s a large purchase, I’ll debate whether I really want/need it, and then save up for it. :)

6. Where did you meet your significant other?

I met Marc at church.  My youth pastor’s husband sold Marc’s mom her house, and invited them to church.  It was super intimidating, as it was a Youth Sunday (where the youth group does the entire church service and lessons, etc), to look out and see someone new, semi-close to my age, and have to give my testimony.  Oh, well…we’ve been friends ever since, and we’ve been a couple for almost 10 years. :)

7. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Neither…I usually get all of my motivation and energy in the afternoon.  That’s when I can really get most stuff done – work, crafts, cleaning.

8. What has been your biggest achievement?

To date, I would say graduating college and obtaining a job that I enjoy.  I like what I do, so that means a lot to me. :) Having a family of my own (larger than Marc, myself, and our four-legged pups) would be a bigger achievement.  That’s our dream. :)

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Alright…time to get back to work! ;) Happy Friday, y’all! :)