So, what do ya think?
I made some changes around the place. Did some sprucing up. In another month or so I anticipate making some even broader improvements and can't wait to debut them. Stay tuned.
On a totally different note, not sure about any of you guys but flu season has arrived in our neck of the good 'ol USA with a vengeance.
Friday afternoon the Bird arrived home earlier than usual. The tag from the tea bag dangling on the outside of the Wawa cup in his hand told the story. Drinking tea is indicative of only one thing-he didn't feel well.
Our Phillies, scheduled to start game two of the NLCS playoff series against the Dodgers Friday afternoon at 4:07pm were already underway. On this raw, bone-chilling rainy day, I looked forward to snuggling up together on the couch to watch the game together.
Like half the nation though, our household was visited by the swine flu which thwarted our plans. The Bird ended up nodding off, resting by the fireplace while I watched the game, largely alone.
Sunday found him feeling no better which meant I made my way to Mass on my own. Flying solo walking up the concrete path to the church doors, I was overcome with a sense of how grateful I am for my faith. In spite of the fact we've had a rather love/hate relationship since my days of struggling to come to terms with my infertility and the death of my mother.
While 20 years ago it would be fair to say I was a step-ford Catholic, today my faith has matured. I question it, I wrestle with it. It confuses me, confounds me and comforts me. The older I get the more I realize there is so much I don't know and probably will never know in this lifetime. But one thing I am certain of is that the ritual of it is my rudder. It provides me with a context in which to live in this crazy world and for me my time spent inside the four walls of my church on Sundays is sacred.
How has your faith changed or shifted over time or what is a sacred moment you've had this past week?
PS Wash your hands and stay well :-)
Posts
Moving Thoughts Friday—Wocket in My Pocket?
51 minutes ago
Many years ago, my faith was altered by a life threatening illness. It's funny how hearing that you have a 50% chance of survival when you are 26 will send you right back to church. However, as the years have past I have seen myself go back and forth between being super "religious" and at times doing my own thing with my faith always in the back of my mind.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Steph, I am so sorry that the nasty bug has arrived at your place! And what a loaded question! My faith has grown stronger. Year after year. I believe that this is natural. I think that when we are young we feel infallible.But then as time goes by and we experience more and more pain, we realize that we are all weak, and imperfect. I love Gods sense of humor. He knew this all along. After all he died on the cross for our sins.
ReplyDeleteMy sacred moment this week was the realization that while materialistically I am poor, I am far more blessed in other ways that cannot be counted. I will keep you in my prayers along with so many other of my fellow bloggers that are in need right now.
Love Di
I love my time at church too, listening to the sermons and learning, learning, learning. I don't think I'll feel like I know enough, which would be far, far less than it all. That's good though, it keeps us seeking HIM!
ReplyDeleteHi Steph-
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to understand how my faith has grown and adjusted. If you have the time,please read my post of 9/4/08 titled "James-Daniel-Jill" this will tell you everything and if you do read it PLEASE let me know your thoughts.
thanks SO much
Love to you
Gail
peace.....
Thanks for the wash hands reminder.
ReplyDeleteI am taking my faith more real-ly now than even a few years ago. More than just words, or hopes, or God is so far away feelings. He is close, loves us and wants the very best for us even though at the time something sucky may be happening, and I have no idea how it will all work out..... I know He can see the big picture and He will guide me through, not over or around, but through. :O)
Greetings, and glad to be more connected through Google follow and Facebook now as well. :) My faith has waxed and waned in various degrees through the years, but there's always been a strong, underlying knowledge of God, even if I have not always stayed near Him as well as I should have. These days, I feel very connected to Him. I know some of this is the result of suffering, but what a blessing that the result of groping on the ground with the rest of humanity has produced something life-giving. :) I hope the flu passes quickly there. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMy sacred moment this week were my twin nephews who visited unexpectedly yesterday. Unfortunately, they too were sick. Their mother likes a clinic in my area, but she didn't expect to wait till 1pm. She decided to go back to her town and take them there. As they were heading home, they pleaded to stop off at my house to simply give me a hug. Of course she couldn't refuse... they're so adorable! They ended up spending a little more than a hug moment with me. :) They stayed for an hour. Children are definitely the heart of a home. sigh.Someday. Stephanie, I'll pray for you and your family so that God showers you with health! Much love!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry the flu is so bad there. Hope all is getting better. Faith is what sustains me. There is a saying about God, "the more you learn the less you know." It will take an eternity and then some. Sacred moment this week? Seeing my dog not kill a wounded bird-but hold it with his paw until my hubbie could release it. God loves all creatures.
ReplyDeleteLike your new layout. More "roomy."
Hi Stephanie - Thanks for stopping by my blog! When I was growing up, I viewed church and religion as an obligation. When I went to college, a couple of students stopped by my apartment and wondered if I would fill out a survey about christianity. While I knew all the correct answers from my time spent in church, I was curious as to why these students would take time out of their busy schedule to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with us?! I had an intellectual knowledge of who Christ was, yet I had never received His atoning work for me, personally. Christianity became a relationship with Jesus Christ, made possible by His free gift of salvation.(See Rom. 3:23,6:23,5:8,10:9-10,10:13)
ReplyDeleteIt's been an incredible journey ever since and one I wouldn't trade for anything!
God bless you as you continue to seek Him! He's worth it!!
I love my followers. Getting to know many of you feels sacred to me. Warms my heart to connect with you guys. Thank you all for the well wishes and sharing your stories. I get so excited to read them.
ReplyDeletexo
I have a number of friends who are Mormon. They are very kind about including me in their lives even though I am not a part of their church. And once in a while someone from their church (not one of my friednds) contacts me. This happened this week and I found myself giggling and chatting with the girl, even though I had never met her. It's nice knowing how people who can be so different can have so much to talk about!
ReplyDeleteHa! I am the daughter of a retired Episcopal priest, who struggles daily with her belief and unbelief. I could write a short thesis, so I will spare you.... But I will tell you, I am taking a four week "seminar" about feminist theology, and woman! Is this mindblowing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteUghh. I feel your pain. My children have 103 fevers and are in the bed. I guess no trick or treating this year...sigh.
ReplyDelete