Christmas - A Year in Review

Lately I've been feeling that "nudge" to blog again.  Several ideas swarm my head, but the one that is occupying my thoughts, as of late, are those of Christmas, being grateful, reflecting on this past year, etc. For obvious reasons since it is December, after all.  I'm not talking about the Christmas thoughts of what needs done, and who is left to buy for?  Or, how much have I spent already, and if I start baking this early, will everything be eaten before Christmas?  Ah, the big decisions.  No, rather the deeper thoughts that seem to consume me each year, and challenge me to keep focused on the real reason we celebrate.

My family has been on a "journey" so to speak, for almost a year now.  Dave has been the administrator for a small Christian school for four years.  However, last winter we felt the nudge to return to full time ministry, where Dave goes back into the Pastorate at a church.  So, what church and where?  Will we stay in Erie, or move?  Will the kids stay in Christian school, go to public, or will we need to consider home schooling?  Those are just a few of the questions we asked, but there was one thing we knew for certain, the Lord was asking us to take a step of faith.  Trust Him.  Seek Him.  Follow Him.  Sounds so easy, since He knows best, right?  Well, uncertainties are never easy.  We knew without a doubt that Dave was to tell the school board of his feelings last February (or maybe it was March), and be up front with them regarding his desire to return to full-time Pastoral work.  The board was very supportive, but felt that this information needed to be made public by the end of the school year, so that they were free to openly look for Dave's replacement.  Okay, make's sense.  However, we still didn't know where we were going.  "God, we know you have a plan."

Meanwhile, baby number four arrived, school ended for the summer, my babysitting income ended, and we still had no leads.  Dave's resume was polished, prepped and sent in several directions.  "Okay, Lord, we know you have a plan."

In August we were contacted by a church in New York that received his resume from a friend, and they wanted to meet us.  We packed up the six of us, and spent two days in a rural area of NY, meeting people.  Dave went through an interview process, and in a sense the kids and I were under observation, as well (although this is never a "formal" interview for the entire family, it is assumed that you will be looked at, also.  Be yourself, but always be friendly.  Let the kids be kids, but well behaved as much as possible.  Laugh, but don't be silly...it's okay, it's part of the process...it's not fake, it's just a little intimidating).

We went home after those two days learning many things, having much to talk and pray about, and really thinking that it was unlikely that they'd call Dave back as an "official" candidate for Senior Pastor.  However, much to our surprise, two weeks later we received word that they (the deacons of the church) were interested and would like us to come back.  This time for a much longer weekend, full of meeting the congregation (in some of their homes, and at the church), two to three preaching opportunities for Dave, and a Sunday School time with the youth group, as well as a Q & A time with the congregation.  It was a whirlwind weekend, and we were all exhausted by the time we left to drive home that Sunday afternoon.  We felt that if this was the direction God was taking us, we were willing to leave Erie behind and move.  We also felt the support from many in the church that they wanted us to come and be a part of what was happening in their church and community.  We continued to pray that week that God would make it perfectly clear for us.  The church still had to vote and decide, and we prayed that in that vote the answer would be really clear.  Dave requested 85% in favor, in order to accept, and when the vote came back at only 71% we knew God had answered our prayer for true clarity.  We knew, without a doubt, we weren't to make this move.

Okay, but now what?  That was back in early October.  The school has since hired a new administrator.  Dave is still working at the school until mid-January as a consultant to the new principal.  As of this moment there are some possibilities in the works, but we don't have a definite answer yet, and we won't for a couple of weeks. We continue to pray for God's will to be done.  Some have questioned the "steps of faith" we have taken, while many others have been over and above supportive.

There are many things I'm learning in this.  First of all, no matter what, God is still God, and He always knows best!  Secondly, sometimes the very thing that doesn't make sense is exactly the thing that needs to be done in order to lead you to something even better.  Also, I often feel like the most unlikely candidate to be used by God.  But, as I was reminded this past Sunday at church, God often uses the person you can't imagine Him choosing, for a work you couldn't even see He had planned.  All of the pieces are not in place yet, but we know God's plan is perfect.  He has not left Dave without a job.  He has not left us without food or shelter.  He has provided over and over again.  He has asked us to take this step of faith, seek Him, pursue a job change for Dave, and He has brought us closer through this.

So, what does this have to do with Christmas?  I have only offered some of the high lights of our journey this past year, but if I spend this season looking at what needs done, and what busyness I can be a part of, and not stop to reflect on all that God has brought us through this year, I would be ungrateful.  I am indebted to a great God, who is doing great things in our lives.  He sent His son, born of a virgin, to save the world through His death on a cross.  He is Alive, and it is for Him that we celebrate this season.  Will we have gifts?  Yes.  Will we have cookies?  Absolutely!  Will it get busy?  For sure.  But, my prayer for my family is this - that we will focus on all God has done, and when it gets too busy, we will recognize it and stop and turn our eyes on Jesus!

This verse has become the verse I cling to in the uncertain times.  The times when I've questioned "what have we done?"  "Have we heard you wrong, Lord?"  "Did you really mean for Dave to step down from his job, without another lined up?"  "You know we have XY & Z bill to pay, right Lord?"

"From the end of the earth I will cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."  Psalm 61:2

Stay tuned...this journey is far from over.  I'd love to hear how you keep perspective during the busyness of the holidays.

 

Speak The Truth

I realize I am sporadic with my blog posting, but I usually wait for some sort of inspiration before I am ready to put pen to paper....I mean fingers to keyboard.  :)

So, here is what I've been thinking about a lot lately - What good is our opinion if we aren't first considering God's opinion on a matter?  I have enjoyed using Facebook for several years now.  It's been a fun tool for keeping connected with old friends, new friends, and family I don't see often.  But, there's something about it lately that is really beginning to bug me.  Opinions!  I believe firmly in Freedom of Speech, and I realize I will not agree with everyone, and not everyone will agree with me, but lately I am reading more and more angry, hateful, and hurtful posts.  Posts aimed at one political party, or the other.  Posts aimed at people of faith for being intolerant, and wrong for having their views.  I, too, have very strong feelings regarding political issues, faith-based issues, and so on.  I myself have a tendency to get so fired up about something, I'm willing to let everyone know it.  But lately I've been asking myself this question.  What good is it doing?  Does anyone really change their political views or faith views by reading posts that take a jab at those who don't agree with them?  I really don't think so.  When I read something aimed at my beliefs and convictions, I get more frustrated, rather than willing to hear that person out.  I can't help but think that's true for how others feel, as well.

For me, as a person with Faith in God I have a responsibility to base what I believe on what the Word of God says is true.  If I believe God's Word is the only source of truth for living, then what I say and do better be in line with that belief. I may have an opinion about something, but the real question is, "what is God's opinion about that thing?"  If my opinion lines up with what His Word says, does that make me intolerant?  Perhaps in many people's eyes it does, but not in God's eyes, which is more valuable than what people think.    If I believe God's Word has a moral standard for living, does that make me judgmental?  Perhaps some would say it does, but I am basing that on what God says, not on how I feel.  I have messed up in my life more times than I can count.  I can not walk in someone else's shoes and know exactly how they feel, but I can tell you that God offers hope for life.  He does not promise a life free from pain, but He offers to walk this life with us, forgive us when we ask, and when we accept His free gift of eternal life in Heaven, He will give us that, as well.

I read this verse this morning, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."  Galatians 6:7-8

God is not mocked.  You can live any way you choose, but you will reap the consequence.  God is not a fool, and He does not tolerate fools in His kingdom.  If you want to live for yourself, feel free, but the consequence will be destruction.  If you want to live for the Spirit (Christ), then you will reap the benefits of eternal life.

So, what is my conclusion?  Freedom of speech, yes!  Freedom for me personally, or any Christian, to offer an opinion without offering what God's Word says about it, I don't really think so.  "Speak the truth in love..." Ephesians 4:15

A Socially Awkward Church?

Christmas is behind me.  New Year's is behind me.  The baking, shopping, decorating, wrapping, unwrapping, un-decorating, etc., etc., etc. is all behind me.  The true reason for the season - Jesus.  Did I do well at keeping my focus on that?  Not entirely.  But, with the holidays behind me, I still need to remember that the true reason for living each and every day is Jesus!  

Now, on to the real thinking behind my post.  My husband shared an article with me he read recently that struck me in such a way, that I can't not think about it.  It was an interview with Author/Pastor Francis Chan (author of "Crazy Love," and co-author of "Multiply" with David Platt).  Such a powerful and challenging, down-to-earth, speaker.  Here is the article my husband, David, shared with me -  Chan: The Biggest Myth in the Church Today on Evangelism

Okay, here's the statement that got Dave and I talking the most:
"People in the church don’t know how to look an unbeliever in the eye and actually love him or her and carry on a conversation with them. Churches are filled with some of the most socially awkward people on the planet, and they go there because people have to be their friend. Otherwise, it’s a sin."

What do you think about that statement?  True or False?  Want to know what I think?  Doesn't matter, it's my blog, so here goes, TRUE!  100% True!

We talk about loving God, and the most important thing is telling others about God, but we don't know how to do it without making it awkward.  Why, because we don't know how to build a relationship with someone who doesn't think, feel and act exactly as we do.  It scares us.  It's uncomfortable.

I loved this statement Francis made, too:
"What we do is a big church program, send out fliers, and if you have enough courage, maybe tell your friend to come to “Jesus on Ice” or whatever program we’ve got going on, but we’re still not fluent in Scripture. It’s so weird to people that Jesus is the most important thing to us yet we’re so awkward in talking about it."

Again, TRUE!  We try to get people in our doors (our safety zone), and we don't bother going to them.  Now, I realize in some ways this is a generalization, and not true of everyone.  However, from my own experience growing up in church, I can say that I've seen this as true most of the time.  We strive for comfort.  We get angry and "hurt" when we're uncomfortable.  We want everyone to dress a certain way, sing certain songs, hold certain programs (whether they're effective, or not), and play certain instruments.  Why?  Because we've been programmed to think that's the right way to practice our faith.  You know what I think that is?  Religion!  It's ritualistic, and most often not based on what a personal relationship with Jesus is truly about.  It keeps us comfortable.  We stay "friendly" to visitors, and we remain in the same friendship "cliques," because we don't know how to be anything else.  Like I said, not everyone is like this, but a vast majority of our conservative Christian churches are this way.  

I want my faith to be real.  Whether someone agrees with me, or not, I want them to not doubt that I genuinely believe what I believe, and live what I believe.  Dave and I don't want ourselves to be tied to something someone considers "religious behavior," but rather a real relationship with Christ.  This is a constant changing and growing process for us.  

As a parent I am looking at this from that angle, as well.  It is my job to feed, clothe, protect and train my children, however, is it my job to keep them from knowing the realities of life?  Keep them from experiencing discomfort?  Shelter them from playing with kids who aren't being raised the same as them?  No, I don't think that's part of my job.  I want to protect them, keep them from harm, and yes, at times I want to bubble wrap them and keep the mean, nasty world away.  However, I don't believe that benefits them as future adults, and I don't believe it teaches them how to share their faith with those who don't believe the same as them.  I think if I over-protect them, I raise them to be socially awkward, and unable to relate to anyone beside those they are most comfortable with.  

This article was very thought-provoking for Dave & me.  These are things we don't have all the way figured out, but we're talking through them, praying about them, and trying to decide what we're going to do about it as a family.  

I would love to hear your thoughts on Francis Chan's interview.  Do you think the church is failing to reach outside of it's walls.  Are we failing to relate to those who don't believe and think as we do?  What are we doing about it?  

The Christmas Letter I Would Enjoy Reading

Every year I spend time filling out Christmas cards, adding pictures of the kids, and including a little update on our family.  I will do the same again this year, as there are friends far away that we don't get to see often enough, and don't have Facebook (I know, weird), so we like to bring them up to speed, as well as hear what is happening with them.  I enjoy receiving Christmas cards, pictures, and letters this time of year.  It is all part of the warm, fuzzy feeling of the season (or perhaps that's the eggnog...).  Today, it crossed my mind, as I was working on a rough draft of our Christmas update, that no one ever writes the letter that seems "real," and would make me feel better about my life.  So, I've decided to give you my rendition of the Christmas letter that I would LOVE to read in someone's card.

Dear Friends & Family,

I realize that it is January 16th, and Christmas is over, but this is the first opportunity I've had to sit down and write this letter.  Christmas was such a blur of chaos, over-spending, high expectations, and a foreclosure on our home.

We are now living in the in-laws basement, but even though they don't say it, I am pretty sure they're glad we're here.  We were hopeful that Power Ball would've come through for us, but we all know that didn't happen.  

Here's an update on the kids:

Ralph Jr. - He's 17 now and full of himself.  He thinks he knows more than us, but his parole officer doesn't agree.  He works part-time at the burger joint, that is if he decides to get out of bed and get there on time.  We are hopeful that his ankle bracelet can come off before graduation, and that this is the last time he'll have to wear one.  We thought he would've learned his lesson the first two times.

Sissy - She's 13 and a real gem.  We have all decided that black really is her color, and the spiked bracelets are helpful for self defense.  Her band practices in the garage, and we're pretty sure the screaming from the neighbors is a good sign that they're improving.  

Bobby - He's 9 now.  His love of fire and reptiles has proven to be a real asset to our family.  We think he has a future with the fire department or perhaps on the Animal Planet.  

Betty-Lou - Our baby is now 3.  We all think she has recovered nicely after the WalMart "incident" of accidentally leaving her in the cereal aisle.  I really think the officer went easy on me, and for that I am grateful.  

Our family may not be perfect, but we're trying, and most days there's a lot of love to go around.  We hope you had a nice Christmas, and that the New Year finds you well, and not in prison.  

Sincerely, 

The Shimanskis 

Click the link below to view my favorite "Christmas Letter" song of all time.  :)

Garfunkel and Oates "Christmas Letter"