When I began this little blogging adventure in early 2015, I did not know what to expect. I felt compelled to write, as there were (and still are) so many misconceptions about God, the Bible, the truth, and Jesus, within the church and the world. I anticipated criticism. I expected it to be difficult. What… Continue reading I am Thankful for You!
Tag: Christian community
How Can We Improve at Helping Others Within the Church? (Coffee Chat 17)
We are long overdue for a coffee chat! Today's question is two-fold: How do we get better at seeing those who need help, love, and encouragement? How do we conquer social anxiety when it comes to helping others? Join us for a little chat over your cup of coffee, tea, or chai!
What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
“Why do I have to go to church?” “I can do “church” on my own.” “I don’t get anything out of it.” I’ve heard all of them. I used to say the last one in my weaker seasons. I once had a friend tell me, "I can worship God anywhere. I can do church in… Continue reading What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
Why we all need accountability partners to keep our faith strong
Near the beginning of 2018, a friend invited me to a small Facebook group comprised of people seeking to eat healthier and be more physically fit. For the month of March, the administrator posted a challenge for us to meet a daily step count or mileage goal. Prior to this challenge, I had been hitting… Continue reading Why we all need accountability partners to keep our faith strong
Are you ‘getting nothing’ out of your church service?
Throughout my years of being a Christian, I’ve attended thousands of worship services. I’ve listened to sound and engaging preaching, endured a fair number of confusing sermons, sung countless songs, and watched the behavior of fellow Christians. I am ashamed to admit there are more than a few services from which I leave saying, “I got nothing out of it.” I frequently blamed the preaching, the song leading, the members nodding off, my own exhaustion, the failure of others to acknowledge my existence, but rarely did I do the thing that really needed to be done. Instead of saying, “I got nothing out of it, I should have been asking, “What did I put into it?” When we feel like we are leaving worship “unfulfilled,” it’s time ask ourselves some hard questions.
Tired of all the Negative in Your Newsfeed?
This morning I was doing some Facebook catch-up and one of my friends had posted this picture: The picture immediately reminded me of God's Love and the awesome gift of prayer He as given us. It was a ray of sunshine into the dark of my early morning. Intrigued by the beautiful rendering of the… Continue reading Tired of all the Negative in Your Newsfeed?
Am I Intellectually Lazy?
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. ~ Proverbs 14:15 ESV A few years ago my spouse and I were driving to San Diego. Because of the labyrinth of freeways that make up Southern California, we had the GPS (Global Positioning System) running. I knew generally how to get where we… Continue reading Am I Intellectually Lazy?
Is Your Parenting on Cruise Control?
Parenting is inconvenient. Yes, I just said that. Once you have a child, your life will be forever changed. You will be humbled. Humiliated. Screamed at. Loved with abandon. Squeezed with unimaginable strength by those little arms. Amazed. Shocked. heartbroken. Overwhelmed with love. Filled with a newfound awe for your own parents. Unfortunately, once the baby… Continue reading Is Your Parenting on Cruise Control?
Depression: The Big Conundrum
This is part 3 of the series "Invisible Illnesses." To read the previous post, click here. The heavy beat of drums and the wail of electric guitars blared through small white earbuds. Her cold, trembling fingers pressed them deeper into her ears, attempting to drown the screaming and thumping echoing down the hallway. Another uncontrollable tantrum. A tantrum… Continue reading Depression: The Big Conundrum
Expanding the Core: Building relationships with Christians in the Church
Every congregation has a core---an unofficial group of members who show up to nearly every function, work party, moving help, or bible class. These are the folks who are actively involved in the church in whatever capacity they are suited to. Sometimes they are noticed, sometimes not, but they are familiar, reliable faces and their absence is felt if not always acknowledged. No matter what the situation, our congregations should seek to expand this core, bringing the fringe members in so that there is no longer a core, but rather an entire group that works together as a family. This begins with building meaningful relationships.
Elihu's Corner 