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Sunday Morning Scoot
christianmom,
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Yesterday (Sunday), I wanted to post this, but it was Sunday, so I opted for some family time over computer time :) It was the first day our church was open for services for everyone. Volunteers went for a few weeks before this. Then information was released and it was opened so anyone could attend. But, you did have to register first. It was also only open to the first 300 people. First come, first serve church. It had to be done some way. I'm not complaining at all. I know our church and they have spent this past year preparing for this day. Planning, running tests with volunteers about how to navigate the challenges of making it a safe experience for everyone. I can't imagine those first phone calls between pastors and staff. I used to be in leadership in my church many years ago. I've thought many times how I would have reacted. Probably just stunned silence. So, I'm breathing a sigh of relief that they on their way back to functioning fully as intended. They do good things, they do good work. They help lead people to Christ and change lives. I have friends who've been back at church for months. They go to much smaller churches with not as many logistics or sheer people to manage. We happen to go to what some might consider a mega-church (I've seen much larger though), but it's a mega church compared to any small town church. Sunday mornings for us meant a bit of reunion of sorts with friends after we each survived a busy week. We would see certain friends as we walked through the halls. We'd meet greeters at the doors to the sanctuary and some Sundays my friend, a fellow "dance Mom". would be there we'd hug and update each other on our now college aged kids and what was happening. We'd see people we'd known for years. It seemed every week we would meet someone new! Then we'd go in and find a seat and either save seats for friends or find friends who'd saved seats for us. There was almost always someone around us who was visiting for the first time, and as old as we are, the world gets smaller and smaller so there was always a surprising story or connection to be found. We would sit as close as we could, leaving no seats in between us because during the opening announcements, we'd always do the Sunday morning "scoot" to make room for those who were arriving right as the service was starting. Maybe they were parking, running to the bathroom, getting a child settled in the nursery, etc. We'd leave the end seats of each row open if there were seats, so they could easily find a seat without having to climb over someone in the "dark". We'd always explain it to any new visitors. The reason I'm sitting so close to you is if I don't do it now, I'm going to be in the next few minutes so we might as well just get it over with now! haha! They were probably thinking what is wrong with these people? haha Then they understood. After a few announcements, we'd all turn to those all around us and shake as many hands as we could, maybe even hug if it was a friend. We stood for opening singing, very close sometimes, close to the area where the singers and musicians were. I like sitting up front. I feel more engaged. When you get older, it helps you stay awake, too. hahaha Plus I was raised Baptist and we seemed to fill the back half of the church first! ha! This brings back a memory, of my time in choir at one church I attended. We had a guest soloist, and as a choir, we sang with them, which was a great experience. However, after a few rehearsals, when it came time for the performance, we all had a little trouble singing and not laughing and keeping our composure. It turns out once the stage lights were on (there weren't that many, but just enough), the singer unknowingly would SPIT as they sang and it traveled for miles it seemed. (actually it was just like a shower spray, it was a lot!!) No, not every singer does this. But it was one of those perfect storms. I don't think the congregation/audience could see it at all. But so many of us in the choir could and we were weak with laughter at some points. Thank heavens there were more mature people that kept singing and didn't notice the hilarious situation, haha! I never imagined in my lifetime that there would come a day I would go this long without setting foot in a church. I've been going since I was born, I guess. I wonder if it's changed us all, or are there some people who've managed just fine with online services and sermons? It seems like maybe it's an advantage to be young during all this, because you just adapt and go on with your life. Thankfully, in a church building or watching online or doing nothing but reading your Bible and prayer, we know God has not gone anywhere. We may feel like we've drifted away, but I feel like I've been tethered by Him the whole time. Maybe some days just by my husband reassuring me of hope and showing love. Friends who've been there reminding me to take care of myself not just physically, but mentally, too. I'm guilty of always worrying about others, and putting off myself. I miss my people, I miss church, I miss singing, I miss providing music. I'm going to look for somewhere in the interim that I can attend outside, just to be safe. I pray this time we've had helps me never take it for granted again. What have you done this past year to stay connected and engaged, and what has worship looked like for you? Much Love, Carla ChristianMom
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Church and LIfe during the pandemic - what's it like where you are?
christianmom,
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Here we are, now months into living life amidst this pandemic! I'm curious to know from each of you - how are you handling your daily routines? Are your kids going to school in person, or just digitally? Are you going into grocery stores now, or still doing delivery or pickup? Are your churches open, or still online, or not open at all? Are you working from home, or back in your office? How have your devotions changed, or have you started a new habit of them? I'd love to hear how life looks for everyone now - has this hurt or strengthened your faith - what is your outlook for the future?
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Our plans vs. God's plans
christianmom,
653 views 1 comments
It's interesting to think about our plans vs. God's plans. I usually envision Jesus just chuckling at our frail attempts to plan every detail of our lives. These days have thrown us all for a huge curveball. A week ago, my daughter and her finace should have had their college graduation commencement ceremonies. In the same college, walking together, launching into their new lives. "Postponed" till August for now, if that works out. My son's Wedding was tomorrow (Sat). Months of preparation, the dress, the flowers and the day after we visited the caterer for a tasting for the reception meal, the stay at home order was put in place. Vendors contacted us, we them, and hope for a date later this year. My Granddaugher's 1st Birthday this past week was held over a "zoom call" with Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunts & Uncles, cousins and friends who should have been here squeezing the love out of her little pink cheeks and showering her with gifts in boxes that she liked better than the gifts. Ha! I'm fine with staying at home, helping flatten the curve, caring for my own family, trying to keep them safe and well so someone else doesn't have to. My heart is breaking for the job loss and stress and worry that is causing. Most of all, the heartbreak of loss of life. You would think there would have been a switch to flip so everything could run along smoothly in the world, while we took precautions to prevent spread of this virus. I'm not a doctor or scholar, so I don't engage in much back and forth of what is correct and what is not. It's crazy to be witnessing this first hand. Be kind to the others around you and help and love them how you can. If you need help, someone to talk to, etc., don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family and those around you. When you talk to someone via phone or online or in person, just like before, you may not know what kind of day they've had. Be sensitive, some of the trials of life go on without knowing or caring we are trying to deal with this virus, too. It surely doesn't seem fair to have to think about or deal with one more thing. Talk to your kids, hug your kids, for a long time. Think about their social media use and consider a different kind of monitoring or engagement. They can't get together with their friends like normal. Ask them who they are talking to, and how they are. Ask about their parents. Suggest they check on friends they may not have heard from in a while. I like the saying "we are all in the same storm, but we are not in the same boat." (I think that's how it goes, correct me if I'm wrong please!). We are all handling this in different ways. What a moment in history to be in the word and recall every bible study you've ever done. Beth Moore, are you there? ha! Shoot I hope she's writing one during or for these times! Watching church online in the comfort of our own homes, gathered together, some of us 2 or more (or more!), and He is with us there. Depending on what you believe, for example. does the Lord let this happen because he wants to see us slow down and not even leave home to engage in worship or hearing His message?) Just some thoughts, and I get too busy to engage in a lot of research or study. But I feel there is so much to be learned during this time. Let me know what plans you've had that have had to be changed?
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What did you take for granted?
christianmom,
661 views 3 comments
What did you "take for granted" even just a few short weeks ago?Many phrases and sayings like this - I've had to clarify with my children somewhere along the way. The most entertaining is since they are now adults, hearing what they thought something meant, and how they messed up the meaning and used it in the wrong way at some point. Teaching a child, or an adult for that matter, to appreciate something or someone in the moment is about as complicated as explaining love, grace, forgiveness, empathy, honor, respect, etc. Its an important lesson and it takes time.Since finding my faith and maturing in it, I've made an effort to be thankful, grateful and appreciative. I didn't understand this as a child. Colossians 4:2 says Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And 3:15 says Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.This current health crisis/global pandemic has me and my closest friends lamenting over the small and large things we took for granted. It's interesting how something like this puts into perspective what is really important. We've been quarantined at home, like many others, and with all members of our immediate family. My daughters, who for many years were at dance and music lessons during the traditional family dinner hour as they were growing up, have been a little alarmed at the emphasis on dinner time in our house right now. Yet, gathering for a meal is a tradition across time and many cultures and an act that feels familiar and comforting to us. If anything, for us right now, it brings us together from where we've scattered in the house, so we grab food, reconnect, watch the news or a movie or just hang out and play with the dog and baby.I've known all along, going through our day to day lives, in my mind, to compare the freedoms we have, to somewhere else - where we couldn't do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted.This virus and the way it's brought every day life to a screeching halt has made many of us think about what “was”, and the “way things used to be”. We wonder what will *never* be the same again? The future is uncertain and the pain and sorrow this has caused is something I never dreamed. It has humbled me even more. I don't think the list of things I'm realizing that I took for granted will end any time soon. The most powerful ones aren't even about me, it's about others, their sacrifices, what they didn't really "sign up for" when they took a certain job or entered a specific career field. I'm also remembering the things I'm thankful for, good and happy memories. Some I pray we will get to enjoy again! I've also read about changes that might be good for the future! (the first good one I heard a few weeks ago was for those now working at home "so now we know that 3 hour meeting could have been handled over a few emails"??). Fortunately my husband is able to work from home for a while. It's a dynamic he has to adapt to, but the stress of the drive in traffic, the ease of a step outside or playing with the dog a few minutes are all positives he doesn't experience in an office. But he misses the camaraderie with his co workers, the idea sharing and in person discussion, a shared lunch, a quiet office to just think and plan. There are advantages to both.I told my daughter today to think 10 years or so from now, when she hears one of her favorite songs she's listening to now, it will remind her of these days. I know things will be drastically different then, but I hope she remembers the lesson we are all learning, young and old of how easy it is to take things for granted and remember to be thankful in the moment and thankful for all things. What specific things have you realized you really took for granted before all this? It can be something large or small or in between? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
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Welcome back...
christianmom,
732 views 1 comments
Welcome to ChristianMom! Celebrating 20 years of Online Fellowship, Friendship and Inspiration for Moms of all ages! This site was started around Mother’s Day back in 2000. As the internet was gaining popularity, I said to my husband - we needed a place online, for Moms of faith to communicate, and support each other. Thanks to my husband he helped me get the site up and running and the forum format was an easy way to organize topics of discussion and for us all to interact! The online world has grown exponentially since then, along with all of our families. I spent many years featuring other writers, authors, bloggers and information on this site, all while never feeling like I quite had enough experience as a Mom to give any of my own advice! I learned through the years that we all have something to gain from each other when we are in the word together and sharing insights and encouragement covered in prayer. I’ve been part of amazing groups of women in regular bible study and these ladies have loved on me and helped shape who I am. They’ve taught me how to be a good friend, a good wife, a good mother, and how to grow in my faith. We’ve been part of many amazing churches through the years with passionate congregations and amazing leaders who’ve challenged us and taught us about real community and how grace and faith in God can reach just next door and around the world. We are so thankful! In the middle of this most recent upgrade of this site, our world has taken an unimaginable turn, something we’ve all really only seen in movies or feared. I wake up every morning in shock, humbled and heartbroken, pushing fear to the bottom of my list and trying to make life as stable as it can be while we take care to stay at home. My heart and mind goes immediately to every individual and family who is in this nightmare first hand and every doctor and nurse who selflessly is giving every ounce of energy to care for those infected. I hope there might be a few who find this site a place of refuge and encouragement, and for those reasons I think for now, it’s worth continuing. I am a wife of 27 years, mother of 3, mother-in-law to one, grandmother to one, and future mother-in-law to one. I have been richly blessed beyond more than I could have dreamed. I don’t have all the answers, but I will attempt to share and encourage you and also lead you to others who will also encourage you and lift you up. - Carla ChristianMom.com
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What did you take for granted?
christianmom posted a blog entry in ChristianMom - Blog,
What did you "take for granted" even just a few short weeks ago?
Many phrases and sayings like this - I've had to clarify with my children somewhere along the way. The most entertaining is since they are now adults, hearing what they thought something meant, and how they messed up the meaning and used it in the wrong way at some point.-
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Pray for the Coronavirus Situation
abc posted a topic in Prayer & Praise,
Father God we come to lift up this situation with the coronavirus.
Father God we pray for forgiveness of sin.
Father God your word says if we (your people) will humble, and pray you will heal the land.
Father God we look to you the Author and finisher of our faith.
Father God heal the minds of the people who are troubled.
Heal the ones who are feeling anxious.
Father deliver those who know not what to do or whom to call on.
Father God, heal and watch over the children, give them peace.
Father God for we are a nation of believer and we believe in you word and it is true.
Father God we pray this prayer in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
*****sorry the original post was deleted by accident. I trying to figure out how to use the new version*******-
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Welcome back...
christianmom posted a blog entry in ChristianMom - Blog,
Welcome to ChristianMom!
Celebrating 20 years of Online Fellowship, Friendship and Inspiration for Moms of all ages!
This site was started around Mother’s Day back in 2000. As the internet was gaining popularity, I said to my husband - we needed a place online, for Moms of faith to communicate, and support each other.
Thanks to my husband he helped me get the site up and running and the forum format was an easy way to organize topics of discussion and for us all to interact!
The online world has grown exponentially since then, along with all of our families. I spent many years featuring other writers, authors, bloggers and information on this site, all while never feeling like I quite had enough experience as a Mom to give any of my own advice! I learned through the years that we all have something to gain from each other when we are in the word together and sharing insights and encouragement covered in prayer.
I’ve been part of amazing groups of women in regular bible study and these ladies have loved on me and helped shape who I am. They’ve taught me how to be a good friend, a good wife, a good mother, and how to grow in my faith. We’ve been part of many amazing churches through the years with passionate congregations and amazing leaders who’ve challenged us and taught us about real community and how grace and faith in God can reach just next door and around the world. We are so thankful!
In the middle of this most recent upgrade of this site, our world has taken an unimaginable turn, something we’ve all really only seen in movies or feared. I wake up every morning in shock, humbled and heartbroken, pushing fear to the bottom of my list and trying to make life as stable as it can be while we take care to stay at home. My heart and mind goes immediately to every individual and family who is in this nightmare first hand and every doctor and nurse who selflessly is giving every ounce of energy to care for those infected. I hope there might be a few who find this site a place of refuge and encouragement, and for those reasons I think for now, it’s worth continuing.
I am a wife of 27 years, mother of 3, mother-in-law to one, grandmother to one, and future mother-in-law to one. I have been richly blessed beyond more than I could have dreamed. I don’t have all the answers, but I will attempt to share and encourage you and also lead you to others who will also encourage you and lift you up.
- Carla
ChristianMom.com
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Help from the Heart and at Home
christianmom posted a blog entry in ChristianMom - Blog,
Help from the Heart and at Home
Whether you are on your own staying at home, or with your spouse or family, let’s share some ways you are coping and helping during this unprecedented time!
I’ve been inspired by seeing our local students individually sewing masks at home, volunteering to get groceries for senior citizens or walk them through online ordering grocery deliveries, helping with yard work, etc.
I’ve seen many churches holding prayer vigils either hourly for a certain period of time or praying for specific people, situations or places. I’ve seen a trend of hanging homemade hearts outside your door and teddy bears for children to search for when out for exercise with their families.
Musicians are making music from home and sharing online either individually or virtually with other individuals to make an online group! The videos online of people are singing, clapping, cheering from their balconies to support each other and hospitals during their shift changes!
I saw a story of a group of doctors and nurses from my area flying to NYC to assist in the crisis.
The stories go on and on. I know there are stories of pain, suffering and sacrifice, and stories of hope.
Please, if you feel comfortable, share your ideas and ways of coping for you individually or as a family and ways you or those around you who are able are helping!-
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