My heart has been troubled since I heard it. A comment was made to a family member that should not have been said - even in jest. It was crude, rude, and unnecessary, in spite of how they feel about that person. And the worst part? I feel it knocked down what they believe they are.... a Christian. So, yes, I am troubled, and if I have an opportunity, I may say something to them. Anyway, it has been on my mind since I was told about it, and again later in the day I heard about it again, and I noticed a comment made this morning about it. People can be cruel, even unintentionally, at times. I know I have done it, or at least thought it, at times. And I'm sure you have too. You've had words directed at you or your spouse that should not have been said because it was not spoken in love. Yes, I may say things about hubby.... but I live with him. You don't. I may even agree with your comments. But you have no right to say them to him. Nor do I have any right to make comments about anyone else's spouse - unless it is uplifting and encouraging. Does that make sense? Nor should I say some things about hubby, so I'm just as guilty.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV): Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
The sad part is that it is more of a reflection on the person who said such things than the one whom it was directed at.....and that breaks my heart.
Today is Sunday and we'll be going to church. I think I mentioned the other day that hubby and I are again discussing going to another church. I feel, personally, that it is hard to feel connected to the church we are going to - and I have tried to be involved in different areas. But, and I think it has a lot to what I was raised in - I just can't get used to the jumping up and down, the extremely loud music (so much so that my watch will tell me I am in a 'loud environment') that seems sometimes to go on and on (we sang the chorus 3 times - stop!!) and microphones on full blast - even for prayer! We are not at a concert; we are in church. And yes, we can make noise worshipping and praising the Lord; make a joyful noise unto the Lord, the Bible says. We can do that - but does it have to be at decibel 10? My youngest son joined us a year ago for church - and even he said it was too loud for him - and he goes to concerts! My God is not hard-of-hearing!!
We love our pastors, we love the people there. The messages are great, as a rule. But sometimes, there is just nothing there. So is it us? Or is it the church? A friend of ours said he couldn't go last week so he watched online and I found it interesting that he said it was disappointing for an Easter service, that it was boring, even the message. We didn't go nor watch our church as we had the brunch and we watched Jentezen Franklin. I just don't know what to do. Hubby and I discussed it the other day and we both feel the same way.... and until we make a decision to go elsewhere and see what the church is like.... we need to still be in church. There is a fairly new church I saw recently that is small - which I think we both would like - and although I haven't watched a service online yet, I have gone through their beliefs and read what the church was about. I have mentioned it to hubby but he hasn't responded much about it yet. Ok - enough of my thought rambling on that. Bottom line, because our church is so loud, I don't feel comfortable about inviting people to it. We don't hang out with 'that type of people' who like everything LOUD. We've gone there three years now and it hasn't changed. It's been loud from day one but a friend told me it was 'Holy Spirit' filled. Well, if the Holy Spirit is there, I want to be there.... but.... then I question my own Christianity as most times I feel nothing but the vibes of the music beating against me. Does that make sense? Am I not filled with the Holy Spirit? It has caused me to question my own relationship with God. Have we put too much 'stock' in what our friend said? She is perfectly happy with the loudness and all. I just can't 'feel' it. Is it just me? Us?
The sad part? Because of COVID restrictions in the past, we have gotten so used to watching church online and enjoy the fact I can sit in my pajamas and watch church. I still sing along with the songs; I still worship and pray; I still have my quiet time with God. And I had my coffee and could sit and crochet during the commercial. To 'go' to church I have to get up, shower, get dressed, put make-up on, do something with my hair....... I have to put forth effort. It became the 'norm' for so many people. Us included. I miss it, to tell the truth. But I also love being with other people. I miss our 'old' church that was always growing and thriving and had great songs and great messages...... before the pulpit committee brought in a couple pastors who destroyed the body and many saints left the church and went elsewhere. It took awhile before we took that step, but God kept telling me we were to leave and I just didn't want to leave our friends. We finally did. But with our move out here, we needed to find still another place...and we haven't found that place we could call our 'church home yet'..... ok - enough of this.
We've been invited over for dinner at our daughter's today for carne asada. It's always so good and it's a treat for us. Looking forward to it. But, I will need to cook lunch for us; I thawed out salmon yesterday and I need to get it cooked - so guess what is for lunch today! I think it's called 'brewpub mustard salmon' or something like that. LOL
So with my thoughts all over the place this morning I think I will hush. I will leave you with this - something we have all said at one time or another.....
"If you can't say something nice about someone, then keep your mouth shut." You have no idea what they are going through. You don't know what the root of the issues are. You are not walking in their shoes. Regardless of our thoughts about them, we are not them. Keep our thoughts and comments to ourselves. Right or wrong, be quiet. Remember the saying I mentioned the other day? It's better to be thought a fool, than speak and remove all doubt.
Think on these things.
Blessings!
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