There’s Something to Be Said About Enthusiasm in Church

Enthusiasm in Church.  I can hear some of you thinking, “We all worship differently. Some are just more demonstrative or emotional than others.  After all, it’s not about ‘feelings.’”  Somewhere along the way, too many of us have been told that the depth of one’s relationship with Christ is determined by how loudly we sing or how high we lift our hands.  And there are those on the other end of the spectrum who are adamant that how we worship in no way reflects our commitment to Christ and that our relationship with Him should not be judged by our emotion, or lack thereof. 

I think I’m a pentecostal at heart when it comes to outwardly expressing my joy for the Lord, although I am an all-in member of a Wesleyan holiness denomination where dancing in the aisles hasn’t been an identifying characteristic for many decades.  When I was a little girl, the occasional senior citizen would wave a hanky from time to time and an interjecting shout of an “Amen” could be heard throughout the pastor’s sermon.  But for the most part in the 21st century, an onlooker would likely describe my denomination’s worship service as being quite unemotional with only a spattering of hands lifted, a few here and there swaying to the music, and a “m-hmm” of agreement which only the closest dozen or so people could hear.  That is a wide brushstroke, I know.  What I just described is, in actuality, only true for the average American church in our denomination.

This is where things get interesting.  What does a typical church service look like in other parts of the world?  My son recently arrived home from a mission trip to Central America.  He described our sister churches being filled with joy and excitement.    Nothing like the tame experience of their North American neighbors.  How about the village churches which meet under baobab trees all across Africa?  There is definitely dancing involved.  Even the persecuted church, although held in whispers under the darkness of night, there is a fervency and an excitement because they recognize God is alive and working in their midst.  Where is the church growing in the world?  It’s not in Anglo churches where every detail in the order of service is neat and tidy.  It’s where there is enthusiasm.  Enthusiasm for the lost.  Enthusiasm for the grace of God.  Enthusiasm in the power of prayer.  Enthusiasm for eternal hope by those who live their earthly lives in poverty and persecution.    There is something to be said about enthusiasm.

The Apostle Paul said to the believers in Achaia “your enthusiasm has stirred most of them (their Macedonian brothers and sisters) to action” (2 Corinthians 9:2).  Enthusiasm stirs to action.  Our own enthusiasm can stir ourselves to action and it can stir others to action.  

There is definitely a difference between an artificial pharisaical outward expression and genuine heartfelt passion for the things of the Lord.  Enthusiasm, energy and joy should never be manufactured.  If you are one who is content with barely moving your lips to the songs, standing stoically anticipating when the okay will be given to sit down, and not getting “involved” in the various aspects of the worship service, may I challenge you to do a heart evaluation?  The very Word of God is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12).  Should the realization that God is actively interacting with us through His Word not stir us?  Is it possible to sing about Christ’s sacrifice for us and not be humbled to overwhelming gratitude?  Can one pass the offering plate, or pray, or partake in any number of forms of worship without being moved with adoration, anticipation, and enthusiasm?  If we were to be plucked up from our seats and set into a service in most any other part of the world, would we feel out of place?  If so, could it be because Christ-followers around the world have a joy and enthusiasm exuding from them that many us lack and have never experienced?  

I don’t always feel like brushing my teeth when all I’m wanting to do is collapse into bed, but I do it anyway.  I don’t always feel like actively participating in church when I walk in the doors emotionally and physically spent from a difficult week, but He deserves my very best and I give it anyway.  Sometimes the smallest act of offering--raising my feeble hand--is just the spark that ignites what becomes an outpouring of my affection for Christ.  Do it.  Surrender your comfort.  Sacrifice self for His sake.  Raise that hand.  Sing out a bit louder.  Think the words of the prayer from the pulpit as if they were coming from your heart and mind.  Engage.  Don’t miss a word or an opportunity to be enthusiastic over what Christ has made possible for you...becoming a new creation destined for eternity with Him!  Now THAT is something to be enthusiastic about!  

Please do not misunderstand.  I in no way am judging those who stand expressionless in church.  And I am not naive to believe that all who sing out, lift a hand, or shed a tear have a dynamic relationship with Christ.  For all I know, they could be like the Pharisees--more concerned about outward appearances than their own heart.  However, I do believe there is something powerful that takes place in the presence of Christ-centered enthusiasm.  

Just like the believers in Achaia, your enthusiasm may be just what your brother or sister across the aisle needs to stir them into action.  Enthusiasm in church: it’s contagious and may be more important and powerful than we may ever know.

In the News: Cecil is Trending

Tragic.  How tragic and disturbing to lure the innocent from the safety of the home he’s ever known only to become prey for a narcissistic trophy hunter.  It’s deplorable.  I do hope the guilty will be held responsible and that those who have the power to bring change and to hold accountable will do so rather than turn and look away or try to sweep the atrocity “under the rug.”  

What?  You thought I was speaking on behalf of Cecil the Lion?  As much as I value ethical hunting practices, I am far more concerned for the lives of Christians world-wide being hunted and murdered because of their faith.  Where is the outrage in the media?  As much as I appreciate God’s beautiful creation in the wild kingdom, I am far more distraught by the act of abortion and Planned Parenthood with their lack of full disclosure for their horrific practices.  Why are there not tears being shed by TV personalities for the lives of millions of HUMANS?  Cecil is trending while the media and government barely bat an eye and won't bother getting their hands dirty when it comes to the slaughter of thousands of persecuted Christians or millions of babies.  Why does it seem our society is more likely to protect the soul-less lion?  THAT's what's tragic.   

“Come quickly, Lord Jesus.  It’s only getting worse.  I long for Your Kingdom on earth.”

Everything DOES NOT Happen for a Reason

Does everything “happen for a reason?”  It assumes a Higher Being began spinning into motion--and then ordained--every event that befalls us for His purpose.  It’s cliche and is often used as a phrase to bring comfort in tragedy.  However, I would surmise that very rarely do those words bring comfort.  

“Everything happens for a reason” is biblical, right?  Not exactly.  Often Romans 8:28 is quoted and interpreted as such but let’s take a closer look.  The New International Version reads like this: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”  No matter what happens, God WILL take it and make it work out for us, but don’t twist this verse and imply God chose to bring a tragic event to pass.  

Would a loving God Who sent His Son to die for us so that we might live the “abundant life” (John 10:10) be the cause of famine, natural disaster, the holocaust, incest, death of a child, victimization, and abuse?  Absolutely not.  Can He prevent such horrific events and, if so, why doesn’t He?  Because of His absolute love, there is freedom.  Because of our freedom and resulting sin, this world is broken.  I like the words of James Preston, “Man chose to go his own way, and the consequence of that was dramatic. The world broke. We now live on a planet that is afflicted with disease and tragedy not because God is causing these things to happen, but because we, in our disobedience in the Garden of Eden, caused the planet to go into a frustration. A brokenness. And now, this planet is crying out for its liberation. To return back to its original plan of perfection.”  Since Adam and Eve, the world has never been the same.  

Let us not curse or blame our Father God but, rather, look at ourselves and our sin.  Because of sin, there is drunkenness that causes the fatal car accident.  Because of sin, Hitler’s mind was warped and millions of Jews were murdered.  Because of sin, our planet is no longer the perpetual Garden of Eden and tornados, hurricanes, and tsunamis destroy land and lives.  Again from Preston, “The reality is, bad things do happen in this world. But God isn't pleased when these things happen, let alone causing them to happen! Not everything happens for a reason. God does not cause tragedies. They happen because we live in a fallen world, and He weeps with us.”  

Not only can we be assured “that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,” but what has been lost, destroyed, and broken can be totally renewed!  Joel 2:25 states, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.”  This is not only literally referring to Israel’s crops of old but can be applied to us today.  Although we must live with the consequences of sin, when there is repentance God brings abundant blessing that more than compensates for what was lost.  Only God’s grace can take what is broken and restore it with new life.

The next time you are about to hastily say “Everything happens for a reason” to that one who is walking through what seems to be the very shadow of death, might I encourage you to instead simply remind them if they draw near to God, He will draw near to them (James 4:8).  

Spring is Around the Corner!

Spring is right around the corner and I have been creating a spring banner for my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/HeavenandEarthDecor?ref=hdr_shop_menu .    Take a look-see!  Two different sizes are available in this shabby-chic, burlap and vintage-like fabric bunting.  If you like what you see, I would be happy to customize any number of fabrics to your satisfaction.  Thanks for looking!

2015…Year of Productivity

Over the last couple weeks, I've been thinking about how this coming year could be different than the last.  2014 brought a huge change for our family, moving from Arizona to Oregon.  Because we are in temporary housing and most of our belongings have been in a semi truck for the last three months, I've felt a bit displaced, not having my "things."  In that displacement, I've gotten lackadaisical and, quite frankly, fluffy.  Yep.  One would think with this fresh start and opportunity to make a grand first impression I would be psyched to be at my best in every component of my life.  But for some reason I haven't been all that motivated, which has translated into being a bit lazy and poochy. But I want more for myself than just existing and making myself comfortable.  That is why I declare this to be my year of productivity!  

This is not a new year's resolution.  Rather, a month-to-month focus of intentionality.  A fancy little way of saying each month I will be intentional in an area or two of my life--some serious and some just plain fun (or should be).  This is in the hopes that after 30 days of concentrating on a specific area, it may become a habit, or at the very least, a more natural part of my life.  And after 12 months, I hope I can say I have found I have thrived rather than simply existed.  

I haven't finalized my year-long list.  It may ebb and flow from month to month.  I will not be legalistic and think I've failed if I miss a day here or there.  But I do hope to jot down throughout the month what I've learned through the process and what I feel I've accomplished.  Although I will be sharing my intentions and progress on this blog, it is ultimately for my own accountability.  Some of the intentional areas of focus will likely be personal, but I will try to be as transparent as I feel comfortable with the purpose of holding myself accountable and tracking its effectiveness.

My thoughts as of this first day of January 2015 are the following:
* Walking/running
* Prayer for my children/husband
* Pinterest/crafts
* Cooking
* Organizing
* Writing my book(s)
* Gratitude
* Random Acts of Kindness
* Playing with my kids
* Photography
* Finding answers to the many questions I have

Some of these may seem silly.  I mean, really, what mother needs to schedule time to play with her kids or cook meals for her family?  Well, to be honest, those are not my fortes.  I tend to not be fully engaged with my kids.  My mind begins to wander and I wish I were somewhere else.  And planning meals long enough in advance to actually allow something to thaw on the counter ahead of time is almost unheard of!  I tend to have to throw something together last minute, and only enough to get by.  Unfortunately, my family doesn't get a fullllll meal including a meat, veggie, starch, and salad much more than Thanksgiving.  Ok, so it's not quite THAT bad but let's just say any effort in the meal-prep area would be a good step forward.  My hope by the end of the month is that I will have found I actually enjoy preparing meals for my family and that new-found joy will continue to some extent throughout the year.

For January I hope to either walk or run a bit each day.  (Day 1 and I walked around the neighborhood!) But why stop there?  I may as well begin the year off right with what is MOST important and combine these efforts with PRAYER--praying specifics for my family. Yes, although I am a pastor's wife, it doesn't mean praying comes easily for me.  I catch myself praying generically quite often and don't put in the time my family deserves to cry out to the Lord on their behalf in the many areas which affect them. I plan on praying for each of my kids and husband individually in a wide range of specifics, but then tracking those prayers in my personal journal.  Throughout the month I do intend on using this blog to jot down results.

So rather than "resoluting" for an entire year, I'm going to bite off a chunk at a time, month to month.  I'm excited about the possibilities and transformations that are waiting to be claimed in 2015!  How about you?  Anyone want to join me?

January 2015 Family Letter

January 2015

What a difference a year makes!  A year ago we were lounging by the pool in 80 degree weather.  Today the six of us are cozy in a 1400 sq. ft. rental home.  From the desert of Arizona to the desert in northeastern Oregon.  From a staff position at one of the denomination’s largest to lead pastor at a church of less than 200.  But we couldn’t be more thrilled!!!

Eric has been a youth pastor for 25 years and over the last year our hearts had been stirred to look into the lead pastorate.  God clearly directed and we have now enjoyed six weeks at Hermiston Church of the Nazarene!  

Gabrielle (18) graduated from high school and is now taking on-line classes.  She is still battling her gastrointestinal issues but her symptoms have far improved from a year ago.  We are so very grateful.

Because Graydon (17) was homeschooled this year, he was able to work at a golf course.  Along with continuing to earn personal records running, he has enjoyed learning the sport of golf.

Gideon (13) had the honor of pronghorn antelope hunting with his Grandpa Kagey in August in southern Oregon.  Not only did he harvest a beautiful buck but it looks like Gideon will end up as the youth record holder in Oregon as well as have his name published in the Boone & Crocket record book.  (For those who are interested, his antelope scored 88 6/8.)  It has been mounted into a shoulder mount that we will get to hang on our wall!

Geric (6) is in the first grade and had been homeschooled until we moved to Hermiston.  He is attending a small Christian school and, although it’s an adjustment for his introverted and shy personality, he is doing very well.

I am loving watching Eric flourish in ministry by using gifts, talents, and creativity he hasn’t been able to fully use over the years.  Quadding, kayaking, and hunting are loves of his and northeastern Oregon seems to provide ample opportunity!

Because Geric is now in school, I look forward to fulfilling some of those dreams I’ve had over the years such as writing and photography.   I've already enjoyed leading worship and doing some stage design while here in Hermiston.

We have seen God’s faithfulness and blessing numerous times over the year and thank Him for His guidance and direction.  We anticipate with great expectation the days ahead!  

May you celebrate this new year with anticipation and hope and may you recognize Christ’s love for you! 

Church Platform Design, Tree Stumps

My husband and I wanted to create a beautiful platform for our first Christmas Eve service as lead pastor. Rather than placing pillar candles simply on pedestals, I thought how nice if we had tree stumps. After searching the web, I found how I could create lightweight, yet realistic-looking "stumps" fairly inexpensively.

It was really quite lovely when the house lights were dimmed, the Christmas tree lights were turned on, and the candles were lit.  

I made a total of six varying sizes.  Although it was a fairly simple project--and very forgiving--it took me roughly a week to complete the project.  Here are some step-by-step instructions.

Materials needed:

* Concrete form tube

* Insul-foam sheet (approx. 1 1/2" thick)

* Great Stuff gap filler

* Box cutter

* Filet knife

* Pen

* Newspaper or paper towels 

* Papier mache 

* Brown spray paint (2 shades)

* Dark brown acrylic paint

* Several sponge brushes

* Paint can stir sticks

* Spanish moss

* Green spray paint (optional)

* Hot glue gun

* Brown Sharpie

I headed down to Home Depot and chose the 12" diameter form tube and one Insul-foam sheet.  I was able to create two "stumps" from one form tube and one foam sheet.   Since I didn't want my stumps to be the same height, I cut the tube off of center using the box cutter.  No need to be exactly straight along the top.  

Next, press the bottom of the tube into a corner of the foam sheet to leave an indentation of the circle.  You may also use a pen to trace along the inside of the tube.  Cut out the circle slightly inside the indentation using the filet knife.  This circle will be the top of the stump.

Now it is time to cut the base.  You may want to use your pen to sketch a rough shape.  Remember, stumps are not symmetrical and have roots.  Again, using the filet knife, cut out the base.  Use the knife to shave off the hard right edges to help it look for natural.

As seen in the above picture, press the tube into the center of the base.  You may want to use the box cutter to help create the indentation.  Press the tube into the foam as well as you can, preferable without going all the way through.  It does not need to be deep.

Out of the scraps of the foam sheet, make "roots" from a rough triangle shape having a 90 degree angle.     You may want to cut the hard edges off of these.  (See photo below.)

The purpose of my stumps was to hold candles--like a pedestal.  This is where the paint can stir sticks come in.!  They are the perfect size for the 12" diameter tube.  Using the box cutter, cut four slits approximately 2 inches down from the top, two slits directly across from one another.  Using a level may be helpful but I found eye-balling it worked well for what I wanted.  

As you can see from the above picture, now comes the fun part!  Take the Great Stuff gap filler and spray it where the tube and base come together and continue up the side of the tube.  This will be the bark!  Remember, bark is very natural--anything goes!  Be sure and go around the slits where the paint stir sticks exit the tube.  

The first stump I did was COVERED in the spray foam but doing that used more than an entire can.  I figured I would try leaving some gaps on the next one, which I actually ended up liking the end result better.  Adhere the side "roots" to the base and the tube by using the spray foam on the edges.  

Wait for the Great Stuff to dry.  It really doesn't take more than a few hours but I let it dry over night just to be sure.  

The next fun part is to papier mache!  I used the most economical version of papier mache--flour and water!  1 part flour to approximately 2 parts water.  Use a whisk  and get it nice and smooth, almost like pancake batter.  It's a bit messy so be sure and put something under the drips.  This step will definitely take overnight to completely dry.  I only used one layer.  

After the papier mache is dry, it's time to paint!  I spray painted a medium brown as the base color.  You may need two coats.  Then I used the darker spray paint to give definition in the indentations to give the look of shadows. Be careful to spray up and down.  No rhyme or reason necessary.  After these coats are dry, I used a sponge brush and used the dark acrylic paint to lightly brush up and down here and there so simply give a very natural look of varying shades.

Done!!!  

Actually, not so fast!!!  It was still missing something!  Ahhh….moss!  I headed down to the Dollar Tree and picked up a bag of spanish moss.  It was too grey for my liking and, since I needed it to show up at a distance on a platform when house lights were dimmed, I decided to spray paint the moss hunter green.  

By this point I was excited!  It had been a week long process and I was about ready to put the finishing touches on the north side of the stump!  Hot glue strips of the spanish moss in several of the indentations, along some of the roots and base, and at a couple places along the top.  

Oh!  One more detail!  What is a tree stump without tree rings?!  Use a brown sharpie and draw rings.  (I forgot to take a picture of this after I was done.  I guess I really was excited!)

Just add candles and VIOLA!

Here is the finished product!  Six of them!  My husband likes them so much he wants to keep one to be used as an end table in his rustic, outdoorsy-themed office.   Since the form is a solid tube, we will be able to stack these for storage in a closet and bring them out for various events.  I could see them being used for fall or winter-themed occasions, in addition to our Christmas Eve service.

I could so see some evergreen boughs around the base of these and even under the candles!  They served our purpose beautifully--to create a beautiful atmosphere to celebrate the birth of Christ.