In The Hot Seat

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

I’m living the life of one of those 60-year-old “ladies who lunch.”

Seriously. All I need is a red hat, and false teeth and I’ll be ripe for initiation into bridge club. Or bunko.

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Juuuust kidding.

But it’s true though. In addition to the speech therapy and one-on-one work, one of the things my mom is doing to help her recovery from her stroke is to have lunch/coffee with a different girlfriend every day. Get her conversing in new situations with different people.

And guess who gets to accompany her on all said coffee dates….

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Haha. I actually don’t mind at all.

I will say this though…I’m gathering enough intel to pen an exposé on the housewives of suburban Ohio after all this.

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Haha….in another life.

But I’m also accompanying my mom to all her bible studies and book clubs.

Like I said…I’m turning in to a Red Hat Society inductee.


But at one of the small groups, everyone was talking about the decline of “oomph” in the church. Attendance is down, enthusiasm is redlining. And all these “empty nester” moms are all lamenting about how their millennial sons and daughters are no longer practicing their faith anymore.

And before I know it, the conversation has turned to me, and I’m getting thrown question after question after question because I’m a millennial who **GASP** believes in God and **DOUBLE GASP** goes to church every Sunday.

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And let me interject here – none of these women knew about this blog.

But these moms all wanted to know the secret. How did I survive college and live in NYC and not lose my faith? How did I keep God in my life?

And I’m not gonna lie – I was so uncomfortable being in the center of that conversation, like I was some amaaaaazing model-Christian that is some sort of saint in the making.

No ma’am. I mean, I can swear like a sailor and think some pretty terrible and judgmental things. #WorkInProgress

But to be honest, I have never really thought about that question, cut and dry like that before. I mean, walking away from God has just never been something that has crossed my mind. Or been an option. How have I kept God in my life? Well…

After really considering the question for a minute, the answer was as clear as day.

And I don’t really know how to relate this, so I’ll just tell you exactly what I said to these women.

I’ll leave out the part where I start out by saying, “Well, actually I have really incredible parents…” and the whole room bursts out laughing at the fact that I just inadvertently and accidentally basically just told this mother that the reason her kids don’t believe in God anymore is because they don’t have great parents….

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Yeah. Bone head move. Not my intention.

But I said,

“You know, I’ve actually had a lot of pretty life altering things happen to me in my short time around the sun so far.”

Looking around the room, I saw the faces of many of the “church ladies” who back during my anorexia, would give such judgmental looks and would offer their prayers in a way that felt more like a cast of judgment than sincerity. But I digress.

“As many of you probably remember, I battled a severe case of anorexia when I was in high school. Followed by an 11 month stint of bed rest from my Ulcerative Colitis back in 2012, I’ve had some pretty humbling and horrific things to deal with. And I learned from a very early age, that I can’t do this on my own. When you are at rock bottom, you learn very quickly that God is all you have and there’s no other option – you have to depend on Him. Fully. Why is God in my life? Because I wouldn’t be able to survive without Him.”

There were no further questions after that.

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I’m not some scholar on millennial church attendance. Nor am I some God-send Jesus whisperer to the masses. Heck no. All I have is my experience.

And what I’ve learned is that in order for God to have a real presence in your life, He has to change you. And for me, I had to go through some pretty deep shit in order to for that to happen. In order to abandon the pride and the vanity that was beginning to control my life, even in high school.

God is in my life because He’s saved it, not once, but twice. And I don’t have to be a brainiac to understand the importance of having Him by my side.

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At the end of the day, everyone is on their own journey. No parent is going to be able to make the decision for their kid, or vice versa.

I don’t know. Maybe that’s why I have this blog. To be in contact with such incredible people who all generously share their journeys so that I can learn and listen and grow. Because if truth be told, my faith still needs a lot a work.

So maybe this is me sitting across the table at a small group meeting asking you that question?

How do you keep God in your life? 

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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

363 thoughts on “In The Hot Seat”

  1. Just heading out the door to a bee keeping class..but promise to get back to you on this one! I have several thoughts rumbling around in this brain. Glad your mom has a daughter like you to love on her. DM

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I think like any relationship, it takes time, effort and dedication. I don’t get up some morning and think,” I guess I will act as if I don’t have a husband.” That would be a lie. Similarly, I don’t wake up and think, “I think I will forget about God.” It isn’t possible for me. So we(God and me, my husband and me) talk, sit together, share a meal and think about each other. They are both real in my life and unforgettable!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for this. That’s such great advice — spending time together, no matter the relationship, is vital for it to thrive. I’m definitely taking that terrific insight to heart 🙂 Hope you have a great night. hugs xox

      Liked by 3 people

  4. The ENTIRE time I was reading this I was vigorously nodding and quietly (because the toddler is asleep on me) saying, “Yes!” You learn real quick when life gets real that you are not the boss, you do need help, and if you are in charge you will screw it up. At least I did! I had to depend on God because the only other option was to deny him, and unfortunately I even did that briefly. Thank you so much for this, I always get excited when I see you’ve published something. 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hi Rebecca! Aw, thank you so much! i’m glad this struck a chord with you and that you could relate! That’s so true – He is the one to depend on. I definitely don’t want to think about where my life would be without him! And gosh, what a kind thing to say:) I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my blog! my heart is all warm now 🙂 hehehe hugs to you xo!

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  6. This really speaks to all us because we have all hit “rock bottom” at some point or another in our walk with God. But, we serve a God who is graciously extending out a hand to lift us up and gently lead us by the hand as we continue this journey we call life.

    It’s amazing that you have this opportunity, that could have gone 10 times worse, and God is using it to create a closer bond between you and your Mom.

    It blesses me to read that your Mom is getting stronger daily as the healing balm of Gilead is covering her from head to toe!

    God Bless,
    ~Mel

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    1. Thanks so much Mel! You’re so right, rock bottom looks different for different people, but the hand up and way out is always the same. Yeah, I’m really cherishing this time. God is good. thanks for the encouragement ! hugs xox

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  7. I pray every evening to keep God in my life. Also, high five girl because I cuss like a sailor and am severely judgmental. XD I didn’t know of this Red Hat Society until you brought it up but it sounds lit 😉

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  10. You are a most amazing young lady. Not to be pushy but I do have this one pretty amazing son…..just saying!😏
    How do I keep God in my life? He has accompanied me through some pretty awful stuff. We are pretty committed to each other now. How’s your mom progressing?

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    1. Aw, Patricia, you are so kind to say that. Thank you! That’s awesome that God has seen you through. It definitely solidifies the bond 🙂 She’s doing amazing! Every day is better than the one before. She’s talking with greater ease and having more in-depth conversations. Her memory is going to take the most work. But she’s a fighter and every day she rises to the challenge to regain her memory. And about your son….tell him I’m available 😉 hahah So glad you stopped by! big hugs xox

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  11. You are both a wonderful daughter to your mom for being so willing to take care of her and do these things (and be the millennial test case!), but also I think you must have wonderful parents. And I’m serious about that. Even though it may have been embarrassing comment, or perhaps insensitive to say, the truth is, your parents DO play a big role in it. At least in your formative years.

    To answer your question, I keep God in my life because I have to as a pastor (Haha!). No, seriously, I haven’t had to deal with the life-threatening issues you’ve had to deal with, but Jesus has met me powerfully in some very deep and personal ways. The more I know Him, the more I love Him! And the more I receive His unconditional love, the more I have that kind of love for others. I think if people of any age can fall in love with Jesus, and stay in that tender place, you won’t have any trouble keeping them in the faith. 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hi Mel! Thanks so much for this. Yeah, you’re right about that. my parents are so incredible. Truly. I feel so blessed to have them in my life and to have had their wisdom and guidance growing up (and still today!) Amen to that – His love is unconditional! thanks for sharing that 🙂 big hugs xox

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  13. I am so proud of you and the inspiration you are to so many people. Put me at the top of the list! God, in my limited understanding, often works behind the scences, as it sometimes feel we are alone. Many people would just mail a check to a care providing agency, and send mom a card now and then or even find time in their amazingly busy days to call on special days. I cared for my Mom in her elder years….there were a few days when I thought I should be the patient! You can’t know immediately how your actions and words are perceived but not only that how your journey is relayed. You have a gift for writing….not sure if this could be the beginning of a book for you….you know, the kind you never imagined writing? You are a wonderful blessing for your family and you are honoring God in the most beautiful way possible – in service. Thank you for sharing your walk of faith!

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    1. Oh gosh, Rick, what a kind thing to say. Thank you! That’s true – He’s a behind-the-scenes guy. What a gift you gave your mom. And thank you for that encouragement about the book. Maybe one day 🙂 Thanks again for being such a constant source of positivity and kindness in my life! big hugs xox

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  14. But while searching for the video, including watching the Wayne’s World take on the above scene, this came back to mind (I might have shared it before):
    The divine Teacher bears with the erring through all their perversity. His love does not grow cold; His efforts to win them do not cease. With outstretched arms He waits to welcome again and again the erring, the rebellious, and even the apostate. His heart is touched with the helplessness of the little child subject to rough usage. The cry of human suffering never reaches His ear in vain. Though all are precious in His sight, the rough, sullen, stubborn dispositions draw most heavily upon His sympathy and love; for He traces from cause to effect. The one who is most easily tempted, and is most inclined to err, is the special object of his solicitude. (Care) – {CSW 178.2}

    In 1998, God woke me up, he leads me, and as I look at, talk to, listen to, and follow, I have found him to be the God described in the above quote. I could tell you about reading the Bible to get to know God personally, about prayer, about sharing him with others, doing ministry, sermons, sitting with the newly born and the slowly dying. But how do I keep God in my life? The truth is is I don’t – by his love and grace, gentleness and compassion, he keeps me in his.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Oh my gosh, I am getting choked up reading that. it’s so true. He keeps us safe in His arms. And even when we fight it, He loves us all the more. His grace is truly amazing. How awesome is that. thanks so much for sharing that, Brad. 🙂

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  15. And since I’m blowing up your comment section, can I also add that once again, I thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story and his testimony. You matter, it matters, you’re changing lives.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. That’s really a great question! I keep God in my daily life by doing exactly what Matthew 6:33 commands me to do. Keep God first and everything else will follow. I practice by faith, dedication and of course my love for Him, to speak with Him 1st in the morning hour and 2nd by praying throughout my day. I exercise my faith by believing that God hears my prayers and He is faithful to answer my prayers. I see the manifestation of my request 80% of the time. He always amazes me, and this is why I purpose to stay in His presences.

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      1. If you purpose in your heart you too can develop the same. He loved us enough to suffer and die for us, so why can’t we choose to live for Him? Setting aside alone time and reading your Bible is spending time meditating on God’s word. If you haven’t seen the movie “The Passion of the Christ”, you should. It affected me as no other movie in my entire life has. I live to serve God every day. P.S. Thanks for the love and the support that you show on my blog!

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      2. Amen to that – His love was self sacrificial. He poured it out. So we should be willing to at least give our time. And yessss, my family watches that movie every Easter. I can’t get through it without crying. It’s really life changing to see His gift visually. wow. thanks again, Jeanie. big hugs xox

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  17. Honestly, like Peter said when the Lord asked the twelve if they also wanted to leave (near the end of John 6), for me it comes down to: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!”

    Great stuff. Oh, enjoy this time to reap wisdom from the older generation! We have some in our small group who are my parents’ ages and one who is 95. Such precious, priceless wisdom and experience… our culture has it all wrong when we look down on the elderly!

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    1. Oh wow, HM, that is such a powerful verse. And so true. To whom could we go!? haha, it’s true though, every coffee date I go on with my mom and one of her friends, I always walk away with a little nugget of wisdom. Thanks for this beautiful reflection! hugs xx

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  19. I think, like any relationship, keeping God front and center, calls for effort and intentionality. God is there, whether I am or not. By His nature, He is present. But that doesn’t mean I am in His presence proximity wise, although I am positionally firmly in God’s grasp. To experience God’s presence I have to go where He is or connect via the means He has provided (prayer, worship, Bible, communion, fellowship w/believers). If I see God at work somewhere, then I can go there and connect to Him that way. Peace. Keep up the great blogging.

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  20. Like you, it took God saving my like several times for me to come to the answer.
    (How do you keep God in your life? ) I simply owe my existence to Him! There comes time when each of us has to decide for one’s self whet we be belive in for me it’s been a lifelong journey with many rescues by God and His Son Jesus to convince the sinner that only are the real but I am loved! So maybe it was when I was in jail for DUI’s or when I had an unwanted divorce, maybe it was when the former drunk was invited to the Whitehouse or it could have been the mutiple strokes that I survived, along with heart failure when dying on the table then returning to live a wonderful life that proved it for me . I am just glad He cares so much for people like us to offer us Salvation and many chances in life.
    Pastor David

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  21. Toughie. Struggle.

    At my best, in my own strength, I would be a poster child for the double minded man in James. Meanwhile, Satan sifts me like wheat.

    Only by constant intentional willful surrender, can I keep God first. In His rightful place.

    Set down my stuff, take up my cross. Let Jesus have His way in my life. Totally worth it…

    Continued prayers for your Mom and for you.

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  22. You would totally rock that red and purple ensemble! 😆

    But seriously! That was a great response, especially “Why is God in my life? Because I wouldn’t be able to survive without Him.” It is just so true.

    May God bless you and your family. 🙂

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      7. Most people in this century feel ashamed of admitting their love of God to people. It makes them feel they’re outdated or something. I’m 21, still God’s best fan, I go to church every Sunday, I try my best to be holy even though sometimes it’s difficult. My friends end up laughing that I’m over-doing my faith. Thanks for this article. I’m inspired

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      8. That’s so true — we’ve got to change that stereotype. Loving God isn’t uncool…but awesome! 🙂 Keep at it! That’s so awesome. And I bet deep down, your friends admire that you’re living for something greater than yourself 🙂 (not that your friends are only living for themselves, that’s not what I mean, but that they see you living with a profound purpose) if that makes sense….Who knows the seeds you’re planting just by living your faith 🙂 hugs xox

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  23. I love this blog! You are so real and genuine. Sometimes that is a rare find. And a breath of fresh air. I can echo your thoughts and sentiments to a T. I too have found that it’s either God or die from my bondage, because I can’t save me from myself. And bondage comes in all sorts of ways. “Amen! Pass the mashed potatoes.” 🙂 Thanks for your honesty. It’s refreshing.

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  25. I Keep God in my life because He kept me in His. I wake up every morning thinking of all the blessing He rains down on me. Believe me, I have a lot of making up to do on that end because I use to wake up cursing anything that had to do with living. I was so ungrateful.

    So, I wake up and after teeth brushing and face washing, I read my Bible. I talk to Him constantly (picture the cartoons of all the chatty sidekick characters, never shutting up, that’s me lol)

    I try to work Him into ever conversation I have, not that I preach but if someone tells me something good happened, “God sure did bless you on that one.” Sharing something good that’s happen to me, “Thank God for: insert here whatever He did for me that I am telling them about” What you doing today, “God willing: insert what I’ll be doing for the day” There’s always a way to work Him in 🙂

    God Bless 🙂

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    1. That is such a powerful perspective. It’s true – I know it’s cliche and in a song, but His grace really does fall down like rain 🙂 Thanks for the greta advice! Will definitely try to implement some of that in my day! hugs xox

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  28. I wish I could say it is by my amazing persistence and strength…the truth is, He hangs on to me when I am weak. I wish I could say it is because I am so amazingly gifted…the truth is, most of the time all I bring to the table is my brokenness and need…but somehow, in His boundless love, He holds onto me……..that and I talk to Him…alot…I think I wear Him out…smile.

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    1. Thanks so much for this, Tom. Amen to that – boundless love indeed. I can really relate. I feel like that’s what I bring to the table too, but thankfully when we are weak He is strong:) so glad you stopped by tonight. Hugs and love xox

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      1. By the way…my mom is in a Red Hat group thingy…I just about fell over the first time I saw her getting ready to meet with the “girls”in her “uniform”. Wow…I wasn’t sure if I was proud of that fact that she didn’t care she was wearing a red hat and purple getup (you go momma bear) or if I should be worried. She loves her ladies so I keep the jokes to myself and my dad.

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  29. Well said. I hit that wall when I was twenty. I had to choose to survive. I also couldn’t do it without Jesus. I grew up with God in my life. I really don’t know or want to know what it is like to live without him there. I’m glad you choose to live. I’m glad you chose God. I’m glad you choose to share.
    In answer to your question, talking to him daily (prayer). That is what I found I needed to connect with him and needed to continue to live every day. God Bless!

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  31. A spiritual routine…… daily bible reading, praying without ceasing, meditating and fitting him into everything around me……that aside I have Christian and non Christian friends who never fail to engage me in conversations about God.

    Like you, I know my difficult days had everything to do with him prying from my fingers that which I held too tightly……

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  32. Great post! I think for me… it comes down to being purposeful. If I regularly spend time listening to God, then trying to live without Him is like trying to live without a spouse our a parent… or a friend. Time spent I guess.

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  33. I trust you will accept this in the spirit of kindness with which it is being written. I follow your blog but admit to not reading it as much as I’d like. Today I’m catching up a bit so this involves a number of posts, or at least common themes of which you enjoy writing. It’s interesting to me that I agree with much of what you say, empathize with many of your feelings, and have a mental picture of someone I “know” as I read your thoughts, words, actions, wins and losses.

    Except. When it comes to your faith. I’m not on some quest to understand it as I accept it as being you, just like many of my friends whom I also feel “miss” the boat. I’m no hater either.

    Like you I grew up Catholic, attending Sunday church and C-school for 11 years before college (oh, and midnight mass). My parents and sisters Catholic, and of course both Italian immigrant (in their 20’s) grandparents who attended church to light candles almost every day of (her) 96 years. Viva La Popa! I shouted as we used to toast a shot of Bourbon 2-3 times a day.

    But, here’s the thing; as a voracious reader and lover of all things (non) revisionist history, I’ve spent years studying what actually happened from 2500 years ago to present day… or at least what seems to have happened… without the aid of FAITH. As for religion itself, I’m all for it for many people. Most religions do more good than harm if left out of the politicians or rulers hands (and, uh Priests). Most truly religious folks are smart enough to be tolerant of others as well…

    The Jesus story is a fabulous work of art, literature, and psychology even if it clearly isn’t true, or partly true; or as I believe…. even if it’s pure fiction. It has and does serve much of humanity well and provides a solid moral framework for many to abide.

    The Vatican? Not so much. No, not enough to fill a teaspoon.

    The typology of the Old Testament works a bit of good archetypal magic as well, and some characters come to life in the New Testament again. Perhaps surreputiously, I do think GOD got a nice makeover in the NEW Gospel, but I’m highly suspicious of why.

    At any rate, you would make a great Buddhist, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Gnostic, Druid, yadayadayada. Jesus, I promise you won’t mind. Thus, why I write this rambling missive. To say GOOD FOR YOU, be who you want and don’t apologize as long as you stay the same, but please… don’t let cognitive dissonance or confirmation bias scare you out of knowing the truth. Especially after Mom goes… mostdiggity

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  35. There’s no oomph in many churches, because the Word is not preached in its entirety. And it isn’t preached in context with the rest of the world’s history.

    I know because my youngest daughter told God to stick it. Her decision had a lot to do with university classes that taught evolution and other things designed to kill faith. Plus, there’s some bitterness over something deep down. I have yet to crack that nut.

    Already Gone by Ken Ham and Britt Beemer does a great job of documenting how churches and Sunday Schools teach bible stories. There are cartoons of Noah’s ark and other biblical events. We teach them in the same manner we tell fairy tales. They don’t hold up well against scientists in lab coats with beakers and Bunsen burners.

    Every Sunday it’s the same thing; the gospels and familiar stories are repeated and dissected ad nauseum.

    You know I sometimes write about some fairly off-the-wall stuff. However, it’s all stuff that has a bearing on the entire arc of the biblical narrative. Right now I’m reading a book called Babylon Rising by Dr. David Jeremiah, which does a great job of penetrating the prophecies in Daniel. He’s someone who has studied enough ancient history and scripture to be able to put things together.

    Already Gone also makes the point that people want to hear God’s Word preached fearlessly undiluted. That stretches from holding fast to hard truths to what I described above. Pastors who water it down to avoid offending people and keep membership are driving people away.

    Sometimes God will use suffering to strengthen, teach, or call us back home, it’s true. Your suffering was your gift. It tightened your walk with Him. You can also help point the way. I just find it a shame that the education of church members is so incomplete!

    Well, that’s me on my soapbox for tonight. I’ve probably kept you past your current bedtime. Go soak your dentures and slip your wrinkly self under the sheets! Always a joy, Caralyn!

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    1. Hey Jeff! Soak my dentures and slip my wrinkly self under the sheets…I literally laughed out loud at that!! That, I think, is the funniest thing you’ve said! Such powerful stuff here, Jeff. You’re right — suffering is definitely a tool and has absolutely been my gift. It may not have been the most fun to go through, but the lessons gained from it were invaluable. Sounds like a pretty awesome book. I’ll look for in the “book on tape” version. It’s true, I think people have a real hunger for His Word — it’s literally the truth straight from The Source. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and wisdom tonight Jeff. Sorry the Patreon was a little late…it should be up now. Also…know that I will be praying for your daughter. 🙂 big hugs to you and julie! xo

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      1. Glad I could give you a laugh! Thank you for your prayers too! Don’t worry about Patreon. I’ll listen tomorrow. Listening always gives a slightly different understanding. At least I might come up with another old age joke… Hugs, prayers, & blessings!

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  36. I talk to God like he’s in the room with me when we’re alone (sometimes I feel like I’m talking to Him when I’m with people)..and honestly, half the time I feel like I’m one distracted girl’ constantly wanting attention and pushing him away then wanting him back but he never ceases to sing to me.
    https://youtu.be/KTMaFv0Aiz8 (her music has been like a long hug from God since 2013 and certain scripture I read now. I can pair it to one of her songs, like today. It isn’t all the time but when I do I get way too happy inside. I’m finding he’s the one that does the wooing, I just really need to keep my eyes open and my heart willing to receive it without second guessing. It’s the only way I’ll ever get to a place of loving him back a tiny bit of what he loves me without trying to earn it. I need to let him constantly fill me.

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    1. Hi Julia! Thank you so much for sharing this. That’s an awesome way to connect with Him! Oh, I can’t wait to listen to that song. I’m huge on music — it is my prayer language for sure. I’m so grateful for you sharing this insight and advice and encouragement! It means the world 🙂 big hugs to you xox

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      1. Girl, if you were here, I’d share all my favorite music I’ve heard him in with you. I’m huge into it. Huge. Especially with her music, you’d probably not be able to stop me from singing. You’re welcome! Thank you for sharing your heart and being vulnerable. Helps me know I’m not alone❤️

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  37. I asked God into my life at 19 the day i gave birth to my first child. I looked at her and knew I needed God to help me raise her. Best decision I’ve ever made.

    How have I stayed with God? I’m ashamed to say I left him when I was around 45. I was angry at him for the suffering I saw in my family, myself and the world. I just concluded he was cruel.

    I decided to read everyhing I could find on why God allowed suffering. After a few years, I finally understood and returned to Him. I’m not proud of what I did. I wasted a lot of time, but I will say it felt good to be back. I didn’t feel any condemnation from God. I think he knows we all have lots to learn.

    I still find pain hard to deal with, but I run to God with it. He always gives me comfort. Joyce Meyer has helped me the most with living one day at a time and also to quote Scripture when I feel negative in any way.

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    1. Hi Belle! Thank you so much for this thoughtful response. I’m so glad you went back. 🙂 Yeah, suffering is difficult to understand. Really difficult. But I’m glad your journey ended up back in His arms 🙂 hugs to you xox

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      1. i’ll share my story, when i can sit down to jumble it all up. but yours strikes several chords n my heart! down to earth…honest. simplicity gets to me always. God bless.

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  40. Same as you: being blessed with experiences that don’t seem like blessings at all, but that make it clear as day that I cannot survive this live without God. I have no interest in trying and no interest in doing things my way. Well, I’m human, so I do want to do things my way sometimes, but I always know that His way is best, even if I fall short at times.

    Thanks for another good and thought evoking post!

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    1. Hi Celestial! Thanks so much for your encouragement and for sharing your thoughts. I so can relate! When I try to do my way, it usually ends in a face plant of sorts haha His way is definitely best. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! Hugs and love xox

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  43. Okay, I haven’t been all in my faith for a long time and been angry at Jessuse during my angry teen years, but few years ago I started to go to a small church in Interlochen call Community of Christ, that their are a few of them around. I like how they talk about God in this church as not as one Religion but as all churches as God house, no matter what Religion it is.

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  44. I didn’t grow up with religion. I am always envious of those that did and have that in their “hip pocket” when they need to lean on it. I do believe in God, just ask anyone that sits next to me on an airplane! Speaking of which, I will be flying to Phoenix next Friday, thus I will be having an open dialogue with God very soon!

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  47. What a great title, gee I dared to sit myself on the mercy seat on the Day of Judgement, and in walked God looking very serious. It’s so so important to live life ‘not too seriously’ don’t you think, but being serious though Jesus loves you because of your courage and true faith.

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    1. Thank you so much for this thoughtful response. I think you’re right – we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously…afterall, God did give us bellybuttons 🙂 hehe jk jk But your’e so right! thanks for stopping by! hugs xo

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  48. Thank you for this wonderful reflection. I am not a millennial nor a regular church goer but as I get back in touch with my life’s worth of writing, I find that the longing for something more powerful than me has guided a lot of my words. This force became its own presence in my life and while I might not call it God, that is perhaps unfair to the faith that it is in fact God. Your own expression of humility and faith will help me come to my own understanding and I look forward to the dialog I will continue to have with myself and God through my own writing.

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    1. Oh thank you so much S 🙂 There’s something really healing and powerful about writing. Something about acknowledging your thoughts and giving them the time of day — it sends a positive message to your brain. thanks for stopping by and sharing that 🙂 hugs xox

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  49. Dear BBB,
    Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Many thanks for following my writing and sending your little encouragements my way so very regularly. I really do appreciate it. It means a lot and gives me great strength. May God bless you and keep you happy and healthy.
    Lots of love and a big hug!
    S. xxx

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