What are we doing this for anyway?

Why do we gather on Sunday mornings?

1. Pray for self, neighbors, community, kingdom?
2. Face our sins - acknowledge in confession before God and the Body?
3. Offer ourselves in worship of God?
4. Read the Scriptures?
5. Share the work of God in our life with others?
6. Teach and be taught God's manners and ways?

Likely there are others.

And just as likely, even in a great church such as Stonebridge, many of the above go unfulfilled. We highly value (3) as it is generally pleasurable, even if a bit uncomfortable. We do a quick gloss over (4), without much demand. And don't forget (6), embedded in even the unchurched as a central portion of the morning activities. But (5) is a bit too out-of-the-box, too transparent to dive into. (1) is taken care of by the few prayer-volunteers who store up treasure in heaven for us, and (2) is best left alone, lest we hurt feelings (especially ours).

I think through this in conviction of myself rather than the Church as a whole. But I worry that we are missing a great life by accepting a mediocre one.

Eliza loves fires. Love them.

The other night, I came home from work, put together a quick fire, and the family sat down for dinner.

Eliza exclaimed with true joy, "Daddy, you're a genius. You are awesome. You built a fire!"

We all sat a bit shocked at her verbosity. Mom asks her "Eliza, what's a genius?"

So, in her attempt to continue the magic moment, Eliza continued, "All boys are geniuses."

At which point, Garrett, without missing a step, shouts out with definitive resolve "I not a genius!" He has defended this statement vigorously, regardless of our attempts to contradict in his favor.

LMP

Some folks have the gift of gab - Hugh Grant.

Others, the gift of charm - think Carey Grant.

Some have the gift of a strong liver - our dear ol' U.S. Grant.

Louise is a LMP - Last Minute Pooper.

At Target on Wednesdays at 10am, as we stand in line with our groceries...

At any rest stop off any interstate on any length of a road trip...

At a party enjoyed for hours...

At home, after dragging her feet to get ready for bed, after Daddy has read to her and Emily, after prayers have been given...

It does not matter the length or breadth of opportunities afforded, there seems to be no time like the (very end of the) present for backing the trailer in.

For all of the years her mother and grandmother have suffered in fear and shame over public pooping, over having people even know that they poop, Louise's colon attempts to atone.

Don't bottle up those feelings...

Friday night we ushered the shower-queue for the Bowlingites. The Queen was in her element, with two layers of different dress up clothes and room for twirling.

"Liza! Get in here now!" Maggie exclaimed, keeping the extra words to herself.

Eliza slowly obeys, taking a quick seat on the throne before entering the shower.

"You make me angry", she grits through her clenched teeth, as Daddy walks in the bathroom. "Both of you!"

Why we are our own worst enemy.

Presented by Online Education