See You Later...

This is my last post before surgery tomorrow.
I don't know how long I'll be gone.
If they can use the Laparoscopy I'll be home
tomorrow. Probably not doing the steps down
to the computer yet, though.
If he has to open me up it may be a week or more
before I post again. I will try to get you updates
through Mrs. Rabe, at Creekside Cottage ,
if that is the case.

While this is happening, we are getting closer to
renting the building of our dreams for church.

I went yesterday and picked up paint chips and
carpet samples to put together some suggestions.
I am blessed to be considered
our resident decorator.
LOVE IT!

This is my biggest motivation to get back on my feet
quickly! I know, it should be my family...but I kind
of like the pampering that I know Chelsea and Warren,
along with the Moms, will do while
I recuperate.

The church reorganization has been so hard
over the past two years and now there is light at the end of the
tunnel so I am excited to dig in and see change!

It is totally amazing to me to see God's hand in
the intentional formation of the Family Integrated Church.
We had not even heard this term until Mrs. Rabe introduced
us to the clips of Vodie Baucham on her blog.

It is who we are, though.

God has been preparing us for this terminology.
We have been led to this conclusion over the past couple
of years after seeing the problems with youth groups and
the general dividing up of the families as they came to worship.

We are convinced that families worship better, when they are
together and the authority of the father is not removed for the
period of time that the family is at church. It is unintentional,
I know, however, it happens! We were at a point where our youth
group leaders were telling the youth that, "what happened in Youth
Group stayed in Youth Group". There was a huge us/them mentality
established. We begged and pleaded with them to
encourage the youth group to come to all church events and be
together with the whole families. They were convinced the kids
wouldn't want that.
Therefore, the kids didn't want that.

That administration has moved on.
Those who were eager to take
their place were asked to wait... and watch.
We intentionally began
to plan weekly events that involved the whole family.
One week is our small group Bible Study.
The next, an activity of some sort.
We were told there is no way the
youth will come and enjoy that.
Well, last small group we had nine
young people and eight adults.
The kids all participated, asked
questions, read the Word aloud and
had a great time playing afterward.
Our last Friday night was spent playing
games and enjoying pizza
together. Again, full house.
Lots of young people. I am so
thankful that the Lord has led us in this
direction and that He
has blessed us by working in
the hearts of the Young People to
have a desire to be here.

We just love them so much!
I love the perspectives they share.
I love the enthusiasm they show.
They also choose great music! lol

O.k. I guess I got on a soapbox there for a minute. I apologize.
It is just so very exciting to see God at work, where
because of all of the resistance, it seemed impossible.

I know that society says we need to be broken up into
groups with similar age and interests, but
I think we can glean so much from seeing the different places we
are all at. It also is so encouraging for the fathers to be "put back"
into a role of authority in a very real way.
Not everyone experiences this,
but we felt a bit helpless in wanting to be
supportive of those who were sacrificing so
much to run the Youth Group and feeling that
they were counteracting our authority.
Not fun.
It was a devastating feeling.

You may recall that this was also during the
period of time that we had to break off a
relationship for our Mikey. This started at
a Christian Camp and then blossomed at Youth Group,
encouraged by the leadership because it got this girl
to come. Never mind the devastation that Mikey endured
in this harmful relationship.
See, it has been a long
hard road and I am not writing this lightly.
I know there is some chance of offense being taken here.

I do not wish for that to be the case.
It is just so obvious to us, after the experiences we
have had and the prodding of the Lord in
our hearts that this is what He has for us, at this stage
of our lives.

Thanks for "listening".

You mean so much to me. I love getting your feedback
and encouraging comments. I love being able to put
words to "screen". Writing has always been one of my
loves. Thank You for being there as I learn the ropes.

I hope that you enjoy a great rest of the week.

I'll be back as soon as possible.

Blessings!