Sunday, June 01, 2008

Church

Hubs and I see eye-to-eye on many things, but sadly religion is not one of them. He was brought up to BELIEVE, while I was brought up to question everything.

It's not that I don't believe there is something bigger out there; I do. And it's not that I'm not spiritual; I am.

Needless to say, we need to find a way that we can integrate everything and support each other in our own beliefs. And it's not as easy as celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. And no, I'm not Jewish, although I did just join the Jewish Community Center (it's awesome).

So I have gone to many churches since I met Hubs. To support him and also because I must admit I am a little curious about what people get out of it. You see, I believe you don't have to be in one place at one time. I just don't believe it's all so black and white. And I don't believe Jesus is God's only son - don't get me wrong, I'm sure he existed and was a great man, who was clearly motivational and inspirational, but aren't we all God's children? But I think Buddha offers many lessons we can all learn from as well.

And so today we went to the local, Presbyterian Church. The sermon left me untouched (it was given by an intern who talked about himself the entire time). The music, however, moved me to tears. I'm not kidding, it was so beautiful. There was a guest singer from the Colorado Opera, and it was amazing - it was the way Church music was meant to be heard. I had chills. For five minutes, it felt like we were in England hundreds of years ago.

If I could be that moved every time I went to Church, I'd go every day.

1 comment:

amwurst said...

I haven't checked your blog lately, but I saw two things today I wanted to comment on. 1)Church- try an ELCA church. Lutherans are fairly liberal. At our church we have served communion to Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, anyone who wants it. The general Lutheran take is we are all God's children even if you don't believe. I was raised Baptist, but had some doubts. Mainly b/c I recognized I was a Christian b/c I was raised by a Christian family. So I couldn't agree with condemning Muslims, Jews, etc. to hell. Lutheranism was very refreshing to me b/c it concentrates on living a full life in community with others, not worrying about who's getting in to heaven.

The second is the potty training for school. Summer is the easiest time to do it b/c you can keep them outside more and not worry about them peeing on the floor. My friends and I swear by the one week method. Take the diaper off, give them lots to drink (maybe even special things like Sprite or extra juice), and give rewards every time they potty. When they have a few accidents or feel wet they understand the need for pottying better. In our house stickers on the calendar were a great incentive, b/c they could show dad when he got home. I also bought special treats for the first time they pottied or a day without accidents and so forth. Flavor-ice is a great treat b/c it also gets more liquid in them so they have to go.

Just my 2 cents.

Alice