Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Labels


A friend called the other day and asked if I still hate my church. This was a heavy question, especially since the friend who was asking was a member of the same church. Do I hate it? No. But I do find myself at odds with many of the teachings, primarily the emphasis on how to be blessed and how to have faith for healing, success, prosperity or (fill in the blank). It’s not that these things are wrong but they just aren’t priorities for me. My friend then asked the natural question: So what are you?

Hmm … good question. On some days I’d say I’m a 4-point Calvinist – simply because that sounds refined. I can recite 3 of the points and I know I disagree with one of those. But I do like the emphasis on total depravity. Seems like many churches have become so chummy with God that they’ve forgotten who He is. I’ve visited churches that were so relaxed folks noisily crumpled their muffins’ Saran Wrap as they attempted to devour breakfast during the church’s worship time. I’ve also been in churches that teach God has placed all authority on us so that it’s up to us and our faith to cause things to happen. I guess I’m just trying to find a balance between the authority of the believer and the authority of God – but I haven’t located middle ground yet.

I’d also say I’m a Baptist, mainly because I like their evangelistic emphasis. I have a missional heart and have felt a call to missions since I was a teenager. I think sharing our faith through relationships is one of our greatest responsibilities as believers – and one of the most neglected.

Perhaps I’m also a wee bit non-denominational in that I don’t feel an allegiance to one group of people. Call me a rebel, a lone ranger or perhaps a mutt. I am not awed by leaders, particularly religious ones, and I rarely follow the party line.

Not sure if that answered her question or if there is a way to describe me. I think this is why I hate labels – they never seem to stick.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Given that I’m a horrible updater, thought I’d simply give you bullet points of what’s taken place the last few months:


- we joined my family for a week-long vacation in Pensacola this past October. This was their first time to meet Brandon, and instantly they fell in love with each other. Brandon also braved the clear gulf water and became quite the beach bum






- Brandon took a trip to the pumpkin patch and thought he’d gone to Soccer Heaven. He seemed to think each of the large orange balls was meant for kicking.






- We had a great Thanksgiving with Mike’s family. In one year we’ve gone from 2 grandchildren to 3 with another due any week now. My other sister-in-law is pregnant and is due next summer. Lots of changes to the Conner family!




- Finally, an update on Brandon’s status … we talked with our social worker last week and she indicated that they are moving ahead with placing Brandon’s brothers in an adoptive home and leaving Brandon with us. YAY!!! She said she was part of a meeting last week in which everyone agreed Brandon would be better off staying put, and that even if they wanted to keep all 3 brothers together they would have a difficult time finding a family for them.





Mike and I are doing great, too! He Monday left for a 2-week training trip in Boston, but I’ll be flying up to meet with him to celebrate our 5-year anniversary. In some ways I can’t believe 5 years already have come and gone, but in other ways it seems like we’ve known each other forever. I can’t fathom what it’s like to be married 50 years.

Have a great holiday, and please be patient with me – I’ll try to be more diligent in offering updates!