|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| A New Start... |
|
| |
I was never raised up with strong Christian values. My grandparents never went to church, so neither of my parents went, but a very few times that I can barely remember. Needless to say, I struggle with my going and the responsibility I have to my children. I believe the Holy Spirit is jumping up and down in front of me just screaming telling me to get back to church (that and the new sanctuary that I just can't help but miss on my way to work at Cal State Bakersfield every morning), so I am a believer. I grew up with knowledge of God, Heaven and hell, knew about the Bible, but never read it and can't even tell you if we had one in our home as a child.
My boys' father is Catholic so I converted to Catholicism when we got married, but am not practicing. I have nothing against the religion, but I don't necessarily believe in a "religion" versus the Word of the Lord and the life He wants me and my children to live. That is why I have always enjoyed VBF because it isn't about a religion or a statue or a symbol or worship of anything other than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. It is about fellowship and family and love and comfort and togetherness.
I think my biggest challenge is going to church and staying on track. Part of the problem is that I have never really learned how to pray, how to read the Bible, how to memorize verses (I am amazed at how people can have quotes at the top of their head from so many in such a huge collection), and I don't know how to teach my children to do those things. In trying, we kind of wing it and it doesn't feel right and we give up. We are planning on enrolling in the upcoming Christianity Classes and I feel that will be a great guide for us to get us started down the path and keep us going forward with God and VBF, a place we really want to be.
We are new, and every time we start going again, we feel new all over, but we are never left feeling unwelcomed. We don't know anyone from church on a first name basis as of yet, but I have met many of you here and you have all made me feel just as welcome here as you have at church. I look forward to meeting you all face-to-face and if you see me, stop me and say hello. With so many people at our church, I may be overwhelmed with trying to follow service, making sure my boys aren't acting up and just remembering where I parked, that I may not recognized any of you, though completely unintentional!
Also, my boys are in junior high and like to sit with me because they don't know anyone in the junior high room yet. The go to Stiern Middle School, my oldest will be graduating in June and my youngest is in 6th grade. If any of you attend or have children that attend Stiern and can give suggestions toward making my boys relax a little, that would be so helpful. I know they would get so much more from their experience from the ministry geared toward their age group.
I'm sure this isn't a new experience what I am going through, and I am sure that a lot of you have been through the struggle I am going through, so I trusting you to give me hints on how you made it through and are where you are today. I'm sure God touched every step as he will touch mine, but my heart is heavy and I really want it to stick this time! Thanks :o) |
|
| To leave a comment or start your own blog: |
 |
or |
 |
Already a member? Login |
|
|
|
|
Kathy |
 |
February 22, 2008 at 10:32am |
|
| Hi Shelly! A prayer for you and your sons! Welcome to MyChurch! |
|
|
AcHuLa1 |
|
February 22, 2008 at 2:22pm |
|
Hi Shelly, I know exactly how you are feeling, my children and I have been attending VBF since June. My daughter and I got baptized in July, Praise God. In the beginning it was over whelming to attend such a big church. My daughter and I always sit in the same spot in the sanctuary, a place where we feel the most comfortable. I too am trying to step out in faith and am trying to get to know more people. As Pator Ron said last Sunday, fellowship is important and the best way to get to know other people is get involved with bible studies. That is exactly what I am going to do. My name is Amanda, if you ever see me at the 10am service, don't hesitate to stop and say hello, it will make me happy to have a new friend at VBF.. Oh and just keep praying, the Holy Spirit will guide you...remember all we have to do is just talk to God like we do with our friends, he knows what in our hearts, we don't have to pray with big fancy words..he hears us just the same. Take care and God Bless
Amanda |
|
|
Shelly,
When I first started attending VBF, I only attended the services. I was the first one out the door when the service was over. It wasn't until I joined the Vegas singles group that I started to feel like I belonged. I made friends within that group (the best friends I've ever had), and began branching out into other groups. It has made an unbelievable difference in my life, and my walk with the Lord.
I recommend joining one of the many small groups that VBF has to offer. Give it a chance and see how God will move in your life.
Take care and God Bless!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff H aka Hutch |
|
|
Hi Shelly! I don't go to VBF, don't even live in California! But I am familiar with some of the experiences you write about. I would suggest that it's difficult to teach your children what being a Christian is all about if your own relationship w/God is just barely getting off the ground, if not completely stuck in some ditch. May I encourage you to find the time, preferably first thing in the morning, when it's still quiet and dark, to spend alone with God. I would suggest starting with Psalms, which are mostly personal, intimate cries to the Lord, heart to heart. You might even start with a simple request for mercy...."Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner"...I know this strikes a chord very deep in God's heart. Go slow, don't rush your time with the Lord. He is timeless, and when you become a child of God you too become timeless, spiritually speaking.
I'll pray for you and your precious family. God bless! ~mike |
|
|
| This helped encourage me in a big way God Bless you welcome to my Church. Mark |
|
|
Wow Mike great advise!
Shelly, Praise God you joined us at VBF!
We truly rejoice with the Lord and all the Angels that you have made your home with the Lord at Valley. I know what you are talking about I felt that way at our old sanctuary and it was 3 times smaller than our new sanctuary. For a whole year I was able to sit in the back and not get noticed and it truly wasn't until I got involved {first step} (forced to by my sister) that my maturity in the Lord started to grow.
That is why the cross is vertical and horizontal. Both are important. The woman you choose to surround yourself with can really help you, hurt when you hurt, rejoice when you rejoice and learn with you and teach you. Get involved every chance you get. You will make it if you do. At least join a study group get a hold of me I will help you or introduce you to someone who can. |
|
|
Shelly |
|
February 24, 2008 at 10:33pm |
|
God bless you all who have given my your thoughts and prayers. I am open to suggestions and I will take all of your advice to heart. Thank you to all of my new friends! I can't wait to meet those of you I can face-to-face!!
Shelly |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
back to top
