Monday, November 2, 2009

Truth

Ever since we found out we were expecting with Ryan, I've always pictured us as a church-going, Catholic-practicing family. We had Ryan baptized but we have never made the commitment to going to church every Sunday. In the beginning of our marriage it was difficult to predict Jake's days off and I never wanted to take Ryan (who could, in an instant, become a crying infant in church) to church alone. I read a lot of blogs of Christian women who belong to small groups within their church family and who rely on their faith to see them through every day situations or trying times in their lives. I LOVE it. I am inspired by these women (most of whom I've never met in real life - but I stalk their blogs because I am so inspired).


I've also been reading a lot lately about Beth Moore Bible Studies - and don't laugh - but I don't know who Beth Moore is and I am so anxious to find out what it is that a Beth Moore Bible Study is all about!!


So I am going to challenge myself to attend church as many Sundays as possible this month even if it means I go alone or just with Ryan. I want Ryan to be familiar with and understand the Bible. I am also going to challenge myself to incorporate some new things into Ryan's bedtime routine. On top of putting on his pj's, brushing his teeth and reading bedtime stories, I want to start bedtime prayers with him too.


This might all sound really random to most people who know me but this is always how I dreamed my life would be and now that I'm responsible for my own actions and the way I raise my child, I guess I have no one to blame but myself if it doesn't happen.


I challenge you all to make a change in your lives, to do something you've always dreamed you would do but just haven't followed through with. Maybe it's something as small as being kind to strangers, offering a "good morning" to the co-worker that you never speak to, or foregoing the lazy, sleeping-in on Sundays and attending church yourself. If anyone wants to join me in going to church, the more the merrier!



John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

4 comments:

Tracy Reid said...

Hi Patty!! What a great challenge!! I'm in a Beth Moore study right now, it's awesome. Her studies are challenging with homework 5 nights a week that require that you read your bible. That is something I have always struggled with. Going to church is a normal routine for me, but reading my bible is not and it's so important to know God's word!! Love you!!!

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Hi Patty,

A friend sent me your link to respond to the issue of Beth Moore. I have done some research on her studie, and have co-authored one of four articles Personal Freedom Outreach has done about Beth Moore for their Journal (www.pfo.org). Beth Moore is a very problematic teacher. Although she has a lot of good to say, a discerning Christian should avoid her. She misuses Scripture with poor hermeneutics, claims direct revelation from God, teaches aberrational spiritual warfare an a host of other problems. And yet she is very popular because she makes people feel good. See my first article at http://watchmansbagpipes.blogspot.com/2007/12/beth-moores-bad-teachings.html where I also list links to other later articles which detail all sorts of problems.

Be very discerning if you read her.

Tamara B said...

Well Glen's comment is interesting! I have never done a Beth Moore study so I can't comment on her. I just want to say that its great to hear of your desire to look into yourself. After all the bible clearly says that we should check the things we hear against the written Word.

As for the praying at bed time, it could be very fun and akward all at the same time if you're not used to it. What do I pray for? How do I pray? Who cares if you don't have it figured out perfectly, you'll learn as you go.

A couple of things I've done with my children is to ask them about their day - their favorite and least favorite thing from the day. It's amazing what they come up with. At the point when they start to talk, I also let them pray. They say the things they're thankful for and anything they might be sorry for. Often times I pray specifically that they will love God and love others. That I will be a good example and a loving parent, and that they will serve God.

I also have a little daily flip calendar that gives me a different prayer each day for my children. Often it has themes (like obedience) for a week or so and it gives me something specifically to pray for my children about. It comes from Stormie o'martian who's a popular writer who has several books out about praying.

I would love to dialogue with you if you're interested.

Tamara B said...

Hey Patty, just wondering if you made it to church yesterday with Ryan. How is your prayer time going?