Church

So, Norman and I went to church on Sunday. This is one of the ways I am attempting to get back in touch with God and myself. We went to Calvary Chapel Mid-Valley. I cut my protestant teeth so to speak at a Calvary Chapel church. Now it's been about 8 years since I have been in one, and I kind of forgot what to expect. The congregation was very small, probably about 40-50 people, the worship was pretty good, we knew most of the songs. The teachings were very much from scripture. Most everything the pastor said he backed up with a scripture verse. Great you say? Well, yes it can be, but when he backs EVERY SINGLE WORD he says with scripture that can lead to a very LONG service. He talked on three verses for an hour. I have an attention span that lasts about 20 minutes. After that time I am trying to figure out where we are going for lunch and starting to write sarcastic notes to Norm. Back to the three verses. They were 1 John 2:15-17. The "Do Not Love the World" part. Great! Perfect! I am obviously focusing my attentions and engeries on things of this world. The problem was I was having a hard time focusing my attentions and energies on the lengthy speech. The service which started at 11:00am didn't let out till 12:45. Now here is the kicker. The pastor asked the congregation to join him on a "media fast" for one week. That would consist of no TV (check... Don't watch it anyway) no movies (check... They are too expensive to go to, and my DVD player and VCR don't work anymore) no radio (hmm Not so check... I would have a hard time with that one since my co-worker and I listen to the radio all day at work and I don't think my co worker would appreciate the lack of the radio for a week) no internet (sorry absolutely not. I get my news from the internet, and with all that is going on in the world today, there is no way I would feel comfortable being out of the loop for a full week) I decided that the "Media Fast" was just not for me. I understand the principle of it. No worldly distractions to take me away from the focus of God. That is something that would be good, but a full week seems a little overkill. I am in the process of trying to work out a weekend like that where I can go away. No TV, No internet, No radio. Just me and a few good books to help guide me through a time of self reflection. Got any suggestions on good books to help you connect with God and yourself at the same time? I am currently reading "The Way of the Heart" by Henri J. M. Nouwen, and I will soon start reading "The Human Condition" by Thomas Keating. I think I am in for quite a journey with these books. I am apprehensive and anxious all at the same time. Crazy. Anyway. It is so late and I need to sleep. I have a long day of Doctors visits ahead of me. If your out there and reading this. Please pray for me. You probably know better what to pray for me than I do myself.
I have to give props to my friend Emily. She just had a baby boy about a month ago, and I have been kind of talking to her about some of my issues. I told her about crying from jealousy when I found out my best friend was pregnant, and she said something that stopped me in my tracks and gave me a fleeting feeling of peace. I knew that if I could do what she suggested to me, I would be truly living life as God had planned it. She told me to stop looking ahead to the things I want. By doing that I am missing the amazing times I am having now. All things will come in their time. And this time is wedding planning. If I keep looking ahead, one day I will look back and wondered how I missed it all. I know it's all very cliche, but you know sometimes, you need Mrs. Obvious to come and smack you upside the head with a Duh statement. I had such a better day because of it. Anyway, this time I really mean it. I am off to bed for reals this time.