holy heartburn!

ok... so as I posted in a previous blog, I am having a really hard time with the church today. Ok, to not sound completely pompous, I am having a really hard time with my church today. I have been reading the book blue like jazz by donald miller. ( good one... check it out if u havnt already... and thanks Angela for buying it for me) and while I have been reading there are some things that have really stuck out to me. chapter 12 for instance is titled :
Church: How to Go Without Getting Angry
what a chapter to read. I go to church and that is what seems to happen. I get angry. Angry at the politics the lack of enthusiasm, the lack of passion, love, and wholeness as a community and body of Christ. Let me start here with a few questions I asked myself.

• How does God reach different people through different churches?
• How important is it to God that we, as the church, be united, like a family?

These questions really made me focus on what is happening. Perhaps my church is reaching at least one person in there, and yea God for that. Perhaps those who like the structure of skipping things when the time is almost up, or those who enjoy the sermons on money are being reached. Sorry bout the sarcasm. I am yet a bit emotional.
2. if we look at ephesians, we can find the answer for question 2. It tells us straight up in ephesians 1:11 it says ,"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." (NIV) and it goes on in later chapters to speak of the unified church.

in a recent bulletein at my church on the list of concerns for the next board meeting was this issue - how do we deal with people arriving late to service?

seriously...is this the most important issue in the church today? I say...late or on time... people are coming... shouldnt that be worth rejoicing?! arent there more important things to be worrying about rather than the new carpet being stained, or the white garb being washed, or the candles being refilled with oil. there are people dying without ever knowing God and people in my church are worried about who is showing up on time?!

I live in Glen ellyn. It is in the middle of dupage county, which is in the top 5 richest counties in the nation, and is the richest county in the state of illinois. and what are the hundreds of churches in the county, 2 of which made the church reports top 50 most influential churches in america. and you know what I see? I see homelessness being pushed under the rug, I see battered children, imigrants who cant speak english, special needs kids with no church who can facilitate to their needs, elderly who have no ride to church.... and the list goes on. is this what the church is to look like? NO! the church is not to be an organization, but rather a family. all these different denominations, why? we all have the same base beliefs, why cant we all band togther and do something bigger? we arent to be battling over the kids in the area for sunday school or youth groups, but rather working together to give the support to the community that is needed. Church isnt a place, at least it shouldnt be, church should be a lifestyle, a way of being the body for others around us.

appreciation

I have a terrible sunburn... pray it stops hurting quickly! So my sister has been home all summer with me and my family. dont get me wrong, I love my sister, but I feel like Im not sure how much she loves, or really likes me. Please pray for that relationship. Shes my sister, I would die for her.

I sit here today, and think about the day yesterday. I went to the dunes with Alicia and Kelly. What great friends I have. I hope I never take them for granted. It was a great day.

speaking of friends, all my friends are amazing, and I love you all.

my parents have been really supportive the past 2 months and I appreciate them. I love them too. I guess I dont give them enough credit sometimes. or give them enough of a chance to be there.

So I guess this blog is just saying how much I appreciate everyone I have in my life right now. I sit and think about how lucky I am to have friends and family who love me, take care of me, and are willing to bring me back to reality when needed. How many times have I taken this for granted? How many people out there have nothing compared to what I have? I love you all.