Monday, June 28, 2010

Practicing Silence
























This weekend my oldest daughter went to a sleepover so we didn't really get a chance to wake up together on Sunday have our usual 11am worship time.  Not a bad idea to mix it up since we are such creatures of habit.  We got all of our chores done on Sunday and got into a circle on the floor and talked about SILENCE.  I knew going into this weekend what topic I wanted to talk about but sometimes I am not sure how the kids will receive it being on a more serious level of committment.  We talked about silence and then we practiced silence.

My oldest daughter had a game where you lay down and you have to sit still while being distracted and if you are distracted you are out.  My youngest daughter didn't last long and of course I WON.  I wanted to give the girls a chance to learn the importance of silence and how it helps your health, taking test, calm you down when you are angry, and prayer.  I have come to a point in my life where I can quickly get into a hypnotic state where I am calm and I can hear my heartbeat.  I had to practice this SILENCE the past week since I am interviewing for a new position.  I think it helped me be focused on listening to others and my thoughts.  The final test was a big one during out time together at GRACE HAPPENS.  I told everyone they can go anywhere (inside the house or outside) but they can not do anything of rest, think, sleep, etc but no talking or noise for 10 minutes.  We finished our 10 minutes gathers together to talk about how some had difficult times with it.  My oldest daughter is a big reader and she says, "Now, I know what it feels like when I read, 'And the house was silent'".  Karen had a difficult time staying awake.  I went upstairs and did the comfortable thing and prayed and thoughts about life.  Abby pouted and didn't like that game stating many times, "this is boring". 

Purpose of silence - to feel what God felt before creating space, time, and people.  I appreciate noise more after being silent for a period of time.  So, your assignment is with your family - set your timer for 10 minutes and be silent. 

Monday, June 21, 2010

HUGS



Maybe we should change our gathering (a.k.a. church) name to HUGS.  I had the best Sunday Father's  "Grace Happens" Day.  We talked a little bit about fathers and how my father treated me and how I treat my children.  I am very open with my family and they know they can say anything but I require honesty.  I honestly want to know how I can be better and not just hear the "good" things.  I have to say lately I have been doing less talking and more listening regardless what they say - cuss words, sex questions, fears, doubts, funny moments. 

Father's listen - if your kids can't trust you they will find that trust somewhere else.  Don't be shy and quick to talk.  I wish God put another commandment directly to parents since there is already one for children, "SHUT UP and JUST LISTEN to your CHILDREN".

Father's we are not perfect and we have to keep reminding our children that we make mistakes.  You will be amazed how forgiving children are if you repent.

The one thing I learned during our time together on Sunday is they wished I didn't have to work so many nights.  Trust me - I feel the same way.  But they do acknowledge that when I am home I spend time with them even with all the things I have to get done before bedtime each night.

Now to tell you about the cool thing - once we finish our brief conversation my youngest daughter came over to me and we hugged for what seemed like a long time.  Then she says, "GROUP HUG".  Pretty cool.  Do you have group hugs at your church?  I have never seen it done before during a service.  Are there any Pastor's out there wanting to compete for closeness.  TRY THE GOOD OLD HUG THEORY.

Next week: briefly talking about silent prayer and then practicing it.  Anyone is welcomed.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Game Day












What has been going on at Grace Happens on Sunday?


This last Sunday was fun. We put G-d’s principles into practice. We had GAME DAY. Yep, you heard correctly. We had GAME day at church and I did just say G-d’s principles and games in the same sentence. Why do Christians believe you can have fun but you have to mention the word “G-D” in order to make it officially spiritual? I think Christians who attend church have this distorted image of what church is suppose to be and in order for it to be called “church” you have to have three elements:

1. A bulletin

2. 2 upbeat crazy songs and 1 quite non-meditative song

3. 1 Timed 17 minute and 59 second sermon

I am not much into formality and I structure Grace Happens without limitations and the only author of topic is love, learning, and Lord.

I think Jesus is happy with our church activity. He played games. All kids play games. I know he probably didn’t play “Trash” or “Chess” but maybe something else. We do know he loved to party and be part of family activities. The “church” lesson was to practice self-control; not just talk about it. Did we learn? Yes. There was an opportunity where Karen and Abigail (my youngest daughter) got upset with not sure how to play chess and things didn’t end with a smile. But, in the end, the lesson was learned by hugging each other as a sign of making up.

I have come to this conclusion that whether we have a yelling, crying, or smiling church session I don’t care just so we end with knowing we are free and we give each other grace.