back to work

Yesterday we began our search for a new church family. We went to a local Methodist church because they seem to have lots of activities for children and a good preschool. At first we were a little put off by the size and amount of people. There are 5 pastors and 4 sermons each Sunday. This is very different from Lockney United Methodist Church where on some Sundays we were lucky to have 5 families in the congregation. We decided to skip the contemporary service and stick with our roots at the traditional service. We could've been the youngest couple there, but we did enjoy the hymns and the familiarity of the service. We aren't positive that this is our new church home but during the service I knew for a fact that we were where God wanted us to be. Sometimes we (I) get so wrapped up in ourselves that we pretty much have to be hit upside the head with God's word to listen to Him. He spoke loud and clear to both Carey and me yesterday. So clear that the pastor even used a doctor as an example. It's at times like that when you can't help but throw your hands up and a say "ok, ok! I'm listening! You have my attention!". In our car after the sermon I asked Carey if God spoke to him this morning. His response was a strong "Yes". You see, surgeons aren't exactly the most calm and laid back people. They have to have certain personality traits in order to survive the stress of their training and the hospital. Rarely does this allow you to have a "weakness" such as faith in something other than yourself.

It's easy to get caught up in the anxiety and pressures of the hospital and become bogged down with negativity. Because of all of the terrible things he sees and experiences each day, it's natural to become harden and almost cold. Yesterday the passage was Psalms 23. One that everyone knows but takes for granted. We both felt that God was saying "hey! Seek stillness in Me. Find peace in Me. Refresh your spirit in Me. But you have to spend time with me to do so". Hmmm.

So, please keep Carey in your prayers. The next 7 years will be tough. I know that it will be a great opportunity for our family to grow in our faith and for God to work in our lives.

Having said that, I'll let you know how Carey survived his first day :)