Prayer Monday, 8/1/2011

*Note To New Readers: Prayer Monday is NOT a closed group. Participate by sharing some of your requests on your blog and linking to this list. Then, read, say a quick prayer and comment on each participant's blog. We could all use a little encouragement and a lot of prayer.*

First of all, there will be no Prayer Monday next week--not a formal post anyway.  Favorite and I are going on vacation, and I have no idea what the internet situation will be in Florida.  Plus, I don't want to tie myself to a specific posting schedule if it doesn't work out.  Thanks for understanding.

Favorite and I have spent a lot of time contemplating the situations in our collective life.  We struggle to make decisions, because we don't want to make the wrong ones...all the while realizing that not making a decision can be just as wrong.

We are looking into the possibility of a new church.  This is difficult for a number of reasons--not the least of which is finding a church we fit.  But there are other considerations on the table:

1.  We have some pretty deep connections to a few people at our current church.  It's difficult to consider leaving those people; although, staying for a few people isn't really the right reason to stay, either.

2.  Familiarity.  Pretend it doesn't matter all you want.  I know different.

3.  Service.  I've been singing praise and worship with the same girls for the last 11 years.  Praise and worship does something for me that nothing else does, and I believe God called me to that ministry because He wanted to humble me.  Eleven years later, I would still cry through every single song we sing.  It draws my heart and fills me the way nothing else has been able to.  That ministry allowed me to open myself enough to allow God in through the chinks when I was intent on blocking Him entirely.  I needed that ministry.  I don't even know how to tell you what it's done for my life in Christ.

4.  Women's Bible Study.  Clearly, I would be leaving this behind, and that hurts me for similar reasons as Praise and Worship.  Unfortunately, this ministry has caused controversy of late, and I'm tired of being treated like a subversive person when I'm simply trying to follow something I felt God laid on my heart.

This decision isn't completely about me, though.  Favorites needs are obviously a consideration, and, after much discussion, we know that it may be necessary to consider a place that allows both of us to worship and grow.

This is hard, though.  I'm scared.  I've never been a church hopper, and I certainly don't intend to become one now.  All of these things are what make this decision extremely difficult.  Do we?  Don't we?  are still questions we are navigating.  Pray for us.  Gracious Jeebus...pray for us.

And, if you would, my brother still hasn't heard from this new job.  Pray that God would open/close doors as Ronnie and Sheena move into this new stage of life.

Thanks for reading my ramblings.  Link up.