A few weeks ago, something really wild happened at the church we’ve been attending. It caught me by surprise, and I was able to snap a photo of it right after it happened, so I thought I’d share it here on the blog today.
Before I get to the moment though, I should start by saying, that I’ve never really had a “church home”, so finding this place, that I feel so excited by and comfortable in, has really been a BIG, BIG blessing for me. The folks that created it (a few years ago) sure have done a great job of putting together a warm and inspiring place for us to worship. And although we haven’t met a ton of people there yet, (we’re still in “stroll in quietly and sit off to the very side” mode- ha!) I look forward to our time there so much. Each week, I can feel my “crazy compass” bobbity-bobble back toward the center point again. Ya know what I mean? (Fun fact: The church is called Centerpoint.) The only problem (for lack of a better word) with attending this particular church is that I have yet to make it through a service without tearing up. And I’m not talking about just during the message portion of the service. I’m talkin’: while the worship team is playing a song, while someone is getting baptized…you name it– I’m tipping my head back ever-so-slightly so that those big ol’ drops welling up don’t fall down…or out, ifyaknowwhatI’msayin.
A friend of mine said the same thing happens to her at church, and I had to laugh when we both admitted that we hope the people around us don’t think it’s because we’ve done so much sinning throughout the week- ha!
Okay, on to the moment.
Right now, we’re in the middle of a series on relationships. It’s about relationships with God, relationships with others, setting priorities, and resolving conflicts. Our pastor (John Schmidt) found a clever way to demonstrate things by using different-sized moving boxes to illustrate how our priorities should stack up. God’s box is three big boxes taped together to make up one, extra-large box. From there, they decrease in size: spouse, then kids, then work, then house/car/stuff. The smallest box is labeled, hobbies.
John’s been talking about how easy it is for those “moving boxes” to get jumbled up, and lost in the shuffle, when life gets go-go-going, like it always tends to do. Just like when you’re literally moving. Boxes get re-stacked and relocated, and when they end up in the wrong room, it can cause a lot of stress and make it really hard to find the things you need. I’m such a visual person, so seeing it laid out that way was great, and it makes sense to me why everything would run smoother if I just kept those stacks in the right order.
Okay. Now on to the moment.
It was pretty symbolic and goosebump-y, y’all…and I hope it translates here as well. I don’t even know if anyone else saw it happen, but boy did it make my eyes pop wide.
A couple of Sunday’s ago, the worship team (who absolutely rocks my socks off, by the way) was playing “The Great I Am“. (If you haven’t heard it, and want to check it out, click here.) It’s a really catchy and powerful tune, and at that moment, it felt like the whole congregation was really locked in. I’m talkin’ total sing-it-like-you-mean-it goin’ on. Exhilarating. Moving. The whole kit-and-kaboodle. I was lovin’ it…and I’m pretty sure big drops had welled up, and *ahem* out at that point.
Anywho, right about that time, as I was standing there all goosebump-y, the priority/moving box labeled “House/Car/Stuff”, (which was previously perfectly stacked on top of the box beneath it) flew right up and onto the floor…top side down. I scanned the area, looking for a fan, or anything that could’ve blown it over that hard.
But there wasn’t anything blowing over there. There wasn’t anyone near the box.
It just flew off.
Right there at the end of that Great song that we were all singing.
I probably embarrassed Kevin to pieces, but I had to pull out my cell phone and take this photo when the song was over, and we had all taken our seats again. See the box upside down on the floor?
The lighting was low, so the picture is a blurry and less than perfect. Hmmm…reminds me of me…and that’s okay, because it’s all about the “boxes” and how they’re standing, anyway.
Great story! I love it! So true and hard for us DIYers to sometimes keep our “box sizes” straight!…I guess hard for everyone! I well up at church also…and often. I can’t really tell when I will, where I’ll be, or sometimes even why! I decided it has to be the Holy Spirit. I was at my sister’s church the other day, and I walked in, sat down, and felt myself starting to cry….It was not even at a normal time to do so. I’m always thinking….omgosh, I have to try not to do this….keep it together,….keep it together. lol, but I think sometimes that must be what I should do….to let it out, loose my pride a little, and realize that it’s really only between Jesus and Me, and everything else will fall into place. Thanks for sharing!
I cannot tell you how much this post blessed my heart. You may not remember me but we met in bham back in April at PW book signing, my baby threw up on you 😉 I remember sharing w Kevin about my husband being an avid musician and playing in the church praise band at our church (we live in montg)and how much a part of worship the music was. Knowing John and having several friends at centerpoint I mentioned to Kevin that y’all should check them out. I have prayed ferverently for you both that you would find a church family never knowing if you would post anything about your personal faith. Thank you for sharing as you did Layla because you affirmed an answer to prayer. I know it can be so intimidating to visit new churches but I am so glad you have felt at home there. I truly believe that the Lord has a wonderful plan for you two. 🙂
Hi Jennifer!
I remember our conversation very well! We appreciate the kind words and the prayers. I remember you telling me about Centerpoint and I can’t tell you how many times it seemed to pop up in our lives after that conversation. It was almost like we were being led there. Thank you so much for stopping by today and I hope you and your family are well! 🙂
every. single. week.
it happens to me, too.
i get CRAZY and my eyes start watering. it’s usually never during the sermon, isn’t that funny? it’s always like songs, or announcements, or parts of prayers that really speak to me.
my husband thinks i’m a nut.
i suppose i am.
The upside down box seems to be saying, “Sh……” Just like you shush a child that’s upset and needs calming down.
Totally get it, friend. So happy you’re happy there!!! Love to you,
shaunna
Layla,
Thanks for sharing your moment! My 85-year old mother-in-law says it is the Spirit moving you when you tear up/cry in church. Try to look at the tears as a gift that reflect how the Holy Spirit is reaching you. Just a thought!
Don’t worry about tearing up during service. Happens to me every Sunday I attend. That’s why I keep a lovely, old-fashioned cotton ladies hankerchief in my purse.
BTW, I had a completely jaw dropping, unexplainable moment when I was at the Jordan River (yes, in the Holy Land) this January. We had left the river and were walking back through the beautiful “wooded” area to the bus when I stopped to take a picture of a gorgeous new church built there. I took a picture of the roof over the entry way where there was a painting of the descending dove. As I backed away, and was still looking upward, a white dove with an olive leaf in it’s beak flew over. Only three of us were there when this happened and all we could do was look at each other. I still get goosebumps when I think of that moment.
Wow! What an awesome sight that must have been, thanks for sharing!
Hey guys! I love reading your blog! I totally asked my husband if we could up and buy your house. =) I feel so blessed to have stumbled upon it a few years ago when I was searching for decor ideas for my bedroom! God is so good at keeping His people connected to each other!
I really enjoyed this post, especially because my husband and I are involved in the music ministry. My husband is currently in a Christian worship/rock band based out of New England called the Andy Needham Band. They just finished a CD release tour that took them through several states, including Alabama! I would be honored if you would check them out! Thank you for boldly writing about your faith, it helps me do the same! Keep up the good work! =)
-This is some information about them: http://www.hearitfirst.com/newstour/default.aspx?news_id=1056353
-This is a link to their TFAT (tweet for a track) for their song “Lifted High”:
http://trkurl.com/py2n59
-The website hearitfirst.com also has a link to their i-pad giveaway! =)
Hi Hannah!
Thanks so much for the link to your husbands music, I love finding new bands! 🙂
I’m having a hard time understanding the comments about not knowing you are a Christian. From the first time I read one of your posts I’ve got that message loud and clear. I didn’t need another blog to take up my time but I felt something special goes on here and I wanted to see more of you. A lot of the things don’t apply to my life as I’m a retired widow but all things beautiful draw me and since I’m a retired realtor houses are one of the things that do. I love the box analogy and I’m glad you shared it. All of us get out of balance at times. I was very concerned that you are moving away from a church that is such a good fit. It’s not a thing to toss away w/out a lot of prayer. Don’t be upset if God doesn’t move things that way because you really are blooming where you are planted now. You are in my prayers every day when I read your post. Your Light shines out bright and shining. Thanks for sharing your life and its’ lessons with all of us.
Thank you, Gayla! We sure do appreciate your kind comment! I’m happy to report the church we love will only be a 25 minute drive away from the area we hope to move to, and since they have three services (8:00, 9:15 and 11:00) there’s no excuse to not keep going, as far as traveling is concerned! 😀 It’s definitely worth the easy drive!
We go to a church that is 20 miles away- we were always small church folks- wanting the music to fill our hearts- who knew it would be at a church of about 700 in one service ( Heritage Church, Moultrie Ga 🙂 It took us 7 years to find it,,,,,, Yes is always worth the drive.. and sounds like you have found a home church….tears in our church flow pretty freely from young and old- man or woman—-
God Bless you both.
What a powerful post! We, too, have been searching for a church home that ‘fits’. It hasn’t been an easy journey for us, to be honest. We hope to find someplace soon.
But the most impactful part of your post has to be the fact that you (and many others in the comments) are church criers! Thank you to all for posting about this! I thought I was the only one who did this and it’s always made me sort of embarrassed, to be honest. I don’t like feeling as if I should tamp down those emotions, but it’s what I do out of fear that those around me will think I’ve gone around the bend. Does that even make sense?
Anyway, great post – big thanks!!
Cindy
I just re-read my post and I wanted to clarify…I should have said the most impactful part of your post ‘for me’ was the part about crying in church. It was all so moving and I hope I didn’t make it sound as if I thought any less of the rest of the post.
That’s what I get for typing/posting without really editing first, right? 😉
Have a great day!
Cindy
Great way to show how our priorities in life should be! The Lord moves in such mysterious, and incredibly thoughtful, ways.
I know the church you are talking about- I got to your blog through Pioneer Woman- not realizing you are in AL- my parents live in MGM and we have followed John when he was at Frazer!
Small world! That is awesome!
Your post really spoke to me Layla. I have been on a roller coaster ride for the past few weeks dealing with my sister’s suicide attempt. She lived, but the reality is….her God box is upside down, and her “want” box is huge. She craves stuff. Part of her despair is finances and wanting / needing more stuff than she needs or wants God. If anyone reads this, and if you feel led, sent a prayer our way. We need it.
I’m so sorry. We will definitely be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Layla,
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog and also read it to Dad. The blog and comments made me teary eyed and gave me goose bumps. Kevin and you will never know how much Dad and I have prayed that God would lead you to a church where you would feel comfortable and could become active. While Dad and I were talking last week about how you all are enjoying Centerpoint, Dad made the statement, “Our prayers have finally been answered.” We are so proud of the two of you and the accomplishments you have made in your lives. We love you, Mom & Dad Palmer.
We love you so much! 🙂
Layla,
Love your transparency! Sounds like you have found a church that fits what my hubby calls the “sweet spot.” Worship is especially such an important part for us too! That song “Great I am” is one of my all time favs! ( That the song was written by one of the worship leaders at my church..Mr Jared Anderson.) You might check out his other songs sometime..”‘Worthy”, “Rescue”..lots of amazing songs..as well as the songs from Desperation Band. Who knows, since you are now connected to Compassion, maybe you two could come and hear Jared sing that song
live at our church New Life in Colorado Springs! Love, love, love your hearts!!!
I know exactly what you mean! I haven’t felt like I’ve had a church home in a VERY long time due to moving constantly, so I couldn’t let this post go without commenting. John Schmidt is amazing. He actually married my husband and I over 8 years ago. My husband and I both ended up in Montgomery after college, ended up at Frazer and became very good friends with the worship leader (who ended up marrying my roommate!) and he introduced us to John. Those teary moments? I had many of those back then and have not been able to find a church that begs for God to “fill this place” with His Spirit like we did when John was leading us. I have heard only amazing things Centerpointe and I’m not one bit surprised. John has such a passion for teaching God’s Word and God shows up every. single. Sunday. My favorite thing that John prays every time before he preaches… “move me out of the way.” I’m so glad that you had your “box” moment and hope that you have many more! God bless!! : )
God moments like that are always so amazing! He knows how to get our attention, doesn’t he?
I’m so glad you have found a wonderful church to plug into. It sounds like a great place where Jesus is at the center. It makes me like you guys even more because I’m not sure I realized before that you are Christians too! Cool!
Oh, and I love that song too. God moves a lot when our worship team plays that song. Oooh, I’m excited for tomorrow’s service now! I hope they play it!
So fantastic, El. Thanks for sharing this with me and everyone. 🙂
Hi there,
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like your pastor uses some great visual aids to carry the message home. His use of the boxes could be used in another great teaching illustration and that is to remind us that sometimes we attempt to fit the Lord in a neat little box that we can feel comfortable with and relate “better” to, but then we create a false image and no longer worship the Creator, but the person or thing we created in His place (even with the best of intentions). There is absolute freedom in truly getting to know Him intimately through spending time studying His Word, in prayer and in fellowship with other believers. As we are faithful to Him and obey His teachings, His true character is graciously revealed time and time again and we are truly a new creation through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. I encourage everyone who professes to be a follower of Christ to always test all things through Scripture and to seek His guidance in every aspect of their lives (one on one). Just as a child to their father.
By the way, I don’t know if you’ve heard of this family ministry, but with your husband’s musical gift, I thought you all would appreciate how they put Scripture to music (Seeds Family Worship). http://seedsmusicstore.3dcartstores.com/?AffId=10
You can sample their songs at http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/listen-online/
It is a great way for families to hide God’s Word in their hearts.
it’s funny that your pastor said hobbies should be the smallest box. i watched my husband’s hobby (crossfit) which on the outside seemed nothing is wrong with exercising, until the gym and his gym friends, and his secret gym relationships took over his life, work and marriage to its detriment. it is so important for young married couples to be on the same page and prioritize the relationship in exactly the way the pastor describes. do it at the beginning, make each other sign a contract if necessary and go over it ever so often to make sure the relationship is on track. both have to be God focused, with the same level of commitment for success in marriage and life.
Prudent point. Anything in our lives that takes first place before the Lord just becomes an idol. God’s Word is clear…that in everything, we must seek Him first. We build all relationships (marriage, children, fellow believers, etc) on the foundation of Christ. Our covenant (promise/binding contract) is with Him first. With anyone who seeks to grow in their walk with Him and to serve Him (making disciples, raising the next generation of Christ followers and building His kingdom), we must look to what His Word says and not just read it, but study it and then put it into practice daily.
Like your suggestion, one should go over the “contract” (shown in God’s Word) regularly (in all areas of our life, not just relationships). A husband and a wife would be wise to study and model what God’s design for marriage is together and what each person’s role and responsibilities are within the covenant He created. It is important to remind ourselves that we are sinners married to a sinner. We must show love and forgiveness, just as the Lord shows us as we repent and follow Him. As we resolve to do this, we are able to then bear the lasting fruit that the Lord desires from each of us.
Somtimes it takes a visual aid to hit me over the head !!! This is a good one Layla, Thanks for sharing! P.S. Congrats on selling your home and your new house, which I cant wait to see you and Kevin make into your home!
Layla,
I followed your link to your church website and watched a video on “Relationships in the Workplace”. Now, I have been having issues with a lady I share an office with, so that video hit home. TALK ABOUT GOOSEBUMPS. I saved the church website so that I can check out other videos and the new ones that they post. I loved the sermon on workplace relationships and it gave me a whole new perspective on why I was where I am at. If you had not of posted about the box, I would not have found the video to open my eyes. I wrote to John to tell him that his sermon reached Indiana and how much it helped and blessed me. Your blog also blesses each of us who read it either by your decorating tips, your kind heart of like today, sharing of something else that touched you. I am praying for you and Kevin. I pray that God guides you through your home process and moving and also starting another family. I do not know you personally, but I do pray for you ♥.
Have a blessed day….
~ Lisa from Indiana ~
Dear Kevin and Layla,
I can remember two specific times in my life when if was if the Lord was literally by my side. The first was when my daughter was a baby. It was 18 years ago, and back then you put your car seat rear facing, but in the front seat was fine. (why did we ever think that was ok?!) I was driving thru busy Savannah traffic in the rain…I took my eyes off the road for a second and the car ahead of me stopped. I hit the brakes and should have caused a major pile-up. It all happened so fast, but it was literally like it was in slow motion, if that even makes sense. When I opened my eyes, because I had prepared for the impact, traffic had just completely stopped around me, even though I had hydroplaned into oncoming traffic. It was like everyone took a deep breath,let me get back where I needed to go, and then moved on. I was headed to the Pediatricians office, and I remember being so shaken and in tears when I got to the parking lot…it was the day I truly believed that the Lord does put a hedge of protection around his children.
The second time I flew from GA to NY to meet my newborn nephew because he was born with major medical problems. My family said to come and meet him, and they didnt come right out and say it, but meant, “and say good-bye all in one visit”… I was in the NICU with this precious baby, all by myself–my brother and sister in law had gone home for a couple hours, as it was the birth day of another nephew. I sat by the isolet, and thought, “he looks so healthy, how can this be?” He wasnt preemie, he was a healthy 7+ lbs. His problems were with his heart and lungs, he was on 100% oxygen..they were sure they would have to put him on the bypass machine within the day. As I sat there, I prayed and cried, and prayed some more ….the nurses came in all in a bustle, which freaked me out. They wanted my brother and sister in law, I said, “Im here alone, they’ll be back soon, what is the problem?” (My insides were mush, I didnt know how I would live with being the one there when he passed.) They looked at me and had this look of pure amazement, (which I mistook as panic at first) and said, “this baby is going to be moved back closer to home!!” It was a “say what?!” moment. They couldnt explain it…he literally did an about face. My brother and sister in law hadnt even made it home yet and turned around because they were going to prepare Gunnar to be transported back closer to our home in PA. I remember crying and crying, remembering it all as I write, brings it all back. I looked up and knew that those prayers had been answered. I dont look at that wild 6 year old boy the same way I look at the other 9 nieces and nephews I have, I was there as he was fighting for life…miracle is the first thing I think of when I see him.
Sorry, you didnt ask for an epistle…sometimes the Lord shows up and shows off, and we have to share!
xoxo you both
How awesome that you guys found a church home, it won’t be long before you’ll feel like you are a part of the family, I’m sure!
It is a powerful thing to sense God’s presence — those tears just show you are in touch with your need to connect with Him on a deeper level. So happy to know you’ve found a great place to do just that!
Thank you, Melissa! Seeing and reading through your comment made me smile so big! 😀
I’m blown away. Layla and Kevin, not only has your post been a much needed “God moment” for me, but look at all the replies with wonderful comments and stories. You two always inspire me, but sharing your story got a whole different dialog going. God bless you in your new home and your church family. I’ll be praying for you.
~I’m a proud church crier too! 🙂
Nothing happens without reason/purpose in God’s economy. Each time something catches my attention; a person, place, thing, or something else – I call it cause to ask God what He would have me to learn from “it”.
Perhaps He is trying to get your attention in regards to something He wants to do in your life.
This is usually when I learn the most of myself or my Creator 🙂
Glad you have, seemingly, found a “church home”!
Blessings
Two scriptures came to mind when I read your post: And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written…John 21:25/Clearly, you are an epistle(letter) of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart…2 Cor. 3:3. I too have many stories of which I could write a book, like the scripture says. This is just the beginning of all the neat things He will do in your lives (volumes). And the 2nd scripture explains the tears b/c these things we experience are written on our hearts as they transpire by His Spirit. He has gifted the two of you in so many ways and I look forward to the continuation of the journey as He is taking you into new beginnings…new home/new church.
this post made me tear up – i totally do that head tilt back thing to keep them from falling out at church too 😉 thanks for sharing!
I am particularly moved by your post today. Perhaps it’s because I’m in a hospital waiting room while my six year old is in surgery. Either way, I write this with tears in my eyes.
Oh you sweet thing, this was a wonderful post to read! Thanks for sharing yourself and your thoughts. 🙂 Hearing how God “talked” to you was inspiring to me!
I always know I’m going to be inspired after reading your blog. Little did I know that I would be truly uplifted!! Thanks for sharing and remember God created our tears – its just part of being able to express ourselves. I know a lady who tended to tear up at the slighted thing as she was so annoyed by it – she asked God to change her but she soon found out that she missed her tears and the tenderness that it brought to her heart. She told me that she asked God to give her tears back to her and now she appreciates in a way she never did before. Congrats on finding a church home it can literally turn your world around : )
Thanks for sharing this! I loved hearing how God is at work through your new church home!
I definitely know how that feels!
When I was in college I had all the fruits of the spirit painted on 9 individual canvases and had them hanging on my wall in a 3×3 grid in my room. They had been there for a long time and had never fallen off the wall before.
Well one night I was having a little too much fun with my boyfriend if you know what I mean, and the canvas “Self-Control” crashed to the ground. I was in awe! And you would think I would’ve learned my lesson, but just like the Israelites I had to be reminded. It actually happened twice. The exact same thing. It crashed to the ground and startled us. Those two times were the only times any of them ever fell off the wall. I know it was God reminding me to live in the Spirit and put away the sins of my flesh. I will never forget those two moments. Thanks for making me think of them again on a day where I need to be reminded.
Priceless! God is amazing…even almost with a sense of humor.
Was trying to think of what to say here and it appears everyone has said it already. So, I will just add an amen and thank you to both of you.
I love those goosebumpy moments. It reminded me of something that happened a few years ago. I had been in a Beth Moore Bible study and during one session she talked about how much God loves us and wants to show us. She challenged us to put our faith to work and ask God to show us something special that would give us a little glimpse of his love. Being the “midsouth” girl that I am, (Oklahoma 😉 ) I love horny toads so I asked him to show me one. I hadn’t seen one in years, for some reason. Later that day my daughter in law called to see if she could drop by. She said she had a treat for me. Not knowing my God request, she showed up with “horny toad cookies” she had made for me!!! (I need to google the recipe because she doesn’t even remember it and says that is the only time she has ever made them). Talk about goose bumps. God really does love us. Best news ever. 😀 Thanks for sharing your story and reminding me of mine.
Glad to know I’m not the only one who gets teary at church even during worship. I’m not a tilt my head back and keep it from spilling over gal though…nope, those tears come out so hard that I am left with a sopping wet neck…and children giving me that “oh there she goes again” smile. Hard not to cry when the presence of God is there. But I have had my moments of worrying someone thought I was a big sinner in repentance mode too. LOL.
Wow, I love moments like this…that is so crazy and yes, goosebumpy 🙂 I’m with you on crying at church. I’ve gotten to where I don’t make it through one service without tearing up. The songs and baptisms do it to me more than anything. Thanks for sharing, Layla!
Girl, since we moved to Georgia and joined our church (Eagles Landing First Baptist Church) I haven’t had a sunday that I haven’t sobbed. But the last few weeks have been funny, like you said, just too crazy to be real. We’ve been going through alot as a family. And I had just told my husband that I had about lost hope in our situation and we walked into a sermon all about the endless hope of God. Talk about goosebumps. As if that wasn’t enough, another very tough week passed and we caught ourselves already forgetting and the next week was all about faith. Just what I’ve always called “God Moments” – those moments when you know he’s whispering something to you. JUST TO YOU. And I lost it. My husband keeps joking that I need to get stronger mascara if we are going to stay at this church. But yeah, I got goose bumps just reading your story. And I love it. I love that he’s working, that He’s speaking to you. And that you are hearing what he’s saying. LOOOOOVE it.
Love this post! Thanks for sharing!
Reminds me of how God shows up and turns our lives/plans upside down for his glory. The knower of all things:) I’m so like you, I’m a major weeper (to steal a line from “The Holiday”) too. Minor chords make me cry my hubby figured out, who knew. I can’t get through worship without balling. It’s comforting to me to know most people have their hands lifted or their eyes closed and aren’t watching my mascara drip down my face anyway but if they did they would “get it”. God’s presence is a cool thing. Love and blessings to you both.
Loved reading through all the comments. One of my moments was Mother’s day one year recently when we had been going through a very rough period of unemployment and my husband decided on a whim to take me to a restaurant for breakfast. When we get back to the van there were beautiful flowers in this galvanized conatiner sitting in my seat. I was all-thanks honey-how sweet! How did you manage this? And he was like-I didn’t. The van was locked and noone knew we were going there-like I said it was on a whim and we didn’t tell anyone. I asked him a couple more times-are you sure,but nope he didn’t and no he’s never lied to me-it was just so amazing I couldn’t believe it. The Lord gave me flowers for Mother’s Day! Also have a very brown thumb and these flowers lasted until Dec.in WI! Also lost a baby so was especially meaningfully timing wise. The Lord is good!
I also tear up quite frequently at church and usually during the worship singing. It is uncontrollable, the tears just come and I can’t stop them. It’s a God thing!
Wow, I just love how you guys are so real and courageous in sharing your faith…and how many dialogues this has started…leaving so many of us feeling encouraged. May God bless you abundantly and beyond what you could ever dream of!
xxx
I got serious goosebumps reading this. I know how you feel, although I don’t go to worship all the time like i use to as a kid. I feel really connected in the house of God and worshiping him. Great post.
Layla,
First off, Love your blog! Been reading it for years and don’t usually comment but this post inspired me! Loved the box story, I can totally relate because I have a box story of my own. 12 years ago I moved across the country with my husband and 4 kids to Kansas. We had no jobs, no house, and no family in Kansas, but we were both from the midwest and it our kids were getting older and it was calling us back. It was a huge leap of faith and even though we knew it was the right thing to do, it was scary! We left on a Tuesday morning and drove through the night to get there by Wednesday. We were somewhere in Texas, it was nightime and I was driving. It was pitch black out but we passed this church that had an ENORMOUS white cross in front of it. It was lit up with spotlights and was just beautiful. As we were about to pass it I sent a prayer up to God to help our family be strong and for things to work out in our new home. At that instant a shooting star zipped behind that cross like God himself was talking to me personally. I knew in that moment that everything was going to be alright. I will never forget it. God speaks to us if we are willing to listen. Thanks for letting me share 🙂
layla, you never fail to inspire me and today you totally touched my spirit. wish i could have been there to have seen the box fly but glad you caught the after. i love the pastor using the boxes as examples of the “stuff’ in our lives great visual. Thanks again for the inspiring words. Prayers for you and Kev as you start your new adventure and praying for your baby whereve he/she may be.
Layla, I got all goose-bumpy when I read this post. SO neat!!! Thank you for sharing it with us. It comes at a good time for me – we are about to start renovating our kitchen, and it’s so easy to get caught up in those details.
layla! it sounds like our churches are very similar. we sing that song sometimes – and also most recently! it is pretty moving and i know the feeling (about the box) b/c i’ve experienced similar situations.
i bet you will miss that church when you move. surely God has a great plan for ya’ll. 🙂
p.s. i think it’s awesome that you share your faith here. the world needs more people who live openly – especially those with admirers and watchers throughout the www.
Hi Crissy!
Luckily, we won’t miss the church at all when we move, because it’ll only be 25 minutes away! 😀 We just joined last Sunday and can’t wait to learn more about how we can become a part of what they’re doing over there. Good stuff!
Thanks for sharing, Layla! God is so personal, speaking to each of us in unique and subtle ways. I enjoyed your post.
Blessings,
Julie
How happy I am to have found this story today of all days. After a long month of worrying about stupid stuff, you have reminded me of what is really important. Thanks!