It thrills my heart to hear from all of you!! I really won't be checking here much, but I just had to come and see if anyone dropped me a line.
I am very thankful for you.
Sometimes, I get very restless because I want to learn more and understand more. Since I have been away from here, I have had times of doubt, and then I have to smack myself and say-stick with it Beth!! I study every night before bed. All I use is a Greek/Hebrew Bible and strong's concordance and I am ever learning. It is still difficult not to have anywhere to discuss all that I learn, but God is with me.
Lately, I have found it difficult to pray. I have been struggling to understand what and how I should pray. I talk to God about this or that and ask for help, but praying for others has been hard. I don't look at it as a magic solution, because God has everything already planned out. But the Bible does teach us to pray in the examples he has given-like with Paul and all the times he mentions his prayers for the saints.
I have also been thinking about what church is really supposed to be. I cannot even begin to tell the blessings that have been occurring in the church I attend. Of course it has to do with numbers and space and money. But it doesn't make sense to me that success is found in something so way off the mark. So I am planning on studying all the references where church is mentioned and see what I come up with. I truly want to know and understand wht Christ wants His church to be and what He expects from it. Then maybe I can find some peace about my own church. It troubles my heart every time I walk through the doors of our church building. Feeling like it's just not right, but seeing the joy ooze from the people, and the warmth that so many people have seen in our church. It has turned my heart in circles. I need strength here, and understanding-and patience I think too!
Thanks for all the comments. God is good-so good. I think I am just learning to rest and wait on him-He has it all worked out, right! Blessings to all of you!
Beth