My heart is filled with joy! This is not something I would usually share with my blogging buddies, but I need to share this with you. After 22 years my hubby and I have finally found a church home. For years we never looked and decided that our fundamental differences would keep us at home on Sunday. That is what happens when a Catholic marries a Baptist.
We had children late in life, I was 40 when we brought our first baby home from China. We knew they needed to be raised in the Church--which church was the question. Finally the kids were asking (actually demanding) us to find a place of worship. At this point we knew something had to be done, we needed to make that step. We are also certain there was some divine intervention on behalf of one neighbors who has been praying for us to find a church since we moved here 6 years ago.
On Easter we went to service at our neighbor's church. Immediately upon entering the sanctuary we felt at home. We experienced a feeling total calm and comfort, alsmost like going home--I have not felt this way in a church for many years (actually since my teenage years). My hubby actually enjoyed the service and wanted to learn more. Fast forward to Sunday, 12 June, we arrived a little early and had a chance to visit with the Pastor with questions about baptising our children. (Something I have wanted to do since we brought them home.) My oldest two decided they could not wait, they wanted to do it right away (this is the short version). By the end of service we had become members (no longer visitors) of the First United Methodist Church and our children have been baptized. That was truly a spontaneous moment--not our intention when we woke up that morning. In the end a wonderful day for the entire family.
Hubby and I were both active duty military and we moved every 3 years. It has been difficult to feel totally settled and connected since we moved so much. Now that we are retired it is time to truly settle down and make roots, I think we have finally done it. We feel more grounded and connected to our community now.
CJ
We had children late in life, I was 40 when we brought our first baby home from China. We knew they needed to be raised in the Church--which church was the question. Finally the kids were asking (actually demanding) us to find a place of worship. At this point we knew something had to be done, we needed to make that step. We are also certain there was some divine intervention on behalf of one neighbors who has been praying for us to find a church since we moved here 6 years ago.
On Easter we went to service at our neighbor's church. Immediately upon entering the sanctuary we felt at home. We experienced a feeling total calm and comfort, alsmost like going home--I have not felt this way in a church for many years (actually since my teenage years). My hubby actually enjoyed the service and wanted to learn more. Fast forward to Sunday, 12 June, we arrived a little early and had a chance to visit with the Pastor with questions about baptising our children. (Something I have wanted to do since we brought them home.) My oldest two decided they could not wait, they wanted to do it right away (this is the short version). By the end of service we had become members (no longer visitors) of the First United Methodist Church and our children have been baptized. That was truly a spontaneous moment--not our intention when we woke up that morning. In the end a wonderful day for the entire family.
Hubby and I were both active duty military and we moved every 3 years. It has been difficult to feel totally settled and connected since we moved so much. Now that we are retired it is time to truly settle down and make roots, I think we have finally done it. We feel more grounded and connected to our community now.
CJ
3 comments:
Thank you for sharing that inspiring story. May God bless you and your family!!
Pat K.
DH and I share a similar story. He was Navy for the first 7 years of our marriage (7 moves in 7 years!), then a reservist (no moving). Until we had our girls, we drifted from church to church. He was raised Catholic, me Methodist. We finally found home in an Episcopal church here in DC.
I'm happy for you, CJ. Glad you found a church the entire family feels "at home" with.
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