This past Sunday during church, JB and I sat in the balcony with my parents. As typical Baptist, my parents have their marked pew. JB and I don't really have a marked pew instead we are sorta like nomads or gypsies, just end up wherever. I don't know that we have actually sat in the same spot for any length of time.
However, we did end up in the balcony this past Sunday. And where my parents sit is behind the "sound booth". Every time I sit up there, I am reminded why it's not my preferred spot. It's just about too distracting for me with the sound people doing there job which requires alot of movement and sometimes having to communicate amongst themselves.
Well, this past Sunday there was added distraction with 2 teenage girls and the teenage boy who operates the lighting system in the booth. To help you understand the layout, the girls were sitting in a pew horizontal from the boy in the "sound booth". There were steps between them, thus creating a great deal of space.
It all started at the beginning of the service. I saw something tossed from the "lighting boy" (for the lack of a better description) to the girls sitting in the pew across from him. I immediately saw that it was note as one of the girls opened to read it and proceeded to write a response and toss the note back. Now, it didn't bother too much at this point because I was a teenager once and remember "talking" in church and I was willing to excuse one time. However, when it continued through the 1st 30 minutes of the service along with laughter, I became very frustrated and distracted.
In one of his attempts to toss the note back to the 2 girls, the note landed halfway between the pews. Neither of them got up to retrieve the note, instead, laughed at the situation and furthered their conversation by "mouthing their words". It was at this time, I got up, walked down 2 steps and intercepted the note. As I walked back to my seat, a man sitting next to us said, "Thank You". I sat back down and attempted to focus on the rest of the sermon.
At this point in the worship service, I was so distracted and frustrated I found it hard to pay attention. Thoughts of how to handle this situation after the service was over were running through my mind. Should I read the note? Should I give it to the youth director? Or should I give it to the person over the "sound and light production"? Let me inform those who do not know---the youth are not supposed to be in worship at this hour, so I don't know why these 2 girls were. Maybe they are not members and they only come to flirt with this boy, I don't know. But for whatever reason, they were very distracting to the congregation around them.
Needless to say, they did not toss anymore notes nor did they converse with each other to the extent of before my interception. I approached the girls after the service and gave back their note. I did not read the note but simply told them..."I didn't read your note and don't care to. I hope what is written is not dishonoring to God especially in His house. But I will say, girls, that your actions have been most distracting and furthermore, dishonoring to Him during this time of worship. And I ask that any conversation to this extent be taken care of before or after the worship service." To which they replied, "Yes, Mam". (boy, did that make me feel old, with the 'mam'). I didn't see myself being that much older than they. I then approached the "lighting boy" and told him the same. To which he replied, "Yeah, ok". I don't think he was as sorry as the girls appeared to be.
I think I may need to sit in the first couple of pews on the floor. They are usually empty and will be less distracting. However, that may be too close for comfort...maybe less distracting but more convicting.
Until next time, HB
Smile for the Joy of Others
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
To Pass or Not to Pass?..That shouldn't be a Question
This blog expresses my (HB) veiws and opinions only. It in no way is meant to expresses the views of JB or any other particular member of our church.
For those who are not members of my church, this is another post that may not interest you nor will you fully understand the situation. However, I encourage you to read regardless. To bring you up to date, July 1st, our church voted on the proposals presented by the "Vision Team". To recall the proposals, you may read My Conflicts, Concerns, and Comments blog archived in June. So to update you as to where we are, the results of the votes were revealed this past Sunday. And in order for a proposal to be implemented or passed, 75% of the members who voted had to vote "YES".
For those who are members, you should be well aware of the situation that our church is currently experiencing. And I am sure you are now aware of the outcome of the vote. However, I will post them for those who do not know.
*Requirements for Membership (12 week class)---45.1% (for) 54.9% (against)----overwhelmingly NO
*Children's Program/Small Groups (Sunday Schools would be moved to Sunday and Wednesday nights with a dramatic change to the Children's Ministry)----70.5% (for)
29.5% (against)----close but NO
*Community Impact Team----81.9% (for) 18.1% (against)---overwhelmingly YES
*New Welcome Center Area----72.8% (for) 27.2% (against)----close but NO
As you can see 2 of the proposals were a close "race". And because they were so close to the 75% requirement, the Vision Team approached our pastor asking him to consider "pushing it through" (for the lack of better words). After much prayer and consideration, our pastor deferred the decision to the deacons.
Let me 1st say, that I respect our pastor for not making the decision himself. I do not believe that a pastor should have that much authority in a church, hence, the reason for deacons and other leaders.
However, I will state that I do not believe this issue should even have to go before our deacons. In our church's By Laws it is stated that a proposal needs 51% of a "yes" vote to pass. However, our pastor made the decision early-on to forgo the 51% requirement and setting 75% as the needed requirement. The members of the church voted with the impression and understanding that 75% was needed in order for the proposal to pass. And to "change the rules in the middle of the game" is just wrong, regardless of how close. The Vision Team and our church staff had enough confidence in the members of the church to allow them to vote what they felt was God's will. And to now consider passing the proposal without the 75% requirement, is undermining their ability to represent themselves for God's will. I believe that that this sends the message that your vote doesn't count and we are not confident in what the church as a whole voted. The members are now being encouraged to call the deacons and voice their opinion as to rather the proposals should be passed or should remain. As one member told me, he shouldn't have to call the deacons to represent him; he represented himself with his vote as he was originally asked to do. The person now feels that his vote and belief of what he thought to be God's will is not good enough and is inadequate. I can honestly understand his view; although I do not feel the same.
It burdens me to tears that there is even consideration to override the majority of the vote. I believe that if the proposals are passed regardless of the majority vote, the members were lied to, mislead, and deceived; thus, undermining their ability to vote as a church member what they feel is God's will. I know those are harsh words but the church has "spoken", regardless if you or I disagree or agree with the outcome. I am bothered that there are members who want to use the 51% By Law requirement as a reason to pass the proposals. If this were the case, then all but the Membership proposal would pass regardless of the 75% requirement that was originally presented to the church members. And even then, the Membership Requirement should go ahead and be passed because with 45.1% of "yes" votes, it's close enough to the 51% that would be needed to pass. The 51% By Law is not an issue nor should it be a factor in this case as it was forgone and presented to the deacons before the proposals were even presented. As I wrote earlier, members were told what the requirements were before voting and to change that after the fact is deceiving.
At this point, I do not mind telling you what I voted. I voted "yes" to all but the Membership Requirements. And I must admit that I was disappointed with the outcome; however, not to the point that I believe the votes should be overridden. And after processing this tonight through prayer, writing, and talking with JB, I believe that God can use what did pass, the Community Impact Team, to change our church and this community like no other church has. Does that mean that I believe that there is no need for change nor should there be change within our church, absolutely NOT! I am merely saying that with 81.9% of the church members believing that we can impact our community for Christ....let's do it. Let's put our vote into action---another blog coming soon concerning this proposal.
On another note, I have heard that some have given the "Vision Team" the nickname of the "Division Team". And if that be you, you should be ashamed. And such thoughts toward any member of the team is totally unChristlike. I don't know any person on the team in a personal manner, but I do know that neither their goal nor their heart was to cause a "division". And the division that has occurred, is because of a "heart matter" not the persons or the team itself.
I will end this blog asking that you pray for our deacons, staff and members of my church. And if you are reading this because you know me personally and do not go to my church, I ask that you pray for JB. He is a deacon in our church and has a burden to do the right thing. He has his convictions but has asked that I not share them at this time which I respect and honor his request. However, I have asked JB that at some point to share with you his thoughts about this. He said that he would consider after all is done but not before the Deacon's meeting. I hope he will share with you, because like me, I think you will find them to be honoring and humble before God.
Until next time, HB
For those who are not members of my church, this is another post that may not interest you nor will you fully understand the situation. However, I encourage you to read regardless. To bring you up to date, July 1st, our church voted on the proposals presented by the "Vision Team". To recall the proposals, you may read My Conflicts, Concerns, and Comments blog archived in June. So to update you as to where we are, the results of the votes were revealed this past Sunday. And in order for a proposal to be implemented or passed, 75% of the members who voted had to vote "YES".
For those who are members, you should be well aware of the situation that our church is currently experiencing. And I am sure you are now aware of the outcome of the vote. However, I will post them for those who do not know.
*Requirements for Membership (12 week class)---45.1% (for) 54.9% (against)----overwhelmingly NO
*Children's Program/Small Groups (Sunday Schools would be moved to Sunday and Wednesday nights with a dramatic change to the Children's Ministry)----70.5% (for)
29.5% (against)----close but NO
*Community Impact Team----81.9% (for) 18.1% (against)---overwhelmingly YES
*New Welcome Center Area----72.8% (for) 27.2% (against)----close but NO
As you can see 2 of the proposals were a close "race". And because they were so close to the 75% requirement, the Vision Team approached our pastor asking him to consider "pushing it through" (for the lack of better words). After much prayer and consideration, our pastor deferred the decision to the deacons.
Let me 1st say, that I respect our pastor for not making the decision himself. I do not believe that a pastor should have that much authority in a church, hence, the reason for deacons and other leaders.
However, I will state that I do not believe this issue should even have to go before our deacons. In our church's By Laws it is stated that a proposal needs 51% of a "yes" vote to pass. However, our pastor made the decision early-on to forgo the 51% requirement and setting 75% as the needed requirement. The members of the church voted with the impression and understanding that 75% was needed in order for the proposal to pass. And to "change the rules in the middle of the game" is just wrong, regardless of how close. The Vision Team and our church staff had enough confidence in the members of the church to allow them to vote what they felt was God's will. And to now consider passing the proposal without the 75% requirement, is undermining their ability to represent themselves for God's will. I believe that that this sends the message that your vote doesn't count and we are not confident in what the church as a whole voted. The members are now being encouraged to call the deacons and voice their opinion as to rather the proposals should be passed or should remain. As one member told me, he shouldn't have to call the deacons to represent him; he represented himself with his vote as he was originally asked to do. The person now feels that his vote and belief of what he thought to be God's will is not good enough and is inadequate. I can honestly understand his view; although I do not feel the same.
It burdens me to tears that there is even consideration to override the majority of the vote. I believe that if the proposals are passed regardless of the majority vote, the members were lied to, mislead, and deceived; thus, undermining their ability to vote as a church member what they feel is God's will. I know those are harsh words but the church has "spoken", regardless if you or I disagree or agree with the outcome. I am bothered that there are members who want to use the 51% By Law requirement as a reason to pass the proposals. If this were the case, then all but the Membership proposal would pass regardless of the 75% requirement that was originally presented to the church members. And even then, the Membership Requirement should go ahead and be passed because with 45.1% of "yes" votes, it's close enough to the 51% that would be needed to pass. The 51% By Law is not an issue nor should it be a factor in this case as it was forgone and presented to the deacons before the proposals were even presented. As I wrote earlier, members were told what the requirements were before voting and to change that after the fact is deceiving.
At this point, I do not mind telling you what I voted. I voted "yes" to all but the Membership Requirements. And I must admit that I was disappointed with the outcome; however, not to the point that I believe the votes should be overridden. And after processing this tonight through prayer, writing, and talking with JB, I believe that God can use what did pass, the Community Impact Team, to change our church and this community like no other church has. Does that mean that I believe that there is no need for change nor should there be change within our church, absolutely NOT! I am merely saying that with 81.9% of the church members believing that we can impact our community for Christ....let's do it. Let's put our vote into action---another blog coming soon concerning this proposal.
On another note, I have heard that some have given the "Vision Team" the nickname of the "Division Team". And if that be you, you should be ashamed. And such thoughts toward any member of the team is totally unChristlike. I don't know any person on the team in a personal manner, but I do know that neither their goal nor their heart was to cause a "division". And the division that has occurred, is because of a "heart matter" not the persons or the team itself.
I will end this blog asking that you pray for our deacons, staff and members of my church. And if you are reading this because you know me personally and do not go to my church, I ask that you pray for JB. He is a deacon in our church and has a burden to do the right thing. He has his convictions but has asked that I not share them at this time which I respect and honor his request. However, I have asked JB that at some point to share with you his thoughts about this. He said that he would consider after all is done but not before the Deacon's meeting. I hope he will share with you, because like me, I think you will find them to be honoring and humble before God.
Until next time, HB
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Wrong Bird
Since my post of Target Practice, Anyone?, I had not been woken by the pecking of a bird. I had full confidence that someone had found the infamous woodpecker and took care of my problem. Well, I found out otherwise this past Friday.
Wrong bird. Instead he looks more like this one:
I was again woken at an earlier hour than I care to be by his annoying pecking on my house. Except this time I was able to get a quick glance at him. I opened the back door and would you know that bird didn't immediately fly off. Instead he turned its head and actually looked at me--face to face, eye to eye. I swear he did it just to let me know he was still around. I think I even saw him stick his tongue at me (I think that's bird language for "flipping the bird"). And if looks could speak, I felt like I had just been "given the bird" by his. He showed no fear.
After seeing what he looked like, I realized I had a "hit" on the wrong bird. So if you happen to have taken out this bird:
Wrong bird. Instead he looks more like this one:
This bird has a brown head instead of red like his infamous cousin. I don't know the name of this bird or how many there are. And at this point, I don't care. He had his warning but didn't heed to it.
However, the first bird may still be around and is now in disguise with an alias. In that case, the 2 above pictures will be useful when searching.
So again, I am putting out another hit on the woodpecker. Open season, my friends.
Until next time, keep your eyes open, HB
Thursday, July 5, 2007
My Name is Pride
Hello, my name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God given destiny...because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment because..."you deserved better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge because...you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing because...you are too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness because...you refuse to admit you are wrong.
I cheat you of vision because...you would rather look in the mirror instead of out the window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship because...nobody is going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love because...real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in Heaven because...you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory because...I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater. You like me because you think I am always looking out for you. UNTRUE!
I am looking to make a fool out of you. God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry. If you stick with me, you'll never know it!
I heard this through a Bible study that I participated in several months ago. This description of pride is so accurate and convicting (at least to me), I thought I would share it with you.
Until next time, HB
I cheat you of your God given destiny...because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment because..."you deserved better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge because...you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing because...you are too full of me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness because...you refuse to admit you are wrong.
I cheat you of vision because...you would rather look in the mirror instead of out the window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship because...nobody is going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love because...real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in Heaven because...you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory because...I convince you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater. You like me because you think I am always looking out for you. UNTRUE!
I am looking to make a fool out of you. God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry. If you stick with me, you'll never know it!
I heard this through a Bible study that I participated in several months ago. This description of pride is so accurate and convicting (at least to me), I thought I would share it with you.
Until next time, HB
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Shrimp Scampi
1 lb. shrimp (peeled)
1 stick of butter
4 oz. Italian dressing
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 T. garlic salt
Melt butter in pan. Add Italian dressing, lemon juice, and garlic salt. When contents begin to brown, stir in shrimp. Saute for 5 to 8 minutes. Turn occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta.
Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)
Bon Appetite, HB
1 stick of butter
4 oz. Italian dressing
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 T. garlic salt
Melt butter in pan. Add Italian dressing, lemon juice, and garlic salt. When contents begin to brown, stir in shrimp. Saute for 5 to 8 minutes. Turn occasionally. Serve over your favorite pasta.
Rating: * * * * * (5 stars)
Bon Appetite, HB
Backyard Bathing
Saturday after the boys' nap, they took a swim in the pool. Before getting out, I decided to go ahead and just bathe them. Why not? The water was warm and wasn't very dirty. I welcome shortcuts that eliminate any of the rush chaos we tend to have at night. This was even Eco-friendly. We conserved water, gas, and electricity...and the most valuable, time. 
Until next time, rub-a-dub-dub, HB
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Up, Up and Away
This past Friday, we went to the Balloon Glow in a sister city. JB had never been and I had been a few times in the past. And for those who know CB, he had a blast looking at the "ba's". His little eyes grew with excitement when he saw the balloons. We also enjoyed fellowshipping with most of our friends from Sunday School. Our dear friend, Ann, presented the idea to all of us and most were able to join in the fun with their families. The kids enjoyed each other's play while the parents enjoyed each others company and conversation. We picnicked on Chic-Fil-A and followed with some funnel cake and cotton candy. There were several local bands and Craig Morgan for entertainment. There was a fireworks show after the glow but we did not get to see it. It had started lightening; therefore, we left early. We already have our hands full with the boys and it certainly would have been a show to see us trying to race to the car in the rain--one that I would not have wanted to perform.
JB's mom was in town for the weekend and got to go with us. We enjoyed her visit and company.
Until next time...up and up and away, HB
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