Missing Church

Hazelelponi · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
I don't go to church to look good in front of others. I do it for me and for my girls. That's why we never miss when they are with me unless someone is sick. This Sunday would be the rare exception.

I always regret not going when I take a day to rest but I also feel renewed and energized and better able to focus on life, God included, when I'm not just trying to keep my eyes open. Between multiple jobs and an irregular custody schedule, it feel like we are constantly on the run. Sometimes, slowing down really helps me refocus.

It's Jesus who saves, not church people, and not going to church. While fellowship is important it's not more important than what's necessary for you to survive.

God knows you better than anyone. And if anyone judges you when you have all this on your plate, you can remind them it's Jesus who saves..

If they are too legalistic, then find a different church - adequate rest is a necessity to life and health - it also has a tendency to prevent accidental RSVP's to an event when you have other plans ..

God knows you heart, let HIM be your judge. Remember. It was the religious legalists who worked to crucify Jesus, not even perfection is good enough for those types - so don't let it bother you.

Remember Jesus said if they judged Him harshly they will also treat you the same way if you follow Him, and He picked corn on the Sabbath because the disciples were hungry. (Mark 2:23)

Sometimes survival is necessary...

ChickadeeGrace · Apr 11, 2019

I would like to say that my church family is wonderful and I feel extremely loved there. I have not felt judged by them, instead I have felt that they are very understanding and accepting of my limitations as a human and due to my general circumstances. It is partly due to them that I am in such a good place in my life. With their support and help, I have grown as a mom, human, and follower of Christ.

We actually had a sermon recently that the pastor told us that he loves us no matter what and the he doesn't judge us if we miss on occasion. He wants us to not feel like we are required to go. He will welcome us with open arms whenever we are able or led to attend.

As for Sundays being the only day to follow christ and following satan the rest...I agree that I see that in many people who call themselves Christian's and that is part of what caused me to stray from a different church many years ago. I am extremely blessed to have had God speak to me and help guide me and my girls back to the church as I was going through my season of hardship. It was exactly what I was missing and I cherish our new life. Therefore, I do not set aside only Sundays to follow God. I try to be a good person and praise Him daily. I instill the grace and steadfast love of God to my girls constantly. I reassure them that God is always with us and all we have to do is ask. Nothing makes my heart happier than when my 3 or 6 year old will fold their hands in prayer because they are led to on their own, not because I asked them to. At the end of the day, I feel confident that I am doing something right in life. I'm glad I can share an extend church family with them as well. They are so loved and cherished my many.

These reasons are why I feel unhappy to miss church for trivial things. But my health is important because if I am ill or unable to provide for my children, that is not good either. As for this darn party...my daughter would be understanding if I told her we had to miss it, but she already misses out on so much due to finances and running between homes. If I can keep my word and allow us to attend the party this one time, I think she would really appreciate it. We can worship ourselves later Sunday, or anytime we are led to.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
I would like to say that my church family is wonderful and I feel extremely loved there. I have not felt judged by them, I stead I have felt that they are very understanding and accepting of my limitations as a human and due to my general circumstances. It is partly due to them that I am in such a good place in my life. With their support and help, I have grown as a mom, human, and follower of Christ.

We actually had a sermon recently that the pastor told us that he loves us no matter what and the he doesn't judge us of we miss on occasion. He wants us to not feel like we are required to go. He will welcome us with open arms whenever we are able or led to attend.

As for Sundays being the only day to follow christ and following satan the rest...I agree that I see that in .any people who call themselves Christian's and that is part of what caused me to stay from a different church many years ago. I am extremely blessed to have had God speak to me and keep guide me and my girls back to the church as I was going through .y season of hardship. It was exactly what I was missing and I cherish our new life. Therefore, I do not set aside only Sundays to follow God. I try to be a good person and praise Him daily. I instill the grace and steadfast love of God to my girls constantly. I reassure them that God is always with us and all we have to do is ask. Nothing makes my heart happier than when my 3 or 6 year old will fold their hands in prayer because they are led to on their own, not because I asked them to. At the end of the day, I feel confident that I am doing something right in life. I'm glad I can share an extend church family with them as well. They are so loved and cherished my many.

These reasons are why I feel unhappy to miss church for trivial things. But my health is important because if I am ill or unable to provide for my children, that is not good either. As for this darn party...my daughter would be understanding if I told her we had to miss it, but she already misses out on so much due to finances and running between homes. If I can keep my word and allow us to attend the party this one time, I think she would really appreciate it. We can worship ourselves later Sunday, or anytime we are led to.

You REALLY don't need to explain this to us. You're fine and you're good. But you should now remove yourself from the thread because there is a food fight going on and you don't want to be at a party in stained clothes...

ChickadeeGrace · Apr 11, 2019

LaBèlla said:
It is easy for me to empathize with the OP. I was a single parent working 80+ hours each week in a demanding finance career. And while it afforded me many opportunities we are all subject to the trappings of time.

But I wasn't guided by my experiences in my response. I listened between the lines. And the real dilemma is her desire to honor God and her children. She's trying to keep her word to both.

With all that she could be doing in today's culture this is the issue that presses on her heart. I can't fathom a stone in this scenario. Look what He's done. I'm in awe.

Thank you for taking the time to try to understand where I am coming from. Not just you but to many of the other people commenting. I'm sorry you were also faced with the difficult task of being a single mom trying to balance family and a career. I hope you found a good balance that worked for you and you have made wonderful memories in the process!

ChickadeeGrace · Apr 11, 2019

I have since the original post had a conversation with my mom and how her approach made me feel. If she is judging me, that is her choice, but it is not her place to try to get others to judge me as well. I understand that she wants me to be careful and not become lazy with my attendance to church. I respect that. I told her she could have taken a different approach. I explained my reasons and said she doesn't have to agree with or understand them. But they are my choices to make. Her support and guidance is appreciated as long as it's done respectfully if she disagrees (which I this case it was not). Her actions were not modeling christ like behavior in my opinion. But that's just it, it was my opinion. We seem to understand where each was coming from a bit better and hopefully can more forward positively.

usexpat97 · Apr 11, 2019

Spiritual health is more important than ever if you've had a heart attack and are in a coma.

Brightmoon · Apr 11, 2019

Being exhausted and sleep deprived is not going to do anything except eventually cause health problems or emotional problems , some of them serious. How spiritual is that? It’s just unwise to push yourself like that and having someone push your buttons because you need rest is just cruel.

bèlla · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
Thank you for taking the time to try to understand where I am coming from. Not just you but to many of the other people commenting. I'm sorry you were also faced with the difficult task of being a single mom trying to balance family and a career. I hope you found a good balance that worked for you and you have made wonderful memories in the process!

Thank you for your kind words. I am certain our paths were meant to cross. I've been away from the site and only returned a couple of days ago. His timing is perfect.

My time as a single parent was enjoyable. She is my legacy and the greatest thing I've ever done. She is loveliness personified. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to shape her for His glory.

One day I bemoaned the things I couldn't do when ill and the time I lost. I remember something my aunt told me that has always remained. "It's the end of a thing that matters most." While I haven't met my end as of yet, I can share my beginning. It is for your edification.

Yes, I was a single parent. But God orchestrated events to place me in an industry without a shred of experience. He knew I would fall ill a short time later and my pursuit of medicine would come to a close. I wasn't aware that finance was part of His plan.

Man deemed my illnesses incurable but God called me healed. Of all my physical ailments.
Society labeled me a single parent but God declared me retired. I came home for good at 35.
History suggests my daughter will emulate my actions. But God said otherwise. She's following my steps in entrepreneurship and will be out of the workforce in one year. She'll be 29.

No one knows the future God has in store for you and I. It is my earnest hope that your middle will be equally joyous and you'll have your own testimony to share with another as I've done today.

All things...not some things...but ALL things are possible. Hold on to that truth.

ChickadeeGrace · Apr 11, 2019

Kenyon Ledford said:
I don't think you should go into "If I can do it she can do it" mode. Everybody is different, and I have a feeling that she is actually a shining example of Faith, devotion, and Christianity to many here, and more who won't see it.

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate that you see me in such a favorable light.

We are all wonderfully unique. God made us different on purpose. I believe we are a puzzle as humans and where one fails another will fit. No one can do it all and do it as well as the next person. And that's ok. I can see where Usexpat97 is coming from. Yes, I believe God will provide and He has enabled me to get through things I never felt my mind and body was capable of. But, I also know my mind and body's limitations and when I am only getting 4-6 hours of interrupted sleep a night...I can only function so well. That's just me though. What works for others will be different. And in time, maybe I will be able to feel more rested and able to attend every single Sunday. But for now, this is where I am in my journey. Each day is a new day to learn and grow.

ChickadeeGrace · Apr 11, 2019

LaBèlla said:
Thank you for your kind words. I am certain our paths were meant to cross. I've been away from the site and only returned a couple of days ago. His timing is perfect.

My time as a single parent was enjoyable. She is my legacy and the greatest thing I've ever done. She is loveliness personified. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to shape her for His glory.

One day I bemoaned the things I couldn't do when ill and the time I lost. I remember something my aunt told me that has always remained. "It's the end of a thing that matters most." While I haven't met my end as of yet, I can share my beginning. It is for your edification.

Yes, I was a single parent. But God orchestrated events to place me in an industry without a shred of experience. He knew I would fall ill a short time later and my pursuit of medicine would come to a close. I wasn't aware that finance was part of His plan.

Man deemed my illnesses incurable but God called me healed. Of all my physical ailments.
Society labeled me a single parent but God declared me retired. I came home for good at 35.
History suggests my daughter will emulate my actions. But God said otherwise. She's following my steps in entrepreneurship and will be out of the workforce in one year. She'll be 29.

No one knows the future God has in store for you and I. It is my earnest hope that your middle will be equally joyous and you'll have your own testimony to share with another as I've done today.

All things...not some things...but ALL things are possible. Hold on to that truth.

I believe all things happen for a reason. I'm glad our paths have crossed as well. These past few years have challenged me but because of those challenges I have learned to lean on God like I was never able to before.

I make sure my girls know I'm not perfect. I remind them they aren't either and they shouldn't try to be. Just do the best we all can and learn from it. I remind them the only one who is perfect is Jesus. I hope they learn to be good people from me but I also hope they learn from my mistakes and limitations.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate that you see me in such a favorable light.

We are all wonderfully unique. God made us different on purpose. I believe we are a puzzle as humans and where one fails another will fit. No one can do it all and do it as well as the next person. And that's ok. I can see where Usexpat97 is coming from. Yes, I believe God will provide and He has enabled me to get through things I never felt my mind and body was capable of. But, I also know my mind and body's limitations and when I am only getting 4-6 hours of interrupted sleep a night...I can only function so well. That's just me though. What works for others will be different. And in time, maybe I will be able to feel more rested and able to attend every single Sunday. But for now, this is where I am in my journey. Each day is a new day to learn and grow.

Each time I think the final word has been said something even better gets posted.

WELL, to be honest, your struggle is NOTHING compared to my struggles on going to church during the NFL season.

bèlla · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
These past few years have challenged me but because of those challenges I have learned to lean on God like I was never able to before.

That is the fruit of your experiences. Not only is your faith strengthened but you're able to illustrate this in your walk and others are bettered in turn. Our light touches everyone we encounter.

I make sure my girls know I'm not perfect. I remind them they aren't either and they shouldn't try to be. Just do the best we all can and learn from it. I remind them the only one who is perfect is Jesus. I hope they learn to be good people from me but I also hope they learn from my mistakes and limitations.

There are many mysteries we'll never understand. I am a firm believer in prayer and entrust myself and my daughter to the Lord's care. Although she didn't have a foundation in Christ during her upbringing; God worked through my hands to instill principles that would serve her later on. We had yearly character themes and would work through lessons as the year unfolded. And I began instructing her about the opposite sex at a young age. I wanted to instill the importance of respecting our differences and holding them in a positive light.

We did an interesting exercise in her early twenties. I approached several men (young and old) with one question. Do you have Oprah moments? They laughed and rich conversations ensued. She was able to hear their feedback firsthand. I was really laying the groundwork for biblical submission and the recognition of divine makeup. Now she's looking forward to marriage and having a family whom she can nurture and instruct as the Lord leads her to do.

God knows how to turn our mistakes and messes into Hallelujah's.

lismore · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
I
Does skipping on occasion make me a bad Christian or less of a Christian?

Hello Chickadee. No- I find that I'm more productive in church when I go because I want to be there rather than when I feel obligated to. If you're feeling extremely tired what you need is sleep, going to a meeting because you feel obligated or under compulsion is not a good thing. God Bless

gym_class_hero · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
I'm a single mom of 2 young kids working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. I have been going to church for a couple of years now since my divorce and have found a church family I love. One Sunday a month, I don't have my kids (I work Mon-Friday and Saturdays I don't have my kids). I skip church that Sunday about 75% of the time to try to catch up on sleep. My mom also attends my church (relatively small congregation) and has started making me feel extremely selfish and guilty when I skip. My daughter has a birthday party this Sunday (Palm Sunday at 11am) that I accidentally rsvp'd yes to already. My mom said if I miss church for the party she will have to tell everyone why and i will be judged poorly.

Does skipping on occasion make me a bad Christian or less of a Christian?

your Mom has good intentions but bad tactics. That being said if you don't work and don't have the kids on Saturdays, why don't you catch up on your sleep then?

God bless you and yours.

Kenyon Ledford · Apr 11, 2019

So when a guy cries or something.

ChickadeeGrace · Apr 11, 2019

gym_class_hero said:
your Mom has good intentions but bad tactics. That being said if you don't work and don't have the kids on Saturdays, why don't you catch up on your sleep then?

God bless you and yours.

I work every Saturday I don't have my kiddos. But that would be a great suggestion otherwise

gym_class_hero · Apr 11, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
I work every Saturday I don't have my kiddos. But that would be a great suggestion otherwise

ah, sorry I didn't read closer. I commend you for your walk as a single Mom and a follower of Christ. God bless you.

TechyinAZ · Apr 11, 2019

I love what some here have said, going to church because you want to. Going to church for the sake of going to church, and not actually going to church because of what the church is for, is everything.

It is incredibly easy to get legalistic about these kinds of subjects. I have regretfully done this myself. OP your heart is in the right direction. It is always good to remember that God has tremendous love for us, and His grace is always around us.

Real quickly, going back to what one of you said about thinking and worshiping God every second, minute, hour, day and year... The point of our lives is to glorify God, we glorify God every single moment. We don't have to think about God every single second to glorify Him. God calls us to take dominion of the earth, and to do that, we have to think about His creation too.

Blade · Apr 11, 2019

HAHA no... your still growing in the lord. BUT... He gave us each things to give away.. when we just stay alone so to speak.. it will slow down. He gave others things for you. We need each other

I have been the same at times. He will not judge will not condemn.. still loves you not against you

Its like .. Jesus I dont want to got to Church.. He says.. with a smile..ok. He didnt come to control us. It pleases Him to walk by faith.. to do things His way.. but WE must let Him know.

Gregory Thompson · Apr 12, 2019

ChickadeeGrace said:
I'm a single mom of 2 young kids working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. I have been going to church for a couple of years now since my divorce and have found a church family I love. One Sunday a month, I don't have my kids (I work Mon-Friday and Saturdays I don't have my kids). I skip church that Sunday about 75% of the time to try to catch up on sleep. My mom also attends my church (relatively small congregation) and has started making me feel extremely selfish and guilty when I skip. My daughter has a birthday party this Sunday (Palm Sunday at 11am) that I accidentally rsvp'd yes to already. My mom said if I miss church for the party she will have to tell everyone why and i will be judged poorly.

Does skipping on occasion make me a bad Christian or less of a Christian?

The love of God starts at Home. Imagine a daughter growing up thinking her mom missed her birthday party for church.

I think it's important to note that God rested at the beginning of time as an example to us. If you're tired, sleep. Going to church is not a restful activity, the same gossips who disapprove of you not attending will also gossip while you sleep through the sermon, sleep through the prayer meeting, sleep through everything else.

Church is not God. Since a lot of your energy is spent on providing for your family, they can either pony up some cash or cease tale bearing.

Missing Church

:sighing:

Member

Active Member

Member

Member

kewlness

Apes and humans are all in family Hominidae.

❤️

Member

Member

Active Member

❤️

Maranatha

Well-Known Member

Active Member

Member

Well-Known Member

Active Member

Veteran

Change is inevitable, feel free to spare some.

Similar threads