So Sunday I went to church…for the first time in a few months. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church with my family. Where I was expected to be in church every Wednesday night and every Sunday morning unless I was dying or dead.
Even if I spent the night at a friends house my mom and dad would either make sure I went to my friends church or they would pick me up and take me to our church.
A few favorite things about church as a kid: (in no particular order)
1. Donuts…. which probably led to my love for the deep fried pastry. My dad would take us to get donuts at the exact same donut shop every Sunday. It was called “Donuts” and it was on main street. The sweet Asian woman that owned the place was so nice and ALWAYS gave me and my sister six free chocolate donut holes with sprinkles. DELICIOUS! I always ordered a chocolate cake with sprinkles or chocolate twist…depending on my mood. And washed it down with a chocolate milk. (see a theme here…chocolate, chocolate, chocolate)
2. Sunday School: Especially as a “youth group” member I loved Sunday school. I loved the smaller setting and being in class with my friends and also staring and flirting with all the cute boys.
3. After church lunch – we always went to eat after church with loads of people. My parents friends all had kids the same age so we would inevitably take over any restaurant we patronized. Most Sundays was Luby’s. I heart Luby’s. The Luanne platter of fried fish (gross to most I know), mashed potatoes and corn make my heart happy. aaaanddd…. don’t forget the red jello. I know you probably think I’m 85.
4. The morals and values: I still recall several times a day the morals and values I learned growing up in church. I dance, I drink, and sometimes I smoke (*GASP*) but those aren’t the things I remember. I remember the ten commandments and how to implement them into your daily life. I remember as young child being taught how to pray. I remember being told by my mom “Don’t use your Christianity as fire insurance”. I remember to lead by example, but it’s ok to follow too (as long as you are following the right person).
Church was always a special place to me. I loved going. High School was harder because I would stay out later and it continually was harder to get up for church on Sunday morning, but when I got there I knew it was exactly where I was supposed to be.
I’m not uber-religious. I don’t deny I’m a Christian and I believe Christ died on the cross for me. But I don’t force my beliefs on ANYONE…. I try to lead by example (but as we know…we are all sinners and this is harder said than done), if someone asks I’ll share. I pray a lot. I sign my emails with God Bless sometimes or praying diligently. I find myself asking for forgiveness A LOT during the day and thanking the Lord even more at night for all the blessings in my life. I also talk to BFF constantly throughout the day and ask her to give God a fist bump for me as a thanks. I tell her I miss her everyday.
I guess my religion is why death doesn’t affect me in ways in affects other people. Not that it isn’t a world of hurt and sad and lonely…but I know that I will see my Dad and my BFF and my Nanny again.
I know this is a serious post…but stick with me… part two is underway
Depending on work today (b/c let’s be honest I’m not real motivated) it may be up later…or I might save it for tomorrow…who knows
I hope you have a FANTASTIC Tuesday…fyi…my Tuesday is WAY better than my Monday

