Dave and I went out on Friday night.
I dressed up.
It's been a rough week.
Biker chick ended her indoor hardwood marathon by riding through the back window.
During the most torrential rainstorm we've had in years.
I'm still up to my eyeballs in paperwork.
And some people have strong opinions about our church plant.
They feel the need to share them with me. And honestly, it stresses me out.
And people share them with other people. And that stresses me out more.
There is no chapter and verse that addresses the subject,
but they make up their own territorial rules.
And I have to say, I think it's weird. SO weird.
What if the early church planters had limited the amount of new churches? Set territorial limits?
It seems we're more concerned about the number of people sitting in our pews
than the amount being reached with the Gospel.
And people say other things, too. Mean, untrue things. That make me want to run for the hills.
I don't talk about it much on here but it's been a reality for us.
It's been a part of this process. An ugly part.
And I want to document this process. Every part.
And unfortunately, hill running is not an option.
So, on Friday night, we went out.
For a much needed break.
And five minutes into our meal,
I was 100% convinced that producers of a 20/20 "What Would You Do?" segment were lurking in the corner.
There was a family of four sitting in the booth behind us.
And the children liked to jump.
They also liked to scream. And climb. And walk across tables.
There was pointing and complaining that we got our food first.
More screaming. Swearing from the parents.
There were empty, "no ice cream for you" threats.
And there was ice cream.
Now, I realize my Sauconys limited our choice in fine dining establishments.
But can a girl eat her sweet potato fries in peace?
The answer was no. No peace for me.
Primarily due to our booth mates.
But I was also a little anxious that I was going to be on TV in my running shoes.
And asked by some 20/20 anchor why I didn't help those poor people.
Because my kid rode through a window.
And people wont zip it about our church.
That is why, Mr. 20/20 guy.
And with that, I bring your our first (and probably, only) family vlog.
Because our children are perfect.
I can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow night. What a week! You need a night out . . . with me. And if there is crazy booth next to us we will switch tables or we will tell our husbands to take the kids to another restaurant.
ReplyDeletewow. through the window!?
ReplyDeletepraying for you and your tough job of church planting.
Psalm 27:14
wait for the Lord; be strong,
and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
xo
i have so been there, feeling like "is this for real? am i on camera?"! people are crayzay
Once again, Ashlyn demonstrates her beastliness. Typical.
ReplyDeleteKnow that I am praying for you and so proud of you and Daves and the gangs adherence to the gospel and obedience to the call Hes placed on your life. I love you dear friend, and I love your blog!
We're called by God to be disciples to all nations. Sometimes that involves change. It may (as it did for you) involve starting a new church. It takes major guts to start something new and follow God's will. Sometimes people just don't understand, or they refuse to understand, or they're mad for some reason. I will tell you something though- the last time I was there, I was in the small group/sunday school thing with kim and as I sat there listening to Dave speak and try to pull stuff out of everyone and go deeper, I realized immediately that God had a bigger purpose for Dave (and you and your girls), outside of First Baptist. And then next thing I know I find out you left and planted a church and I thought, "Praise God!" I have no doubt that y'all are following God and as a result BIG things will happen. :o)
ReplyDeleteTrue story Jess, true story. A lot of the time church planting can be far from glamourous, but at the same time, the blessings that the Lord bestows are priceless. Serving, Honoring, and Obeying Him is what it is all about. On the good days, and especially on the rough ones. I know you know this. Thank you, and Dave for leading us in that example - even when it's hard. Solo Deo Gloria.
ReplyDeleteWild guess... you were @ Jack's Prime?
ReplyDeletesorry, Jess!!!
okay. so ummm. yeah. we have begun to hear a whisper that sounds an awful lot like churrrch plaaaannnting. and it makes some serious nervous. for all the reasons you said and some others too. and that window?? holy heart attack. glad she's ok!
ReplyDeletemaybe not for those who have strong opinions, but definitely for us:
ReplyDeletePhilippians 1: 15-18
"Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice."
I love that show...scenario you had, not so much! Ugh, seriously small soapbox...what is up with common courtesy these days? Just saying!
ReplyDeleteYuck.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the window
and the restaurant crazies
and the church planting stresses.
At least the sun is shining today
and it's not Monday
and you have perfect (and adorable) children.
:)
Hang in there!!