Are There Any Who Seek Him?

Two nights ago I was struck and knocked flat by an overwhelming reality here in Sweetwater at the church we are part of: as far as I can discern, Adina and I are the only ones in our spiritual community that actively and regularly spend time seeking Jesus in scripture, in prayer, and through other Christian resources. Even some of my key leaders admitted that at best they occasionally pray in their cars as they travel from one location to another, which in Sweetwater is no more than 5-7 minutes at a time. There are some women involved in a women’s study (e.g. He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer), but instead of spacing it out and thoughtfully considering each day’s material, they will cram five days of study into 2-3 hours the day of or the day before.

I know that Jesus takes everyone where they are at spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically – come one, come all. And so there should be a measure of grace and mercy that is extended to these here around us. But God never intended for us to stay there, to remain spiritually disengaged. Paul, in Colossians 1:9-12, prayed specifically that believers in Colossae would be filled with knowledge of God’s will through the Holy Spirit, and that they would live lives worthy of the Lord and please him in everyway. He then unpacks what it means to live this worthy life and to please him: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his grace and might. There is progression here, a direction in which believers are to be heading – towards maturity. Hebrews 6:1-2 says, “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…”

This realization stirred in me a nostalgic longing for the spiritual community that we once had with our Denver friends, for the fellowship of other couples that were, in similar fashion, seeking the Lord and desiring to walk in closeness to him. I long even for engaging conversation that may not be all that spiritual but keeps me on toes (that keeps in current events, in business or finance, or in music or sports). I know that we are called to this place for a season (and I take confidence in that), but I am feeling and experiencing a spiritual loneliness. I do feel challenged and encouraged by those at our parent church in Abilene, but those relationships are limited simply by proximity – they are a good 40 miles away.

Everything Is Bigger In Texas

Including my gut. It is true: all the fried chicken, tex-mex, and barbeque here are giving me "extra padding." I have literally put on about 7-10 lbs. in the eight months we have been here. So I have taken drastic measures and actually put myself on a Weight Watchers program for men to help me get a better handle on my portion sizes (their Flex Plan seems to be the best and most practical program I have come across). Can I admit that as a guy...that I actually joined Weight Watchers? In all actuality, I truly believe that eating has been a coping strategy for us since we have moved down here from Denver. There is comfort in food when facing enormous amounts of change and stress, which can become dangerous.

Before or After Toothpaste

So Adina and I are at odds...in teaching Connor how to brush his teeth. We have two distinct approaches: I was raised with the habit of putting toothpaste on the toothbrush first, then wetting it in the sink for brushing while Adina, however, was taught that you wet or rinse the toothbrush first and then apply the toothpaste for brushing.

Unfortunately, the few websites I have been to (I actually did a Yahoo search for "how to brush your teeth") suggest rinsing or wetting the toothbrush before applying toothpaste. So which is it, or does it matter?