Random Spiritual Thoughts and Life Experiences

[Wordupmybrotha]

Anybody else don't like shaking hands with strangers anymore? I used to like it, but not anymore. I avoid church greeters because they're really gung-ho about shaking hands. Lol

[Wordupmybrotha]

Another observation about church services. Our church as well as other churches that I've visited tells people to not feel pressured to participate in tithes and offerings if they're visiting.

When I visit churches, I give offering there and I don't feel pressured or offended. Church is a universal body, so to me, it doesn't matter what building I'm in; giving offering is part of worship regardless of whether I'm visiting or it's my home church. It seems to me like that announcement is unnecessary, but I guess they make that announcement because enough visiting people have given feedback that they feel uneasy during the offering part of the service.

[Wordupmybrotha]

I'm drinking coffee at Mickey Dees and what do I hear?

Instrumental version of the hymn, "In the Garden" playing over their loudspeaker!!

Can't believe my ears.

[gdr_11]

One of the first things that struck me about moving to East Texas was how open and prevalent the worship of the Lord is here. Some of the best examples around Tyler, TX are:
- huge number of churches; there are several hundred in a city of 100,000 and more being planted all the time. Most are Baptist but every denomination is well represented and there are many non-denominational ones as well.

- Christian music replaces typical background music in many restaurants and stores and fast food locations with tv's often have religious channels on. On Sundays, this increases by at least 50%. The local Dairy Queens all have an open Bible on the counter along with a yellow hi-liter encouraging you to highlight your favorite scripture. I have seen many people walk in, hear the music, and then turn around and walk out; by appearances, they are typically not heterosexual.

- When someone has a need, the churches are there to meet it. Often, several churches will combine efforts to take care of a family or group in need, regardless of religious affiliation. The number of people here that are assisted by churches greatly exceeds those who receive public government assistance. In Tyler there are food and clothing lockers open every day and huge amounts of goods are distributed with no questions asked.

You cannot go into many of the morning breakfast places without seeing at least one or two men's Bible study groups. My local Panera often has 2-3 on any day of the week. People feel free to openly pray and discuss Scripture which is a foreign concept to anyone who has lived in California.

When we moved into our house, we had at least a dozen people stop when they saw the moving truck, introduce themselves and invite us to their church. Every time I met someone and they learned I had just moved here, most invited me to attend church.

I have heard Tyler, TX described as "The Buckle of the Bible Belt" and I can tell you that the label fits.

[Wordupmybrotha]

^^^very cool!

[theLBC]

+1
when the entire country was more like this, we didn't need welfare and food stamps.
Redlands is sort of like that (churches everywhere) and is like going back in time when i go there. i don't know if the same community spirit survived though cause i don't live there.

[MrFancyPants]

Well I've really been slipping lately. Not in faith, but in my attitude, in the things I say in conversations with others, in my thoughts, and sometimes my actions. I am certainly not proud of a lot of things I say and do. I've had some "friendly reminders" lately, as it were, to circle back around to God and re-center myself around Him. Been watching some good content on YouTube from some really effective ministers of the Word. We are so truly blessed to be cloaked in the grace of God given how disappointing we can be as humans. The level of gratitude I feel in my heart for the gift of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is immeasurable, and a great motivator to re-focus on Him and kick the crap out of my life, once again.

[Wordupmybrotha]

^^^ Thanks for sharing. Shalom shalom.

[Darto]

During the lockdown, local Church was closed, and we were watching the Church of England services on Youtube on Sunday. The so called High Church of England services seemed iturgical, formal. the clergy wear the clothes and headdress that you saw when cameras showed Trump at Church (Episcopalian). The service resembles a very serious Catholic mass. The congregation formally dresses up.

Low Church of England (Greyfriars in Reading on Youtube) had kids running up and down the aisles, mimicking the Vicar (clergyman) motions by waving hands in air to imitate him. Kids pretend sword fighting during the service for no apparent reason, except the Vicar was talking about fighting poverty in the town during Covid shutdowns. Nobody was correcting their kids who were jumping up and down. The clothes warn by Vicar, musicians, and congregation resemble what you see at a Friday night football game (sweaters, jeans). These "Low Church" services seemed enjoyable and beneficial, but informal carried to the nth degree. I've never seen anything like it in our church or any other in America.

So, they have two branches of the same Church that are direct opposites of each other!

[wpage]

Just took my neighbor who has no religion to visit a local church. There had just finished a wedding. He was impressed with the decor and feeling of the presence of the spirit there,

Later as we where walking the boulevard a band led the bride groom and a long line of family and friends down the lane. It was a inspirational moment. It was meaningful to both of us on a level.