Keepin the Faith…

In keeping up with “new things” this year, one of the things I have really gotten into (or should I say back into?) is religion. They say that something good comes out of every relationship…well, I guess the good thing that came out of my last relationship is that John got me back into church and made me realize how much I actually like going to church. It’s funny because when I was younger and had to attend CCD (religion) classes, I hated it. I didn’t really pay attention, and just did what I had to to “pass”. Well, of course, now looking back I wish that I had paid attention. Learned the details, remembered everything better. But you can’t go back in time, right? Then once I was confirmed, I stayed “religious” in the sense that I did continue to pray every night, I believed in God, knew that God has a plan for us all, and turned to God and prayer when times got tough. I went to church occasionally- maybe for Ash Wednesday, Easter, etc. You know- the “big holidays”. But I think it was more to ease my guilt then to actually want to be there. But things have changed for me. After getting back into church (Catholic in particular) back in November because of John- I realized that I actually wanted to be there. Now I want to pay attention and hear the stories. It doesn’t seem as “long” when you pay attention and the words have meaning. And there’s just something to be said about that feeling that you get when you leave church. That reminder that it’s the bigger picture that’s more important. And the little things that you always seem to worry about just don’t seem as significant. And even if they are, you are reminded that you can’t control them- so why worry. God has a plan. I believe that. And you just have to trust that. That’s why they call it “faith”. Because sometimes there IS no tangible proof- and you just have to have faith. I recently decided to try out a new church that Casi and Shannon introduced me to, and that I had heard about for so long. Buckhead Church. The “Big Church”. It’s definitely not the same as my traditional catholic church. You don’t have the same “routines” , say prayers, or receive communion. And some days I like that and some days I do not. But what you DO get out of this church are lessons. The Pastor at this church is a wonderful speaker. And he has a GREAT way of relating stories that you learn from the bible to your every day life. And I love that about this church. I love leaving with a lesson and being able to connect the past with the present. And the music at this church is phenomenal. It truly moves you (almost to tears sometimes) and it’s my favorite part about going . In the end- I don’t have to choose which one I like better because there are positives to both. And God doesn’t care how you worship. So I am going to continue this journey and pursue my faith not because I HAVE to. But because I WANT to. And I will keep the faith that God has a plan for me.