eleigh1977

Peace, I do that as well! I thought I was the only one! :) I do this especially when I see the past Sabbath was filled w/ nothing but meetings and I didn't get to have a day of rest and truly remember the Lord. I probably honestly, take one weekend off every two months. Also when I go on vacation, I go on vacation. I don't visit other wards, unless I visit my side of the family. Then of course, I have to. If we visit my husband's family we go to church in their parish w/ them. It's a nice change of pace once in a while and helps us to reacknowledge why we believe what we believe. I don't think it's a problem. Most people consider me a liberal anyway. Oh well.

I'll be honest and state there are times I attend and I receive NOTHING out of attending. I have talked to several people for a few years, who have left the church and the BIG reason was what they felt as a 'lack of spirit' or edifying in church meetings. They've attended non-lds meetings and love the imagery and music. I don't always contend that sacredness should always equal simplicity. Granted there are always those who adore going and always 'get something' to take away from a meeting....but many times,I find that now to be a rare gem. When I am moved and have something to think about, it's very exciting to me...but then again I also have to remember that maybe what WAS NOT important to me or worth thinking about, was to someone else. PART of the reason I love living in a University town, is we quite often have intelligent students and professors in the wards....who want to think and discuss. They don't want to be rote in the lessons. Sunday school, is a hard one to swallow, and the hardest class for me to attend, because very rarely do we discuss. One time in six and a half years has there been an interesting discussion in SS, since I've been here. However, RS and sacrament usually I can take something away from. I wish I was alone in stating that SS is boring...and many feel pointless, but I know I am not...just from the many friends I've had in wards. FAR too many people feel the same way, but never say anything except w/ in their friendship circles. I have a lot of frienship circles...and if I hear it a lot....then I am assuming it's not just exclusive to my ward. I think for some people....they don't attend, because they are flat out bored. I think some people don't attend...because they are living their lives in such a way that is against standard teaching...and they know it. I think some come to the conclusion, the church just isn't true and end their membership. Why do I go? Mostly because I made a promise. I made a promise to lift and edify those around me. Church provides a great opportunity to learn of service needs...to reconnect as a 'family', if I allow myself to be open enough to see the subtle needs that aren't always vocally expressed. I made the choice about a year ago, to just smile and say hi to everyone who caught my eye....it's made a huge difference. Not that, that normally isn't a part of my natural personality...but I specifically sought out the people who looked in their faces like death worn over a thousand times...it helped to soften them. THey may still not smile or talk to anyone else, but I can always count on a smile. PLUS my kids are fabulous. They always go and sit w/ people who are by themselves...and my kids make most people smile. I appreciate their personalities so much and am grateful they help to brighten someone elses day. I also made a deal w/ myself to listen to everyone who spoke/taught and see what small tid bit of information I could take away and chew on for the week. Some weeks, there has been nothing...some weeks the ideas and thoughts have been plentiful. I know some single parents, for who attending is just hard. It's a constant struggle and they feel like charity and frankly people can be very uncomfortable with them. My mom was single for a long time, so I am especially fond and helpful to single parent families. I know how lonely it can feel. I know how some married sisters can shun single mothers, imparticular (I am not sure the same thing happens w/ a single father), because they think they have nothing in common. I saw my mom left out a number of times when the married sisters would plan get togethers....It was retarded. I know, of some sisters, (my mom included before she and my dad were remarried), who would try to coordinate outings and things of that nature w/ all sisters, only to have the married ones back out. I've seen it happen in a number of wards...so I know it happens. I have to wonder why? I personally have always wanted an LDS 'best friend'. I have never had that opportunity. The four women I love most on this earth are not members of the church. One is a pagan...or now aligns her self more w/ that philosophy...one is an inactive Catholic...one is a baptist and the other is now of the Hindu faith. I love it, and equally feel sad that I can't seem to become as close w/ some women of my own faith. It would be nice....but I have since learned to just take whatever depth of friendship I receive from the LDS women I serve with. So that can make it lonely to attend....but I am also not shy....so I talk to everyone. Which does make it easier, even if that longing is never fulfilled. I have heard many people complain about the SA program as a place just to place the misplaced.... I know I felt that way as a YSA. I was so happy when I met my newly baptized hubby.....He still had the characteristics of someone who wasn't righteously anal and overly churchy (I hope I don't offend...but please, we've met people like that...and unfortunately I just kept DATING guys like that until I met my husband)...but very committed to God and Christ and his then, potential family. I so appreciate his up bringing/life experience, because he always gives me different perspectives, since I grew up LDS. I think it's important to listen closely to those w/ other life experiences. I don't know that it always happens...but I know I try to do that. There are a lot of reasons people go and for people not to go. I could list a thousand more reasons. It comes down to a personal choice, and everything is based on how we truly feel.....so if someone isn't 'feeling' church, they are less likely to attend. People want to socialize...people hope to make some connection...some people have no where else to go. I think it's that way for many churches and congregations....it's a place many feel accepted. IT's a place where many don't feel accepted. It most literally is a similitude of family....and we must work on those relationships if we believe we are children of God. Going to church weekly puts us in touch w/ a ward/branch family and that's about the only way we can truly learn from each other.....become one...is through continual contact. Just my thoughts....probably incoherent....but there it is.

Dis....I see no white at all. I see off white...shades of tan, beige and a great shade of blue! (Behr paints calls that ocean view...don't mind me, I am just in the middle of selecting colors to paint our new house.) It isn't like staring into a lightbulb! (at least not for moi.) :signs.backtotopic:

Formerly estump posting here.... LOVE the look of the board! It's quite inviting and easy on the eyes. :)