I have always had this tiny piece of me that felt guilty for never going to church in Whitewater. Over the last 8 years, the only time I've attended church has been when I've been home with my family, at a wedding, baptism, or a funeral. I had the Fellowship of Christian Athletes when I was in school... and though I didn't go every single week, it felt like enough to me then. Once I graduated, I stopped going to FCA. It wasn't until this fall, when my faith was truly tested, that I started to really get the urge to find a place to worship. I prayed... don't get me wrong. During that time, I prayed and I prayed and I prayed. But it wasn't enough. I was lost, and going to church was not something I could direct myself to do.
There was a lot of working, a lot of reading and a lot of exercising during those months... but nothing seemed to help me cope with the feeling that something was missing from my life. My faith had been weakened, and I needed something to strengthen it. I wanted to go to church, but I kept finding other things to do, reasons why I couldn't go. I think I was trying to avoid admitting that I "needed" something, something I couldn't provide to myself.
Last night I made a decision to try a church in Whitewater. I woke up this morning, got ready, and headed off to Crosspointe Community Church. I have never... I repeat... NEVER gone to church by myself before. However, I was instantly overwhelmed by the people of this beautiful church. The door was opened for me upon entering and exiting the church by a woman who could put every single Wal*Mart greeter to shame. As I sat down, I was instantly recognized by one couple as the "gymnastics coach from UW-Whitewater" (their kids are in my GymHawks program), and they immediately welcomed me to their church.
Worship itself was amazing. I have grown up in a Catholic Church, so the non-denominational service was very different from what I am used to. We sang... a lot. And for those of you who know me- this was right up my alley! The sermon was on point, and the pastor was captivating from the very first word. It was incredibly engaging... and I left the service feeling happy and strong, checking my calender to make sure I could attend next week.
I can. :)
After church I headed off to celebrate the graduation of the sweetest girl. My friend Jadrian, is a wonderful young lady. She is beautiful, a loving daughter, a great friend and a devoted big sister. You know how I know all of this about her??? Because Avery told me!!! Jadrian is Avery's big sister, and boy oh boy, did Avery love that girl. She would talk my ear off at practice, "Jadrian this" and "Jadrian that" and "Jadrian is so great" and "Jadrian made me so mad" (the last of which absolutely confirms her AWESOME big sister status... trust me, it's a big sister's job to make the little ones mad -haha, sorry Abby!)
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| Hanging out with two of my favorite people! Bridget and Jadrian! Congrats, Jai! |
I met some truly beautiful people today. People who also love this wonderful family, and I know exactly why. They are remarkable in their strength and their love for one another. They are remarkable in their faith and their sense of humor (Hey Bridget, Yahtzee!!!). They are remarkable in their passion for life and their devotion to the ones they care about. I am blessed to know them, truly blessed.
I left the graduation party feeling happier and stronger than I did when I left church (if that was even possible). Once I got home I got ready and headed to the gym where I planned on knocking a couple of miles off of my to-do-list. Well, the strength kept carrying me through, and a couple of miles turned in to 5! I was so proud of myself! 5 miles is the farthest I've ever run without stopping. Maybe by the end of this 30 days I'll be ready to try a 1/2 marathon!? (Hold up, Al. Don't get ahead of yourself.)
I apologize for sounding like a journal entry today... just wanted to share my wonderful day with you all. Sometimes all you need is a great Sunday to help you smile.
Love True,
Allison
Craig Morgan- "That's What I Love About Sunday"
Raymond's in his Sunday best,
He's usually up to his chest in oil an' grease.
There's the Martin's walkin' in,
With that mean little freckle-faced kid,
Who broke a window last week.
Sweet Miss Betty likes to sing off key in the pew behind me.
That's what I love about Sunday:
Sing along as the choir sways;
Every verse of Amazin' Grace,
An' then we shake the Preacher's hand.
Go home, into your blue jeans;
Have some chicken an' some baked beans.
Pick a back yard football team,
Not do much of anything:
That's what I love about Sunday.
I stroll to the end of the drive,
Pick up the Sunday Times, grab my coffee cup.
It looks like Sally an' Ron, finally tied the knot,
Well, it's about time.
It's 35 cents off a ground round,
Baby. cut that coupon out!
That's what I love about Sunday:
Cat-napping on the porch swing;
You curled up next to me,
The smell of jasmine wakes us up.
Take a walk down a back road,
Tackle box and a cane pole;
Carve our names in that white oak,
An' steal a kiss as the sun fades,
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.
Ooh, new believers gettin' baptized,
Momma's hands raised up high,
Havin' a Hallelujah good time
A smile on everybody's face.
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.
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