Family Life

**I actually wrote this last week, but debated on posting it or not, because it's a pretty touch subject, but the most I have thought about it, the more I know that it might be uncomfortable for some, but it's only because these are things we all need to hear. This is from two Sundays ago...

So I have to write about this 1-because I am really looking forward to this new series at church and 2-because I can't believe we're "going there"!

Sunday started a new 7 week series on Family Life. This isn't the simple "Honor your father and mother" stuff that many of us grew up listening to in church. This is down and dirty, honest to God, having it put right in your face, REAL stuff! This is going to be good and scary all at the same time.

We are going to be studying the life of King David, one of the most influential Kings of Israel. However the closer you look at his family life, you will see a large amount of dysfunction. And what was the #1 breakdown for King David's family disfunction..."pretense". Pretending the family problems weren't there. Or as Pastor Kevin likes to say..."There's an elephant in the room and it's now the family pet." Wooow!! Really?? He's really going there?

Pretending the family problems aren't there, pretending that the cold shoulder and silence is okay, pretending that the belittling comments don't mean anything, pretending that the walking on egg shells around the house is normal, pretending that the outbursts are okay. Is this hitting home with anyone? I bet if everyone is completely, totally honest with themselves it will hit home for almost everyone. How many people have been a member of the "Fine Family"? Think Sunday mornings trying to get to church, people running late, kids and/or parents arguing, trying to get everyone out the door, everyone mad, and as soon as you pull up dad turns around and says "Okay we're at church, put on a smile, everything is FINE". You get out of the car, start smiling, and you're all "fine". Hasn't everyone had that at one point or another. I know Jarrod and I have been there!

The "elephants" in a family undermine and destroy. Plain and simple! Pastor Kevin is challenging us the next few weeks to become an elephant-free family! NOT a problem-free family...but to deal with the elephants that have become members of our family. Dealing with the elephants is healthy! He did point out that he wants us to confess our OWN elephants, not our spouses elephants, but our OWN!

I am definitely one to "discuss" the elephants! I say that with a bit of sarcasm because I didn't say I always did it in the most appropriate way, but at least I do it! There are no passive, snide remarks from me...I will tell you how I feel, what I think, and you know where I stand. I do better with people like me because if something is bothering you let's talk about it, deal with it, and move on. Things need to be discussed, it is extremely unhealthy for a family not discuss issues or problems. I can't imagine living like that. I didn't grow up that way and yes we had our WWIII moments, but at the end of the day I always feel like I can talk to my parents about anything.

So here's an outline of the next 6 weeks...

• Belittling
• Affection & Discipline
• Over expecting & Dissatifaction of Marriage
• Inflict, Conflict
• Making a mess with a follish familiy
• Denial Dependence

Probably not the warm and fuzzy, life is great sermons that most of us are used to hearing, but that is why I love this church...it puts it out there, REAL life, there's no sweeping things under the rug here!

If you have time and are interested click here to watch Sunday's message. I highly recommend it. If you are interested I'll be happy to give you the link to where you can listen to all of the sermons in this series just let me know!