Dry Snow

Spiritually dry.  Wanting so bad to feel the presence of God but not knowing how to get there.  As I drove along I90 I thought about other times when I had spent that same 2+ hour drive singing and praising the whole way.  I thought speaking the praise out loud might help so I tried. "You made this beautiful day!  Look at the clouds, the snow capped mountains..."  I spoke the words out loud in the car.  It was nice to realize those things but flat.  What was wrong with me that this dry spell was going on so long?  Where was God?  What was I supposed to be learning? What was I doing wrong?
Almost to Butte, I found myself in the middle of a snow storm. After a brief stop in town I tried to head over the mountain toward home.  The road was closed.  Semi's jack-knifed on the top.  I wanted to be home so I chose to drive the "old road."  The two-way was narrow and windy but it was often better because they kept it plowed and sanded for the people who lived along that  pass.  At first it was only wet but as I traveled on, the snow was sticking and it was slick.  I went slow.  A few other cars were behind.  The twists and turns over the mountain had potential for danger.  I don't know when I began singing - praise songs.  They came from deep within me, peaceful and strong. Came from somewhere I felt no ownership for.  They came as an answer to prayer, A spring of water for my dry soul.  I sang until the road was only wet again.  Then I drove on in silence, rested, peaceful and assured.

I knew she was nervous.  Her legs beneath her short "mother of the groom" dress were shaking even as she began singing.  She wanted to do so well.  "All of me loves all of you."  Her voice was so lovely, just right for this song.  Compassion welled within me as I thought of the emotions I had also felt as a mother at my son's wedding. Maybe a third of the way through the song she stopped.  Right in the middle of the wedding she stopped.  "Could we start this over?" she spoke back to the man who was working the background music.  She was embarrassed but firm. And so she began again and as she did her son, the groom, came over, leaving his bride, slipping his arm around her waist, holding her firmly.  She sang on now, strong and beautiful.  Realizing his bride was standing alone, Ty turned to her, held out his hand for Chloe too join them.  They stood together, the three of them, his arms around his mother and his new bride.  The song was long but I didn't want it to end.  This moment, so precious, so symbolic, so perfect in it's imperfection.  I supposed there were many wet eyes at the tender love of a son for his nervous Mom and the righteousness of that same son whose awareness of his abandoned bride brought the three of them standing as one before this captivated wedding crowd.
"It was the best part of the wedding," I told his mother later.  She smiled.
It wasn't until several months later that I heard "the rest of the story."  Sitting together at a wrestling match for our shared grandson she shared that she was singing the next day in a contest.    Reminded of the wedding incident I again expressed my love of that wedding moment.  "Well, actually, you'll have to know the rest of the story," she shared.  "That morning on the way to the wedding I was so nervous.  I don't ask God for little things.  I figure He's got enough big things to worry about.  But that day I asked God, 'Could you just put Your arm around my waist?'  I knew I needed some support.  It wasn't until I was running the next day that I realized what God had done for me. I hadn't put it together until then. God had done just that."

Alone

I am driving in the dark.  A winter landscape of white.  A mist of snow, not even enough to use my wipers. I am alone.  I turn off the Christian radio I've been listening to.  I am lonely.  Tired of the struggle that comes with Christmas when you are a person who hates to disappoint.  I've left God out - again.  I did try this year.  I got up early many mornings to pray.  I'm wanting to be a better listener to God.  That part was good.  But after a few days of family I'm finding I'm missing our Relationship.   So I am finally alone. I have nothing to say.  Words seem to be a burden and another interruption.
 I drive quietly.  I want You.  How can I obtain your peace.  Questions fill my mind.  The questions of life.  Of God.  Who are You?  How do You work?  I'm even tired of all that.  I think of the snow, it's wonder.  It's beauty. It's gift.  It's revelation of You.  How You must love me, us all.  You are there.  Nothing else matters.  Just You and I driving.  Questions don't matter.  Peace.  Thank You.

Philadelphia, PA Airport

Some moments are unwritable.  I was returning from a visit to Terra's family in Philadelphia.  I was in the airport, walking toward my gate, people, hundreds, were passing me.  That's when the "moment" happened but to call in a moment was not accurate because time itself suddenly stopped.
No one was moving.  My mind froze them all.  It was really a gift from a loving Creator.  I was able to see them, each of them.  I was able to KNOW that they were each loved,  deeply, unconditionally.  ALL OF THEM.  Do you know how many different looking and acting people there are in an airport?  I saw them and I loved them.   It sounds strange even to me.  In that moment without time I was allowed to know just a little bit I suppose of what God must see.  How God must love.  I wish I could live in that timeless moment.  Maybe I will in heaven.

Messy, Noisy, Full of Love

I've got to start writing again.  For the last 3 months we've been blessed to have Terra, Zach and their 6 children living in their home.  They came in early July thinking it might take a few weeks for them to find a place to practice his dentistry and a new home to live in.  It's now Oct 7th and they are still here.  Zach is finally working in Twin Falls where they will move.  He started Oct 1.  So for all that time they have been with us.  A home once quiet and as orderly as any house could be for me has become full, messy, noisy and filled with love.  It is, of course, another of God's miracles.  After a few weeks I asked Terry how he was doing. (full, messy and noisy are usually not his thing AT ALL).  His reply, "I love it," shocked me.  After a few weeks I would ask again, His answer, "It's an opportunity.  We've been away from them for so long."  So I began to settle in - we all did.  I know it's been hard on them not having their own home, friends, school, privacy.  It will be Nov 15 before they leave to permanently live in Twin Falls.  Many times in the past few months I have thought it's how it should be, people in extended families living together, older ones helping overworked parents, receiving hugs galore, listening, caring.  Oh how we will miss them when they leave!  I know Terra and Zach pray over our situation.  They pray we will all have the strength for it, the patience for it.  I pray the same.  This God we both serve in our own ways, our own religions, hears and answers. And I believe smiles and approves the love we all share together. Thank you sweet and precious Trinity.
God's will be done.  Holy Spirit touching and blessing.  In the Sweet name of Jesus. Amen

Everyday God- Bernadette Farwell

Returning

In returning and rest shall be your salvation. Isaiah

Returning. For 17 years I was away from the small Ranch that was home to my 8 siblings, my parents and myself. It is a beautiful little ranch nestled in a small valley. Driving along the country road when almost home you see the hills above the ranch where my oldest brother watched sheep some summers, where we hunt for deer and elk, where we hike or drive in our truck until we are high enough to look over the picturescue Jefferson valley. I could only return to that home once or twice a year. The 1300 mile drive ended as I came over a little rise and looked down onto home. It was a humble home, across a creek from my fraternal grandparents house. Our 3 bedroom, one bath, one level home was for 11 people but the anticipation that rose within me as I got closer was exciting and tremendous. I found rest in that home, a rest that came from knowing that they were as excited to see me as I was them. It was there that i would find hugs,kisses, laughter, my favorite foods, small children sitting on my lap, saying funny and clever words, visits with my Mother about life, prayers and faith. Returning. Terry used to say if he didn't get me home twice a year he couldn't live with me. In some sense, it was my salvation. It is hard to believe that repentance (the word other versions of the Bible use for returning) should be like that. A place where I will feel safe, joy, loved, welcomed, where I would laugh, listen and feel at peace. A place of rest and joy beyond description. A place that would save me.

The living room

In the night I've been remembering.  Each room in the old house has memories.  The living room.  It's where we met for prayer meeting.  Every Wednesday night for a long time until we began sharing in other homes.  People came there so Grandpa wouldn't have to go to town. He and Grandma would have had to pack up his wheel chair and all.  We all walked over to Grandma and Grandpas.  Even now I can feel the warmth of the stove on the east side of the room where Grandpa sat as he conducted the services.  His 3 in 1 laying on his lap.  I watched strength in his weakness as he lead.  First we sang, then prayed, then sang, then gave testimonies, then sang and ended with a prayer.  Always the same. I never grew tired of it but I suppose others did.  Sometimes it was funny like when Ken fell asleep and almost fell off the chair or when one of the little kids did something funny.  Sometimes it was precious like when Dennis was leaving for college and we sang, "Old Old Path" and "God be with You Till We Meet Again." It changed as different people came and went from our little, mostly Sacry congregation.  For me, it provided a place to build my faith as I listened to others share theirs.  The Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost as we called it then) was as real as the heat from the stove. 
That room was also a place for Christmas where we gathered until Mom decided we should have our own Christmas at home and we were mad at her.  We gathered around and waited for Santa to arrive with a sack of presents.  We children were the center of life there.  We knew we were precious by the way everyone laughed at our cute sayings and wanted hugs and kisses and for us to sit on their laps. 
It was a room filled with love and laughter.  I especially remember when the little ones were just learning to walk we'd lean them in a corner and encourage them to walk to us.
The other night Jim said, "The house doesn't matter.  Whatever is right or wrong with it you just get used to it.  This house is so comfortable and really nice.  It's a great house."  Yes it is.  It was made nice because of the welcoming spirit that always met us there.  By the love and laughter and fun.

ranch meetings

Sacred.  I never thought I would view them that way.  We are discussing the new house being built at the ranch.  colors, walls, toilets, window height, mudrooms, showers, tubs - Hard for husband and wife to agree on, let alone 11 people.  Yet the rule seemed to be respect, honor, desire to listen and desire to not offend.  Laughter.  I love the laughter.  Treasure it, even.  In Gayle and Kathryn I feel like we have a gift for awhile, for as long as we are blessed enough to have them.  How they in their wisdom submit sometimes to our wishes and sometimes give their advise.  But they treat us respectfully, lovingly.  Jim and Nancy, how they are quiet when we discuss the home they will live in.  Kathryn praising their quiet.  Ken, flying up because he wants so much to be a part of it. He and Jim giving heir knowledge and experience.  Everyone sharing their thoughts, experiences.
It's hard to leave the old ranch house...so many memories.  I'm not sure how everyone else feels but to me, I feel God's hand in this new adventure into the new.  Like those old times are being gently placed into the new.  I know when I go to the meetings that I have to pray about them and that most likely others, especially Kathryn, are also praying, asking God's presence, God's light. What a sacred trust we have to pass on a heritage to the next generation.  I hope they will also pray.  This morning I am thanking God.  Deep praise within for the goodness God has brought into my life.

The Gospel

She was - well, seemed to me to be delusional.  She was a religious fanatic, would come to her son's house, bang on the door in the night and feel offended that they would not let her in. Anytime, day or night she would come and tell them they had to follow Jesus or they would go to hell.  She constantly badgered them, saying in appropriate things.  She was disrespectful of their wishes and ignored the boundaries they tried to set for their home.  They refused to let her be with their children for fear of what she would do or say.  I watched Dr.Phil, angry at the image of a Christian she portrayed.  Yet I saw a piece of myself in her.  Not in the way I act but in the way I fear.  Not about my children going to hell but about my desires for them in other ways.  I was ready for Dr. Phil to blast her.  But he didn't.  He treated her lovingly, kindly.  He saw in her what I was not seeing.  He said, "I'm about telling the truth. All this about your fears about your children's salvation is not really about them but about you.  You do not value yourself.  You are afraid they will not value you.  You are afraid they will leave you and the actions you are taking are causing the very thing you fear."  I watched and I cried.  I had great compassion for her.  So did her son.  They all saw it and so did she.  She thanked him for helping her to see the truth. As I watched, I remembered where my value comes from.  It is intrinsic to a God who parents us all.  I am God's daughter.  God sees me just as I am.  God loves me and that truth will set me free.

My Day

Every day is a surprise.  This morning I sat on my couch and watched the sun rise.  It was incredible.  I wondered how a totally light sky could contain a section that was so dark.  Terry and I had devotions together as I got frustrated about my new Windows 8 not working they old way and letting us listen to "Pray-as-you-go."  After a nap we walked our property in the snow with our dogs.  Beautiful.  After taking stuff to the dump I took Michael to his art lesson in Butte.  He is truly a wonderful boy. So sincere, loving, passionate, polite, sensitive.  Among other things he said, "Oma, why do some people change their names?"  And after some discussion, "I think it's just disrespectful to their parents who must have really liked that name."  He gave me joy all the way coming and going.
After I dropped him off I was driving in the dark on our two way road when I saw a deer a car ahead of me.  I think the car hit it but it went on.  It was sitting there on the road, trying unsuccessfully to get up.  It tore my heart to see it try and realized it would not be able to.  I pulled over as did others behind me.  I approached the deer timidly at first, wondering if she would fight me.  I spoke tenderly and pulled her by the legs to just off the road.  She just kept looking at me seemingly not afraid at all.  When I got her off the road I began to stroke her head.  She and I just looked into each others' eyes.  I realized I was crying and I could hardly bear to think of her in pain. She was so lovely, pure and sweet.  People started passing us and I was aware that my lights were not flashing.  Getting up, I went to my car but couldn't remember how to work the flashers.  Someone called my name - it was Pam Smith, a friend.  She told me she would put her flashers on and call the police to come and take care of the deer.  We hugged and cried.  I went back to the deer and pet her again.  Then I got into the car and drove away.  I could not stop my sobbing.  After checking things at home I left for pizza church. I couldn't stop crying so I came back home.  Pam called me.  After I left a car came by and startled the deer.  She jumped up on her 3 legs - the other not working and ran down the bank.  When the police came, she just stared from her spot down the embankment.  They decided to let her go.  That would not have been my choice.  I think of her now, somewhere bleeding, hurting and I cry. 
I remember another time when I had come home from college.  Diane was a preschooler and Kerry and Brian had rabbits.  Diane undid the latch and they got out.  The dogs got to them and I sat and watched them struggle to die.  I cried and cried.  Mom came out, sat beside me and said, "Carol Ann, you have to get tough.  Life will be too hard if you don't."  Well, Mom, I guess I didn't listen too well.  I'm not sorry.  I hope I never stop seeing someone hurting and feel for them, even a Mama deer with big lovely eyes.
I went to a ministerial alliance tribute to volunteers and listened to Terry give a talk.  I felt closer to people than I have for awhile.  Tender toward their difficulties. It was a day I will always treasure and remember.

Mustard seeds

The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.  It is the smallest of seeds but when it is grown its tree is larger than others and the birds build their nests in it.  Sunday, it seemed to me many mustard seeds were planted.  I thought few would be there.  The night before Steve and Annie called Nancy to see if they could share about Spec.  Their sharing was rich, full of spiritual blessings, we all wanted to have been there.  Marty shared his testimony, written so well and shared from the heart about the spiritual blessing he receives from working in the garden.  Glada Ann shared how thankful she was that Sierra, her granddaughter was able to go to Spec and how grateful she is that Jay is living with them and helping so much with things she and Renata weren't able to do.  A new girl came who is now living in Willow Creek, Nancy took her to lunch after.  During prayer concerns many shared from their heart concerns.  Ginny McCracken came and asked for prayers about her being Rodeo Queen and traveling to different places.  She doesn't come often.  It was such a blessing to have her there. Kathryn and Brenda did things to help us with our memory verse.  Nancy spoke well, but the sermon was not all the service was about.  It was just one seed.  As I looked out at the congregation, I saw the Kingdom.  It was a large tree growing mightily from those seeds that seemed so tiny.  I love our community.  I never know when I'll see the Kingdom.  Today, in pray -as-you-go, the taize singers sang, "The Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the holy spirit.  Open our eyes to see it." 

Today, my devotions tell me, "Do not miss the joy of my presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders."  and to laugh.  And Yancy shares to enjoy the gifts God lavishes on us.  I see the spring clouds, the green grass, the many birds.  An old song from the hymnal comes to me,
Teach me Lord to wonder, teach me Lord to see.
Let your world of beauty capture me.
Praise to you be given, Love for you be lived.
Life be celebrated. Joy you give.

I get the hymnal to read the rest and it is just what I need:
Let me God be open, Let me loving be.
Let your world of people speak to me.
Let me God be ready, let me be awake-
In your present Kingdom my place take.
Teach me God to know you, Hear you when you speak-
See you in my neighbor when we meet.
Praise to you be given, Love for you be lived,
Life be celebrated; Joy you give.   Walter Farquharson 1936

Thanks Walter!  Thanks God!  Surely you are just as attentive to each person on earth.  How do you do it?!
What a mighty God we serve!

Spring

A cool breeze coming through open, screened windows.  Sunshine I feel as I wake up.  Cows lowing in the field.  Sandhill cranes, morning birds, making their noise. Zip's warmth next to my leg. The promise of summer in Montana.  A Sabbath day ahead. Last Sunday Jim talked about all the ways Jesus shows His love for us and then we joined him in sharing the things we notice.  We talked about stars, how plants bloom, laughter, more.  I praise you, God and thank you for this day.

He cares about you.

Years ago, when we lived in Mississippi, I found a scripture in I Peter that blessed me enough that I decapauged it on a napkin holder and put it on my table.  I threw it away awhile back.  This morning it was on Pray-as-you-go.  It reads, "Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you."  This morning that testimony of Peter has blessed me again.  This weekend we are doing a couples retreat in Billings.  I'm casting that anxiety on Him.  It is still amazing to me that the God of the Universe cares about me.Thank you, dear Jesus.  I hope by my actions today I can love you too.  "We love Him because He first loved us."

My Teacher

I wrote this before Dad died.  I thought I might read it at his funeral but it didn't seem right.  But I want to include it in my blog.

My Dad has been my greatest teacher.  Today I thank God for him.

What did he teach me?

                From Dad I learned that people are not good or bad.  People are just people who do good and bad things because of their own life experiences.  People do bad because of their own insecurities or sometimes their ignorance or self centeredness or any number of reasons.  People do good for many reasons.  Sometimes because they need praise.  Sometimes because they want to go to heaven (which in my opinion is the worst reason to do good).  Sometimes because they have had so many blessings they can’t do anything else.  When I’ve done good it’s because I ‘ve had the peace of Jesus Christ inside me and doing good just results.

                From Dad I learned that the deeper you know a person the easier it is to love them.  You can’t stop half way in the knowing because then sometimes you don’t get to the love thing.

                From Dad I learned that life is hard but forgiveness makes it easier.

                From Dad I learned that kindness is very important.  He is very kind.  But even very kind people do very unkind things.

                From Dad I learned not to be a respecter of persons.  I learned that because he chose to care about some people who were the most difficult people I know.  And he chose to cast off people who were very good  because they were fat or black.  By the time he died he’d learned that he could vote for a black president and hug very fat women.

                From Dad I learned that people change.  I learned to not hold people to their sins.  To use new eyes and give people a chance. 

                From Dad I learned to be tough.  To be proud of yourself.  That there is a pride that adds to life.

                From Dad I learned that selfishness hurts.

                Because of Dad I learned about Grace. 

                There have been times in my life that I prayed he would die so I wouldn’t have to deal with him.  I thought my life would be better without him.  And now I think I won’t be able to stand it when I can’t stop by and give him a kiss and a hug.  I look into his eyes and I see one thing: love.  I see the man who adored me as a baby, delighted in me as a toddler, held me when I cried, defended me as a teen, watched me cheerlead, sacrificed for me so I could eat and have a roof over my head and have gifts at Christmas and birthdays.  I see a man who was weak when it came to alcohol and women.  I see a man who was physically strong and tender hearted.  A man who lived with guilt and shame.  He does not feel worthy of the love bestowed upon him.  I see his faults as I see my own.  I know him like a child knows her father.  And I love him deeply.

               

Susie Woods

I have 3 Susan sisters.  My own Susan Jean.  Terry's sister Susan Jean and Rand's wife Susan (Jeannette i think).  Today I want to honor Terry's sister - we call Susie.  In Terry's life she is stability.  I don't know anyone he admires more.  When he talks to her I hear a lightness and joy in his voice.  We don't really do much for Susie.  But she's done so much for us.  I look around my house and see a cookie jar, paper plate holder, plastic bag holder, drink cups, and probably stuff I'm forgetting that she has made and sent us.  At Christmas our tree is filled with ornaments she made and sent to us.  She has her own family but she always finds room in her life for us.  And not just us.  She finds room for taking care of those she loves around her.  She is like a strong spot in the middle of people's lives.  I have been so blessed as I have watched her faith grow and as we have shared a love for the Bible and for God.  Lately I have realized she is praying for me and I am so thankful for that blessing.  It gives me peace.  In the Reiff family I think she is the one most like her Dad and yet I also see that spunk that her Mom had.  I love that Reiff ability to make quick decisions and stick with them.  Susie is a great volleyball ref - one of the best in Missouri.  She does crafts, bakes, tries new activities, is a great friend for her friends, has a good sense of humor, runs Laurel Club, supports her children and grandchildren, is a positive church member, thinks of others....I could go on and on.  Here's to you, Susie!  I love and admire you.  Thanks for all you do.

The Kingdom

The Kingdom came one night at Pizza church.  People cried.  People laughed.  Love was flung around like a basketball.  Love was deep and strong. The Kingdom came one morning at church.  A grandmother had died.  Another grandmother had arms around her great nephew.  People hugged.  People cried.  Love was deep and strong. The Kingdom came in my bed one night.  We talked into the night.  Healing happened.  We cried.  We laughed.  Feelings were shared.  Love was deep and strong.  The Kingdom came at reunion.  Walls came down.  People shared from their heart.  Trust was easy.  Love was deep and strong.  The Kingdom came in our family once.  We didn't plan it.  We sat in a hostel.  We laughed.  We shared.  We didn't cry but love was deep and strong.  The Kingdom came to me one morning.  I sat alone and praised God.  It felt so good I cried and I laughed. I rested. Things were tough but God was enough.
I always think I'll do a study on the Kingdom and find out what all those parables really mean and I think I still will.  But once in awhile  the Kingdom just seems to fall into my lap, our laps.  And I know what it is.  I can't explain it.  But I know it's there.  I usually laugh.  I usually cry.  And Love is deep and strong.

It was a bad week.  I had 2 hard days.  Have you ever just not known how to talk to anyone about how you feel?  And you thought people were tired of your complaining so you were just quiet?  but I needed to get it out.  I needed to be fed spiritually.  I needed to verbally process.  I had missed a call from Diane, my sister in Missoula.  No message and I got busy and didn't return it.  Tuesday we were going to Missoula to see Matt and his family.(Maci - yeah!)  On the way over I called Diane and she was so excited about getting together.  We sometimes don't when I'm there because I'm busy with Matt's family or she's busy with her activities.  She said she could spend the day with me!  Wow!  What a treat!  Wednesday morning I got up early and went to her house.  She was having a fast and pray day to prepare for her family's trip to Africa.  She was preparing for her prayer time and was glad I could join her. She  had some needs that she shared with me and I shared with her but mostly we talked about God and how amazing and astounding God is.  She read Isaiah 58 and a devotion from her book she has to read to prepare.  Some of her readings were about prayer and it's importance in preparation.  I had been starting to do prep for our reunion I direct.  I needed to hear that message.  She needed to be with family.  She was lonesome for Mom and Dad and so was I.  Some of the things we shared were things only kids of Mom and Dad would feel and understand in the same way.  I really can't explain exactly how it all came together but we each had a need and that need was met though our meeting.  We each believe God was in that meeting, that time together.  We each believe prayer is important.  It is one of the greatest gifts I have that I have sisters who share my faith.  Especially who openly profess and inwardly praise God through Jesus Christ.  Thanks Diane.  Thanks God.  You did it again!  I never can figure out just how You do it but I know You know me and so quickly move to show Your support and Love.

I love diversity.  I like different breakfasts every morning.  I like meeting different kinds of people. I love listening to different ideas.  Once we were involved in a bible study with people of many different faiths.  It was so stimulating.  Each of them told us they were raised to believe their church was "the one true church."  Of course I thought that was unique to the RLDS faith.  Once we talked about baptism and those who practice infant baptism shared their belief about that.  I found it interesting and I could see the view but I didn't have to embrace it myself.  With that group I didn't feel compelled to talk them into my way.  I loved being there and had great respect for those who came.  I especially liked those who didn't try to talk me into their beliefs.  This morning I listened to a website the Mormons have on the "I am a Mormon" thing.  I enjoyed it very much.  Many mornings I listen to a devotion, "Pray-As-You-Go".  It's a Catholic site and the music and scriptures bless me so much.  I hear many negative things about "right wing christianity" but when I meet them I'm impressed by their passion for God.  I absolutely love those who sincerely want to find God and spend their lives searching.  I love my own church.  Really, I've given much of my life for it.  Even at times when I didn't like it very  much I continued going and giving.  I think it's just part of my Golden Retreiver personality.  I'm loyal and faithful. I love the idea of continuing revelation, that God still speaks.  I love our way of working together as a community.  I love that we are trying now to listen and understand each other.  I also love the things I've learned with contact with people of other faiths.  It was people of other faiths who taught me to love scripture and learn about Jesus more completely.  It was from people of other faiths that I learned to worship in more ritualistic ways.  I love the rituals in some churches.  I would be less of a person if I had not listened and embraced other faiths. I believe God is at work in each one of us and in many faiths, bringing people to their Creator.
I wish you could see the sunrise now.  It's amazing.