Quitting Church

If you're not aware, I'm drastically behind in reading and finishing my To Read List. I'm trying to play a bit of catch up, but it will be okay if I don't make it. In fact, I know I'm not going to make it, but I've at least tried.

One of the books on the list is Julia Duin's Quitting Church. I have been reading this on and off for several years. It's a tough read. I'm not sure if it's tough because of the content that ranges from controlling pastors to house churches to gender roles within the church or that it is tough because it resonates in my heart so much.

I'd say check it out. It's tough. It's not a sit down and read through the whole thing kind of book. It's written by a Christian journalists filled with statistics, interviews and personal anecdotes. You can see it on Amazon here as well as read some reviews. Whether you like it or would rather leave it, there is definitely a challenge for the church today and for the souls of us who are going. (Plus, right now it's pretty cheap!)

'Fall Retreat 2012'

I've been thinking about Fall lately. It's my favorite season. I believe I am one of the few that genuinely love this season. We took a poll during all of our VBS Music Station groups this summer. I was the Lone Ranger standing at the end with Fall as my favorite season.

It's not just the colorful leaves and the advent of scarves that I love. Ever since before I was in sixth grade, I have been going on Fall Retreats. I have a ton of memories of these from moments around campfires to funny skits to great speakers.

This year is different though. This year I didn't have a Fall Retreat to attend with a church youth group. It's been a weird feeling. It's been a weird nagging at the back of my mind. It's okay though. I finally got my 'Fall Retreat 2012'.

I spent the past weekend driving across Texas and like most years, there was a terrific campfire, great speakers and laughter that could rival any skit. I spent approximately 10-11 hours driving across Texas listened to podcasts on my way to see my Forever Roommate, Christy and our friend Sara.

We ate more Mexican food in one weekend than Christy could probably stand, but my heart was fiercely in love with it and it was a pretty good exchange for being forced to watch Twilight. We made a campfire Saturday night and sunk our teeth into some well deserved s'mores.

Flannel, S'mores, Girl Talk, Laughter, Mexican Food, Jesus, Friendship, Fellowship. 
It was a 'Fall Retreat' to rival the best of Fall Retreats.

Y'all, I needed this. My heart longed for this. I'm so glad I got to see these two amazing women this weekend. May there be a Spring Retreat as well!

12 for 12 October Update

Need a flashback to the 12 for 12 September Update?

Twelve for Twelve 

1. Books.

If you're unsure where I am on the To Read List, just be assured that I haven't crossed anything else off. I have in fact added books to it as well as come so close on Quitting Church by Julia Duin that it isn't even funny. 3 chapters to go when November hit and I'm still not done on the 10th? Shameful.

2. 5K.

I have found a 5K to run. There's something about a 5K where you get to dress like Santa and they give you milk and cookies at the end that just makes it worth it. Now, if I just sign up...

3. Quotes.

'I can't say that I'm even 100% positive that I know where my quote notebook is.' Sadly, this statement is still true a month later.

4. Blog.

My love for all things pumpkin made it on the blog. WIN!

5. Create.

Pumpkin Mac & Cheese! Strawberry Brownies! New Coffee Recipes! Not too shabby of a month here.

6. Learn.

Transition is hard.

7. Minimize.

I'm still going through stuff. I need to get rid of a few things.

8. Gratefulness.

Heartbound.

9. Handmade.

I thought about preparing for Christmas gift season. My preparation stopped mainly after thinking. I have a few ideas though... :)

10. Intentionality.

Long distance friendships are hard. I also feel like most of my friends are long distance now. Real world, I'm not your biggest fan.

11. No.

Success.

12. Word.

Transition.