Living in the Sun

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The Rock Church

I’ve been hunting for a home church in San Diego for awhile. The church that i grew up in in El Paso was great. It wad a poor church but it served the community not just its members. From going to help our sister church in los colonias in Zaragoza,Mx to being a founding Member of N.E.T.W.O.R.K. I haved between El Paso, Tx and San Diego most of my life (a few other places also) As a teen i attended Coronado Southren Baptist. As a teen i loved it we had a strong youth ministry that did a lot of activities. When i returned as an adult it was different. No youth and very few kids but that wasn’t the only thing that was different. It wasn’t because of the new Pastor. I never put my finger on it but i think maybe i had grown and was hungry for something solid. My husband at the time and a friend looking for something different (that missing piece) went to this church The Rock in Point Loma. She has a special needs kid and had heard that they offered Sunday School classes for him. So we went I didn’t like it from the second we walked in. It was so big that we weren’t allowed in because they were collecting offering. I remember thinking “how aweful that you collect soo much money you have to worry about theft”.Very first impression was very negative. I don’t remember the message just that i am just a number feeling. So i continued to go to Coronado. After chaos and hurt due to a divorce. I found i needed to move on, the only thing holding me there were memories from the past. So i found a great church West View Bible Church. I loved the bible study. They had lots of activities to keep you connected with the church. They did things for the community like a drive/women’s tea for the San Diego Rescue Mission. They did something amazing they brought my mom and I closer together and started us on the path of rebuilding a very fractured and disfunctional relationship. I don’t know why because when i was there i felt like i was going and I loved the message the Pastor spoke, but it didn’t feel like if i missed a week or message that i was missing anything. It became a time filler. I would go if i had time. Then my brother and his wife invited the family to the dedication of my nephew at The Rock San Ysidro. I find out that the church now has 5 campuses and several microsites. While there we run in to a longtime family friend who is part of the ministry team. The Rock is starting their series with movies. Each campus decorates according to thier movie theme. Our family friend tells me to come and help. I’ve known him my entire life and is family so i am obliged to come. Even then i was happy i did go. If he had left it to myself i would of never volunteered (although i wanted but didn’t know anyone). We attend a couple more services and i am still on the line of if i like this church. But then we attend the womens bible study and the next Sunday i am engaged. The message was amazing.Every Sunday every message something is said just for me. Sometimes its uplifting and inspiring. Sometimes it hurts, its repremanding but i know i am getting fed spiritually. Since then I make it to service every Sunday even if its via the online campus (used to be just watching the stream live). Sunday that time is Gods. Now that you got through the background here is what this post is really about a lot of it leads back to my first church. Why I attend the Rock and am starting to become more active. So here it is by the numbers.

1. They youth that are involved in the church. The youth are our future and how are they suppose to lead if they were never taught and guided to do so. As Christians we are commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 we are commanded to make disciples of all the nations and to teach them. Why wouldn’t that included the youth. Before service i see the youth in the front row gathered praying. Then they energetically go around welcoming everyone. The youth are active members of different ministries. They are at the door greeting, they are on staged leading worship, they are in the classes assisting.

2. They have a huge ministry. I joke that the tagline for the Rock should be “We have a ministry for that”. One of the things that at first i didn’t like (on my first visit) was its size. But the size of the church is what allows for so many ministries. The amount of people is what gives the Rock its diversity and its ability to have a diverse amount of ministries. Think about it most ministies are developed becuase a need is seen and recognized. If it doesn’t impact you most people wouldn’t recognize it ie special need sunday school classes or the various recovery ministries (notice i said various addictions aren’t the only things people recover from).

3. The Rock acknowledges that you are who you are. If you are a dancer you don’t need to stop dancing to follow God. When God becomes the center of your life your motive changes. Instead of dancing for selfish motivations (money and attention) you perform for Gods Glory. This is the same if you are a biker. When God is the center and everything is for his glory everthing else about you falls into place.They have small groups (Rgroups) and ministries that celebrate who you are. You are wonderfully made. You are made for God’s glory in his image.

4. This is the best part and what won me over. They know that they are stewards of thier communities. That means we are to take care of those around us. Not just those in the church for no other reason than that we are commanded in John 13: 34-35 and Mark 12:28-33 to love on another. In 1st John 3:18 we are told to love in deed. The Rock has several ministies that are just for that from community clean ups to My favorite Toys for Joy where we raise money, toys are donated to give to the kids in San Diego County. They aldo hand out groceries, hot food and give hair cuts. Something i recently found out is they give the red cross vouchers to the Rock Thrift Shop to give to people in the community when there life is devastated by fire so that they can start to rebuild.

My spiritual journey has not ended. This is where i am now. This is the first church since the church of my youth that i feel the need to go to. I am still growing and learning everyday, i am excited to see the Rock as part of that. I have learned that when i care about something and am unsure of myself i become a introvert. This coming from someone who has no problem walking up to a complete stranger anywhere else. If your looking for a church and what i have typed makes you want to check it out go to sdrock.com if you’re in San Diego County you can fine the nearest campus or microsite. The Rock has even launched an amazing online campus. It’s not just a stream. Its interactive with its own pastor and small groups.

21 day fast and prayer

Wow day 9 of 21. I started this fast with one idea and it has totally changed I am happy about it but not for what you may think. So my ultimate goal as is the the churches as a whole is to focus on God and get closer to God. I decided to give up meat and no added sugar. When I started with that goal it was because I always say I have to have my meat daily so I was just proving i could do it and the fast gave me a reason. Then the day before the fast begun the sermon was on the purpose of the fast and that its about discipline not food. I decided to look at the reason that i don’t read my devotionals daily, For me its time. So what can i change to have more time identify and eradicate the time thieves.  The biggest is social media. So my journey along with the food i added no social media. I don’t know when but i went from making sure there was no animal product in what i ate to focusing on relationships. Then a break through, my prayers don’t have to be between me and God but maybe I should share it with the person i am praying for. Not just tell them I am praying for them but show them give them a prayer. I have always prayed for people but it was kind of a thing that i kept to myself kinda like a hidden gem that i didn’t want to share. In talking with someone about a dilemma they were having i decided to share that they were brought to my mind and heart so much so that i felt the need to pray a special prayer for them and share it with them. Words hold power so i try to be positive and will remember that i don’t want to muddy up the most powerful tool I have, my mouth with negativity. (yes i just made the connection) God has more for me and will reveal more when he see’s i am ready. But wow i can’t wait for the next 2 weeks. 

Toys for Joy 2017

I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer with Toys for Joy yesterday. A continuous influx of people from 9 am until 3pm. Toys for Joy not only gives kids ages 11 and under a toy but offer so much more. The night before (Friday night) volunteers gathered at 4pm to prepare. I helped prep the grocery area where every adult received a bag of groceries. Every person there got a hot meal. They had activities for the kids as well as hair cuts and manicures for kids. Adults also were able to select some clothes. The entertainment was provided by the high school allowing the teens to showcase their talents. It was amazing. Lots of work 2 long days but totally worth it.  Now they start getting ready for next year. Sometime later this year check out the site and see how you can help.

 http://toys-for-joy.org