How can I sleep?

I just got home from church.
I have to admit, I have always loved going to church. I really can not remember there being a time that I fought going to church. I'm sure my mother could think of a few episodes when I was a child where a temper tantrum may have caused me to reject the thought of going. But I doubt it was actually because I didn't want to go.

I grew up in a Pentecostal church, and from what I remember we went near every Sunday morning, and many Sunday nights, the occasional Saturday night, and even a random Wednesday night here or there. I remember leaving church Sunday afternoon and driving over the Ohio River to my grandmother's house for dinner. For the last, oh, 10ish years of her life she was unable to attend church because of her back problems, for she was unable to sit for more than a few minutes at a time. Then afterward sometimes we would go back to church, and sometimes we would go on home.

Even after we stopped going to church- I do not remember why or when- I lived life for several years, then started going back to church once I settled down. And I loved it. I love feeling moved. I love praising God and learning about His word.

I struggled for a long time when we moved out here. I visited several churches, even had regular attendance at a couple for many months. But I never felt fulfilled. You see, I get excited about God. So excited that I want to talk about Him all the time. That I want to be with Godly people all the time! That I want to sing about Him and His LOVE to everyone! I want to profess my love to Him to everyone I know. I want to testify about the miracles He has made happen in my life. And share my story of how He rescued me!
But too many times I feel... alone in my excitement.
Too many times I feel held back by other people.... I can't BE excited because other people in the church don't agree. I can't spread my message because other people don't want to hear.
I wish I could figure out some way to express my feelings about God without being shunned- but rather, to have others rejoicing along side me!!!

I tell ya, I'd go to church every night if they'd let me!! And not just because I'd stay out of trouble that way ;) hehe

Luckily, Pastor Ralph just started this every other Saturday night service... hopefully if more people start coming, maybe he'll make it every Saturday night!
And I really have felt so good about this church I'm now going to. That really was a huge hole in my life for many years. It's almost nothing like the churches I went to in Kentucky, but I've learned to be OK with that and appreciate the differences.
It's kind of funny too, this church is pretty similar to a couple of the other churches here in town that I attended for a little while, only I never felt the connection with God, the Pastor, or the congregation in those other churches like I do here. Which is why I never stayed at the other ones.


So, after attending service tonight, then having a potluck dinner with a small group of the congregation with some great fellowship.... I just can't sleep!!! I'm so full of joy and love and excitement, that I'm amped up and ready for more!!
And just think.. I get to get up and go back in the morning!!!!! HALLELUJAH!! I can't wait!




Here's an old song from one of my old churches in Kentucky that I wanted to share. As much as I enjoy the new contemporary tunes, I will always love the old hymns from there.

He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
When He says, 'Peace, be still!'
all the winds and the sea obey.
If there are storms in your soul
Jesus is in control
He can say, 'Peace, be still!'
to your soul.