Hibbets' Happenings

I went to the dr. this morning. Not much news, really (and not complaining!). My weight is the same (30 lbs total); my blood pressure was up from before but still very normal (it was actually a little low before, so this is fine). He didn't say anything about the baby's measurement and he listened to the heartbeat too fast for me to hear. BUT, he did have the nurse call the hospital and schedule me for 8:30am May 12! So that's some news. I wasn't expecting to be scheduled at the hospital until the week before. I do have to go back next week (somehow I was under the impression I wouldn't have to go back for 2 weeks). I'm tempted to rebel -- but probably won't.

I get a little uncomfortable at times, but I think that's to be expected at this point. Overall, I'm doing great. Gabriel's been a little more active lately; I wonder if he's getting excited about meeting us, too?

I thought yesterday: it's almost as if God is taking us away from "church" for a little while to bring us to Him. Not that God can't be found in church, because that can be one of the best places to find Him -- but you have to realize our perspective. We were both raised in church. "Doing the church thing" comes naturally to us; it's what we both know. But we both got so caught up in what we now see as rituals, legalism, religion -- that we squeezed God out. Not completely; I know I was (and am) a Christ-follower. Those words, though, that idea -- just means so much more now. And I didn't even realize what I was missing. It's hard because I would use many of the same words now that I did before, but they mean something different now. Words and phrases like "head knowledge vs. heart knowledge," and "giving God my whole life." The best way I can describe this right now is that I had relegated God and the Bible to academics -- and the beauty is, the Bible IS academic, it can be studied academically -- but it's so much more! And now my eyes are being opened to the HEART of the matter, the relationship issues.

And God isn't completely taking us away from church, either. But it kind of feels that way, emotionally -- and I think that's God's way of bringing us (truly) to Him and not just a ritual, not merely a head knowledge of Him. It's a little hard to understand, and definitely hard to explain; but posting helps me think through all the amazing and wonderful thoughts swirling around inside.

Thank you, Lord; your love and grace are amazing!

David and I had several take-aways from church services yesterday, but here's one (from yesterday morning at RR):

The pastor said in his sermon, "God can really mess with your religion!"

I think that's a good summary statement of what's happening with us right now. God has "messed with" our religion. It's all for the good, and I am so grateful He has -- but wow! We have such a different mindset, a different perspective than even 6 months ago. Thank you, God, for working in us, and changing us; please use us to help others see Your love, Your mercy, the hope You give, the abundant life found in You. Your love for us is amazing!