Feeling the Spirt and giving it back and St. Pattys day

Feb. 2024

Syracuse, NY

I have always been lost about my beliefs. I joke that I was brought up Unitarian, Baptized Russian Orthadox, attend a Baptist Church and married a Jew. My spirituality has always been disconnected. My journey has been primarily Baptist for the last 20 years or so, but my dedication has been pretty wishy washy. Maybe one a month I would show up at church say hello God, how are you, I'm still thinking about you, then I would bow out for a period of time. I gave myself some grace, rationalizing that I just wasn't around enough to commit to a church. I did go to a church in Florida as well, thinking that once I gain my grounds in this state, I would attend there on the regular. Regardless of my attempt, I just wasn't feeling the spirit. 

My friend had been attending a church and she was so incredibly dedicated to it, that it did peek my interest. Hum I thought. There main campus is right near me, I had actually gone to that church with another friend several years back. Anyways, I listened to my friend talk about how much she was loving her new church, and decided to give the main campus another try. I showed up and the parking lot was empty. Was I there on the wrong day/time? Well I certainly wasn't going to walk in and inquire, so I went back to my home church and decided I needed to dedicate myself to where I had my grounded seed. 

My friend was attending a course through her church called Alpha and she invited me to the last day banquet, which would be held at the main campus. It was a full day activity and I thought, why not.

I met up with Kelly and then we headed into the days event. I listened and enjoyed the discussion. They fed us well. Then as the day was wrapping up, we prayed. We prayed for a long time. I searched deep within myself and asked God to show himself to me. I suddenly felt something come over me, I don't know what it was. It was insanely uncomfortable, such so that I had to leave. my chest hurt and I was fearful I might start to sob uncontrollably. I still don't know what happened, but I've been attending 

this church every weekend since. This was the beginning of the new Wendy. (although the old Wendy does come out every once in a while..but God has truly changed my life.)

So since I am now committed to The Vineyard church, I felt I had to give back and signed up ASAP for volunteering to help FEED my STARVING CHILDREN. 

We helped to provide meals for these kids. It feels great to be a part of this. 

I went to the local Library to hear traditional Irish stories. The presenter was actually from Ireland and she had a great ability to tell some of the tales that she had heard as a child. It was a great evening. Additionally, the library had some facts about the Irish in America. 

On the actual day of St. Patrick's day, I went out to Auburn to meet up with Kelly, We went to a local bar where her friend Shawn was making a traditional Irish meal. We had some Corned Beef and some fun.