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Church

When I went to the Temple It should have felt like home So as I sat in the pew Why did I feel all alone Was my heart disconnected Was there something wrong with me Why did I feel like running From a place that felt empty Three thousand souls I counted The church grew before my eyes I went to look for answers Yet I left with all my whys Why was the music perfect Why did others have no flaws As I sought my redemption I drowned within the applause After the entertainment As I walked out open doors I drifted on life's ocean In a boat that had no oars Hands held out towards heaven Within solitude God was kind As I took time to ponder I surrendered body and mind Now Church is not about me Or the way it makes me feel Whenever I praise my Savior The Temple becomes more real Now I can take church with me To the places that I go Within a heart of thankfulness He allows my love to grow

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Timothy Hicks

Date: 11/25/2014 5:37:00 PM

You capture the original essence of the mission of the apostles. Church was never meant to stay in one place - but instead to grow and expand - it is not a building but a gathering of people with one purpose. You weren't kidding about your P-soup fast being a short one! Works for me... I get to read more of your poetry :)

Robert Lindley

Date: 11/25/2014 10:08:00 AM

BRAVO!!! IF I COULD FAV BUT ONE RELIGIOUS POEM HERE I'D CHOSE THIS OVER MINE OR ANY OTHERS. A magnificent poem my friend.. Super, super 7 from me!!

Monterey Sirak

Date: 11/24/2014 7:38:00 AM

Oh I love this! People are the church, not buildings. People loving and serving and searching.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:40:00 AM

Thanks Monterey.

Kayod5 Kayode

Date: 11/22/2014 10:23:00 PM

Exactly what church should be,but how many take church out with them Richard? All we can see around us now are deceit,exploitation and immorality at its height, too bad; yet God is not deterred: I know my sheep and my sheep know me,says the Lord of Hosts.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:40:00 AM

There is a lot of goodness as well, however the evil can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately God will prevail.

Paul Callus

Date: 11/22/2014 2:52:00 PM

Yes, Richard, you can take the church with you! The church is the house of God, but we can meet him and communicate as freely when we find him out in the wild where silence reigns. (Reminds me of our friend Peter who sees God in the beauty of nature). // paul

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:37:00 AM

You speak te truth Paul. Thanks for commenting.

Donna Jones

Date: 11/21/2014 6:38:00 PM

A true blessing to read Richard...thank you

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/22/2014 1:29:00 AM

You are kind Donna, I have appreciated your visits. It is so nice to have you back. Hugs Rick.

Sarai Virden

Date: 11/21/2014 1:32:00 AM

You my friend are one of those who say in a poem, what is in the heart of those you sat next to you. Beautifully expressed. Your soul shines with such purity and humility. Hugs to you.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2014 8:28:00 AM

Hugs and thanks back to you Sarai.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/20/2014 11:53:00 PM

Love this, richard. I am not sure if it is saying what I interpreted as the meaning. for me, church is more a state of mind than the physical building. but I do believe you worship in church AND in your loving heart.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2014 8:29:00 AM

Yes you have interpreted it perfectly. Thanks for visiting Andrea.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 11/20/2014 11:04:00 PM

This poem should be read in church, Richard. We are living stones built into a holy temple, the Bible tells us. Church is where two or three are gathered in His name. I preached once on this topic. Church...the Emergency Room of Heaven. I was touched by Dwight Nelson's book entitled, The Eleventh Commandment. Church is where we come sick in need of healing. It isn't a museum of saints, nor a mausoleum....it is where healing takes place. Thanks for sharing this gem. May God bless you always...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2014 8:32:00 AM

He has blessed me even during those times I had been unaware of his presence. Thanks Eileen, I love the wisdom and depth of your response.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 11/20/2014 5:28:00 PM

You do take the church with you..and you even bring it to us by the way you express faith and love.Yes God's church is not made of bricks and stones but of faithful hearts and souls.Lovely poem Richard.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2014 8:34:00 AM

You are kind Charmaine. Thanks for coming to church with me.

David Meade

Date: 11/20/2014 10:32:00 AM

God is the reason for worship . . . how we can sometimes lose sight of this simple fact . . . your poem give testimony to the messiness of church and the difficult road of faith.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2014 8:36:00 AM

Thanks David, it is time for us to discard our consumer perspectives.

Mama Bear

Date: 11/20/2014 9:17:00 AM

Wonderfully crafted. One knows that you have a relationship with God. Love and Blessings Mom

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2014 8:36:00 AM

I love you too mom.