Do religious rituals really matter?

💕I was wondering if the rituals we do at our churches really matter. I believe they matter to traditionalists who are of the older generations. It is up to you if you feel you are of that group or not, I am not. 📝

 💬For my church we did not cross ourselves, wear little caps, or do communion just because it is the first of the month. We did learn to love, care, give, and trust. God, that is.
There was a song sung on the ACM Awards this month, The Daughters, by Little Big Town. It talks about how girls are raised to be women and how society sees women, as trophies, don't be weak or strong, etcetera. It s beautifully sung and explains my upbringing very well. Living today with rituals and society rules can be confusing and annoying, impossible really. I feel most comfortable hanging around people 15-20 years younger than I because of the expectation difference. In my line of work, being relevant and current is the culture of the workplace, not a patriarchal run society anymore, thank God.

🍒Meal tip: I was thinking about grilled vegetables, roasted vegetables, and raw vegetables. Of course you have to like vegetables to do these options. So I thought, just make some chicken in the oven with some BBQ sauce dribbled on top to go with the vegetables. (Bake chicken breasts with salt and pepper, onion powder and garlic, too, if you'd like that, and cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or so until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, add BBQ sauce and put back in the oven, turn off the heat, just for 5 more minutes) For the vegetables, cut up and serve with Ranch dressing or alone. Or cook them this way:

https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-grilled-vegetables/

https://www.mccormick.com/grill-mates/recipes/salads-sides/roasted-garlic-grilled-vegetables

🏠Household tip: Top of Refrigerator day! Woo hoo. If yours doesn't need cleaning, pull out the stove and clean the sides of it and the floor behind. What fun, right?!!

🌼Parenting tip: If you have rituals that you do because they mean something to you, then explain that reason to your kids if you want them to continue the ritual. It won't seem like such a ritual if there is family, emotions, and/or a great memory tied to it. Make it optional so they won't misinterpret your intentions.

Link to The Daughters song...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPfHdJyd_IE








 

Faith.

💕I am so happy to see you today! What happened this week that made you smile? What made me smile is my one of my children, who was so brave this week to speak their mind and let me know how and what they were feeling. The conversation was difficult for that child, not so difficult for me, but I respected their perspective and we both realized we are people, not just mom and child.📝

💬In this deeply spiritual and traditional time of the year for our country, I am reflecting on what traditions and beliefs I was brought up with in my family as a child, and what traditions and beliefs I continue today that are my own choices. Do I continue with my family's or just start my own, abandoning everything I knew and understood? One particular tradition I was brought up with and still continue today is attending a local church. I go every Sunday and it keeps me grounded in what is really important in my life and what is just average living. My church has Saturday afternoon/evening services so sometimes I go on Saturday, go to the beach afterwards, and peacefully watch the sunset. I really enjoy the down time and can really reflect on what my life's purpose is, and will be, as I go forward. The church service is fun, informative, lively, reflective also, but most of all, it is relaxing and, I find, very supportive of what I have chosen to have faith in, in these days and times of our country. I have faith in God, Jesus Christ, my leaders of this country to direct us toward kindness, and also for the solidification of us as a country, not one evolving, but of one that now exists, had its own traditions, and history. I am so proud to be an American, or a United States-ian that I thoroughly believe we are the greatest country in the world. As I have faith in these things, I realize I do not continue some things of which my family showed me. One in particular is going to a cemetery to "visit" passed loved ones who have died. This is still something of great importance to my parents and they go to the local cemeteries often to place flowers and other mementos on the graves. I don't mind going with them, but I rarely go on my own.

🍒Meal Tip: Really, Really good hamburgers! Check it out!

https://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/burger-recipes

🏠Household tip: Today is the day. Yes, it is. You will find things you didn't know you'd lost. It's couch cushion day!! Remove the cushions from all your sofas, chairs, and other sitting places. Wipe down, vacuum, dig out, and dust the sofa/chair as best you can. Move it to the side and clean under it. If able to, tip it on its side and clean the bottom of it. Put it back. Clean, wipe, wash, or dust the cushions, replace back and sit down-Read a book! 😄

🌼Parenting tip: Touch your kids. Maybe they shy away, maybe they jump on you. Either way, makes sure you touch them everyday when you see them. It doesn't have to be a hug, could be a high (or low) five! You are amazing and your kid is amazing. Love being a parent and enjoy this season of your life everyday.