Moose Lodge

We Shepards went to a Moose Lodge event today. A totally unusual thing for us, but we were invited by a couple who are involved in it, who also attend our "living room church" (Christ Coastal). I wanted to be out in the beautiful sunshine and clear air, but went, knowing we should support what they were doing. I'm glad we went.


Four first impressions: Smoke, loud country band playing, people over 45 sitting around, and no windows. Our friend was apologetic about the music, but I told her not to worry, that we enjoyed country music sometimes! We didn't know anyone else, but I thought, these are the people who need Jesus just as much as I do. How can they believe, unless they hear? Our friend explained to the whole group that this benefit was for a couple who are members of the Moose brotherhood, who lost their home to fire recently, and then he prayed for God to bless the food, and he ended it in Christ's name. There were lots of Amens and clapping. Clapping? I think everyone was happy that he mentioned God and His Son, and they were glad that someone was bold enough to honor Him. I think (and this is speculation) that people want to hear His name used in an honorable way, and not in vain, and they were happy that they were doing something good for the couple whose home was lost.



All that we do will someday be shown to be of eternal value or of wood, hay, and stubble. Coming home, smelling so strongly of smoke, I wondered if we'd spent our time well. Does it matter that we were exposed to second hand smoke? No, not really! And, by putting this in a blog, am I touting our "good works?" No, I pray to God that I am not, but I am more convinced than ever that we need to "mix" with the ones whom Jesus ate with, and we are also "those sinners." We're so thankful that God is giving us opportunities to meet people that He loves, and now I can learn how to love as He wants me to. This was a community that we may enter, and Jesus would be there too!