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Nonetheless, I sat back and anxiously awaited what this new name for our church would be. I was expecting
something trivial and childlike. Something that interested Matthew like Upward Soccer Church or Thomas the
Tank Engine Church or even dare-I-say Monster or Robot Baptist Church.
His name for our new church was nothing like those, however. He told me, “Mommy, I’ve decided to name our
new church Life and Love.” Instantly tearful, I asked him why, but the answer was obvious. He answered in a
matter of fact tone, “Because it’s our church, Mommy. That’s why.” I was stunned. I couldn’t think of a more
perfect name for any church. Life and Love. Two things all churches should most certainly have. Two things
Matthew obviously experiences at his church.
His thoughts made me realize how blessed we are to have such a wonderful church family. What a great
place we have for our children to feel loved, accepted, and experience life! As I sat and reflected upon
Matthew’s words, I felt so blessed. So many at our church love my children and family almost like their own,
and we feel the same about many families at our church.
I also began to think about all the children without a church family. There are thousands just in our small city
who don’t have a regular place of worship. They don’t have a place outside their own homes to feel the “life
and love” of Christ or others in the church.
Even many Christians, stuck in the busyness of life, forget about the importance of regular church attendance
or being an active part of a congregation. Most of us strive to be the best parents we can be, making sure to
take care of all the little things, but we often forget about the most important ones, such as taking our children
to church faithfully.
I hope all of you have a place or find a place you truly love to worship. A place you are able to give and
receive love and experience life to the fullest. A place where your children can grow, thrive, and feel
acceptance and love. A place where you can worship God with others who love you and your family. A place
that could accurately be called Life and Love.
Kendra Hendrix lives in Owensboro, Kentucky and is a stay-at-home mother of 3 kids.
something trivial and childlike. Something that interested Matthew like Upward Soccer Church or Thomas the
Tank Engine Church or even dare-I-say Monster or Robot Baptist Church.
His name for our new church was nothing like those, however. He told me, “Mommy, I’ve decided to name our
new church Life and Love.” Instantly tearful, I asked him why, but the answer was obvious. He answered in a
matter of fact tone, “Because it’s our church, Mommy. That’s why.” I was stunned. I couldn’t think of a more
perfect name for any church. Life and Love. Two things all churches should most certainly have. Two things
Matthew obviously experiences at his church.
His thoughts made me realize how blessed we are to have such a wonderful church family. What a great
place we have for our children to feel loved, accepted, and experience life! As I sat and reflected upon
Matthew’s words, I felt so blessed. So many at our church love my children and family almost like their own,
and we feel the same about many families at our church.
I also began to think about all the children without a church family. There are thousands just in our small city
who don’t have a regular place of worship. They don’t have a place outside their own homes to feel the “life
and love” of Christ or others in the church.
Even many Christians, stuck in the busyness of life, forget about the importance of regular church attendance
or being an active part of a congregation. Most of us strive to be the best parents we can be, making sure to
take care of all the little things, but we often forget about the most important ones, such as taking our children
to church faithfully.
I hope all of you have a place or find a place you truly love to worship. A place you are able to give and
receive love and experience life to the fullest. A place where your children can grow, thrive, and feel
acceptance and love. A place where you can worship God with others who love you and your family. A place
that could accurately be called Life and Love.
Kendra Hendrix lives in Owensboro, Kentucky and is a stay-at-home mother of 3 kids.
Life and Love
by Kendra Hendrix
A couple of weeks ago, my four-year-
old son Matthew approached me and
said he had decided what to name
our new church. We attend Bellevue
Baptist Church, and, as most of you
know, our church is moving to a new
location in October. Matthew’s
proclamation didn’t completely
surprise me. We’ve been trying for
several weeks to explain to him that
our entire congregation would be
moving and not just us. The concept
of the church being the people and
not the building is a little over his
head, I guess.
by Kendra Hendrix
A couple of weeks ago, my four-year-
old son Matthew approached me and
said he had decided what to name
our new church. We attend Bellevue
Baptist Church, and, as most of you
know, our church is moving to a new
location in October. Matthew’s
proclamation didn’t completely
surprise me. We’ve been trying for
several weeks to explain to him that
our entire congregation would be
moving and not just us. The concept
of the church being the people and
not the building is a little over his
head, I guess.
Focus on Faith
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