I drove my family to the beach this last Memorial Day weekend. My TBM wife had made arrangements for a substitute to teach her Primary class. While we were engaged in loud laughter and frivolous activities on the beach, she told me that she felt much more spiritual and closer to God at the beach than in church, and she wished every church service would be like hanging out at the beach. I agreed.

So, if any leaders of the church are reading, take a quick note. Make church more like going to the beach. If that isn't specific enough, I'll spell it out. Gorgeous views. Awe-inspiring nature in motion. Fun and sun. Feelings ​of freedom and peace. Wildlife to watch and interact with. No self-righteous sermons. No boring songs. No prayers. No sitting still and reverent for long periods of time. No guilt trips or striving for perfection. Doesn't cost anything except gas money and snacks. Romantic possibilities unstifled. Etc.

I agree with your wife. I feel closer to God at the beach or on a mountaintop than I've ever felt in any church.

Dude, don't tell the mormons how to make their church more appealing!
Then more people will stay!!

:)

The spirit of god is within you and all around you, not in buildings of wood and stone. Book of Thomas. One of the many books left out of the bible.

Living in the country like we do gives us serenity that just isn't available in the city. Witnessing a thunderstorm (or 3 like tonight), smelling fresh cut alfalfa or the smell of freshly tilled soil is spiritual to me.

Living in the country like we do gives us serenity that just isn't available in the city. Witnessing a thunderstorm (or 3 like tonight), smelling fresh cut alfalfa or the smell of freshly tilled soil is spiritual to me.

Living in the country like we do gives us serenity that just isn't available in the city. Witnessing a thunderstorm (or 3 like tonight), smelling fresh cut alfalfa or the smell of freshly tilled soil is spiritual to me.