So it's the Clean HEART, Clean Home challenge. And while I have been sharing my home cleaning I have not been so up front with my heart cleaning.

Truth is, my biggest heart struggle now is with the church. The body. I see so much division. So much infighting. I know this isn't how it's supposed to look and I know that there are peopel that consider themselves part of the body, but that really aren't...because you can tell.

It's one thing when a sinner-saved-by-grace stumbles. We pick ourselves up again. We apologize to anyone that we have hurt (usually, and sometimes it takes time). It's another thing when a child-of-God who has lost their way stumbles. They wallow in the mud. They enjoy it.

I know that the getting back up can take years for even the strongest person. I am not saying that it is an instantaneous thing. It's not. But a believer should never wallow around in the mud, or worse start slinging it.

I have become greatly distressed at the sheer number of people that I see in my local churches that act this way. This was really brought to my attention when I was talking to DH about a conversation that I had with another worker at our church. DH said, "Now you have to remember that she is not your friend."

Huh?

There are many women at the church that I can not associate with any more. Why? Because they are the meanest women I have ever had the misfortune to come across. Heaven forbid that there should be a crack in anyone's perfect facade. And sin? Good grief! If you have sin in your life then maybe church isn't the place for you...

Huh?

Yeah. You heard me. It's the fishers of men wanting the fish clean before they get them into the boat. Sigh.

So ladies, whether I like it or not I believe tha God has me gearing up for a bit of a confrontation. In the past I have stood meekly by while people gossiped and name-called and said whatever.

No more. I think the only way to make the church a place of peace where sinners can find refuge is to stap this madness. When you are hurt you should be able to come to your fellow believers without having to wonder if they'll call the local paper with your story before you leave the parking lot.

Pray for me? I need wisdom and grace. I need peace. I need God to lead this.

This is my heart.