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  1. It’s amazing how much truly drawing closer to God can look like backsliding to the rest of the world. Probably because He goes so deep into the shadowy depths of our hearts and isn’t afraid to get His hands dirty with darkness.

  2. Oh, how I wish I could share this with so many people….my in laws in particular.

    I used to feel badly that Matt and I wouldn’t wear suits and dresses to church, but over the years it just has become less important than the time spent in His presence.

    1. Natasha Metzler says:

      It’s funny because how we dress or don’t dress for church has traditionally been a cultural thing– (i.e. in the 50’s you dressed up and in the 2000’s people started dressing down more.) and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.

      But it seems to me that there are a lot of people who tend to dress up or down based on other people’s opinions of them– and that’s where we run smack up against pride.

      And being real with others and God (while still trying not to be disrespectful on either front) is so, so important.

      This story was from way before I was married but one of the things I love about my husband is that he wears jeans to church… in fact, he wore jeans at our wedding. Lol!

  3. You spoke to my heart, Natasha! I’m slowly coming to the place where I can be confident in who I am in Christ and not worry about the rest.

  4. LOVE this! =) We went to a church for a long time where even the pastor wore blue jeans and sandals. I often thought that was closer to what a modern Jesus would wear than a suit and tie are! Now we are back in a church where the pastor wears his suit and tie, except in the brutal heat of summer, and I wonder why it is such a big deal. Traditions of men trumping the heart of God, I suppose. We do it too often and in too many ways! I’m glad you took that year, sweet friend! And that you shared it with us!

  5. I love this so much! I used to walk by the creek while babysitting my baby sister so mom could go to church when we lived in Minnesota. Now, I never do. The door to get out squeeks to loudly 😉

    I do love the idea of not dressing up for church. Not that I dress up in heels very often (eeeek) but you can be just as worried about your appearance when you aren’t even planning to wear make-up, and you can be just as worried and preoccupied about your hair if you just do it in a pony tail as when you put elaborate curls in it. And although it is good to want to look nice, sometimes my whole sunday is spoiled because I’m having a bad hair day!

    So thanks for this reminder, that puts it into words I never thought of!

  6. Good one Tash,
    As always…. Thank you for the reminder . You’re very courageous.

    1. Natasha Metzler says:

      Thank you. {hugs}

  7. mrsperez724 says:

    Wonderful, this is a big reason why my husband and I stopped attending a popular dress up church in favor of a smaller community-based, come-as-you-are church. I remember agonizing over what to wear each Sunday and not repeating an outfit. More recently I’ve stepped off the worship team and stopped teaching Sunday school. I found that I placed too much importance on “doing” instead of “being” while at church. I wanted to skip church some Sundays and do a service project or spend time just reading my Bible or journaling. I hope that these simple changes will open me up to a deeper understanding of spirit.

    Leaving church before the service is over and singing along only when you want to..? REVOLUTIONARY. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for saying what has been in my heart for so long.

    1. Natasha Metzler says:

      There are definitely a need to enjoy the seasons of life. Sometimes my church involvement in high and I have the energy and vision to work and do and be right in the middle of the happenings—

      and other times I just need to sit stiller and softer.

  8. brownpaperandstrings says:

    how lovely. I’m so glad God used you to speak to where I am right now. Thank you.

  9. This is perfect. I sometimes get tired of trying to put on a face for people at church. This year, I have cried on numerous occasions at church, I often don’t wear shoes, and (gasp) I talk to my friend during the service in order to show her a verse. It’s been good. I’ve enjoyed church a lot more now that I’ve relaxed some. I can’t say I’m going to wear sweats to church because I enjoy dressing up in a skirt after wearing jeans and t-shirt all week to class.

    1. Natasha Metzler says:

      It is definitely a fine balance. And now that I wear jeans and a t-shirt most days on the farm, I love the chance to pull out my skirts and dresses. 🙂 But it is definitely a lesson that I treasure– the ability to step back and just be with Christ without worrying about anyone else.

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