Thanks for your kind comment. I believe that focusing on a right relationship with God is more important than performing "proper" religious activities. Having said that I do believe that God asks certain things of His followers. My time overseas helped me understand that the gathering of believers is more important than the location of the gathering - whether in a formal church, in homes, under a shade tree, etc. I also saw the importance of being a community versus being a group of individuals who gather in the same location once a week.

I am firm in my belief that Jesus is the Way to know God (not a politically correct stance), but I do not believe in rigid, man-made guidelines that shape what is acceptable. God's word is enough. I will get off my soap box now :)