Imperfection

An Atheist Holiday

2011-03-25T12:44:00.005-05:00

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

In Florida, an atheist created a case against Easter and Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.

Court is adjourned.."

Good Deeds

2011-03-08T15:02:00.002-06:00

I misplaced my cell phone charger and my phone died sometime last night. I was very irritated with myself about this. I had to drive all the way to Wal Mart to spend 15 dollars on a phone charger that was not even up to standard with the one I already owned. I was very disgruntled as I drove back home with my wallet weighing a little less, and then it began to rain.. could it get any worse?
As I was driving and reflecting on my miserable day, I noticed an old beat up truck on the side of the road with the flashers on. I did not think much about about it until I saw an elderly woman making an exhausting effort to retrieve something heavy out of the back of the truck. I instinctively pulled over and when I got out I asked her if she needed any help.
She looked at me with relief and said "Well my husband had a stroke and I'm trying to get his wheel chair into the truck so it does not get wet."
My heart broke and I quickly helped her load the surprisingly heavy chair into the cab. After a pretty tiring ten minutes she looked at me and started to swell with tears and went to the driver's side of the truck to retrieve her purse and proceeded to get out a 5 dollar bill and gestured toward me. I protested and told her I could not accept her money. She continued to insist and eventually I gave in and she just smiled and hugged me and told me how much she appreciated my help.
As I waved goodbye and drove away I found myself smiling and crying. This simple act of kindness made everything else that day seem so unimportant. And then I thought to myself, if this one event made me feel this wonderful, why am I not helping people as much as possible every day?

A Post in My Dad's Blog

2011-03-08T11:29:00.001-06:00

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Heresy For My Daughter's Birthday, by Scott Shirley

The internet’s social universe has been buzzing for a week over the upcoming release of Rob Bell’s new book, “Love Wins.” Bell will apparently endorse the concept of Universalism (the idea that everyone will ultimately be saved and hell is not a real place) and, as expected, many of the bloggers and writers who find this idea heretical to the Christian faith have voiced their disapproval. As a fan of spirited discussions, I have read many of the articles, pro and con, enjoying the dialogue immensely. And though I don’t feel theologically qualified to burden anyone with my opinion on the topic of Universalism, I have been drug into the fray in a completely unexpected way… as a parent. One of my daughters wants the book.

On March 1st, my daughter Amber sent me the following request for “Love Wins” on my Facebook page… http://www.facebook.com/#!/sgshirley/posts/1834043018049

This raises a serious issue for a Christian parent. Should a parent willingly support their child’s interest into topics that are controversial? I want my children to be intellectually curious, to search for truth by dialoging with both sides of an issue instead of having their beliefs dictated to them. But can I, as a parent, go too far in encouraging this free and open pursuit? Does prudence demand I discourage my children from at least some of the topics “on the edge” or does intellectual freedom rule the parent’s day?

Surely a good parent would never encourage their kid to read a book about the inherent values of socialism or agnosticism, evolution or atheism. Maybe, maybe not. But what if my daughter wanted me to buy her a book entitled “The Joys of Prostitution”; would I make a quick trip to Barnes & Noble all in the name of intellectual freedom? (By the way, there is no book with this title. I checked.)

Isn’t there a line somewhere?

It is an interesting question… and a difficult one. I don’t pretend to have an authoritative answer but I will say what I think. I think that as long as I believe one of my children want to read or investigate an issue because they have a genuine curiosity fueled by a search for truth, then I will support them.

Thomas Paine once said, “It is error only, and not truth, that fears inquiry.” I sure hope he’s right because I plan on buying Rob Bell’s book and giving it to my daughter on her birthday.

Agree or disagree? If you are a parent I would love to hear your opinion.

17 comments:

Gretta said...: I understand your points totally and agree with many of them. However, we have taught our children about the Theory of Evolution and we even watched the documentary on the life of Charles Darwin together. It only served to reaffirm their faith that GOD created all. Our belief is that we can't "shelter" our kids from these issues because they need to understand why some people believe them and see why those theories/beliefs are Biblically wrong and totally void of God. And how can we as Christians effectively witness to people if we have no idea how or why they believe the way they do and what they base their belief on??? We would just stand there all day arguing back & forth with each other because we don't understand them and they don't understand us. It would get us nowhere. But to have studied controversial issues or issues that go against our beliefs, allows us to be able to see why they believe that way, how that belief is founded and would open up a whole new level of communication between two people. Now I do think these things should be introduced to our children at age appropriate times but as Christian parents we have to not be afraid to foster our children's "inquisitive side of controversial issues". These issues will arrive at some point in their lives and wouldn't we rather have them solidly prepared for when they do so that they continue to stand on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ rather than to begin questioning why they believe the way they do or how they were raised because these concepts are new to them and bring up doubt about what they have always been taught? Right on Scott for buying your daughter that book!! I know it will spur some great discussions between the two of you and as a parent you will be continuing to build her firm foundation in Jesus Christ through the decision to buy that book!; March 5, 2011 12:00 PM
Neil Rampy said...: You raise a good question and one I'm sure many people struggle with. I'm a parent, but my son's far too young ask for anything more controversial than sugar cookies for breakfast. Spiritual issues are especially touchy because we want to see our children in heaven with us one day. I'd say buy the book for your daughter. She may get some insight from it. She might put the idea of Universalism to rest in her mind after reading it. If you're concerned about the book's influence on her, then you might buy along with Rob Bell's book a book she's never read but has been inspirational to you. It might foster some critical thinking about the issue of salvation and present another side of the argument. I know some in my own family have taken with the Universalist camp. I think the idea will be around for a while, so we should be informed about it.; March 5, 2011 12:03 PM
Tim Miller said...: It's a lot like sex---there is a time and place for it (perhaps when they ask) and I would rather them hear it from me (or with me or with my awareness)because they will get their information somewhere. It's best if we, as parents, are involved.; March 5, 2011 12:40 PM
Kay Walker said...: As a parent of a offspring who fits into the young adult catagory, I could not in good conscience encourage my son to read watch things that are unhealthy for him (i.e. porn), but if he is wanting to investigate spiritual things - even ones with which I disagree - I feel I must encourage that exploration. Lynn Anderson once said that the spirit of spiritual exploration and willingness to see things differently that we applaud in those of previous generations, we fear in our children. We fear that they will come to conclusions that do not agree with our conclusions. I also know my son well enough to know that, should he be truly intested in a particular book or piece of music, he will get it for himself if his wishlist item is not filled by someone else. He is spiritually and intellectually curious; he accepts ownership of his own faith - which is exactly what I believe God calls him to. Myself? I would buy my son the book. And one for me, too. That way I can discuss with him what he is reading. Dialogue is essential for growth - both theirs and ours. While watching our young adult children leading in worship, a friend of my leaned over and said, "They're looking more like His kids than our kids." Let it be so, Lord. Let it be so.; March 5, 2011 1:38 PM
Jason Bradley said...: You all are acting like universalism couldn't *possibly* be true, and thus the only value for knowing the arguments for it is to be able to refute them. What if Scott's daughter read the book, examined the reasoning, and yes, considered the dissenting arguments, and came to the honest conclusion she believes in universalism? The comments here imply that this would be the worst of all tragedies. Have anyof you considered the possibility that after you read the book yourselves that you just might be convinced that universalism might be true? If you've already made up your minds before you've heard his suggested evidence (or at least found out whether he presents any arguments you haven't heard before), then it certainly evokes the impression that you deny universalism for reasons other than the credibilty of the evidence.; March 5, 2011 1:43 PM
wjcsydney said...: There are a few assumptions I see here. Firstly is that the Rob Bell book teaches universalism. Secondly is that universalism is heresy. I discuss everything (matters spiritual and non-spiritual) with my 16 year old (Christian) daughter. If anything can be refuted by an intellectual argument, then it's not worth holding. I trust that the truth about God can withstand ANY intellectual investigation.; March 5, 2011 3:40 PM
iamdrinkingcoffee.com said...: I'm glad you are buying the book. BTW, there are Universalists that believe Hell is a real place, and God has plans for its use, too. check out www.evangelicaluniversalist.com and www.hopebeyondhell.net Gregory MacDonald's book "The Evangelical Universalist" is a tremendous study on the issue.; March 5, 2011 4:08 PM
Scott Shirley said...: Jason and wjcsydney, For what it is worth, I am not dismissing Universalism. I am not sure if I made that clear in the article.; March 5, 2011 4:16 PM
Tom Forrester said...: It's so great your daughter is curious about the book. I think it far worse if she had no interest in these kinds of things. God rewards those that diligently seek him. How hard it is for parents to release control as our children try their wings. She will likely read the book whether you endorse or not. Enjoy your discussions with her.; March 5, 2011 9:32 PM
Scott Shirley said...: Thanks Tom.; March 5, 2011 11:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Definitely buy the book for the kiddo and one for yourself provided you feel comfortable with it. my sense is that a young adult who is savvy enough to want to read a book espousing universalism is probably capable of discussing it intelligently and who better than her theologically savvy dad? :-) Pro-active is better than reactive and scared my friend. We all have a little heresy in us somewhere. I have been accused of not believing in a hell (nothing could be further from the truth though) because I think that when we reduce the offer of Salvation in Christ (the Gospel) to just a choice of where you spend eternity then we frontload or highjack the Gospel into something it was never intended to be. Not sure of Rob Bell position. I will have to read the book. It has definitely created a stir. I saw his picture and I am sure he is a nice guy. He might be a nice heretic and probably is sincere as I think most who care about such things are. What if he is a heretic though? What then? How do we combat heresy? Ideas have consequences but more and more I live in a culture who says that all ideas are equal and there are no real consequences to really bad theology or thinking (Just try to convince anyone under 26 in my Air Force that the repeal of "Don't ask Don't tell is a bad idea and there will be social penalties to be paid and see what I mean) The church used to have a sort of singular authority to purify doctrine and weed this stuff out but with the Evangelical wing of protestantism in full swing, everyone is their own little interpreter. I guess my bottom line is if he is a heretic, "So what?" Blessings, Vance; March 6, 2011 1:31 AM
Martha Murphree said...: I am not a parent, but I have 6 nieces & nephews whom I love dearly and I've taught high school for 35 years; 11 years in private Christian schools,4 years in a zoned public school and 20 years in a public Academic High School. I agree with you and pray for our children. I think we need to count our blessings when our children are willing to think seriously about things that matter. The far greater danger is for them to buy into the materialism of our culture and accept just church-going as part of that culture. Faith must be questioned, mulled over, grappled with.; March 6, 2011 7:01 AM
Jason Bradley said...: Excellent point, Martha! Hymns on Sunday and Wednesday night and Justin Bieber the rest of the week isn't doing society *or* religion much good. I love Martin Luther's (possibly attributed) quote: "Better to think of church in the alehouse than to think of the alehouse in church."; March 6, 2011 4:11 PM
Larry said...: Scott, you are a wise Dad. You and your daughter should both read the book and engage in a dialog about it. You both may eventually forget Rob Bell s current position on this issue, but I suspect neither of you will ever forget the discussion you share, the respect you are showing for her, and the quest for the truth that you are modeling for her. Blessings!; March 6, 2011 8:45 PM
Scott Shirley said...: Martha, ditto on the last sentence. Jason, love the Luther quote.. never heard that one. Larry, thanks for the compliment and I am sure we will enjoy the conversation.; March 6, 2011 10:38 PM
Chris Rigoni said...: Well, I am not a parent, but I can give the perspective of a child/teenager/young adult (choose your label). I was raised very conservatively and primarily in the Pentecostal and Baptist denominations. My parents were unaware of my extracurricular studies, but if they would have known, I'm sure they would not have approved. They were more the sheltering type. Not that they were good at it, they just attempted to do so. I actually believe I would have been more interested in Christianity as a young adult if this situation had been the case with my parents. I applaud you for getting involved and for encouraging her curiosity and search. Regardless of what you do, she will make up her own mind. Your influence only goes so far and only lasts so long. You have taught her the most important thing she will ever learn: the Gospel. After that, she has to develop her own personal relationship with God. I would suggest that she check the book with scripture, as everything she reads and we all read. Supplements are great, but they should align with scripture. Honestly, if you are not secure enough in your faith to "risk" reading something that you may disagree with for fear that it will shake your beliefs or "get you off of the straight and narrow," then you have more to worry about than a controversial book. I would be proud that she is confident in her faith and can read and debate different commentaries and take from them Truth that is held within, and leave the rest.; March 7, 2011 10:17 AM
Amber Shirley said...: Well I guess it is about time for me to clear up some issues. Let me start by saying to those of who may be curious or concerned about my age. I am definitely not an adult, however, I am far from a child. Just like my father, I was raised very conservatively in the Church of Christ, but always thought that those who surrounded me in my church home always seemed a little self-righteous. I do not intend to offend anyone, but even as a kid, I sensed something was a bit off. I have told my father before that I strongly admire his courage and dedication. I promised myself that I would never be stagnant in my faith and my dad has shown me precisely how to avoid that. When I first dipped into my journey of questions, I had one mindset: I want to know why some people are Atheist. So I began to do my research, and the most heart-breaking discovery that I made was that almost every Atheist’s blog or essay I read, was more knowledgeable about my God and my Bible. I was shocked at how little I knew about the roots of my religion and how little I knew about the word of God. That’s when I began reading. I read everything I could and I was fascinated by how much I learned. Unfortunately, as I began to read, I began to disagree wit some of the ideas that had been forced down my throat my entire life. I discovered that I had been so closed-minded as far as my Christianity was concerned. I also learned that you cannot force your beliefs on other people and that it is much more rewarding to learn about the ideas of others and form your own opinions rather than persecute them. The bible tells us in Peter chapter 3 to be able to give a reason for your faith, but to so in a humble and gentle manner. How can we expect others to respect our ideas if we do not respect theirs? I simply love the idea of be knowledgeable of other beliefs and then deciding on my own how I want to approach them. I might read this book and become a Universalist. I might read the book and know enough about Universalism to know that I do not believe that way. How harmful is that? The most comforting thought I have right now is that most people, after reading this article probably googled Universalism to try to understand it. Because honestly, most of the people arguing against it, have no idea what Universalism even is, and that is collectively my goal. ☺; March 8, 2011 11:27 AM

Self Righteous Assumptions

2011-02-23T14:42:00.006-06:00

A Holier Than Thou Attitude

Assumptions are “just the way things are.”
Assumptions are “how its always been done.”
Assumptions are “the way the world works.”

We Assume anyone that is different is wrong. We assume that sense most people aren't gay, then those who are, are wrong. There is great conflict about whether the bible is literal, or to be taken in contrast, or maybe its all figurative. Because of this ambiguous line, we assume that we have the power and authority to interpret the bible in a specific way that we choose. When this phenomenal translation occurs, we assume anyone who translates it any different, is wrong. We assume the homeless man on the street is a drug addict who could have done better. We assume those who are divorced and re-married are all adulterers. We assume those who are 'saved' will always be saved.
Why do we assume so much? We were raised believing a certain way, and maybe we still follow those same guidelines, or maybe we have ventured to find a new way to believe, either way, we think we are right. I can't help imagining that the Muslim believes with all his heart that he is correct in what his religious beliefs are and will one day be rewarded. He believes the same way we do. We all assume we are right. But again I can never completely push away the question, What if I'm wrong? What if everything I have ever done in my faith is insignificant?

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed only one.

2011-01-28T03:31:00.000-06:00

Stop whining about how hard your life is, how tired you are, how hungry you are. Start caring about those who would take your 'bad day' over their good day. Reason guides our attempt to understand the world about us. Both reason and compassion guide our efforts to apply that knowledge ethically, to understand other people, and have ethical relationships with other people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBlXD27ZJr8&feature=related

Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

1 Peter 4:10
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Searching for Enthusiasm

2011-01-14T14:16:00.003-06:00

"At Oxford - to my surprise - I discovered Christianity. It was the intellectually most exhilarating and spiritually stimulating thing I could ever hope to describe - better than chemistry, a wonderful subject that I had thought to be the love of my life and my future career. I went on to gain a doctorate for research in molecular biophysics from Oxford, and found that immensely exciting and satisfying. But I knew I had found something better - like the pearl of great price that Jesus talks about in the Gospel, which is so beautiful and precious that it overshadows everything. It was intellectually satisfying, imaginatively engaging, and aesthetically exciting."

- Alister McGrath

Enthusiasm is the inspriration of everything great. Abraham Lincoln once said that success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. Christians cannot be unenthusiastic about our faith. When we stop searching for answers, that is when we are truly lost. The moment we stop treasuring our search for the truth is the moment we lose sight of the journey that God has placed before us. Becoming stagnant is unacceptable. Being content is hazardous.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

Day of Trouble

2010-12-14T00:39:00.003-06:00

It takes a second to say I love you, and a lifetime to show it

2010-12-05T23:32:00.003-06:00

Love me when I least deserve it

Because that’s when I really need it.

I Timothy 4:7

2010-11-30T22:54:00.001-06:00

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

God's Knot

2010-11-30T03:02:00.002-06:00

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should seek Him first to find her."

   Marriage is a divine institution with a purpose.. What God has brought together, let no man destroy. It is mutual love, respect, and devotion between two people. As Christians, we are meant to be attracted to one another and one of the most amazing attainments in our journey is find another christian soul that we can completely bestow ourselves to and raise a family. I was asked recently to lay out my three most important goals as a christian. I answered:

1. Love as many people as I can, as much as I can and try to put them before myself. I want to be able to love as Jesus loved.
2. I want to help anyone who is less fortunate than me, or anyone who may just need my help. I want to live a life in service of others, not myself.
3. Raise a christian family.

   Anyone who knows me well, knows that I want children more than anything, however, I was told by a doctor that it will be difficult for me to have my own children. I was absolutely devastated when this news was broken to me. I prayed persistently and finally made an agreement with God. I prayed that if He gave me my own children, I would do everything in my power to show them His love, power, and compassion. I would make sure that I lived in such a way that I could raise my kids to know Him. I will also make sure that when I'm ready to "tie the knot" that the man I choose will be just as determined to establish a christian home.
   All of this initiated my thoughts on what a christian wife's responsibilities should be.
God explains His relationship to us is through the metaphor of marriage and so we are, spiritually speaking, God's wives. It is therefore important for us to know what a husband should expect of a wife as well as what a wife should expect of a husband. This knowledge will not only improve our relationship with the Lord but it will clarify what is expected of us in our own marriages. Sometimes I'm afraid that in the name of equality, we have blurred the lines and removed the wonderful distinction between man and woman. We have offered substitutes for the family. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God gave Eve a new role; she was told that her desire shall be for her husband and that her husband would rule over her. I had, at one point in my life, considered not getting married. What would I do then? Must women marry in order to have direction?
   I believe that a man should be the head of his household; a provider and protector. Likewise, I believe a wife should be the care giver both to children and caring for the home. I think both man and woman can also learn from one another as far as spirituality. I also believe both should submit to the other's loving relationship and should work together to maintain the family.
With the fall and its curse came the distortion of woman's proper submissiveness and man's proper authority. As a result, women have a sinful inclination to usurp man's authority, and men have a sinful inclination put women under his feet. This was not part of God's original design for man and woman. So where is the balance? Does a man's authority end in the household, or simply with religion? How much should a wife submit to her husband?

Life or Death .. Our Choice ?

2010-11-07T19:50:00.000-06:00

How Do We As Christians Approach Abortion?

The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, Jeremiah 1:5 implies that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. The foretelling of the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1 also implies this point. Psalm 139:13-16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Consequently, does Exodus 21 accurately prescribe the same penalty for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who commits murder? For the Christian, is abortion a matter of a woman’s right to choose, or is it a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image.

The first argument that always arises against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about cases of rape and/or incest?” As horrible as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape and/or incest, is the murder of a baby the answer? Two wrongs do not make a right. The child who is a result of rape/incest could be given in adoption to a loving family unable to have children on their own, or the child could be raised by its mother. Again, the baby is completely innocent; should it be punished for the evil acts of its father?

The second argument that usually arises against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about when the life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer on the issue of abortion. First, let’s remember that this situation is the reason behind less than one-tenth of one percent of the abortions done in the world today. Second, let’s remember that our God is a God of miracles. He can preserve the life of a mother and a child despite all the medical odds being against it, but the best option in this situation is to pray for wisdom. (I'm really open to feedback on this point.)

Over 95 percent of the abortions performed today involve women who simply do not want to have a baby. Less than 5 percent of abortions are for the reasons of rape, incest, or the mother's health at risk. I believe the life of a human being in the womb is worth every effort to allow the child to be born.

I don’t want this article to insult or offend; I guess I am simply stating my opinion and my interpretation of the bible on this matter and asking for feedback. I also do not intend to proof text. This is a subject I have formed a very bias opinion about. I know that angels or prophets no longer foretell the births of man, but does that give us as humans the right to decide who lives and dies? When does a fetus become a baby, or a human? When is a baby considered a soul, and when is it just a fetus? I understand that there are extenuating circumstances, and I cannot not properly argue them because I have fortunately never been placed in those situations, but what if Mary had decided she was “not ready” to be a mother and had aborted our savior?

Psalm 40:2

2010-11-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, he set my feet upon a rock and made my steps secure."

Psalm 40:2

Sinful Tendencies

2010-11-01T09:38:00.001-05:00

A personality is an organized pattern of behavioral characteristics and it is the total physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual. These characteristics influence peoples’ cognitions, motivations, and behaviors in various situations. It is these characteristics that define us as people, but how do they define us as Christians?

God placed within each of us different personality traits and gifts. To some, he gave the ability to speak and teach, but to some, he gave the gift of writing or singing. Most people believe that God blessed everyone with at least one spiritual gift that we could use to glorify him.

So my question is, if God places spiritual gifts within us, does he also place sinful tendencies? As far as personality, some people are passive and some are aggressive. Some people are intellectual and some are engineered for sports. Likewise, some people are born with certain traits that are reared toward anger or alcoholism. I am, unfortunately, one of those people who is quick to anger, which causes me to sin (especially if I’m watching sports). Alcoholism has been proven to be genetic, which can cause an individual to stumble simply because of genetic make up.

What is my point in all of this? I am simply implying that God places within us sinful tendencies like anger and lust, however, it is our choice whether or not to act on these impulses. I have a short temper, but if I strive to stay calm in certain situations, then I can control my anger.

We must overcome obstacles every single day, and luckily there are people who are willing to help others. I watch the show Intervention, and every time I do I think to myself:

“Wow, those people are sick and need help.” They chose to act on their sinful tendencies and are leading lives that they need help out of. We as christians are obligated to do just that.

I have just one last question. Why is it that we as Christians are so willing to help the alcoholic, the prostitute, and the drug addict, but we look down so shamefully on Homosexuals? They might live a sinful lifestyle, but so do gamblers. If someone is gay, and they are born with this sinful tendency, why don’t we try to help them overcome their struggle? I can’t even control a small anger problem to prove to my God that I can conquer the trials placed before me; imagine if I could conquer homosexuality; think how strong of a Christian I would be.

Prayer

2010-10-30T02:10:00.001-05:00

Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.

Prayer is not a task, it is a gift. If we had the opportunity to communicate one-on-one with a celebrity, we would tackle the chance with upmost enthusiasm.. Why can’t we be like that for our God? Why do we avoid prayer, or speed through it like an annoying trip to Wal-Mart; only snatching up the essentials while trying not to waste too much time. Pray without ceasing, and pray about everything, because with God, there are no secrets. He knows our hearts.

The devil does not parade about broadcasting himself to make it easy for us to avoid him. His most powerful tool is our inability to recognize our own carelessness. Satan simply presents us with time wasting obstacles. The busier we are, the more we tend to push God aside. Many of us associate prayer with stillness and quiet reflection in a place removed from the distraction and noise of everyday life. However, as long as we pray earnestly, God hears us, no matter what time of day or where we are.

He wants us to talk to him, and that is why he gave us the ability to pray. He gave us the ability to pray for supplication, adoration, praise, encouragement, contribution, or, if you are like me, you pray for anything and everything. I can specifically remember driving down the road the other day, and I spotted a gorgeous arrangement of wild roses on the median, and I thanked God for those roses.

So we should take prayer off our To Do list, and put it on our Want To Do list. We should look forward to our talks with God. We should actually pray for those people that we promise we will pray for, and then forget about later. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be honest. God blessed us with open communication. He even threw in free nights and weekends. ;)

Ahavah Rabbah – with great love..

2010-10-29T13:55:00.000-05:00

It is better to inspire than to argue..

One Day At A Time

2010-10-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

God grant me an open mind and willing heart..

God grant me the

Serenity to accept things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference
Patience for the things that take time
Appreciation for all that I have, and
Tolerance for those with different struggles
Freedom to live beyond the limitations of my past ways, the
Ability to feel your love for me and our love for each other and the
Strength to get up and try again even when I feel it is hopeless

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.

Keeping Quiet

2010-10-29T03:38:00.001-05:00

  We all have questions. Everyone has questions, however, not everyone always searches for answers. It was not until my freshman year of high school that I learned the consequences of asking questions. For years I sat back quietly, as did everyone else I knew and allowed information to be shoveled into my brain. Information, not knowledge. As I was sitting in my ninth grade trigonometry class, I began to feel frustrated. For some unknown reason, I could not help but feel that my teacher was, in some way, degrading me. Up until this point, all I had ever done in math class was memorize. I memorized formula after formula, equation after equation. I knew all the correct steps to solve a math problem and which formula to use, but I was not completely clear on why I was supposed to use these specific formulas. So, either out of spite or sheer boredom, I raised my hand. I was called on. I asked one question. Why do we have to use this formula and why do I have to go about this way or that to solve this problem and why do we have to only answer this part of this problem.
  My teacher did not answer right away. She simply stared at the board as if awaiting for its reply. Then she turned around and said in the most matter-of-fact sort of way, "That's just the way it is."
Wow. I was shocked at the blandness of this answer, and I was, of course, dissatisfied. I then began to think of my christianity. I had always gone to church because I raised that way (even though I can distinctly remember a period in my life that my dad had to drag me by my hair). I had believed the stories I was told, and obeyed the rules and guidelines that had been set before me. I believed all these things because that was what I had been told and that's "just the way it is."
  As I got older, I became more and more discontented with just accepting what was told to me. I wanted to know more in depth explanations for why I had to abide by so many rules. I dove head first into this challenge during my senior year of high school and I took a "go big or go home" approach to the whole thing. I have since discovered a vast abundance of questions, answers, more questions, and disturbances that I never knew existed. I had a few conversations with very few people about some of the questions I had cooked up and ascertained that asking too many questions was not always a good thing. So I made myself a promise. A promise to continue on my journey through my faith and study all I can and ask as many questions as I can for as long as my God will allow. However, I will do so quietly, so as not to disturb the balance that a few bigoted and self righteous people maintain. They sprinkle this world and hide behind what others have placed into their minds claiming it as their own opinion.. after all, "that's just the way it is."