Book Review: The Dangerous Book for Boys

Kudos to Conn and Hal Iggulden for putting together a reference manual that celebrates so much of what I love about boys! I picked up a copy of this book yesterday and checked it out from cover to cover. It is not really a book to sit and read. It is more of a reference source for boys to check out when they want to feel like boys.

This book has instructions on how to make a battery, a bow and arrow and even a treehouse! There are articles about exciting and heroic men who made a difference in the world. There are fun works of fiction to explore and even great compilations of important latin phrases and passages from Shakespeare! One whole page is dedicated to the Ten Commandments, celebrating the beauty of the writing as well as the quality of the instruction contained in the passage. They even have instructions on how to tan a hide!

This is not a "Christian" book. There are some portions of the book that might not be in line with your faith. The discussion of dinosoars, for example, indicates the world is older than most Christians believe. What this is, though, is a celebration of what it is to be a boy.

For so long, the messy, loud and even dangerous parts of our boy's personalities have been looked down upon. They are told to sit still, don't get dirty and be nice. Well, our boys were meant to be WARRIORS! Being a warrior can get messy sometimes. God made them that way and said it was GOOD. I love this book, not only for what it contains, but for the way it acknowledges the exciting coolness of being a boy.

You can visit their website here. Check it out and let me know what you think!

UPDATE: I found this cool video that shows how much fun can be had with this book!

Now They're Messin' with my Diet Coke!

Say it ain't so! From an article found here

"A common preservative found in drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Fanta and Diet Pepsi may cause serious cell damage, according to a report in Britain's The Independent.
Sodium benzoate has the ability to switch off vital parts of a person's DNA, according to research from a British university.

The problem is usually associated with aging and alcohol abuse, but new findings show that drinking soda with the preservative can eventually lead to cirrohosis of the liver and degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's."

Man. I don't know what to say except....NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

For Better, For Worse

My family spent the afternoon visiting with my Mother-in-Law. She is nearly 80 and has become frailer in recent years. Her husband passed away almost two years ago, only a couple of years after he gave his life to Jesus, Praise God! Watching the two of them, then her alone, these past few years has been eye-opening.

Their marriage was definitely one of those love/hate kind of relationships. Some days they couldn’t stand to talk to each other, but they completely, 100%, depended on each other for everything. They went everywhere and did everything together, whether they were speaking to each other or not. The complaints and frustration my MIL expressed over having to deal with him every day was nonstop. My FIL would often resort to pushing back his recliner and closing his eyes while pretending to be asleep. And that is how they lived for many years.

Fast forward to today. They have now been separated by death for nearly two years. My MIL brought her husband up in conversation constantly today and always with the greatest respect, appreciation and admiration. “MY husband would NEVER treat me badly!” And “MY husband ALWAYS made sure we had what we needed.” Even when she mentioned the times she had to care for his physical needs, she’d remember him telling her, “It’s alright, Mama, you don’t need to do that for me.” She’d insist on making sure he was clean, fed and comfortable. Today I saw a woman who loved her husband very much and missed him terribly, whether he drove her crazy sometimes or not.

I was reminded that time softens the hard edges of our memories and commitment brings reverence to relationships. I also was reminded that deep love and deep frustration can happily coexist for decades. But, somehow, it’s the love that’s remembered.

This day has made me more mindful of how I speak of my husband to others and how I treat him on a day-to-day basis. If I have something nice to say about him, I'd rather say it to his face than to others after he's gone. I want to treat my marriage with reverence now, not after we are separated by death one day. Love and frustration can coexist in my marriage, but I'd like the love part to be what others see now, not just later.

An Anniversary

This coming Sunday, June 3, 2007, will mark the first anniversary of the establishment of my church, Grace Baptist Church. We were once two churches, from two denominations, but God had plans for us! The last year has been spent getting to know each other. We’ve made many memories, most of them really good! Our pastor wanted us to reflect on the past year and be ready to share what we’ve learned at church next week. Since I will not be able to attend our special anniversary service, I wanted to share some of my memories from the past year here.

- After almost 1 year of ‘dating’, the two churches voting almost unanimously to become one body.

- The first Sunday as Grace Baptist Church, the sanctuary being filled to capacity and everyone being generous and welcoming to each other.

- Walking forward to join our new church with throngs of others from both former churches.

- Watching a somewhat dated group of nursery rooms and offices transformed into a state-of-the-art preschool department.

- Seeing members of both former congregations come together as one to welcome children onto our campus for our first Vacation Bible School.

- Bringing Bibles to the children who attended VBS with people who had never made home visits before. They were so excited!

- Disagreements followed by hugs and I love yous.

- Worshipping in the Sanctuary, then the fellowship hall, then the Sanctuary again as we sought to improve the property in God’s timing, not ours.

- Striking a balance between traditional hymns and praise choruses.

- Becoming a part of a new home group, only knowing some of the members at first. Now we feel like a family. I am an aunt, daughter, sister or at least a distant cousin to everyone in my home group now.

- Receiving a call while I was out of town to pray for two girls in our youth group who were injured in a car accident while on a youth outing. Friends, home group leaders and pastors converged on that hospital, ministering not only to the families of those girls, but other families who were worried about their loved ones in the emergency room. The girls are fine now, praise God!

- Our first Christmas tree, covered with ornaments brought by all of the individual families that make up our church family. The ornaments ranged in design from small nativities to family pictures to shiny metal robots. We are an eclectic group, to be sure!

- Making peace with the fact that some people will insist on calling the foyer “the narthex” until the day they die.

- The Easter egg hunt, followed by a picnic where members and visitors to the event felt welcome and treated like family.

- Watching some of my siblings in Christ being baptized in the lake at the local park, with dozens of park visitors curiously checking us out.

- Welcoming new life. Saying tearful farewells.

God is faithful. I am grateful.

A Lightning Rod

Awhile ago I was told I was a lightning rod for conflict. That comment really stung and it took some time before I could enter into loving, meaningful conversations with the person who said that to me again. I interpreted their comment to mean that they believed I was a troublemaker, a rabble-rouser and/or someone who enjoys stirring up drama. It hurt me to think my behavior looked like that to someone I cared about. I understood why the comment was made, though. For some reason, I am someone others do occasionally feel very comfortable unloading their fears and hostility upon. Could it be that my behavior was the reason I experienced these moments of unkindness? After a great deal of prayer and personal reflection, I came to the conclusion that, yes, the kind of person I am does, indeed, attract those who feel a need to unload their negative energy; but not for the reasons I assumed when the label “lightning rod” was placed upon me. I will share what I have learned in the hopes that it will help someone else who might be of a similar ilk.

Lightning Rod is defined as “A person or thing that attracts and absorbs powerful and esp. negative or hostile feelings, opinions, etc., thereby diverting such feelings from other targets.” For some reason, God has wired me in such a way that others are drawn to pour out their negative energy upon me instead of someone else. To me, that is a ministry to those who are much more deeply hurt by negative comments than I am. No. That’s not really true. I am deeply hurt by such comments and I cry and hide just as much as the next guy. However, I am pretty good at forgiving such offenses eventually. For whatever reason, I just can’t hold on to those things for very long. Besides, God wants to take a hold of those offenses for us, anyway. I love Him and trust Him to be my defender. So, after nursing my wounds for awhile, I dust myself off and go on. I continue to love those who curse me; not because it is easy, but because it is the desire of my Father.

When I was looking up the word “lightning,” I misspelled it “lightening” and was so blessed because I did! Look at the definition for that word: To lessen the oppressiveness, trouble, or severity of. To relieve of cares or worries; gladden. If being the recipient of negative comments lessens trouble for those around me whom I love, I’ll do it gladly.

Oh, OH! And one meaning for “Rod” is “branch of a family, tribe.”

When I put it all together, especially in the context of my Christian family, God made me to be able to absorb hostility for my family so others don’t have to. I can be used by God to relieve their cares; to gladden the Body of Christ!

Oh, Yes! That is the kind of Christian I want to be!

A LIGHTENING ROD!

Election 2007

UPDATE: SAM WON THE ELECTION! We're in for a busy 8th grade year! Congrats, Sweetness...er...I mean, Mr. President!

BAM!

Last week, my son announced his intention to run for President of his student body. As a supportive mom, I gave him what I thought was a reasonable and comprehensive list of things he needed to do to get his campaign off the ground in an organized, timely matter. So, guess how I spent my Sabbath? That’s right, running to the art supply store, helping the boy come up with a campaign and cutting & pasting my brains out.

So, what do you think? Is “BAM! Vote for Sam!” an exciting campaign slogan? Do you like our starburst logo? We made extras of just the starburst for him to plaster around the school throughout the week. His campaign speech will be presented Friday and will incorporate his “BAM” theme. He’s got it all figured out….he tells me. Well, if he wants to be President, getting that speech prepared and presented properly will be a good test of his mettle. I refuse to hover!


This is what my dining table looked like by the time we were done on Sunday night. Sheesh!

We have spent the last week putting up posters and making labels with “BAM! Vote for SAM!” on them to stick on harmonicas he handed out today. He gives his speech tomorrow morning. The kids vote right after speeches. We’ll know the results tomorrow afternoon. What a week! I’ll let you know how it turns out!



I am really hoping to have a more relaxing Sabbath this weekend. Then again, a “Congratulations, Mr. President” barbecue would be fun, too!

The Marketing of "Jesus"

This kind of stuff absolutely fries my cookies. I just read an article here about the Bellamy Brothers putting together what they call a "Gospel" album. One song is "Jesus is Coming." Ready for these lyrics?

"Jesus is coming and he's gonna be p*****."

In the article, they say their intention is to "reach an audience that is made up of “honky-tonks,” and for people who are both religious but still very much part of this world."

There is so much wrong with this I don't know where to begin. Wait. Yes, I do. "Religion" never opened the gates of Heaven for anyone, but believing it would has doomed many to an eternity in hell. They are giving people lost in their sins just enough "religion" to make them feel good about themselves. They are running a serious risk of turning these people away from the Real Thing.

Next, we are to keep our speech wholesome. What kind of example are these guys?

One more thing: These guys don't even claim to be Christians in the first place. Based on what I read in this article, Jesus is merely a tool for more income to them. "Jesus" is not a cute marketing gimmic for has-been country music stars who still want to make a buck. He is the Sovereign Lord!

He is a Maverick, but not the kind they think He is!

As soon as I get over my anger, I'll start praying for these fellas. For right now, though, I'm just gonna steam. For shame, Bellamy Brothers!

UPDATE: Now I'm feeling convicted. When, exactly, was the last time I shared the Real Gospel with, as the Bellamy Brothers called them, "Honkey-Tonks?" Ouch.

Contentment and Burden-Bearing

My husband was out of state doing some consulting work (and sneaking in a bit of fly fishing) this weekend. I spoke to him Friday evening and, after that, heard nothing for over 24 hours. I tried to call him, but his phone was either out of range of a cell tower or broken. By nature, I am not much of a worrier, but I have to admit my heart was beginning to pound a little harder after we crossed the 24-hours-out-of-touch threshold. I finally called a friend for a reality check and she graciously took on this burden of worry on my behalf. Before I could even process my thoughts, she had contacted the pastors of our church, the highway patrol and local police stations within range of my husbands travel itinerary.

Cynthia, you are the best! I love you and am proud to call you my sister-friend!

After my first of many conversations she and I shared over the course of the following two hours, the Holy Spirit reminded me of some verses in Philippians:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:12-13

No matter what, I knew I could face whatever had happened to my husband. I was truly at peace in my circumstances, right in that moment! I now know my peace was, of course, from God. But it was also a result of my pastors and friends praying immediately for me. At 10:00pm, my husband finally called. He had recieved really bad directions and ended up spending hours on a very remote back road, trying to find his way back to civilization. Why am I sharing this story? Because of Philippians 4:14:

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Yes, God was in control. Whatever happened it would have been OK. Yet, it was so kind of my church family to share my trouble! When you face troubles, reach out to your siblings in Christ. That's what we're here for!

The Bigger Picture

On my way to work today, I got a fright. A truck was rolling – backwards – down an off-ramp into merging traffic. My heart leapt as I rounded the curve that was partially obstructing my view. As I was able to get a better look, the truth of the event became clear. The truck was, indeed, backwards. It was sitting backwards on the flatbed of a big tow truck, which was merging safely into traffic. I had not been able to see the tow truck from my earlier view, but it was obvious when I could observe the situation from a proper perspective. What I thought was a dangerous, harmful event was nothing more than an everyday inconvenience.

It made me think of events in the recent past that initially frightened and hurt me. Yet, when I look back on them, they really weren’t that big of a deal. I had made a bigger issue of them because I did not have a proper perspective on the events as they happened. Just as I was frightened at that backwards-moving truck, I can let inconvenient events scare me if I don’t look at them through the lens given to us by Christ. All those difficult moments serve to refine us, to mature us. It can be hard to remember when we are feeling attacked or unappreciated, but it all works "together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. It is a promise from God to us. We are free to lift up our fears and hurts to God and trust Him with the outcome.

Of course, that is often easier said than done. Trusting God when you are facing a challenge is a big step for those of us who like to know how we are going to safely come out of a difficult time. All I can say is pray. I love how Phil 4:7 is stated in The Message:

Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.

Isn’t that cool? When a situation looks bleak and we’re not sure what to do, we can shape our worries into prayers. God can take it from there. May He bless your day!

Pump Your Blood Song

Walk down memory lane, anyone? Remember the episode of Happy Days where Potsie has to remember how the heart pumps blood for a test and writes a song about it? My kids and I were trying to sing this song in the car this morning. My daughter used it to help her remember blood circulation for a test. I love it when TV educates! Especially when it's fun like this!

Beth Moore has Done it Again!

That woman knows how to love Jesus and His Children! Last weekend, the women in Omaha were blessed with her positive presence and words of exhortation and encouragement, lucky ducks. Mrs. Moore commissioned the group, based on Philippians 4:4-13, one of my most favorite passages in the Bible. We have the supernatural CAN DO. I love that!!

Omaha Commissioning by Beth Moore

Beloved, in the Name of Jesus

I commission you

To rejoice in the Lord always

And again I say rejoice.

Stop worrying about everything!

Dump your anxiety

And start praying like mad.

Start thinking about

What you're thinking about!

Start feeding your spirit

And stop feeding your flesh.

Never forget the true Secret:

Christ in you, the Hope of Glory!

You, Dear One, have the supernatural CAN DO!

Now, believe God

And turn your CAN DO

Into WILL DO!

You are NOT a wimp.

You are a warrior.

In the Name and power of Christ

Go out there and act like one.

An Open Letter to My Children

My Dear Dynamic Duo,

As Mother’s Day approaches and you scurry to find the perfect perfumed soap with which to surprise me, I have an issue I would like to settle. If you think setting aside one day a year to say thanks to me makes us even you are very mistaken.

My mothering career began with buckets of tears shed before God for over a year, begging for the blessing of children. The tears continued when I received that phone call from the doctor’s office informing me of my “condition.” I was so full of gratitude and praise I had to hang up the phone. I soaked one entire dish towel before I calmed down. Of course, nausea followed, along with difficulty sleeping, weird cravings (Peanut Butter Cups and Big Macs – real nutritious!), and a very low tolerance for anything remotely annoying.

The strain of motherhood continued with the birth of my first, you know who you are. I never heard of any baby having colic for seven months until I met you! Your constant need for my presence meant almost no time alone for the first two years of your life. We ate together, napped together, read together, even had tea parties together. For you, no one mattered but me.

Then came baby number two. Although decidedly less emotional than the first, you also were in need of my constant presence. I invested in a baby backpack where you resided for most of nearly every day until you were able to walk. You watched me cook dinner, fold laundry, and brush your sister’s hair from that vantage point.

Through the following years, I refereed fights, negotiated deals, built with legos, served tea, planned amazing birthday parties (If I do say so myself), read more books and packed more bags than I will ever be able to count. You stretched my patience beyond where I thought it would stretch. I have been the punch line of countless jokes, chauffer to endless activities, teacher of subjects I never thought I knew well, and functioned on less sleep than science tells us is possible. You two have asked some of the most challenging questions that forced me to dive into scripture for answers on a regular basis. Why don’t we baptize babies at our church? How can Grandpa be all the way up in Heaven and not miss us? What is “sex” and why is it such a big deal?

So, do you actually think a gift and dinner out will ever make us even? It is not possible. I will forever be in your debt. You have added a dimension and texture to my life that will never cease to amaze and bless me. The challenges we have faced together have strengthened me spiritually and emotionally. I now have a glimpse of what amazing things one person can do, with God's help, to show love to others. It is because of you I can sign this letter:

Love,

MOM

Spiritual Lessons from Sneezing

For about a week I had been quite tired. I was not sleeping well and, when awake, was having trouble staying focused and remaining pleasant. My husband suggested I see a doctor, but I told him once I got some sleep, I’d be fine. That moment when my husband voiced his concern was the first moment I even considered I might have a problem even though my symptoms indicated something must be wrong. My eyes were so tired, but, more than that, they itched and were pretty watery. Upon further assessment, I remembered my recent bouts with sneezing and sore throats. Could it be that allergy season is upon me? Yes, that was probably the problem. I had allergies. Diagnosis complete.

Knowing this, did I take the proper steps to restore my health? Nope. I was so caught up in preparing for the Spring Luncheon, the Church service at the Park, and all of my kid’s stuff that I did not take the time to locate my allergy medication and take it as prescribed. I knew where it was, but it just sat in my medicine cabinet, unused. I went for two more days feeling miserable and itchy. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I took the medicine. I am now on my second full day of treatment and last night I was able to sleep better than I had in over a week!

Now, why would I spend so much time sharing this obviously self-involved story here? Because it has real-life application to many of us in our walk with the Lord.

We walk through our lives exhibiting the symptoms of spiritual illness, but don’t even pay attention to them. We become impatient, unkind, restless, and maybe even exhibit feelings of hopelessness, but don’t take a minute to assess our symptoms and how they might have become a part of our daily existence. I am going to follow my husband’s example and lovingly ask you to seek out help from an expert. It is possible you are suffering from spiritual fatigue. It comes from spending too much time leaning on your own understanding and not enough on God. His Word is powerful and can bring such peace, but you have to actually read it and start applying the principles found in those pages to your life. The Bible is not a good luck charm. You can’t just lay it on your nightstand and expect it to make a difference in your life any more than I can keep my allergy medicine in the cabinet and expect it to alleviate my allergy symptoms. Read your Bible every day; even more often if you can.

In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1:7-8

We are spiritual beings trapped in fleshly garments. We need the constant cleansing of God’s Word to keep us on track. Commit to reading your Bible every day for 30 days. Choose one Psalm per day to read, corresponding with the day of the month to help you keep track. At the end of the month, look back and see what God has done in your life! I guarantee you will be less angry and more hopeful than you were before. Better still, He will be a much more important part of your life than He was before!

Note: If your symptoms are more severe, including thoughts of harming yourself or others, PLEASE call your Pastor or a mental health care professional ASAP! God has placed those people in your life to help you through this. You are not alone!

Time for a Sing-Along!

Anybody feel like singing? It is absolutely beautiful this morning and I can't take it anymore!

The link will take you to a Real Player audio version of the song.

link: Sunshine Day

"It's a Sunshine Day (Everybody's Smiling)"

I think I'll go for a walk outside now,

The summer sun's calling my name, I hear it now.

I just can't stay inside all day,

I've got to get out, gimme some of those rays.

Everybody's smiling (sunshine day),

Everybody's laughing (sunshine day),

Everybody seems so happy today in the sunshine day.

Oooh. Can't you dig the sunshine?

Feel the sun and the rays.

Can't you hear it calling your name?

Repeat first verse.

Baptism

Our church enjoyed a BBQ and Worship service at a park near our church Sunday afternoon and evening. The day was concluded with the baptizing of 8 brothers and sisters in Christ. The highlight of the day, for me, was watching my Pastor baptize his son. I'm getting teary-eyed thinking about it right now! My earthly father did not baptize me, he had not yet surrendered to the ministry when I became a Christian. He did, however baptize two of my sisters. I did not have the maturity to appreciate how intimate and tender such a moment can be to a family. What a privilege to baptize your own child; to help him/her share their testimony like that. Even if his son doesn't fully appreciate the significance of sharing that moment with his dad, he will one day.

Although I wasn't able to share that moment with my earthly father, my Heavenly Father baptized me with something even better than water. The Holy Spirit!

John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5, NLT

And the Holy Spirit is God Himself, living in us, empowering us to do things we could never do on our own!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8, NLT

The word translated as "power" here, is the Greek word transliterated as "dunamis." I remember my dad saying it is the same root word we get the word "dynamite" from. It means:

strength power, ability; inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth; power for performing miracles; moral power and excellence of soul; the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth; power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts.

We have power, through the Holy Spirit living in us, to do amazing things for God! We have power to live a morally excellent life! We have power to influence the world for His glory!

So, why aren't we exercising that power? I am as guilty of that whole, "We live in a lost, depraved world. Come, Jesus, come!" mentality as the next guy. I know sin will always be a factor until Jesus comes. I also know satan has a stronghold here. But that isn't the end of it. I just wonder what would happen if we actually believed what God's word says is true and acted accordingly. It's something to think about, but, more importantly, I hope it is something we would ACT upon.

Springtime Brunch

Today was our Church's annual Women's Spring Brunch. At our church, people sign up to decorate tables, some ladies make breakfast casseroles, breads/muffins, or bring fruit and we spend the morning visiting and hearing someone share a word of encouragement.

One of the most interesting aspects of the event each year is how different all the tables are. They are each beautiful in their own way, they all follow the same theme, yet they are all amazingly unique to the person who decorated them.

Our theme this year was "Springtime in the Park." The tables ran from elegant, like this:

To laid back and fun-loving, like this:

This one is mine.

(I "Sing Like Myself" consistently, don't I!)

This event is always a reminder to me of how uniquely and wonderfully made we all are! Our interests are different, our gifts and talents are different and, obviously, our tastes are different. Yet, somehow it all works together under the same theme. Everyone is blessed and everyone has a great time.

Our speaker, my friend Kristine, reminded us all of some really important stuff. We are all called by God to fulfill the same purpose: To bring glory to His Name. This purpose is the life theme of every Christian. Yet, we are all called to fulfill that purpose in a different way. We have all been gifted differently, have different talent and temperaments, and different interests. Yet, when we all aim towards that same purpose, the collective effect can be amazing.

Real world application time: What if we were able to celebrate our differences instead of criticize them? What if we all genuinely focused on the same goal: To Glorify God. The impact that could have on a lost and dying world gives me goosebumps!

For an Audience of One

It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration. ~ John 4:23-24, The Message

The Hot Potato of Homosexuality

OK, I tried to post a few paragraphs on this issue, but I knew each word I wrote would get me in trouble with someone. I'll do my best to express myself in love. It is not my intention to cause unrest and I have no specific person in mind as I write this. I simply desire to be a reflection of Christ in whatever way I can, including how I look at homosexuality. This is my personal belief I have come to over time and you are free to disagree with me; I will love you anyway.

Yes, the homosexual act is a sin and sin separates us from God. It is, in fact an abomination, just as calling yourself religious but disregarding God's Holiness is an abomination (Ezekiel 8). My concern is Christians as a whole (there are exceptions, I know) are so judgemental on this issue that we have lost our ability to show Christ's love to those caught up in that lifestyle. If you were struggling with homosexuality, would you dare darken the door of a church for answers? I wouldn't!

Yet we feel perfectly OK waltzing into Sunday morning service knowing we are engaging in sin ourselves. Gluttony. Gossip. Envy. Unforgiveness. And much of our sin is "unrepentant sin," a term used often as a reason to ostracize people who seem trapped in homosexual sin. Isn't being trapped in the sin of gossip also unrepentant sin? Isn't refusing to forgive a brother or sister in Christ unrepentant sin?

I know that if you are part of a Bible believing church, the Bible calls us to lovingly hold each other accountable, up to and including asking a member of the church to leave if he/she refuses to turn from an ongoing sin. We need to do that. I am not asking for "tolerance," here. I am asking for us to consider what grace looks like, what love looks like.

Marty at SBC Outpost wrote a fabulous article on this subject today. So I'll just say; Yeah, what HE said!

link: Homosexuality, the Church and the Gospel