Fathers reading this will likely relate. Men who aren’t dads yet, read it anyway.

Evelyn Marie Huth was born one week ago, on August 23, 2010. She is healthy and beautiful. She’ll be loved and cared for in a Christ-centered home. And to think, I nearly gave away the chance to witness her birth first-hand.

My first daughter was born 3 months early via a ceasaren section. I sat next to her mother’s head behind the curtian, blocking the view. There was a drainage tube, funneling blood and other fluids that ran on the other side of her head. There were sounds of muscles tearing, tendons stretching and this strange squishy sound that I’ve never heard since. And the entire time, the doctors were talking about day-to-day stuff, just like on TV.

After an hour or so, one of the doctors asked if I’d like to see the baby ‘come out’. Since I’m a rugged man, a cross between Big Papi and Rambo, I stood up. One person was holding what looked like intestines and another had what was perhaps a liver. Other people were covered in blood or perhaps red finger paint. Then, from the mess, they pulled out a little 2 pound, 3 ounce human. Then, my knees started shaking, my face went pale and my stomach did a cartwheel. But I stayed conscious! However, I realized I wasn’t as rugged as I thought. 

Fast forward 6 and a half years to the delivery room at Akron General Hospital, on Monday afternoon, at 1630 hours on the 23rd of August 2010. (that’s military time, or 4:30 pm. Going forward all council business will be conducted using military time)

Sarah had received her epidural. She hadn’t been checked for dilation in 90 minutes. The nurse came in and woke her up to ‘check’. The nurse announced, “wow, you are 6 +2.” Since I know all about doctor stuff, I figured we were still hours away from delivery and shrugged it off. Then the nurse said, “I better get the doctor, she’s on her way out. And, oh look, she has dark hair!”

The nurse rushed out and was back within minutes. She began barking orders, but I was the only other person in the room. She asked me to hold Sarah’s leg. (Sarah was completely numb and couldn’t move). I began to explain to the nurse that I wanted to hang out in the background and stay out the way. The nurse glared at me and said, “Ok I’ll tell the baby to stop coming out and go get another nurse. Or you could hold her leg up while I get ‘everything’ ready.”

I quickly decided to stop being like an N-teamer and man up. I winced for only a second when I saw Evelyn’s head. Seconds later, the doctor was in and Evelyn was out.

Seeing your child emerge, open her eyes, and then open her mouth, taking her first breath on her own is the most exhilerating experience a man can experience. Cutting the umbilical cord was symbolic in a way. It’s almost as if God was allowing me the authority to free the baby from Sarah’s womb. 

I know God wanted me to witness this event and am glad I got out of my own way and did it.

John, not the baptist or apostle, but the earthly leader of a renowned group of uber-masculine men collectively known as The Council, wrestled with the label of Christian. I, Master Chief, not the fictional Super-Marine from a popular video game series, but the highest ranking officer within The Council’s Department of Security, have been observing and pondering the negative connotation associated with the term “born-again” Christian.

One of my siblings recently made the comment that a friend of hers was a ‘born-again Christian’. She said it with a look on her face that resembled someone who had just bitten into a pickle, soaked in lemon juice mixed with skunky beer.

One of Sarah’s former colleauges was unpleasantly surprised, more like flabbergastingly disgusted, upon learning that my lovely wife was a born again Christian.

I’ve heard people, similar to the people over at ‘godhatesfags.com’, claim to be born again. The people I’m referring to are of the hate-mongering, megaphone toting, in-your-face mentality.

Stephen Baldwin, brother of the great Alec Baldwin, comes to mind. He can be seen on TV or heard on radio accusing someone of not being holy. After all, he would know. He was born-again. The point isn’t necessarily what he says. Let’s be honest, I can’t say I’ve listened intently. My point is more in the way Stephen is presented in the media. As a loon.

My mother was troubled by a conversation she had with an aquaintance of hers. This aquaintance declared that all Jewish people are going to hell. This aquaintance then announced she knew this because she was born again. My mom was troubled by the claim itself and by the fact that a Christian, a born again Christian, mind you, would present such a claim as cold hard fact. (While I’m admittedly uncertain about the salvation of Jews as a people group, and yes, I fully understand John 14:6 [show]John 14:6 [6]Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV)
, I am merely quoting a comment in the previous paragraph. I will NOT and do NOT stand by the claim made by my mom’s aquaintance.)

My mom was also troubled because she knows Sarah and I are both born again. One of  the times she attended Grace with us, Jeff mentioned the phrase a couple times. My mother is a pure hearted Catholic. No one on this earth–in my life–reflects the heart of Jesus more than she does. But, she became really uneasy about the born again label. I reminded her of John 3:3 [show]John 3:3 [3]Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again(1) he cannot see the kingdom of God." (ESV) Footnotes 1. [3:3] Or 'from above'; the Greek is purposely ambiguous and can mean both 'again' and 'from above'; also verse 7
. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

All of the examples above have a common theme that troubles me. As John, Amy’s husband, not the apostle or baptist, pointed out, the term Christian somehow has been stripped of its Christ-like literal meaning. Even worse, our culture believes that a group of Christians exists that is more wacko than ‘regular’ Christians. They’re born-again Christians. Avoid them like the plague. And Tax Accountants. And Stephen Baldwin movies.

The frustrating part is that anyone who truly accepts Jesus is born-again. That’s a billiion plus people according to Dr. Jonathan D. Buchanan, a Statistician at Harvard University. I’m not in your face, unless we’re playing Xbox, ask Doug. I don’t carry a mega-phone. I don’t pound my Bible. I don’t shove its truth down your throat.

But how do we love the very people that avoid us, in part because of how we’re labeled?

One at a time, I guess.

Hello.  My name is John, and I am a Buchanan.  That’s my last name.  By birth, I’m also a Ranson (my maternal Grandpa’s last name), and by my mom’s second marriage, I’m also an England.  Further down the line, I’m a Walchs, a Green, even a Waltrip (yep, I drive fast) and I’ve been told Charles Lindbergh is related somehow back there.  I don’t know all the people that share these family lines with me, and of those I do, I don’t always agree with, or even necessarily particularly like them.  I guess I’m a jerk.  But they are my family.  The family, the people, the time and place God has put me in.   

As a founding member of something I like to call “The Council”, I’m a part of a group of guys, a band of believers that are committed to growing closer to Christ and helping each other do the same.  I’m of average height (yes that’s debatable, but clearly with China and that pygmy tribe, I’m at the global average), moderate good looks (again debatable, but both Amy and my Mom say so) and I’m an American.  There are things about these classifications and labels that I love and even some that I hate.  

However, I cannot and will not renounce my membership in any of these things.  That includes the word Christian.  The time-tested, scholarly website dictionary.com, defines Christian as follows:

              –adjective – of, pertaining to, or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings

               –noun – a person who believes in Jesus Christ

I’ve given my life to Jesus Christ.  He is God, King of kings, Lord of lords.  The ample evidence, an understanding of Faith, and the Holy Spirit have led me, and my intellectual pursuit of the meaning of life, to that conclusion.  Therefore, by definition, I am a Christian.  I don’t always agree with everything done in the name of Christianity, in fact there are many things I vehemently oppose that I believe are in direct contradiction to Christ’s teachings.  But I still unapologetically follow Christ’s Teachings and am therefore a Christian.

It seems to me that it has become a trend to profess Christ, but denounce the word Christian.  To me this is an oxymoron (that’s just a weird word, but the trusty dictionary.com agrees that this just means a seemingly self-contradictory statement).  Author Anne Rice recently made this pronouncement herself on her facebook page, to which most people replied, “Wait, what?  Anne Rice was a Christian?”.  Donald Miller, an author I am a fan of who wrote Blue Like Jazz and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, has previously made similar statements about following Christ, but denouncing Christianity.  I certainly understand disagreeing with members of your family or a group you belong to, but clearly to follow Christ is to be a Christian, to have a family of brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are promised in the Bible that with this name comes suffering.  Suffering that will refine us and ultimately make us more Christ-like.  I thank God for that.

This post is Part 3 in an ongoing series. The previous two entires were, “The Prodigal Son” and “The Prodigal Dad”.

It’s been over a month since I received a response from my Dad. 

He wasn’t interested in what I had to say. He seemed to take offense that I was merely “reaching out”.  He doesn’t remember “exactly why” we no longer communicate. Because he doesn’t remember, he doesn’t feel anything. He reiterated, as he has throughout my life, that he is most upset about losing his ‘rights’ to see his daughter, my older sister, when she was 4. He isn’t interested in our new baby, let alone my 6 and 4 year olds.

He feels I owe his wife, my step-mom, a thank you for helping to raise me. I suppose I do owe her a thank you for not killing me. If you recall, she kindly offered to pay to have my first daughter aborted. After all, I was 23 years old and not married, when she was conceived.

I know I shouldn’t be sarcastic. Since we use the world REAL alot, here’s something REAL, I can’t help but curse him when I think of him. My intial reaction when I read his response was an audible, “F*** you then.” I’m embarrased of my immaturity, but it’s REAL.

The Lord is using this situation to show me that I still don’t truly love like Him. 

Specifically, I was led by the Spirit, against my will, to send a letter to my dad, seeking his forgiveness. My expectation was that he would forgive me and we would resurrect a dead relationship. When I received his response, which was the opposite of what I expected, I became angry, just as angry as I was on my wedding day when he didn’t show.  

I told Pastor Ryan I had forgiven my dad. I also shared with Pastor Ezra, my wife, my grandparents, you guys. But, all I really did was say the words. My heart didn’t change, even though I wanted it to. I just want to be like Jesus and truly forgive and love him.

But God is showing me that I still don’t have “it” in me to love the unlovable. I love my wife, my kids, my extended family, my church family, even the N-team, but deep down I still don’t love my dad.

There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to love him. I don’t know what part that is. Since we are honest with each other and seeking the Heart of Jesus together, I still have something in my sinful heart that doesn’t love the man that brought me into this world.

Jesus; near his earthly death–while hanging from nails driven through his hands to a wooden cross, after being beaten, cursed, spat on, mauled, humiliated, tortured–had only forgiveness, compassion and grace–real love– for the men who did it.

THAT is how I want to be.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 [show]Jeremiah 29:11 [11]For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare(1) and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [29:11] Or 'peace'

This is a familiar verse for many of us, but take time to read it again. Recently my wife wrote this on our whiteboard (she’s constantly leaving scripture around the house. I keep asking her to pick up after herself but ~sigh~, what can you do?)

- Plans to give you hope and a future. Hope and a future. Few things are more quested after, more desired, more valued than hope and a future.

Are you locked in sin and can’t escape? God has plans to give you hope and a future.

Do you think your past to evil as to be unforgiveable? God has plans to give you hope and a future.

Is your life so dark you cannot see how to survive? God has plans to give you hope and a future.

Each of us have had dark days. Each of us know desperation, fear, sorrow, hopelessness, and the depravity of sin. Yet God reached down to each of us. Not only did God reach down to us, but God has plans to give you hope and a future.

The message of the Gospel in one simple sentence. The joy, the ecstasy of Christians, in one simple sentence.

God has plans to give you hope and a future.

Recently I was reading some work by Gregory of Nyssa (this guy). St. Gregory was commenting on what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:35-39. St. Gregory’s comment was really fascinating to me. He wrote:

It seems clear that the argument of the Apostle [the Apostle is Paul in this case- JTZ] agrees in every way with our understanding of the notion of resurrection, and shows the same basic ideas that are contained in our definition of this matter- namely, that the resurrection is nothing other than the reconstitution of our nature to its pristine state. For we read in Scripture that, in the first act of creation, the earth initially brought forth the green plant; then seed was produced from this plant; and from this seed, when it had been scattered on the earth, the same form of the original growth sprang up. Now the inspired Apostle says that this is precisely what also happens at the resurrection. Thus we learn from him not only that human nature is changed into a far nobler state, but also that we are to hope for the return of human nature to it’s primal condition. The original process was not that of an ear of corn resulting from a seed, but of the seed resulting from the ear, after which the ear grew from the seed.

So I began to wonder what that original primal condition might be and how I could identify it. The simplest method, it seemed, was to look at the beginning of life here on earth, and that means Genesis.

We know from Genesis three that what changed in the fall was awareness. Man was naked before the fruit and naked after the fruit. The difference was his awareness of his nakedness. With that awareness came sin and the resulting guilt. Before the fall, Adam was naked and without sin. But after gaining knowledge of good and evil, nakedness became sinful.

What does this mean? I see two possible extrapolations. First, that God is not pleased or displeased by actions, but by intentions of the heart. Why do we feed the hungry and support the poor? Not because the action has value but because the loving nature of the heart that the action indicates is valued by God. Therefore, no action is sinful. Rather actions either have a sinful heart behind them or not. This correlates well with what Paul was writing in 1 Corinthians 10:23 about believer’s freedom. We can do all things without sin if done for/with/by the right heart.

I would speculate from this that Kierkegaard  might have gotten it right with his moral knight theory.

The second extrapolation is that the resurrection of our bodies, in addition to the perfect form, will incorporate a reversion to an unknowing state. This is the challenging thought: If actions themselves are without sin, and the sin truly comes from having knowledge of good and evil, then perhaps Heaven is a place where all actions are permitted because the knowledge of good and evil has been taken away.

And the possibility of that simply makes me say “wow”.  More thought needed to ascertain whether there’s any truth in this.

It’s no secret that I don’t like pets. Why humans have taken animals into their homes is beyond me. But more than my own dislike, all Christian pet owners really need to think very seriously about the true cost of owning and caring for their pet.

I’m sure you know all about poverty in the world. I could throw stats at you but if you’re half awake in today’s modern church you’re going to have heard them before.

Poverty is an issue (Gal. 2:10 [show]Galatians 2:10 [10]Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. (ESV)
). Hunger is an issue (Rom 12:20 [show]Romans 12:20 [20]To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." (ESV)
). Christians should be addressing these. It is our biblical command.

And here’s the real issue. The problem with pets:
In 2007, three years ago, Americans spent $41 BILLION on pets. [EDIT- forgot to put in the source of this fact. Here it is, an article from Business Week:  http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_32/b4045001.htm ]

Let. That. Sink. In.

41 Billion Dollars. On Pets.

I don’t deny there are some appropriate places for pets. They can stave off mental degradation in the elderly. They can protect humans if trained properly. They can serve the blind, the deaf, the mute, and those suffering from PTSD.

But for most Americans, pets are a luxury product that we get simply to keep the kids happy. It’s the American way.

41 Billion dollars worth of the American Way while poverty and hunger ravage our planet.

Not all pet owners spend extraordinary amounts on their pets, of course. Some rescue animals from shelters. Some take in strays. But in every situation the family pet becomes an investment that will consume resources.

When I want to buy a luxury item I look at our balance sheet. I look to make sure our bills are paid first and our responsibilities met. If money is left over, I can buy the item I want.

My question is simply this: Is our world, and the People God placed here, in sufficient condition that it is morally defensible to be spending on luxury animals? Even more closely, is your community in sufficient condition? Are your responsibilities met? If so, have at it.

But as an exercise in Christian Conscience, spend an hour calculating out the cost of your family pet(s). Include purchase cost, care cost, feeding cost, and see if you can get a yearly estimate. Then take that dollar figure and divide it by $.19

The answer is how many meals the care of your pet could have provided via Feed My Starving Children. Then ask yourself what your spending says about your Christian priorities.

EDIT- I should point out that it isn’t just pet ownership that I see as a potential problem. We in America spend a LOT more money than we need to while massive portions of the human population are in poverty. From recreation to automobiles to clothes. This is one of the largest moral discrepancies in the American church. How do we rectify our international wealth with the New Testament? Obviously some things are more egregious than others: An automobile is necessary in our society, but is a Lexus? Is an Xbox? Is a Terrier? I’m not attacking any one person. I’m as guilty of overspending as anyone else. The real question behind this post is “How do we rectify the American Life with being Followers of Christ?”

NOTE- This is a departure from our usual topic but applicable to the here and now.

A friend of mine recently shared this article:

http://mariovittone.com/2010/05/154/

As a former lifeguard I can attest to its truthfulness. Every parent who brings their child to water should be familiar with what actual drowning looks like and basic safety precautions.

The article lays out what drowning looks like (and why), but here are some basic safety precautions. Most of them are common sense.

1. Count heads. Know how many people are with you and count heads every other minute or so.
2. Don’t trust your nine year old “great swimmer” to be drown-proof. MOST people who drown are great swimmers caught in a bad circumstance.
3. Buddy up. Everyone should have someone they are swimming and playing with.
4. Swim where there are lifeguards. If no lifeguards are present nominate an adult to be “Watcher”. Rotate every 20-25 minutes.
5. Don’t trust PFDs or other flotation devices to watch your kid for you. PFDs are life-saving devices not recreational toys. If used improperly they can trap a child under water. The same is true with flotation toys. So watch your kids.

The last line of this article is true: ” …children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.” Drowning is terrifying. So while you’re watching your child, watch their eyes. If they look scared, get them out. On two of my three saves it was the scared look that sent me sprinting for the water.

A childhood friend of mine recently announced his engagement. Even more recently, the same friend confided to me his uneasiness and doubts about ‘taking the plunge.’

This friend is a good guy. We lived across the street from each other when we were 8 years old. Over the years, when I’ve needed help with a project, he’s answered the call. Neither of us grew up in a Christian home, but we were both raised familiar with Catholic practices.

This friend is aware that I am a different person than the kid who grew up across the street. He knows I go to church. He knows I hang with the B-team on Wednesday’s. He’s joined me on a few church outings, paintball, Dave and Buster’s, etc.

So last week when he asked if I’d meet up with and discuss the doubts he’s having, I jumped at the chance. Before I left, I called out to God and asked Him to speak through me, just like he did with my uncle. I drove to his house and listened to what he had on his mind. No surprise, he’s concerned about the budget, the life-change, the relationship with the ‘hands-on’ mother in law, etc. I jotted down some notes while he was talking. When he was finished, I read back to him what I wrote down, making sure I got everything. We talked through things like budgeting and saving money.

Then, he asked me what Sarah and I do to keep our marriage going. I explained that we are involved in the church. We  read and follow the Bible. We give ourselves like Jesus gave himself. He interrupted and told me nothing is wrong with ‘that’, but ‘that’ isn’t what they’re looking for.

I asked what he thought a marriage was. He explained that a marriage is what people do when they want to settle down and have a family.  I responded that marriage is a biblical covenant. What he can have is a nice, structured legalized living arrangement. Or he could have what I have. But he interrupted again. That’s when I felt led to call it a night and come home to my wife, whom I hadn’t even seen yet that day.

The following is what I sent to my dad this evening. To put this letter into context, read “The Prodigal Dad”.

Dad;

I know it’s been awhile since we’ve done anything. Said anything for that matter. It is father’s day, and it may seem cliche’, but I can’t go another day thinking that I am justified by not reaching out to you. This email will have to do.

Earlier tonight, I was holding my girls and praying with them before bed. Gracie fell asleep with her head on my chest. Heidi was relaxing while I rubbed her back. Sarah laid on the bed gently rubbing her 7-month pregnant belly. While I was still able to cherish that moment, I was thinking of you. Actually, I’ve been thinking about you alot over the last few years.

These are just a few of the recent examples:

I had dinner with Dave Kammer and his parents recently. Afterwards, we went to see a Pink Floyd cover band at Tangier’s. It was a fun night but during dinner we talked about how you and I haven’t had much of a relationship. Beth’s recommendation was to reach out to you.

I still exchange letters with Grandma and Grandpa Holland. They stopped by in August last year for a visit. Gracie was very interested in Great Grandma, although GG didn’t seem all that thrilled with the Great preceding Grandma. Grandpa fascinated both Heidi and Gracie by pulling quarters out of their ears. A few days after their visit, I recieved a letter from her. Grandma said she was in tears thinking about the division.

Two weeks ago, I recieved an email from Tammy Hall. She works at Sterling. She gave me Terry’s contact information. I thought about sending Terry an email and asking about you, but decided against it. 

In the summer of 2008, Sarah and I were married. Prior to the marriage, we went through 2 months of pre-marital counseling at the church. We were legally married in Las Vegas and had the ceremony at the church a week or so later. During one of the sessions, Ezra, the pastory who would marry us, asked about our backgrounds. I told him my perspective of our story. He asked if I would be open to repairing our relationship. At the time, I said of course.

I hung out in the parking lot watching for the van. When it was time to go inside, I watched out the window near the altar, hoping to see you pull in. I’m sorry if you felt slighted that you did not recieve an invitation for the Vegas wedding. I truly was looking forward to seeing you at the ceremony in town. In hindsight, you deserved a more personal invitation. I should have reached out to you much sooner than this. I’m sorry it took this long.

Last fall, I talked with a my friend from high school, Lori Kelly’s, husband Ryan. He’s a pastor at Grace Church in Bath. He led a service about repairing relationships. I met up with him and explained my version of the story regarding how we fell out of contact. I asked when my heart would stop aching. I asked Ryan if I was justified by not reaching out to you because of how I felt about the wedding.

He looked me square in the eyes and asked me when Jesus ever gave up on me.

I left that night vowing I would reach out to you. I’m sorry it’s taken this long.

At the very least, I want you to know that I regret taking so long to reach out to you. Then, I want you to know that I am not asking you for anything except forgiveness. Lastly, I want you to know that I love you.

Ken Jr.

Ok, so here are some thoughts that I wrote back in highschool…I know John used to contemplate such things, and I imagine Jarrod did too…not sure if anyone else in the group even cared about pointless matters. But since I found this paper, I figured I’d post it because it’d be fun….even though i don’t understand some of it.

Here goes…

As stated by Mortimer J. Adler, there are four branches for which to find knowledge. Empirical science, history, mathematics and philosophy. Mathematics was developed by nature and discovered by man. The mind of man has vast potential in what we all have just barely begun to tap into. The limitations of the mind of man are almost endless in the contextual existence of life on earth. For what problem has their been that man has not been able to discover an answer? Have we not developed ways to live and prosper? The limitations of men’s minds are endless; the limitations of a man’s mind is endless as well; however, the journey for productivity of a mind is longer than for productivity of cooperative minds.

Philosophy can advance in many ways, the question is; should we be seeking th question or the answers. Questions spawn answers and answers spawn questions; but, which will allow philosophers to gain more knowledge and advance? The best way for the mind to advance is to think; many feel that empirical sciences and mathematics advance humanity; yet, without history, all that is gained is forgotten; and without philosophy, all that is gained lacks deeper purpose.

Ash is like a plant; as nature taught it to do, it’s properties become such that it is a light piece of degradable substance; like nature does with dandelion seeds as they are carried off in the wind. Does this fact bring together enough comparison in order to make the statement that ash is the “second seed” of life in that it acts as the one of of the only common seed like substances that is made to be carried off just the same, and that the ash can be used to be degraded and eventually become one with the topsoil; yet seeds take partly from the topsoil in order to grow? And precipitation in any form can even bombard the topsoil., tilling it and making it richer; and acting as the third seed. precipitation also waters seeds and nurtures the topsoil depending on which form it is. lava is the forth seed of nature in that it creates the perfect topsoil for growing conditions for any plants or seeds. This of course happens years after it erupts from the ground. The fifth seed of nature is the primary seed; wind. Not only does it do its part cleaning of debris and keeping seeds or plants from light and water, but it is also complimentary with other seeds of nature. It cools lava into perfect soils, it carries precipitation, it carries and degrades ash across the world and it blows the seeds of plants across the surface.

And that’s about it. You guys should totally post some of the stuff you wrote in highschool…I’d love to read it.

Hey guys…As I told John, gmail is the way to go. not only does it incorporate my work calendar with my calendar with my friends calendars….it also offers free chat that is very unobtrusive. so while your checking your email you can chat with your friends. yeah, it sounds crazy, but we’re living in a  new day and age… what if all of us Christians banded together and talked with each other throughout the day….setting plans of kingdom growth and aggressive maneuvers that we may need to draw up for our every day spiritual battles that rage on through our hearts.

I don’t want us all to get disconnected just because a group got big or because we “don’t have enough time”. I love you guys, and God put us all together for a reason. let’s start chatting throughout the day.

now some may say, i’m gonna work so i don’t get fired. well i say, god gave me my job, and i do it through to completion, and then god gave me some extra time at work where i can focus on him and spreading the word instead of entertaining myself with the next new app or widget.

Soo…let me know if you need help setting up your gmail chat. i love you guys.

Poison 2: They poison us by perverting our understanding of what the Christian walk looks like. How many people follow a religion that follows the same bible that we do, yet interprets it completely different? Mormons (golden tablets), Jehovah’s Witnesses (small alterations in The New World Translation), Catholicism (tradition & creeds). Now I’m not saying that there aren’t Catholics that aren’t Christians. But how easy is it to follow God when the truth is misinterpreted or blatantly perverted?

I have a huge problem lumping Catholicism in with Mormonism and the Witnesses. I want to lay out that problem and hopefully correct some inaccurate thinking.

Let’s begin with tradition (the first of the two things you label perversions). Most Christians not in the Catholic Faith misunderstand what Tradition is. Tradition is not “the way we’ve always done it” or “What we’ve always believed.” Instead, Tradition is “What the Church teaches.” It encompasses both historic and modern teaching. And the Catholic Church says Tradition is co-equal with Scripture in authority.

That’s where many people get caught up. SOLA SCRIPTURA!!, as Luther proclaimed. Protestants rejected Tradition as Authority for the first time about 500 years ago. For the 1500 years before Luther, no one had any trouble with Tradition being co-equal in authority with Scripture. And there are good reasons why.

First, Tradition established Scripture. Yes, Scripture is all inspired by God, but it was the church who decided what letters and writings were in fact God-inspired. In the early years of the church over 15 different Gospels of Christ were circulating. The Church eventually decided on 4 and included them in the Canon. The church also decided which letters were God-inspired and voted to include them. So it was Church Tradition that established Scripture.

Second, you actually support Tradition… in part. You accept the canon of your Bible and call it complete and authoritative. Why do you say that? Basically, you say it because Martin Luther said it. You may point to 2 Timothy 3:16 [show]2 Timothy 3:16 [16]All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV)
(All scripture is God breathed…) or Revelation 22:18-19 [show]Revelation 22:18-19 [18]I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, [19]and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (ESV)
(Do not take away or add), but there are problems with these verses. When Paul wrote Timothy, Scripture was… the Old Testament. Remember, Paul was SuperJew before he converted. When he references Scripture, he is referencing the OT only. The New Testament didn’t exist yet. So Paul was only saying that the OT is useful for teaching and whatnot. And that oft-quoted passage in Revelation refers only to the book of Revelation. Because again, remember, the Canon was still open when that book was written (besides which the text specifically refers that passage only to itself). So why do you accept the book of Galatians as Scripture? Because Christians before you said it was God-inspired. And THAT is tradition. Special Note: Martin Luther wanted to remove Jude, Revelation, Hebrews, and James from the Canon.

Third, Christ supported Tradition. Remember when Christ said “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’, but I tell you…” Do you know Christ was quoting Scripture? Leviticus 24:19-21 [show]Leviticus 24:19-21 [19]If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, [20]fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him. [21]Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death. (ESV)
. So he quoted Scripture and then pretty clearly went against it. He was teaching via Tradition. He was identifying what Scripture says and then telling us the correct way to interact with that scripture or interpret it. That is precisely Tradition. And that Jesus had to interact with Scripture this way demonstrates the necessity of Tradition. Another example of this is our Communion. Basically our entire service is new. It is a reinterpretation of the Passover Meal. It’s Tradition.

Finally, Tradition keeps Scripture relevant. It is the church who applies scripture to modern problems. We take the ideas and teachings of Scripture and provide specific applications. This is Tradition.

So you and I use tradition every day when we read our Bibles. But how do we use tradition? On this side of the Protestant reformation, Tradition has become personal. We make it up as we go. We interpret everything for ourselves and simply justify it by saying “The Holy Spirit told me”. Well, ok. Maybe the Holy Spirit did. Maybe you have the gifts of Prophesy, Discernment, and Wisdom. But if that is the case, then you should be in agreement with everyone else who is accurately interpreting Scripture. But we don’t have a means for comparing our interpretations against others. The Catholic Church did and does.

The Catholic church (and the Orthodox) establishes Tradition by means of Ecumenical Council. That means “the whole Church”. The Cardinals all get together, the bishops all gather, the Pope oversees, they pray, and together they discuss what the Spirit is teaching about the correct interpretation of Scripture. And their consensus becomes Tradition and authority. To me, that’s a much better way then all of us flying solo. MUCH less room for error.

Now the next argument I would expect is that Tradition has clearly failed because the Catholic church is teaching things contrary to the bible. To that I say… I think you’re wrong. We who are not Catholic misunderstand nearly everything about the Catholic church’s dogma. I’ve found that nearly everyone outside of the church (and many within) misunderstand Papal Infallibility, the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and the doctrine of Purgatory, to name a few.

Every one of these doctrines, if you read the doctrine, is backed up extensively by Scripture. And that is another key truth about Tradition. Tradition cannot contradict Scripture. They are coequals. One is not subservient to the other. So all Tradition that is set forth by the Church is accompanied by extensive Biblical references to support the truth of the Tradition. In this regard, Tradition is held accountable to Scripture, although that’s not quite an applicable concept. Now you might point to a specific scripture passage and say “Look, this disagrees with that doctrine!” My answer is that 1), you probably misunderstand the doctrine, and 2), I bet the actual writing of the doctrine addresses that very scriptural passage, and 3) who’s to say your interpretation of that passage is the correct one?

The second aspect of Catholicism you seem to denounce is Creeds, and I’m going to need more explanation on that. Creeds are simply statements of Faith. The current Catholic interpreation of the Nicene-Constantinoplean Creed is:
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

This is a statement of Faith, a statement of belief. And really I don’t find anything problematic in there other than the Filioque clause (ask me about it if you care- I get fired up), and see no theological problems. I could speak this Creed in truth.

Our own church has a Creed. We call it a statement of Faith. We say that the New Testament is our Creed (but then we also provide our own statement of Faith, so the NT isn’t our only Creed). So you’ll need to explain better why Creed is bad.

And remember, the Creed I quoted above was first written around 325 AD. It’s served the Church for nearly 1700 years. It was in use Centuries before the Catholic church even existed.

So to close, I would strongly urge you not to reject Catholicism or to lump it in with Moronism (oops, Mormonism…) or the Witnesses. Catholicism is the second oldest expression of Christianity, worthy of a great deal of respect, and very much genuine.

Tim Hawkins. Good stuff. Thanks to Dot for the introduction.

Prayer for my Brothers: [Philippians 1:9-11 [show]Philippians 1:9-11 [9]And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, [10]so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11]filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (ESV)
]

⁹And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

The Joy of Suffering: [Philippians 1:29 [show]Philippians 1:29 [29]For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, (ESV)
]

²⁹For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,

They are finally here…now members of the council will receive notifications when new posts are submitted. Also working on comment notification.
PS. May 2nd PAINTBALL!!!

As a refresher men, to keep our priorities focused and on the battle at hand. Let us not get caught up in the mind numbing routine of every day life. Here are the notes from the Men’s Leadership Summit (pre Winter-Summit era).

• we are in a unique phase between His first and second coming.
• just because victory is sure, it doesn’t mean that it’s not still a battle and that people don’t die on a daily basis. Souls are being lost every day and we don’t care!
• [Ephesians 6:10-12 [show]Ephesians 6:10-12 [10]Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11]Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12]For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)
  ] – we are in a time of spiritual warfare. Wee are in the middle of an epic battle, but not with the flesh. (Arm Yourselves!!!)

1. Our battle is not against humans [Ephesians 12 [show]ERROR: No passage found for your query.
   ], not against people, or people groups
2. our battle is against Satan and his regime. Satan is real, demons are real, and their threat is underestimated  and very real.
3. our battle is against Satan’s schemes. He has an elaborate and systematic plan. He hates us, wants us to destroy our selves. By ourselves, Satan is far greater than us, that is why we stand strong in the Lord. Satan’s plan is to wreck havoc in our lives from the inside out.

• The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy [John]

Our Battle:

• [2 Timothy 2:3 [show]2 Timothy 2:3 [3]Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (ESV)
  ] – endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
• [2 Cor 6:7 [show]2 Corinthians 6:7 [7]by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; (ESV)
  ] – with weapons of righteousness.
• [2 Cor 10:3-5 [show]2 Corinthians 10:3-5 [3]For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. [4]For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5]We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (ESV)
  ] – our weapons have power far greater than any weapon on earth.
• [1 John 3:8 [show]1 John 3:8 [8]Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (ESV)
  ] – Christ appeared to destroy the works of the devil. Set captives free!
• [1 Cor 16:13 [show]1 Corinthians 16:13 [13]Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (ESV)
  ] – stand firm in the faith, be courageous and strong
• [2 Cor 2:11 [show]2 Corinthians 2:11 [11]so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. (ESV)
  ] – in order that Satan does not outwit us. For we are aware of his schemes. (Am I personally aware, or am I ignorant?)

What Do We Do

• Satan is not trying to scare you, he’s trying to deceive you.
• Satan is not in control of you, he throws temptation at you, but you have to choose to accept what he is speaking to you. Don’t blame Satan for sin, its your fault.
• You are being sp0ken to by God also. So which are you choosing, God or Satan?
• Know your weak areas, have brothers help train you. Be fortified with daily scripture.
• Do not spiritualize everything. My car broke down because Satan wanted it to or God wanted to test me. Yes, we are given tests, but we must be wise and not over anxious to make everything out to be a test. Just walk with careful feet.

• the idea of my family in my house is a safe zone; at least they aren’t getting hurt. TV and internet are huge threats and are not safe.

Question: Are you in the fight, how does this look in our lives and how do we take this home? Am I going to be a soldier of Jesus Christ? Or am I going to run away from the battle field because I think other soldiers can handle it without me and the war has already been won? (Meanwhile they are out their dieing)

• If we know the future from the bible, we should live for different things than the world. We must be unique and different from the world.

Discussions – Strategy:

• Satan’s M.O.
• God is our commander and our general is Jesus. What is Jesus’ M.O.
• Judging other more than I analyze myself.
• Instant gratification vs. investing into the future. What lasts past death and what doesn’t?
• Priorities (time and energy) are they for us or for God?
• Brotherhood (nails on brick vs. a sledge hammer (nails formed as 1).
• We need to know what we’re fighting for.
• The fight is just as much at home as anywhere else.
• Most about our mindset and outlook.
• We need a sabbath, a time with our families. (if not, Satan will put his dividing hand in and destroy).
• uniqueness of our weapons of love,bible, prayer, patience and forgiveness.
• [2 Cor 4:4 [show]2 Corinthians 4:4 [4]In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (ESV)
  ] break the bonds of Satan with people through love, prayer, etc.  They are like puppets, don’t attack them.
• [1 Cor 10:3 [show]1 Corinthians 10:3 [3]and all ate the same spiritual food, (ESV)
  ] – What are the strongholds to attack? Secular mindsets. Unbiblical teaching. The philosophy o f man.
• Is my happiness in my doing or in my doing God’s work? Am I living for him?
• Our advice, everything we take in needs to be filtered through the bible.
• [Ephesians 6 [show]Ephesians 6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2]"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), [3]"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." [4]Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. [5]Slaves,(1) obey your earthly masters(2) with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, [6]not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants(3) of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, [7]rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, [8]knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. [9]Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master(4) and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. [10]Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11]Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12]For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13]Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14]Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15]and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16]In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17]and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18]praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19]and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20]for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. [21]So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. [22]I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. [23]Peace be to the brothers,(5) and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24]Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [6:5] Or 'servants'; Greek 'bondservants'; similarly verse 8 2. [6:5] Or 'your masters according to the flesh' 3. [6:6] Or 'slaves'; Greek 'bondservants' 4. [6:9] Greek 'Lord' 5. [6:23] Or 'brothers and sisters'
  ] – The Armor of God]
• [Hebrews 12 [show]Hebrews 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2]looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [3]Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. [4]In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. [5]And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. [6]For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." [7]It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [8]If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. [9]Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? [10]For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. [11]For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. [12]Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, [13]and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. [14]Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. [15]See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; [16]that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. [17]For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. [18]For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest [19]and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. [20]For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned." [21]Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear." [22]But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, [23]and to the assembly(1) of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, [24]and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. [25]See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. [26]At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." [27]This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken--that is, things that have been made--in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. [28]Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, [29]for our God is a consuming fire. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [12:23] Or 'church'
  ] – discipline.
• Satan and his Kingdom.

Growing up, I promised myself I would never split up my family as a result of divorce.  Approximately five years ago, I broke that promise.

If we’re going to be technical, I never divorced because I never married.  Instead, I fathered a child out of wedlock.

My soon-to-be six year old recently asked me, “Why didn’t you and mommy get married? How come you didn’t love her?”

I knew I would have to answer the question one day.  I just didn’t imagine it would be this soon. I’ve always told my kids I would be open and honest with them. They can ask me anything that comes to their minds. When Gracie asked me this question, I paused before answering.

What was the truth?

Was the truth, “Mommy said ‘no, I don’t want to get married again.’?”

Or was it, “Daddy went to counseling for 6 months while mommy decided she wanted to date someone else and collect child support.”?

Maybe I should have just said, “I’ll tell you when you’re older.”.

Those were the answers and responses that Satan suggested. Had I not devoted myself to Jesus three years ago, I probably would have fed my innocent child some form of that garbage. Thankfully, Jesus has changed the way my mind thinks. He’s changed the way my heart loves. And He’s changed the way my soul exists. 

So I answered as truthfully as I could.

“I love mommy,” I began. “But we’re never going to get married. Mommy is married to her husband. And I married Madre’ (Sarah). Mommy and I never got married because we didn’t love Jesus first. Jesus tells us to love God first. I didn’t know that when mommy and I were together. I didn’t follow and love Jesus when mommy and I were together. Now I do. And I’m sorry that you have two homes.”

This marks the end of the first quarter of the Council’s new blog.  We have some awards to hand out.

Ken Huth wins Blogger of the Quarter Award. Ken started off the blogging with some great stories of real, rugged and raw life.

Ken, the Council hereby presents you with this Gold Medallion (actual worth equivalent to 230 Marlboro Mile Points).

We would also like to present you with a new video game as a present (please note that this game may or may not be real):

We will not fail to mention Jared Zuercher who comes in a close second to Ken for the Council’s Blogger of the Quarter award.

Jared has been a great addition to the Council. He likes to take long walks on the beach at night and occasionally enjoys spalunking. 

Jared, we hereby present you with this Silver Medallion of Council Blogging for 2010 Quarter 1 (actual worth equivalent to 130 Marlboro Mile Points).

These awards are not special because of their materialistic qualities or because of their monetary value, no, these awards are special because of the special people who received them. This is a call to action for all other council members (including myself) to start blogging more. Not just so we can blog, but so we can share our Christ centered thoughts and stay Christ centered every day in everything we do and say. It takes encouragement from one another to continue our spiritual journey, it is so easy for me personally to be taken off the track by worldly desires and an interest into temporary things that don’t really matter.

Other Notes Worth Mentioning:

1. Also, I have fixed the “The Council” image at the top of the page. In some versions of IE it was floating right. It should be back in place.

2. The Queen B’s have are putting together an official emailing list to start off their council (do they have a council, or should it be a court, or do i even know what i’m talking about…). So if anyone has some good images for a logo idea for the queen B’s, smoke drop ‘em if you got ‘em.

You are reading this right now.  You are somebody.  You are here for some sort of reason.  Together, we are on a large round rock that is traveling 67,000 mph through space and yet somehow, right now, you just sit here and read this.  Awesome. 

 So who are you anyway?  What are you doing?  Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment to us is to love God. 

Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’  (Mark 12:29-30 [show]Mark 12:29-30 [29]Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30]And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' (ESV)
)

 That’s who you are… all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength, and what you should do.  That’s you, a co-heir with Christ, more than a conqueror.  It sounds like you are something pretty powerful. 

 The Bible also tells us that:

He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:13-14 [show]Colossians 1:13-14 [13]He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14]in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (ESV)

 That’s a good thing.  I humbly thank God right now for transferring me and redeeming me. 

 I have a dark past and without redemption through Jesus Christ, I’m sure my present and future would be pretty bleak as well.  I’d definitely be an alcoholic, carrying on the family tradition.  I’d likely have a sweet long bushy beard.  Perhaps I would be divorced a few times by now, that is if I would still be living.  I am so glad that is not who I am.  I am eternally grateful that you and I have been saved by a loving creator.  I know that God literally and physically saved my life, and used Amy in that process too.  (sidehugnote: I do wish I had the sweet beard, but I am trying to lay my life down and deny myself daily after all.)

 So now what?  We’re given a heart, soul, mind, strength and a purpose and we’ve got to live it out with everything that we are. 

 (Scripture from the RSV [just the old one, I couldn’t find the NRSV…] via blueletterbible.org)