Politics, Purpose and Peace

Is it really possible for politics, purpose and peace to live under the same tent? I ask this question after reading some of the news reports and blogs chronicling the 2007 Southern Baptist Convention in San Antonio, TX. Is it really possible for a large group of Christians to gather and agree on what they feel is the direction and guidelines for the Church of Jesus Christ? Does God really want us to expend this kind of energy in such a futile approach to achieve unity? Hasn't history proven this goal is not possible?

The Bible shows us both sides of this equation. Times when men gathered and because these men were devoted leaders and followers of God they were able to accomplish great things for His kingdom. Nehemiah, David, Joshua, Moses were leaders during such times. Yet these same leaders also faced dissent and grumbling and their leadership positions were sometimes not only questioned but openly defied. The beautiful example in Acts of the first church was a large group of people devoted to each other, serving each other and serving their neighbors. This story resonates with such power sadly because it is such a rare occurrence in history. They lived in peace with each other and their community and God added to their numbers daily.

Happy Fathers Day!

Dad, I hope you're having a wonderful day filled with everything that you enjoy and love. Though since you're currently hosting my 6-year daughter I'm pretty sure there is little time to yourself and even smaller amounts of energy to expend. Stay strong - I'm coming to get her soon.

But seriously, there is no gift or card that I can even imagine presenting you with that could come close to expressing my love and admiration for you. You and Mom combined to model and teach me so many of the lessons that have molded me into the man that I have become. I hope to become that kind of parent with my own children.

The Stones Of Life

I know it's been awhile since my last post but the last month of summer is always a whirlwind of activity around our house as it is most households. Getting ready for school, savoring the last moments of unscheduled bliss, and just trying to escape the August heat absorbs most of our time and attention. So my wife and I were really looking forward to the long Labor Day Weekend to unwind. Of course, we all know how the story ends when you are planning some rest and relaxation . . .

Madea's Wisdom

"The person you will be ten years from now is largely determined by the friends you keep and the books you read today." Unknown

I think I'm in some real trouble. (Just kidding . . . )

My favorite books are anything by C.S. Lewis, the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks (except for the Knight Series, just can't dive into that series for some reason), the Artemis Fowl chronicles, (yes, I realize that most of the books listed above are for young adults but I'll bet you'd enjoy them too.) and all types of biographies, history, christian wisdom, and detective stories.

As for my choice of friends I feel I'm faring much better in this realm. I have friends that I can tell my darkest secrets and not feel judged or condemned. I am blessed that I have friends that if I needed them any time of the day or night I could call and they would make time for me. Friends that are know how to have fun but also run deep. I try to be this kind of friend to them also though I'm pretty sure that they far surpass me in these areas.