The silly "needs" game.

So you go to Google, type in your first name and the word "needs" and see what comes up. In no particular order...

1. Michael needs fiber! (no comment)
2. Michael needs you. (for what?)
3. Michael needs work. (maybe LESS work?)
4. "Michael, I feel, needs to become a Muslim" (there are no words)
5. Michael needs a date. (with my WIFE!)
6. Michael needs a van. (got one)
7. Michael needs dependable adults in his life. (uh... besides my wife, that is!)
8. Michael needs the Lord Jesus Christ of the King James Bible. (and NO other!!!)
9. Michael needs help. (yes, he does...)
10. Michael needs a whuppin'.

Christianity is challenging

How's that for profound?

It can be so challenging to see how Christians argue with each other over so many issues & questions. Some are important, some are important only to some. Scriptural interpretation drives many of the arguments. Folks use proof texts to refute proof texts. And those we are called to reach watch to see something they want no part of. In trying to define/refine the cause of Christ we kill it.

I guess this is just how it's going to be. It has been for most of the 2000 years since Jesus left.

So often, it seems, we try to work from a position of knowledge rather than a position of faith. And we get confused. Am I to be humble or bold? Am I a servant or a leader? Our interpretations of scripture end up wrestling with a lot of false dichotomies.

So often we pray for "clarity" but I never see Jesus asking for clarity. A lot of his teachings are SERIOUSLY LACKING in the clarity department.

Lord, grant us your Spirit to lead, and grant us a deep awareness of our need to follow.

End of the school year crush

Sorry for the extended "break" folks. It's the end-of-school-year crush. But my education continues. In fact, I leave in just a few minutes for my monthly class in Raleigh. I will miss one of the big end-of-year events, this one for Master's Academy. I don't like missing these things, but this year is the exception, rather than the rule, for me. I am so thankful for my wife's understanding regarding this education opportunity in which I am participating. I thank her for her trust and support.

Although it truly is a "Hallmark Holiday," I want to publicly wish my beloved wife a "Happy Mother's Day!" She is all I need and all I want in a wife, partner, lover, and friend. I am blessed!