Tagged

I can't believe that I'm playing tag at my age! Thanks alot Mike! But if we're crazy enough to let people into our minds through a blog, why not tag? Here's the rules, I'm told I have to display them up front:


The rules are simple: Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.


Here's my boring idiosyncrises (Now I have to think, and admit this publicly!)

1. FACT: I was a geek before the word existed. (no, that does not say world!)
2. FACT: I enjoy board games, and have my entire life. I don't care if I win (though Pete would argue that point in regard to Monopoly, but he's a sore loser.)
3. FACT: I've lived in three cities, worked in two others, and moved sixteen times in my life (that I remember). According to those stats, I should be ready to move again this year.......NOT!
4. FACT: I enjoy the TV show "Monk." I think it's because it lets me know I could be way worse than I am!
5. HABIT: I'm a huge CSI fan - yes, all three of the series.
6. HABIT: I can't sit still long enough to watch an entire movie. It takes me roughly 3 times of watching it to get the whole thing. That's one reason I tend to do puzzles or crafty things - to keep me sitting still.
7. HABIT: I go to sleep watching TV... it gives my brain a chance to shut down. It's old sitcoms or the news that work best.
8. MOST BORING FACT: I'm way too detail oriented.

Now, on to those of you unfortunate enough to get "tagged:" Tara, Lisa, Jamie, and lastly Mike, sorry but there were no rules about tag-backs!

Cafeteria Christianity

I was watching the 20/20 segment on hell the other night. I was most amazed at the preacher who was surprised his congregation dropped from 6,000 to 300 when he abandoned hell. He sounded like he truly believes he had this epiphany about hell being on earth, changed his core belief, and was surprised others didn’t follow him.

In a recent conversation with a friend, we started talking about how people in general like to pick and choose what they want to follow in the Bible. We may put it under the guise of our “gifts” or our “calling.” But in reality there are some things that are for everyone.

Let’s start with salvation. If we believe that everyone needs it, what do they need to be saved from? If hell is on earth, and there is no escape from that other than death, and suicide is wrong, what exactly do we need to be saved from?

Ok, let’s say we agree on the salvation thing. What about the “going” thing mentioned in Matthew 28, also known as the Great Commission. I know, I know, Jesus was talking to the disciples, but do you honestly believe He meant only preachers are supposed to share the Gospel and teach? An interesting comment from the 20/20 segment was that if someone really believes in hell, they’d be motivated to share that belief with everyone...to make sure no one went there.

I accept that I’m not convincing everyone reading this that we are all called to “go,” but I am constantly amused at the attitude that children need church and to learn the Ten Commandments, etc. Why would adults no longer need church? Or better yet, why does God not need our worship during the summer months, or vacation, or holidays? Sounds like our faith is more convenient for us than consistent for God.

Yep, it sounds to me like we want to pick and choose what parts of the Bible we believe, which ‘rules’ we want to keep, and how much we’re willing to do. Sounds like we’re living our faith cafeteria style. The interesting thing is that the price was the same for each of us, no matter how much of it we want. Why not experience the entire meal!

Memory Erasers?!

My sister-in-law, Janet, hit the nail on the head. For years I have said that our hardhips, adversities, and trials in life are what make us who we are; give us our character. Sometimes it is the past pain that gives us compassion, or determination, or strength. Some of my best memories are the love and strength I felt from others, including God, during tough times. To even suggest a pill that would erase anything unpleasant is insane! Thanks Janet, for that post!