DISQUS

I got stuck at one of those prayer meetings ALL NIGHT one night in college. It was two hours away from home, and I of course was not driving. They were doing some special dance with the shawls and entrancing music in the background. I spent the whole night praying I could go home! The people I went with thought I was demon oppressed because I thought the whole thing was insane.

Awesome new logo! How is everyone feeling about all the changes at the church? I know that can be hard sometimes.

Is that your brother Joseph's design company? Very good work!

**Bzzzzt** (brain short-circuiting) I think it's all much simpler than we make it. (Or *I* am much more simple that that)

The words never speak of individuals being pre-destined. I believe this passage speaks of *Mankind* being pre-destined to be in an unfettered relationship with God.

There is a tandem work of God's Spirit guiding us into faith, and the response of our will to accept it. But the actual "work" of Salvation was accomplished by Jesus alone, obviously. God can use any means necessary to accomplish His will, however, "it is not meant that any should perish."

Along with pre-destination comes God's "foreknowledge." Even though He has predestined all of mankind to be adopted as sons, he also knows who has the will to accept Him.

Chip: "Also, I wonder if you brought up the whole “box” thing because you’re surrounded by boxes full of all your stuff" LOL!! How true!

I am very resistant to change, and each time I've had to make a drastic change, God has had to make me VERY uncomfortable where I am! I am in the midst of a big change with one of the ministries I'm involved in. It's a great change, but God had to really make me squirm in the existing situation.

I hope you guys get settled in smoothly.

Amen, Heather! I am dealing with the pride issue right now, too. Namely, thinking my actions have anything to do with God's grace or His love toward me. When I try to worship Jesus in my own strength with things I think I should do, then I cease to actually worship HIM! I'm actually worshiping my own actions. Does that make sense?

I keep coming back to Paul's statement to the Corinthians:

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Cor. 2:2

Terry, Well-stated!

"What is not in doubt is that the church (the body of Christ) will be built and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."

Hallellujah!!!!

I just found this post again via Tommy's new comment. I read Terry's comment, and it made me think. I'm not sure the purpose of the church is to change the culture around us. Anyway, it might be a good topic for a post.

You are clearly a Suppressive Person, and I must disassociate myself from you...

"Only the first wave he's unleashed??????" The next one should be pretty entertaining, then, eh?

Did you mean to put "maintaining intimacy" and "short quickie" in the same paragraph, or was that a Freudian slip?

(I couldn't resist)

Do y'all remember when we were in college, and a friend (who shall remain un-named)used to sing that song at the top of his lungs in the student union? Then, he would start doing the charismatic "chicken dance."

It is so hard to communicate that true fulfillment can only come in Jesus. Especially in the US, where we can have every comfort. I felt torn this Christmas. I felt guilty for the sheer amount of stuff the kids received (although most of it came from other family members) but also, I wanted to revel in their joy and lavishly give them all their heart desires.

Anyway, great article...Reverend Cotten

This is so "Inspiring," Heather. Really. I have to bounce everything off of Judd, because I do not have a filter when it comes to taking on new things. I fill my life with "good" things and sometimes miss out on the "God" things.

Great video. HL Menken once said, "Freedom of Press is limited to those who own one." Now everyone can own one!

Congrats! That is wonderful news.

Thanks for the free music links. And - very cool Christmas design.

He is very talented. I'm amazed at his guitar skills. I could listen to this in my car while I'm driving it through his vibrato, though. Just kidding, I think he would be great to see at an intimate coffee shop concert.

His songwriting reminds me of Carey Rowland.

Ooooh, this look so yummy! I've never thought of getting a rotisserie chicken for stuff like this. Great idea. They are usually marked down after 6 PM, too!

The canned chicken is actually my favorite for chicken salad.

Is she serious?

Ha! Ded! It was a Santa Claus zealot! I have one in my family who was OUTRAGED that we told our kids the truth about Santa.

Hey, guys! We had fried turkey yesterday, too! Yumm!!

Wow! I hope y'all have so much fun! I love the descriptions of the kids reactions! I can just see thier faces.

BTW, that must be SOME BIG house!!

I seem to remember some stories of Ben's childhood. Hmmm...

Heather, this is a great point, and wonderfully written. There is a good book called "Parenting with Love and Logic" about teaching your child to learn from natural consequences. And instead of protecting them from every little thing, teaching them how to respond to difficult situations. Here. here.

It sounds like that vacuum cleaner may be a good subject for "My Least Favorite Things" on my blog!