DISQUS

Fantastic! BTW, please change my blog title to Regula Vita instead of Hagiazo Psuche

I read gay blogs occasionally and I have been asked the same questions. Thanks for blogging on this. I also, as I'm sure many have seen, have a LGBT section on my own blog. I have a lot of LGBT readers locally, thus I use this area to comment on things that are happening in their life and filter it through the Christan world-view. It seems to work. ~ Amy

Oh, I did misread this. I'm so sorry! What a 'duh' moment. Thanks for the clarification.

Oh, I did misread this. I'm so sorry! What a 'duh' moment. Thanks for the clarification.

I may seem to be 'off' on this comment, but this is exactly why I believe that churches shouldn't 'picket' per se. I understand the guy was standing for a good, moral, and biblical cause, but really....I just don't see how this form of asserting our moral choices and beliefs is beneficial to those who are gay. This isn't a way to win them to Christ, that is for sure. We preach and teach that Christians should avoid the appearance of evil. I think on the flip side of that, if we are appearing evil (for example picketing looks like we hate homosexuals...as we know we don't, but they don't know that by our actions) then we need to find a better, more holy appearing way. I take this stand with others issues as well...abortion as another example.

I may seem to be 'off' on this comment, but this is exactly why I believe that churches shouldn't 'picket' per se. I understand the guy was standing for a good, moral, and biblical cause, but really....I just don't see how this form of asserting our moral choices and beliefs is beneficial to those who are gay. This isn't a way to win them to Christ, that is for sure. We preach and teach that Christians should avoid the appearance of evil. I think on the flip side of that, if we are appearing evil (for example picketing looks like we hate homosexuals...as we know we don't, but they don't know that by our actions) then we need to find a better, more holy appearing way. I take this stand with others issues as well...abortion as another example.

I guess we are both having some driving educational moments this week. I've never had a ticket in my life. I was stopped a few years ago because my lights on my car weren't working, and I was innocent...I had no clue. So that was strike one...no warning. Well, on Friday I got stopped for the second time in my life. This time I was guilty. I did a rolling stop...I've done them for years. Some stop signs are simply in the most crazy of places. I too got the whole, "Those two seconds could save or destroy or life". I got my first verbal warning as well. Happy driving!

I guess we are both having some driving educational moments this week. I've never had a ticket in my life. I was stopped a few years ago because my lights on my car weren't working, and I was innocent...I had no clue. So that was strike one...no warning. Well, on Friday I got stopped for the second time in my life. This time I was guilty. I did a rolling stop...I've done them for years. Some stop signs are simply in the most crazy of places. I too got the whole, "Those two seconds could save or destroy or life". I got my first verbal warning as well. Happy driving!

My list of 5 would be:


I'm grateful for friends who put up with me all the time.

For BBC Comedy Shows

For my parents

For soap

That God's love is unconditional in spite of my constant wavering. :)

My list of 5 would be:

I'm grateful for friends who put up with me all the time.
For BBC Comedy Shows
For my parents
For soap
That God's love is unconditional in spite of my constant wavering. :)

Well said about public policy. Thank you Randy.

Well said about public policy. Thank you Randy.

I sang Ray Boltz songs for years! This is truly a sad moment. But I believe that God can still lead Ray to a place of wholeness and will pray for him earnestly. I also know his son and we must pray for him as well. Many of us know what this kind of news can do to a family. Randy, I haven't heard the interview...but remember there is never a bad interview...just difficult ones. This, I'm certain, was difficult because as you have already said, and many of us agree, it was a sad moment. Let's continue to pray for Ray and his family. God can still use him and his work.

I sang Ray Boltz songs for years! This is truly a sad moment. But I believe that God can still lead Ray to a place of wholeness and will pray for him earnestly. I also know his son and we must pray for him as well. Many of us know what this kind of news can do to a family. Randy, I haven't heard the interview...but remember there is never a bad interview...just difficult ones. This, I'm certain, was difficult because as you have already said, and many of us agree, it was a sad moment. Let's continue to pray for Ray and his family. God can still use him and his work.

I want a piece of your art..........have any for sale?

I want a piece of your art..........have any for sale?

Na, that would be too simple. he he. While I'm here...I just thought that I would express how happy I am that I am living in the 'north' of our grand country. Forget the sackcloth and ashes my friends....you need a fish suit!

Na, that would be too simple. he he. While I'm here...I just thought that I would express how happy I am that I am living in the 'north' of our grand country. Forget the sackcloth and ashes my friends....you need a fish suit!

Oh, I didn't take your comments as a 'bad' challenge. You made me have to stop an think, 'Am I over using illustrations of gay-identified individuals or situations simply because I am passionate about it?" That was a good challenge for me to think about. I welcome that. Thank you.

Oh, I didn't take your comments as a 'bad' challenge. You made me have to stop an think, 'Am I over using illustrations of gay-identified individuals or situations simply because I am passionate about it?" That was a good challenge for me to think about. I welcome that. Thank you.

Oh, absolutely, however in a lot of my preaching and teaching, it is by necessity at times to use those who are gay-identified. I live and serve as pastor in a very hostile environment toward homosexuals. The goal, many times but of course not all, is to show that homosexuality is as 'normal' as any other sin. Many in the community that I serve watch or have friends who are gay identified. It is only natural to teach based on what is in their life. And yes, I share at times about my own issues, but must be very careful in doing so...I'd lose my job. That is also why I write these entries under a pseudo name, and a very long one at that. We are acquainted via our blogging and the Exodus Conference and I am no stranger to homosexuality, the agenda, and questions that even started this conversation. Thanks for the challenge however. It is important that I use other 'sin examples' in my preaching and teach.

I've actually used Ellen as a sermon illustration. As Christians we can be funny, great, giving, work for great causes, love and love and love, support others, and lead by example....all things I believe Ellen does well. However, as with Ellen (and other people and characters) at times we have one BIG issues that puts a gulf between us and the Christ-like behavior God wants from us. Often Satan uses just one BIG ISSUE (of course will smaller, lingering sins) to prevent us from being God's best. I think that is why I pray so much for Ellen and Portia and all my gay acquaintances....I want God's best for them.

Oh, absolutely, however in a lot of my preaching and teaching, it is by necessity at times to use those who are gay-identified. I live and serve as pastor in a very hostile environment toward homosexuals. The goal, many times but of course not all, is to show that homosexuality is as 'normal' as any other sin. Many in the community that I serve watch or have friends who are gay identified. It is only natural to teach based on what is in their life. And yes, I share at times about my own issues, but must be very careful in doing so...I'd lose my job. That is also why I write these entries under a pseudo name, and a very long one at that. We are acquainted via our blogging and the Exodus Conference and I am no stranger to homosexuality, the agenda, and questions that even started this conversation. Thanks for the challenge however. It is important that I use other 'sin examples' in my preaching and teach.

I've actually used Ellen as a sermon illustration. As Christians we can be funny, great, giving, work for great causes, love and love and love, support others, and lead by example....all things I believe Ellen does well. However, as with Ellen (and other people and characters) at times we have one BIG issues that puts a gulf between us and the Christ-like behavior God wants from us. Often Satan uses just one BIG ISSUE (of course will smaller, lingering sins) to prevent us from being God's best. I think that is why I pray so much for Ellen and Portia and all my gay acquaintances....I want God's best for them.

Okay I can't help but confess in this little conversation that I watch Ellen's talk show on occasions. I pray for her regularly as well. She may very well be the most influential lesbian in the world. Why? She is 'normal' (for the most part). She comes across most of the time as non-militant and normal, therefore helping the idea that this lifestyle is normal and okay. I may be absolutely crazy, but I can't wait until she has a change in her life! It may very well come at the end of her now 'marraige' to Portia. I guess my point is, HGTV, Ellen, or any other shows with gay couples or characters on them personally just give me another opportunity to pray. I am guarded and feel this may not be for everyone. But again, who is praying for her? We need to pray more and stop boycotting. Don't know how much of this relates, but it struck a chord. Have a great day!