tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163182882024-03-23T13:18:16.998-05:00Musings of a Missional MadmanThoughts on Faith, Family, Theology, and the Kitchen SinkUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger604125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-84876240252329997312010-06-02T19:20:00.000-05:002010-06-02T19:20:46.679-05:00New Blog Location<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've decided to start blogging at a different web address. If you subscribe to this blog via email or Google reader, be sure to subscribe to my new blog: </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.emashley.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">www.emashley.wordpress.com</a></span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-55977679778773628252010-05-29T07:23:00.007-05:002010-05-29T09:19:11.878-05:00Are You a Leader?<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I guess the answer to that question depends a lot on how you DEFINE and ENVISION leadership. For some people, leaders are only people who run huge companies or who have fancy titles. But I don't think that we should limit the title of leader to those people. We shouldn't define leadership in such a narrow way. I like how Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges define leadership in their book, <i>Lead Like Jesus</i>: </span></div><blockquote style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leadership is a process of influence. Anytime you seek to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of people in their personal or professional lives, you are taking on the role of a leader.</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Actually, all of us exercise leadership in some way. <b>It really isn't a question about IF YOU LEAD; rather it's a question about WHO YOU LEAD and HOW YOU LEAD</b>.<b> </b>Since God has given you a sphere of influence--even if it is a small sphere--that makes you a leader. Seek to use your influence for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-83410422051147753112010-05-10T13:14:00.003-05:002010-05-29T09:19:39.513-05:00End of the Semester Break<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, my month-long hiatus from blogging is nearing it's end. I'm in my exam week at seminary. I still have a couple of papers to finish and one exam left to take. I certainly have a lot of thoughts to share--thoughts that have been gathering over this busy last month. Grace and peace.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-30871465621107564082010-04-06T09:37:00.006-05:002010-05-29T09:20:21.386-05:00Buy My Home<a href="http://infotube.net/images/listedhomes/237400_1d.jpg?id=119459959" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://infotube.net/images/listedhomes/237400_1d.jpg?id=119459959" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 209px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 278px;" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This summer our family will be moving to Newport News, VA in order to plant a new church. So, we need to sell our home. There are a number of ways that you could help us in this process:<br />
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1) Buy my home. This would be great for two reasons. We would sell our home and you would get an great home in a great neighborhood. It's a win-win situation.<br />
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2) Tell other people about our home. Maybe you know a friend, family member, or co-worker who is looking for a great house in Anderson, SC. <br />
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3) Pray for our home to sell. We are confident that the Lord will make it possible for us to move to Newport News. Ask the Lord to bring the right buyers to us.<br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-60007084296306992522010-04-02T21:29:00.004-05:002010-05-29T09:20:43.020-05:00Coming Soon<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the last week I've been in Virginia doing a number of things: visiting family, preaching, meeting with church planters, hanging out with my church planting team, meeting new people, etc. This has been such an encouraging time and I look forward to sharing more about what God's been doing.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-56793106657660563142010-03-18T11:20:00.004-05:002010-05-29T09:21:03.008-05:00A Proper Trust<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 27:10, ESV).</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 20 is a Psalm about trust. As the King faces trouble—likely an upcoming war with another nation—the question that confronts him (and us) is, </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">“where should I place my hope, confidence, and trust?”</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Of course, David recognizes that there are various options—he could place his hope in chariots and horses (i.e. his own abilities, possessions, etc.) or he could place his hope in the LORD. Of course, David’s confidence and trust is with the LORD, but this isn’t true for everyone. When faced with the choice between trusting God or trusting something else, we often turn away from God and turn to other things.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many of the armies of the surrounding nations placed their hope of victory in the fact that they were armed and skilled in war. In Judges 4 we are told that when Sisera came against Israel he was armed with 900 chariots of iron. In 2 Kings 19, Sennacherib king of Assyria, boasted of his previous victories saying:</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done in all the lands, devoting them to destruction….Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah? </span></blockquote><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These kings placed their hope in themselves—their chariots, their victories, their abilities. Do you ever find yourself living like these kings by placing your hope and trust in yourself or in some source besides the LORD?</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">When it comes to your financial stability, where do you place your trust?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Is your boast in the fact that you are a highly skilled worker? Is your confidence in the fact that you have a large savings account? Some trust in skills, and some in savings. </span><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">When it comes to your standing before the LORD, where do you place your trust?</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Is your boast in the fact that you do a lot of good deeds? Is your confidence in the fact that you don’t look like “all those sinners”? Some trust in works, and some in appearances.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m sure that we could think of many other examples of times when we are tempted to place our trust in sources other than the LORD. Yet, as David reminds us, a proper trust in found only in the LORD:</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are a few things that we should notice about this verse. </span><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">First, to trust in the name of the LORD our God means that we must not place confidence in any other source.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> There is no neutrality here. Either we will be fully devoted to trusting God or we will be devoted to placing our confidence elsewhere. </span><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">Second, notice that this trust is founded on a relationship.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> David says that “we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” In reality, without a relationship with God, we will continue to trust in chariots and horses. But if we know God—His character, His words, His deeds—then we will desire to trust Him.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let’s return back to two stories that we reference earlier in order to see some examples of those who placed their trust in the LORD. In Judges 4, although Sisera had placed his trust in his 900 chariots of iron, Deborah and Barak’s confidence was in the LORD:</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the LORD go out before you?</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Likewise, 2 Kings 19, although Sennacharib’s trust was in his past victories, Hezekiah demonstrated that his trust was in the LORD:</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O LORD, are God alone.</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like others who have walked in faith and trust, God desires for you and I to wholeheartedly trust in Him. But, what does it look like when we place our hope in the LORD? How should this play out in our daily lives? Let’s return to the examples we mentioned earlier.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">When it comes to financial stability, some trust in skills, and others in savings but we should trust in the God who promises to provide.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Consider Philippians 4:19:</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic;">When it comes to our standing before God, some trust in works, and some in appearances, but we should trust in the God who accomplished our salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Consider Ephesians 2:4-5:</span></div><blockquote style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The issue of who we will trust is a question that you and I will face on a regular basis. Sometimes this question will arise in the midst of huge events/crisis, but it will also be present during the mundane moments of life. And when we are faced with the choice of trusting in God or something else, let us chose to place our trust in the name of the LORD our God.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-59286521642775757312010-02-16T22:56:00.001-05:002010-02-16T22:57:48.953-05:00The Hard Work of Building Relationships<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CEric%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CEric%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CEric%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> 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5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Being around parents and their young children is an interesting thing--especially when a child is first learning to talk. To the outside observer, the child's talk is utter nonsense; yet, somehow the parent seems to understand. The child says, "Baa la mi" (or some other combination of grunts, beeps, or clicks) and the parent gives the child a cup of milk. Amy and I have experienced this with all of our children. We have listened and observed our children for long enough to be able to understand what they are seeking to communicate, even when others have no idea what they said. The ability to understand our children did not happen overnight. It takes time and effort. Other relationships are not much different. If we are really going to get to know others, then it is going to take time and effort. Deep relationships don't happen overnight. They are cultivated over time. Relationships are hard work, but they are well worth the effort. The importance of relationships really comes into focus when we consider what the Bible has to say about relating to one another:
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15:5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Instruct one another – Romans 15:14<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Care for one another – 1 Corinthians 12:25<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Comfort one another – 2 Corinthians 13:11<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Serve one another – Galatians 5:13<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Be kind to one another – Ephesians 4:32<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Forgive one another – Ephesians 4:32<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Address one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs – Ephesians 5:19<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Submit to one another – Ephesians 5:21<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Be truthful to one another – Colossians 3:9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Teach and Admonish one another – Colossians 3:16<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Encourage one another – 1 Thessalonians 4:18<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Build up one another – 1 Thessalonians 5:11<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Do good to one another – 1 Thessalonians 5:15<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Exhort one another – Hebrews 3:13<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Consider how to stir up one another – Hebrews 10:24<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Confess sins to one another – James 5:16<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Pray for one another – James 5:16<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Show hospitality to one another – 1 Peter 4:9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <u5:p></u5:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Be humble toward one another – 1 Peter 5:5<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">So, commit yourself to doing the hard work of building relationships. In case you're wondering where to start, I'll leave you with three thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">First</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">, remember that the most important relationship is a relationship with Jesus. Without a proper relationship with Him, all of your other relationships will never be right. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Second</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">, build relationships in the context of the local church. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Third</span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">, meet and build relationships with those who have yet to have faith in Jesus. The Lord can use you to help them find the relationship that they need most desperately. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-37252154408581419272010-02-04T10:38:00.001-05:002010-02-04T10:38:18.739-05:00Attractional Church vs. Missional Church<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/arxfLK_sd68' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/arxfLK_sd68'/></object></p><p>Watch this video and then think through the following questions:<br /><br />What are the benefits and drawbacks of the "attractional" approach?<br /><br />What are the benefits and drawbacks of the "missional" church?<br /><br />Can these approaches be integrated or are they totally opposed to one another? Why?<br /><br />The comment section is waiting for you...</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-74777277834482484182010-02-04T09:10:00.002-05:002010-02-04T10:25:28.594-05:00Informed Quoters or Informed Readers?<span style="font-size:85%;">In his article, "<a href="http://www.modernreformation.org/default.php?page=articledisplay&var1=ArtRead&var2=1110&var3=main&var4=Home">The Problem of Evangelical Biblical Illiteracy</a>" David R. Nienhuis expresses his concern regarding Biblical illiteracy among those who claim to hold the Bible in high regard. In his opinion, knowing a few isolated Bible verses or being able to answer trivia questions should not be the goal of Christian education. He writes:<br /><blockquote>Knowing that Jesus was born in Bethlehem will not in and of itself empower them to speak the language of faith. Satan's use of Scripture in tempting Jesus is clear indication that a merely <em>cognitive</em> level of biblical literacy does not automatically result in the formation of a Christian character. To make a real difference in people's lives, biblical literacy programs will have to do more than simply encourage believers to memorize a select set of Bible verses. They will have to teach people to speak the language of faith...Biblical literacy programs need to do more than produce <em>informed quoters</em>. They need to produce <em>transformed readers</em>.<br /></blockquote>I believe that Nienhuis is correct. While I believe that Bible memorization is a good part of educating believers, it does not exhaust the task. Here are a couple of suggestions for helping people become transformed readers of Scripture.<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Teach the Bible as a Story</span> - From beginning to end, the Bible tells one grand story. The plot-line of the Bible moves from Creation to Fall to Redemption to Consummation. We must relate the many stories found within Scripture to the one, unified Story. In other words, we must not treat the Bible as a collection of unrelated stories; every story is part of the drama of redemption. (Recommended Resource: <a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/4719/nm/The+Jesus+Storybook+Bible%3A+Every+Story+Whispers+His+Name+%28Hardcover%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">The Jesus Storybook Bible</a>)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ask the "So What?" Question</span> - The goal of reading Scripture is not simply to make us more informed or knowledgeable. Facts are good, but they are not enough--even the demons believe certain facts about God (James 2:19). The things that we learn in the Bible regarding God, ourselves, and the world should lead us to action. For example, the proper response of the one who learns of his or her sinful condition and of Jesus' death and resurrection, is faith and repentance. Every time we read Scripture we should ask the "So what?" question -- "So, what should my response be to what God has revealed to me in His Word?"</span><br /></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-13501496838104209142010-02-02T14:44:00.003-05:002010-02-02T15:06:48.293-05:00Ordinary Events, Extraordinary Opportunity<span style="font-size:85%;">Has it ever crossed your mind that God may be working through the ordinary events of your life in order to give you the extraordinary opportunity to tell others about Jesus? In other words, keep your eyes and ears open as you interact with people on a daily basis. Your seemingly common conversations with a waitress, a friend, a family member, a co-worker, or a cashier may be a prime opportunity to sharing the good news of Jesus.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-15047258096758926902010-01-30T10:02:00.003-05:002010-01-30T10:26:39.804-05:00Worship Services for Pets? Really?<span style="font-size:85%;">The final project for my Church Planting and Renewal class involved doing research for a church plant proposal. My proposal focused on Newport News, VA. As part of the project, we had to learn about churches that were already present in our target area. While looking on one church website I came across something quite surprising (and sad). Under their "worship services" section of their website, I found a "Blessing of the Animals" service. This is how the website described the service:<br /><blockquote>More than 70 dogs and cats attended the service (also one turtle and one bird), accompanied by their human families. Held outside, the animals gathered together, surprisingly well-behaved, to hear guitar music in their honor, and a message by our pastors. Bill and Eleanor then blessed each animal individually. </blockquote><em></em>Wow. I love animals--I have one cat and two dogs. But I do not think that this type of "worship" service has any place within a Christian ministry setting. What has happened to true, biblical, gospel-centered worship? Do animals really need to have music and messages in their honor? I think not. Let me know what you think. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-72722624519041767692010-01-25T08:56:00.000-05:002010-01-25T09:03:04.316-05:00Drinking from a Fire Hose, Week 2<span style="font-size:85%;">Well, it's time for my second week-long seminary course. Last week I took Church Planting and Renewal (which was great). This week I'll be in Systematic Theology III. These classes require pre-class readings and papers, as well as post-class readings and projects. Modular classes are like drinking from fire hose - lots of information in a short time. Hopefully I'll be able to share some insights that I've taken from these class in the coming weeks.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-70093627414002717082010-01-13T08:38:00.003-05:002010-01-13T08:50:35.275-05:00Earthquake in Haiti<span style="font-size:85%;">As most of you have heard by now, Haiti was hit by a massive 7.0 earthquake yesterday. In the Lord's providence, a mission team from Erskine college and seminary is in Haiti at this time. We have not heard from them yet. Please pray for them. While it is certainly good for us to pray for their safety during this time, we must not stop there. The Lord has strategically placed them in a time and place where they can be ministers of light and hope. My wife spent some time in Haiti when she was in high school, and she can testify to the spiritual darkness that fills that place (voodoo, witch doctors, etc.). Pray for the salvation of many. Our prayers go out to the people of Haiti. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-82223509681616763302010-01-05T10:25:00.007-05:002010-01-05T11:13:34.020-05:00We both saw it for the first time.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqdK1em15iXt8hjmefyoRUTS-zBWlZt0qOdvl6Gri8jjYosCn70Yn-VH5Pc93KJtdgvMg0SBx09saxgg4QCQRVHs-RAbzXCEOtC7Wcpy3y8uEP0PVxd1_2VY71kgO8Eu4zYtZ/s1600-h/Youth+covering+eyes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqdK1em15iXt8hjmefyoRUTS-zBWlZt0qOdvl6Gri8jjYosCn70Yn-VH5Pc93KJtdgvMg0SBx09saxgg4QCQRVHs-RAbzXCEOtC7Wcpy3y8uEP0PVxd1_2VY71kgO8Eu4zYtZ/s320/Youth+covering+eyes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423289143758981074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I remember the first time that I saw it. I was spending the night at a friend's house. His parents were asleep, and we were up late watching satellite tv--the old, huge satellite system that took up a substantial portion of your yard. With the old satellites you had to wait for them to search out new channels. My friend and I were hoping to find some cartoons, but we got more than we were hoping for. When the satellite finally found some new stations, we both saw it for the first time: porn. At the time we didn't know what to call it. I remember feeling confused and disturbed. We immediately changed the channel and pretended that we didn't see anything. But that image stuck with me.<br /><br />I'm sure that many people can relate to this story. Maybe you came upon it accidentally as I did. Or maybe an older brother or friend showed it to you. Or maybe you searched it out. Maybe it disgusted you too. Yet, somewhere along the way, maybe confusion turned to curiosity. Maybe disgust turned to delight. Maybe that first view led you into a web of lust. You certainly would not the first person this happened to.<br /><br />Sadly, so many men and women (both Christian and non-Christian) battle with addictions to pornography. The sin of lust has consummed so many. It can quickly become your god, your idol. This is exactly what our enemy, Satan, would want. He seeks to take what is good--the God-given gift of sex between husband and wife--and distort and twist it. He wants men and women to worship the gift instead of the Giver. But Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).<br /><br />Below, I've placed some links to a few free online resources (E-Books) that you can download and read. These two resources--one for single guys and one for married guys--are excellent. They are written by Tim Challies (www.challies.com). The table of contents contains these chapters:<br /><br />Introduction<br />Pornifying the Marriage Bed<br />Breaking Free<br />A Theology of Sex<br />Self-Centered Sex<br />Detoxification<br />Freedom<br />Recommended Resources<br /><br />In addition, these guides included some very helpful discussion/study questions at the end of each section<br /><br /><a href="http://www.challies.com/media/Sexual_Detox_-_A_Guide_for_the_Single_Guy.pdf">Sexual Detox - A Guide for the Single Guy</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.challies.com/media/Sexual_Detox_-_A_Guide_for_the_Married_Guy.pdf">Sexual Detox - A Guide for the Married Guy</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-32911066446213462982010-01-04T19:48:00.005-05:002010-01-04T20:09:47.289-05:00From Pastor to Creative Communal Coordinator<span style="font-size:85%;">Being called a "pastor" is so 2009. Goodbye "Senior Pastor" and hello "Creative Communal Coordinator." It's 2010 people, so get in the game! Thankfully, if you are not artsy or cool enough to think of a hipper title on your own, <a href="http://theresurgence.com/pastor">Mark Driscoll has compiled a helpful chart</a>. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Make the change today! (I'm having way too much fun with this.) Here are a few of my combos:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Heartfelt Soul Conductor</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Master Motivational Manager</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Imaginative Happiness Honcho</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Well, now it's your turn. Place a few of your favorite combos in the comment section.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-53300609697997922072009-12-31T12:04:00.003-05:002009-12-31T12:34:12.479-05:002009 Reading Reflections<span style="font-size:85%;">Well, 2009 is almost over so I thought that I'd post my readings for the year. As usual, some books were better than others. I read some of these books because they were requirements for seminary, while I read other for different reasons. I'm happy to say that a few fiction works finally made their way into my reading list. I really do love to read fiction, but I usually don't have time to fit them in with all of the non-fiction that I have to read. I hope that during 2010 I'll be able to keep this trend going. I'd like to finish the Harry Potter series, and then find another fantasy series to jump into. (Recommendations anyone?)<br /><br />Of the books that I read, here are a few that I really enjoyed:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Salvation Belongs to Our God</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> by Christopher J.H. Wright</span> - In this book, Wright begins with the end; meaning, he takes us to the book of Revelation where we see the vision of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered and worshiping Go. Then Wright shows how God's "global vision" is everywhere throughout the OT and NT. (And in turn, our vision and mission must likewise be to see God's kingdom spread globally.) He also helps us to have a deeper understanding of "salvation language" as we read the Scripture.<br /></span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Samson and the Pirate Monks</span> by Nate Larkin</span> - This autobiographical book about Larkin's struggle with sin (i.e. sexual sin in particular) was interesting, humorous, gritty, and honest. Every man should read this book. Larkin reminds us of the vital role that Christian community plays in each of our lives as we seek to live for Jesus.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ministires of Mercy</span> by Timothy Keller</span> - In this book, Keller helps to remind us that showing mercy is the responsibility of every believer, every church. It is not optional. Keller helps to answer questions that always seem to arise as we talk about helping the poor and needy: Is it proper to distinguish between the "deserving" and "undeserving" poor? What is the relationship between word and deed, evangelism and mercy?<br /></span> </li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Here's the complete list of book readings for the year:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/230/nm/Ministries+of+Mercy+%282nd+Edition%29+%28Paperback%29">36. Ministries of Mercy by Timothy Keller</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Got-Bible-Neil-Lightfoot/dp/080101252X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259698866&sr=1-1">35. How We Got the Bible by Neil R. Lightfoot</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Chamber-Secrets-Book/dp/0439064872/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259698956&sr=1-1">34. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lovers-Quarrel-Evangelical-Church/dp/1606570285/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262278847&sr=8-1">33. A Lover's Quarrel with the Evangelical Church by Warren Cole Smith</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Worship-Theology-Practice-Third/dp/0805440674/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259698711&sr=8-1">32. Christian Worship by Segler and Bradley</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/5999/nm/The+Erosion+of+Inerrancy+in+Evangelicalism%3A+Responding+to+New+Challenges+to+Biblical+Authority+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&_medium=blogpartners">31. The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism by G.K. Beale</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Preaching-Biblically-MacArthur-Pastors-Library/dp/1418500046/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255582752&sr=8-1">30. Preaching by John MacArthur</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/4540/nm/On+Being+Presbyterian%3A+Our+Beliefs%2C+Practices%2C+and+Stories?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">29. On Being Presbyterian by Sean Michael Lucas</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Education-That-Christian-Lois-Lebar/dp/1564767493/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251301614&sr=8-1">28. Education That Is Christian by Lois E. LeBar</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/5076/nm/Revelation+and+Reason%3A+New+Essays+in+Reformed+Apologetics+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">27. Revelation and Reason by K. Scott Oliphint and Lane G. Tipton</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christians-Romans-Saw-Them/dp/0300098391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1250008379&sr=8-1">26. The Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Louis Wilken</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/4212/nm/Humility%3A+True+Greatness+%28Hardcover%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">25. Humility by C.J. Mahaney</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Word-Walter-Brueggemann/dp/080061626X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248489185&sr=8-1">24. The Creative Word by Walter Brueggemann</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Apologetics-Postmodern-Timothy-Phillips/dp/083081860X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247579508&sr=8-1">23. Christian Apologetics in a Postmodern World by Timothy R. Phillips and Dennis L. Okholm</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/1501/nm/Mere+Christianity%2C+Paperback?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">22. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paul-First-Century-Letter-Writing-Secretaries/dp/0830827889/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246017282&sr=8-1">21. Paul and First-Century Letter Writing by E. Randolph Richards</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.americanvision.com/meatytalesebook.aspx">20. Meaty Tales by Gary DeMar</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1921202912/ref=s9_sims_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0ZJR125K5PJJ8MXK2MTC&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">19. ReJesus by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Intellectuals-Dont-Other-Modern-Myths/dp/0310590914/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244884061&sr=8-1">18. Intellectuals Don't Need God & Other Modern Myths by Alister E. McGrath</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/315/nm/Word+of+God+and+the+Mind+of+Man?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">17. The Word of God and the Mind of Man by Ronald H. Nash</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/285/nm/Apologetics+to+the+Glory+of+God%3A+An+Introduction?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">16. Apologetics to the Glory of God by John Frame</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/6158/nm/Why+Johnny+Can%27t+Preach%3A+The+Media+Have+Shaped+the+Messengers+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">15. Why Johnny Can't Preach by T. David Gordon</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/6031/nm/Is+Christianity+Good+for+the+World%3F+%28Hardcover%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">14. Is Christianity Good for the World? by Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/5589/nm/Reading+the+Bible+and+Praying+in+Public+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">13. Reading the Bible and Praying in Public by Stuart Olyott</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/5762/nm/The+Prodigal+God%3A+Recovering+the+Heart+of+the+Christian+Faith+%28Hardcover%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">12. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/4045/nm/Inspiration+and+Incarnation%3A+Evangelicals+and+the+Problem+of+the+Old+Testament+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">11. Inspiration and Incarnation by Peter Enns</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Counsel-Ministers-Donald-Capps/dp/082721247X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237579420&sr=1-1">10. Giving Counsel by Donald Capps</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Pirate-Monks-Authentic-Brotherhood/dp/0849914590/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237579381&sr=8-1">9. Samson and the Pirate Monks by Nate Larkin</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/11/nm/Seeing+with+New+Eyes%3A+Counseling+and+the+Human+Condition+through+the+Lens+of+Scripture+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">8. Seeing with New Eyes by David Powlison</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/5666/nm/What+Is+Providence%3F+%28Basics+of+the+Reformed+Faith%29+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">7. What is Providence? by Derek W.H. Thomas</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/4708/nm/An+Old+Testament+Theology%3A+A+Canonical+and+Thematic+Approach+%28Hardcover%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">6. An Old Testament Theology by Bruce Waltke</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/5570/nm/Salvation+Belongs+to+Our+God%3A+Celebrating+the+Bible%27s+Central+Story+%28Christian+Doctrine+in+Global+Perspective%29+%28Paperback%29?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">5. Salvation Belongs to Our God by Christopher J.H. Wright</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/2542/nm/God+of+Promise+and+the+Life+of+Faith%3A+Understanding+the+Heart+of+the+Bible?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">4. The God of Promise and the Life of Faith by Scott J. Hafemann</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strange-Jekyll-Stories-Barnes-Classics/dp/1593081316/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1231787220&sr=1-3">3. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Short Stories by Robert Louis Stevenson</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/1237/nm/Old_Testament_Theology_Basic_Issues_in_the_Current_Debate_Paperback_?utm_source=eashley&utm_medium=blogpartners">2. Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate by Gerhard Hasel</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Sorcerers-Stone-Book/dp/0590353403/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231787079&sr=8-2">1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling</a></span></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-63986310645809301202009-12-30T20:43:00.005-05:002009-12-30T21:40:16.401-05:00Twitter and the Kingdom of God<span style="font-size:85%;">There was a time when I said that I thought that Twitter was pointless. Do we really need a play-by-play update from every person regarding their daily activities? Even though I had my doubts regarding Twitter, I decided to give it a try. Now that I've been "tweeting" for a couple of months, I have a few thoughts about why I think Twitter can be a good thing. Specifically, I think that Twitter can be used in the service of God and His Kingdom.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Twitter and Prayer</span> - First, after receiving tweets from friends and family, I've sensed the need to pray for them in that moment. It's amazing the things that people are willing to share with the world--struggles, pain, frustrations, fears, anxieties. Use the insights gain from tweets in order to pray for others.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Twitter and Scripture</span> - Second, I've been been encouraged by some of the tweets that I received--especially from ESV. Everyday I receive a tweet from ESV that contains a bible verse. The timing of some of these tweets has been amazing--comfort, conviction, encouragement. One day I had just gotten angry with one of my daughters--not the righteous kind of anger. In the middle of my sinful actions I received a tweet--"Let everyone be slow to anger..." It was as though God Himself had sent me a text message. I was convicted immediately and sought to be reconciled with my daughter. Not only could you sign-up to receive Bible-verse-tweets, but you could send out Bible verses, quotes, probing thoughts through Twitter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Twitter and Community</span> - Third, Twitter has helped me keep in touch with people even when I didn't have time to personally call, email, or see them. Of course, Twitter should not replace community, but it can help us keep connected with those that we love.<br /><br />So, do you tweet? Why or why not? Can you think of some ways that Twitter (or other social networks/tools) can be used to expand the kingdom of God? Leave a comment.<br /><br />(And in case you wanted to know, you can follow me at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/EMAshley">www.twitter.com/EMAshley)</a><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-26188217903273925382009-12-29T11:36:00.003-05:002009-12-29T11:54:10.856-05:00Post-Holiday<span style="font-size:85%;">There's always a lot of build-up before the holidays--whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, or any other holiday. The stores roll out the merchandise, people sometimes wear themed clothing, and homes are decorated. Yet, as soon as the holiday is over, changes are made to get ready for the next big holiday. Amy and I were in Target on the day after Christmas, and we noticed that they already had Valentine's Day gifts out. (And they also had out bathing suits, which seemed really strange to me.)<br /><br />It seems as though so many people live for the holidays. Yet, I wonder how many people deal with depression and dissatisfaction after the holiday is over. Now, I certainly don't have a problem with enjoying the company of family and friends, going to parties, or participating in any other holiday events. Yet, I think that we need to be careful that we don't focus our lives on the "big days." If we are not careful, our holidays can turn into our idols. Our hope, attention, satisfaction will only be found in knowing Christ. Any other hope will always fail.<br /><br />So, <span style="font-style: italic;">enjoy </span>the holidays and all that comes with them. But don't <span style="font-style: italic;">live </span>for the holidays. And if you are one that is feeling down and out because Christmas has come and gone, remember that there is hope and joy to be found in Jesus. He will satisfy you.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-43795623715852771272009-12-20T23:46:00.003-05:002009-12-21T00:03:02.623-05:00A Few Things I Love About the South<span style="font-size:85%;">1. Sweet tea<br /><br />2. "Ya'll"<br /><br />3. Hospitality<br /><br />4. Cheese Grits (Don't even think about putting sugar in these!)<br /><br />5. Having total strangers smile and wave at me (especially while driving)<br /><br />6. Hearing older Southern ladies talk.<br /><br />7. Fried food (chicken, pickles, Oreo's, etc.)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-18549497588770468362009-12-16T17:31:00.002-05:002009-12-16T17:36:50.123-05:00Neither Left Nor Right<span style="font-size:85%;"><blockquote>The ideology of the Left believes big government and social reform will solve social ills, while the Right believes big business and economic growth will do it. The Left expects a citizen to be held legally accountable for the use of his wealth, but totally autonomous in other areas, such as sexual morality. The Right expects a citizen to be held legally accountable in areas of personal morality, but totally autonomous in the use of wealth. The North American "idol"--radical individualism--lies beneath both ideologies. A Christian sees either "solution" as fundamentally humanistic and simplistic</blockquote>-Timothy Keller, <span style="font-style: italic;">Ministries of Mercy</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-80587033091080993052009-12-10T15:30:00.002-05:002009-12-10T15:33:33.768-05:00Another Semester Ends<span style="font-size:85%;">Thanks to everyone who prayed for me during my week of finals. As always, the Lord's grace and mercy has surrounded me. On Sunday, we'll be arriving in Virginia in order to visit with our family. Be on the lookout for a number of new posts. I've got a lot of thoughts floating around in my head, and I'm sure some of them will make their way to this blog.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-46086466678287348262009-12-07T22:01:00.000-05:002009-12-07T22:01:45.979-05:00Encouraging Video from Matt Chandler<a href="http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/blog/hvpastor/?p=363">This video from Matt Chandler, lead pastor of the Village Church, is well worth 4 minutes of your day.<br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-45851685535244666882009-12-01T15:09:00.002-05:002009-12-01T15:14:54.901-05:00Family, Sickness, and Exams<span style="font-size:85%;">So, I thought that I would be back to regular blogging by now, but that has not happened yet. We had family visiting with us last week for Thanksgiving. Then, over the weekend all of our family was sick. (And we're still recovering). Also, this is my last week of classes before exams. (I don't really want to think about how many papers I need to write or how many exams I need to study for!) I guess the best word to describe life at this moment is: busy. But busy isn't bad. It just means that blogs get neglected for a bit longer. For the two of you who are still reading this blog, I anticipate a return after exams next week. Who knows, maybe a blog post appear before that time. Only time will tell.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-91411249590743318742009-11-18T16:14:00.002-05:002009-11-18T16:18:20.434-05:00Driving Pet Peeve<span style="font-size:85%;">In response to <a href="http://www.challies.com/archives/general-news/ramblings/the-late-merger.php#comments">this post</a>, I must say that I am emphatically an early merger. Late mergers are the bane of my driving existence. Go to the back of the line!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16318288.post-8471855756209324292009-11-13T22:50:00.001-05:002009-11-13T22:53:03.239-05:00Neglected<span style="font-size:85%;">Between family, ministry, school, and a bit of sickness, this blog has been slightly neglected.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1