How I Know I'm a Guy - #2

As many of you know, my last post was about how I know I'm a guy. It was a little stab at myself for recognizing some of the silly things I do. The title comes from the fact that my wife usually responds to such silliness with "You're such a guy!" Well, just the other day it happened again.

I had just walked in from a days work and was ready to head back to my room and change into some comfy clothes. We have a ranch style house and my room is the last on the left at the end of a long hall (not really that long). So, on my way back to the room I began to take off my shirt before I made it to the room. Got back to my room, changed clothes, and headed back to the kitchen for a drink. While in the room, I noticed my wife had done some rearranging. I made a mental note to be sure and say something to her about how I liked it and the room looked nice. As i got to the kitchen to pour my drink my wife came in and said, "what did you think about the room?" "I liked it", I replied. "I was going to tell you I thought it looked nice." Then she said, "I don't know what to do with the dresser?" Here's where I begin to get confused. My wife and I don't have a dresser so naturally, I'm puzzled as to what she's talking about. "What Dresser?" I asked. "The boys dresser", she replied. So, now I'm confused again because the boys dresser is in the play room and has nothing to do with our room. "the boys dresser, what do you mean?" I continued. "The boys dresser at the end of the hall" she said. "What!" I was blown out of the water. I leaned my head around the corner and sure enough, at the end of the hall was the boys dresser. Not only had I walked by it without noticing it...I'd even laid my shirt on the dresser on my way into my room from changing clothes. I couldn't believe I was oblivious to this new placement of furniture. Our house is only 1100 sq. ft. So, when things are moved, it's not hard to notice. However, because I'm a guy, I somehow managed to look right past it...even after using it to distribute my shirt on to ( i know, dirty shirts go in the laundry...that's another post for another day.)

So, I guess the solution to this one is to simply open my eyes and look around every once in a while. HA! It kind of makes me wonder...what has God rearranged in my life that I'm ignoring too? I know one thing, I'll be looking.

How I know I'm a guy!

Expect this blog to come and go in many parts. I've decided to take time every now and then and laugh at things that make me realize i'm such a "guy". This blog will probably come at both the surprise, and satisfaction of my wife...and possibly to all women. I'm not trying to side with the women on who acts crazier...I believe we all have our nuances that are a bit silly. But, as stereo types go, I'm checking myself to see how many I fit. Some stereo types will be common knowledge, others will probably relate more specifically to things that I do and my wife's response would be, "you're such a guy". So, in good fun, I'm gonna laugh at some of these, and at others I'll reflect and see if there's any legitimacy to the accusations. In others words, is there room for improvement. I definitely think there will be. So, if you'd like gentlemen, come join me on this silly adventure. Women, chime in if you like. Who knows, maybe after this is done, I'll through out some stereo types for you women to reflect on too. Dangerous territory...yes. But, in the spirit of self-reflection and improvement...and some laughter along the way, I think it could be very useful. So, without further adieu...

#1 - I realized today when I was putting dishes away that after 7 years of living in the same house, I still don't know where all the dishes go. Amazingly, I seem to know where they are when I want to use one, but can't seem to remember where they go when putting them up.

Solution - apparently I really do need to pay more attention. Today I'll ask my wife where about three different items go, she'll tell me, and then I'll remember. I guess it's about time I make a mental note so next time I can complete the job. I'm such a GUY!

Wesleyan Wisdom: recovering the Arminian foundation of Grace theology

Here is an amazing article on Arminianism and it's importance. This is in reference to United Methodists, but I think it's important for all to read!

To Read This Article Click Here!

It IS All About YOU, isn't it?

First, let me explain by taking the defensive. I write this in no way supporting pride and/or the prideful sinful nature that we are born into. This post is written from a different perspective…one of love. Most importantly, God’s overwhelming love and His desire, based on that love, to be in relationship with us.

Why am I writing this blog? The simple answer is because I’m tired of the “It’s not about you” slogans I see everywhere. I do agree that there is one side of this faith that is NOT about you. It’s about God. But, there is a relational side of this faith that I believe is all about YOU!

Let me pose some questions.

1) 1.Who did the creator create in order to be in relationship with him? YOU

2) 2. Who did he allow to help him in naming the animals? YOU

3) 3. Who did he give the 10 commandments to? YOU

4) 4. Who did he send his son to die on the cross for? YOU

5) 5. Who did he leave the living scriptures for? YOU

6) 6. Who did he entrust the continuation of his ministry on earth t0? YOU

7) 7. Who did he promise eternal life to? YOU

Maybe the correct slogan isn’t “it’s not about you”. It scares me to think when we continue to think we are worthless, terrible creatures we continue to put down God’s handiwork…and God doesn’t create junk. God obviously thought we were worth dying for. That love is all about us. God is all about us. I’m equally convinced my title is the wrong slogan too. It’s certainly not just about us, far from it. We were created to serve God. To bring him joy. To bring him worship which he deserves. It is only through HIS grace we are saved. It is HIS standards we’re to live up to. So, maybe in the end, the best slogan would, “It’s about God AND you.” Hasn’t that always been the way it is?

John 3:16 – God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life

How To Grow A Church.

This video is a great lesson on leadership. I think it's excellent advice on how to grow a church. I snagged this from youtube. It's entitled, "Leadership Lessons From The Dancing Guy". Pay attention class...lol!

Inspired by the King of Rag - Scott Joplin

I enjoy a good Rag! I really love the joy you feel while listening to Rgtime music. The syncopation's in the music make you wanna tap your feet and smile. I've loved Ragtime since I was a kid. I wrote my first Rag while in high school. However, it has been a while since I actually set down for a good listen. I did just that a few days ago and the result was some inspiration for a new Rag. I played this in one take, so excuse the mistakes. I'm no Scott Joplin, that's for sure. But, nevertheless, I thought some of you might enjoy something to tap your foot to...and hopefully it brings a smile. Blessings!

Missional Vs. Attractional

So I've recently discovered a debate raging in the land of the Christian bubble. Which style of church is more effective in creating disciples of Christ. Disciples of Christ would be what we would like to think of as Christians. Those who follow Christ. What I'm running into is, how do we know? What I mean is, there are many "Christians" who attend church on Sunday and live a decent enough lifestyle, but aren't necessarily living the life of Christ embodied in their own life. The debate between the Attractional church and the Missional church is based around which is the most effective tool to create Christian disciples. Before we go any further, I'll briefly explaining the difference between the two.
The Attractional church is one that is Christ centered and is solid. It creates/mixes powerful worship services and/with programs to "attract" the outside world to their doors. This is the style of church most of the Western world is used to. It's probably what you attend if you attend church somewhere. They come in all sizes from small churches to mega churches.
There are some who believe the Attractional church will fade away and is only catering to a fading demographic. So, they suggest a Missional church is the answer. The Missional church is one that is liquid. That is, they adapt to the cultural/social surroundings and attempt to move in that culture. It exists in the culture, but without sacrificing any of it's core values or beliefs. In fact, the Missional church would say that living a Christ life in the midst of those needing discipleship is the only way to create true disciples...and they'd back that by pointing to Jesus as their primary example.
So again, the debate is over the most effective method. My question again is, how would we know? There seems to be a very thin line between an authentic Christian and the average church goer these days. Honestly, I know there are days that I myself would be in question. Again, a disciple of Christ is one who follows Christ's example and lives that out in their daily life. They're not someone who merely mimics Christ, but truly embraces a lifestyle like Christ. I'm positive both churches produce such people. However, there is the other side of that line where people are genuinely excited about church and the fellowship, but they haven't quite caught the concept of embracing Christ in the totality of their lives. I believe both churches are producing these people as well.
For me, I think both churches provide a need to people. I think the attractional church is actually fluid if it's what the demographic of that particular area needs. However, I also find the idea of the Missional church to most closely represent Christ's life through his church. So I also agree that the church should be living amidst the very people it seeks to impact. But, even so, that doesn't answer my question within the debate. How do we know which church is more effective? Maybe the answer lies in both.