Everyday Thoughts Collected

Happy Independence Day! Here Are Some Fireworks

2009-07-04T20:52:24Z

I love my country. Happy 4th everyone!

The video above is not one I shot myself. It is from Disney World though and I thought that was appropriate since I am here in Orlando and they do an awesome job. Enjoy! OH and it has a high quality option. Click the HQ button down in the lower part of the video window. Have fun friends!

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The Monster Trucks of the Carpocalypse! – The Aftermath Video and Photos

2009-07-04T16:39:17Z

I know I had fun with this in my post before the event yesterday but I went and had a very interesting and unique time. I am pretty cool with this being a once in a lifetime thing but … who knows . I did have a lot of fun.

I also captured *everything* on my iPhone 3GS and am using thismoment.com … I love it. Much easier… much faster.

I pray you enjoy this video and the photos .

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Cross Cultural Crash-A-Rama Outreach Opportunity … CARPOCALYPSE!

2009-07-04T16:46:28Z

To clear up any potential confusion right off the bat, the following is satire even though I am going to go to this thing tonight … and excited about attending something completely out of my realm of experience.

***

In my quest to truly understand the modern contexts of the human experience among various people groups here in these United States, I have agreed to attend this:

I hope I don’t die.

But seriously, my immediate question is imperative … what does one wear to this type of … gathering/sporting event? If you say, “oh Randy, just wear a tube top, daisy dukes and flip flops!” I will pray that Jesus forgives you for that in advance. Don’t be so closed minded. I want to fit in but I would never wear daisy dukes and tube tops just don’t work with cargo shorts. Flip flops rawk so maybe that is some common ground we could build upon.

Is there a difference between a Redneck and a Good ‘Ol Boy?

Are these “redneck good ol’ boys” simply the bitter product of unfair stereotypes and stigmatization of the southern male? Is driving huge machinery violently up ramps and into other huge machinery just these brave misunderstood men’s way of saying … do you love me? … do you value me?

Will I be accepted if my Mountain Dew is “diet?”… if the only country song I like is by Carrie Underwood doing a cover of “Home Sweet Home” by Guns & Roses? Gosh, I don’t even own a Metallica t-shirt.

::: deeply pondering :::

And … what does it say about me that I would LOVE to be driving one of those 15 school buses at 90mph in a figure eight crashing into each other leaving school bus carnage eeevvvverrrryyywhere?

If I survive … I can guarantee that there is going to be pictures and video. You know so we can “learn” from this experience to add to our communal knowledge and understanding. I also hope this will help increase compassion and tolerance for this often maligned and misunderstood people group.

UPDATE: Click HERE to see the video and photos of the aftermath.

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Internet Porn Ensnares Women Too

2009-07-02T17:32:26Z

Very interesting and sad:

Dirty Little Secret

Men aren’t the only ones lured by Internet porn. A revealing look at the shameful addictions of a rising number of Christian women.

by Ramona Richards

34 %. That’s how many readers of Today’s Christian Woman’s online newsletter admitted to intentionally accessing Internet porn in a recent poll. While many women wrote in to explain they’d accessed these sites to better understand what was luring their husbands time and again, it was the other e-mails—from Christian women who shared about their own Internet porn addiction—that caught our attention. Apparently online sex addiction isn’t just a male problem anymore. Read on for startling statistics about this new phenomenon, personal insights from those who are hooked, information about pioneering ministries reaching out to these addicts, and hope that exists in the face of this disturbing trend.

—the editors

…

One of the great myths about pornography addiction is that it’s only a male problem. Although the church has begun to recognize that pornography addiction is almost an epidemic among Christians, most ministry programs still focus on men as addicts and their wives as victims.

Yet the statistics are both startling and terrifying: One out of every six women, including Christians, struggles with an addiction to pornography. That’s 17 percent of the population, which, according to a survey by research organization Zogby International, is the number of women who truly believe they can find sexual fulfillment on the Internet. …

So how—and why—does an average Christian woman become addicted to pornography? …

via Dirty Little Secret | Today’s Christian Woman | Your Life. Your Faith. Your World.

The article is very good and talks about the different ways women can fall into the trap of online porn but it also gives some good advice on how to find freedom with a great list of resources at the end:

The Path to Hope and Healing

The first step toward healing for an addict is to realize she’s not alone. She needs to know there are people out there who understand and can reach out to her in love.

“Women addicted to porn need professional therapy with a Christian counselor and a renewed sense of kinship with other women who understand,” says Marnie. “The worst thing you can do with these women is lecture them about praying more or asking God for help. They’ve already done that, often to the point of despair. They do need to be held accountable for their sins, but they also need help, support, and unconditional love.” …

via Dirty Little Secret | Today’s Christian Woman | Your Life. Your Faith. Your World.

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Pastor Bob on What Church Leaders Should Know About Homosexuality

2009-07-02T02:52:20Z

Pastor Bob is one of four mentors I have had during my Christian walk. When I lived in Texas I went to his wonderful church. Now that he is on the Exodus board I get to see him more often so that is verra nice. To the point:

What Church Leaders Should Know About Homosexuality
by Pastor Bob Stith

SOUTHLAKE, Texas — When I first realized I needed more information on ministering to people who struggled with same-sex attraction, I really didn’t know where to turn. Conversations with friends revealed that they didn’t know much more about the subject than I did. I looked in Christian bookstores but at that time they had very little on the topic.

Today, I often hear from pastors who face that same difficulty. While there is definitely more material available today, that in itself can create as much difficulty as the dilemma I faced. How do you determine what is accurate and helpful? What will help me minister effectively to those who struggle with this issue? What will equip me to deal knowledgeably with the cultural claims? And, while we may feel confident that we are familiar with the relevant Scriptures, how prepared are we to answer the new “gay apologists”?

Answers to some of these questions will require hours of study, attending or sponsoring workshops, and time dialoguing with those who have years of experience. On the other hand, there are certain basic things every church and pastor can and should do. But before we even begin that journey we should examine our hearts and our motives. …

Read the rest of this article at Opposing Views: OPINION: What Church Leaders Should Know About Homosexuality.

Later in the article, Pastor Bob goes on to explain five points he thinks Church leaders should know. I have included the bullet points here:

1. Your church already has much of what it takes for this ministry.
2. Understand that people aren’t born that way.
3. Homosexuality isn’t a choice.
4. Quoting the Scriptures about homosexuality is not the solution.
5. You do have people who are impacted by this sin.

So… go read the whole thing already . Let me know what you think. The comments on the Opposing Views page (where the linked article appears) are interesting too.

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Michael Jackson Salvation Story NOT Accurate

2009-07-01T23:20:30Z

Last week I posted that Mary Mary was reporting that Michael had accepted the Lord weeks before he died. Part of the report included that Andrae and Sandra Crouch had basically witnessed to Michael and led him in the prayer to receive Christ.

You just had to know this was coming. I am a fan of Andrae Crouch on Facebook and his page admin sent this update to us:

Andrae & Michael Jackson
Today at 11:09am

This is Dave, the fan page administrator. In case you have not heard from Pastors Andrae’ and Sandra, they have made a statement. It does NOT contradict Andrae’s very detailed account of what happened that was posted here on his FB fan page on June 28, 2009. Their prayer for MJ was NOT a “sinners prayer” or any prayer of repentance or conversion. Their statement is as follows:

FROM SANDRA’S FB PAGE: “It has been brought to my attention that several media outlets have been erroneously reporting that my brother, Andrae… Read More’ Crouch and me met our dear friend Michael Jackson several weeks prior to his death so he could accept Christ. This is incorrect and absolutely not true. We loved and respected Michael enormously and we’ve been friends with him for many, many years, and are deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic death. We recently met with Michael to discuss recording two songs with our choir for his newest recording project. Michael always had a respect and curiosity for spiritual things. During our meeting, not unlike many other creative/music meetings we’ve had with him the past, we sang together, prayed together and had a wonderful time. We are praying for Michael’s family and desire nothing less than God’s best for them. With much love, Sandra Crouch and Andrae’ Crouch” (Posted by Dave)

Well, there it is. ::: sad ::: While I have no idea what his spiritual life was like outside of that report (really) … I had really hoped it was true.

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New Book Offers Practical, Authentic Insight on Leaving Homosexuality

2009-07-01T20:38:12Z

Hooray for Alan and for those seeking this type of resource! From the Exodus Press Office (via email, posted to the web later today):

New Book Offers Practical, Authentic Insight on Leaving Homosexuality

Orlando, FL- A new book, released by Harvest House Publishers today, offers practical advice and honest information on the process of leaving a gay life to pursue one that reflects the Christian faith. Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, the world’s largest ministry to those personally dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction, has written his second book Leaving Homosexuality: A Practical Guide for Men and Women Looking for a Way Out.

Chambers says the book marks a departure from the ambiguity of the “change is possible” message and details what kind of change is possible for someone struggling with unwanted homosexual feelings. Leaving Homosexuality clarifies expectations and tackles complicated questions with candor and pragmatism. Chambers shares insight from his own life on how to build authentic community, how to process and experience healing from unforgiveness and overcome the power of sexual addiction.

“This book is an honest look at what it means to painfully surrender your life to Jesus Christ and experience real transformation,” said Chambers. “While the road has not been easy, I’ve experienced joy and satisfaction that I never knew was possible. My hope is that this book encourages others living beyond homosexuality with the hope that this journey can yield unexpected promise and blessing.”

Chambers’ first book, God’s Grace & the Homosexual Next Door: Reaching the Heart of the Gay Men and Women in Your World was published in 2007 and details how individuals and churches can become a haven for homosexuals seeking freedom from same-sex attraction.

TO OBTAIN A RELEASE COPY OF THE BOOK OR SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW CONTACT:

For broadcast media: Christianne Debysingh, cdebysingh@harvesthousepublishers.com, (888) 468-4108

For print/internet media: Dave Bartlett, dave.bartlett@harvesthousepublisers.com, (877) 307-0662

###

Founded in 1976, Exodus International is the largest Christian organization dealing with homosexual issues in the world today. With over 230 affiliates in its network, Exodus is a dynamic outreach ministry dedicated to sharing the hope of freedom through the power of Jesus Christ.

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Barna Study on Gay and Heterosexual Christians

2009-07-01T03:13:33Z

I was going to skip this because there is a lot to this article and I am not a statistician. I am also losing more and more confidence that dividing people into the two all or nothing categories of “gay” and “straight” is actually accurate. I think that is a false starting point (and that is for a whole ‘nother post.) Even so, attention to this article keeps coming back to me so I thought I would address two of the paragraphs in the article. This post is not intended to be a peer based or comprehensive review of the study. It is only my personal reaction to two of the paragraphs. First quote:

Spiritual Similarities

Out of the 20 faith-oriented attributes examined in the Barna study, there were just a few in which there were no significant differences between the heterosexual and homosexual populations. The areas of similarity included the facts that a small minority of people in both groups believe that Satan is real; equivalent percentages of these groups feel they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs with others who believe differently; similar numbers of people from each group contend that good people can earn their way into Heaven through their goodness; and rates of participation in house churches is about the same for both groups.

My reactions:

small minority of both groups believe in Satan = dangerous. I think people give satan too much credit or blame him for everything instead of taking personal responsibility, but his existence is in the bible and I believe obvious in the modern world.
both feel the need to share faith with unbelievers = good.
Can personally earn our own way to Heaven? = blasphemy. If that were so, Jesus (our sinless Savior) wouldn’t have needed to die to fulfill the Law on our behalf. The resurrection would also be rendered meaningless with its unique place in the Atonement of mankind. It is a false gospel to place self-sufficiency and our limited understanding above God’s eternal wisdom and limitless grace. Both of which are made manifest in His direction to abide in His love, love Him with our entire heart, mind, body, soul and then love others as ourselves. Christianity 101 is clear that we can’t manufacture holiness on our own. We must receive Him by faith in order to be restored to right relationship with God.

The article also explains some very interesting distinctions between the two groups as well. I am not going to get into those here. What I do want to address quickly is the following paragraph from a personal perspective and some closing thoughts.

George Barna, whose company conducted the research, pointed out that some popular stereotypes about the spiritual life of gays and lesbians are simply wrong.

“People who portray gay adults as godless, hedonistic, Christian bashers are not working with the facts,” declared the best-selling author of numerous books about faith and culture. “A substantial majority of gays cite their faith as a central facet of their life, consider themselves to be Christian, and claim to have some type of meaningful personal commitment to Jesus Christ active in their life today.

The gay community I was a part of (almost 17 years ago) and hear from most frequently over my history of dealing with homosexuality (since the age of 10 which is 31 years) are either atheist or agnostic. A number of my friends (gay identified or not) I ran around with, back in the day, were definitely hedonistic and bashed Christians every chance they got.

That said, I think things are changing (somewhat) today and of course my personal experience doesn’t encompass all that was or is the defining characteristics of the larger gay identified community. Also, the first person who shared that Jesus cared about me at my point of need to the point of wanting to help me with specifics was a drag queen (whom I will always cherish for doing so.) But, unfortunately, he was also one of the worst critics against fellow Christians I have ever experienced.

Breathtakingly so …

This is a shame because a vast majority of the non-believing gay people I knew and know just want(ed) to live and let live and a vast majority of the Christians I have met or know are *incredibly* loving people. Stats are incredibly useful but I don’t think sufficient to dismantle unfair stereotypes of how people relate to one another. And it is a definite two way street in that regard. Stats are also not sufficient to explain the relational history and ongoing conflicts between the two communities.

Photo Source: Oddee … I included the picture because I thought it was fun. It only relates to this post in the sense that you can gather all the information in the world but information doesn’t always equal a good understanding of a person or community’s faith.

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Disqus Acting Up

2009-07-01T00:21:16Z

UPDATE: I give up. I just don’t have time to have to manually clean out my comments database by the hundreds and try to troubleshoot, document, prove … all that. Comments and my regular readers are very important to me so I will continue to try and make the commenting experience more enjoyable, user friendly and helpful.

****

I don’t know what is going on but this issue has been happening ever since I reinstalled Disqus. It is creating multiple copies of comments in my WP Database which skews the totals on the front page but the actual stand alone page has the correct number of comments on them. Right now the MJ post on his becoming a Christian says it has 139 comments on the “Home” blog page but the actual page itself has 28.

I am letting you know because I am not trying to intentionally inflate the comment count and I don’t think you will see any wierdness aside from that but … you never know.

I am offline for a while but I hope when I do get back it is resolved.

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Divine Appointment? – First iPhone 3GS Video

2009-06-30T01:57:52Z

This is my first video on my new iPhone 3GS. I share a story on a potential example of God orchestrating today’s timeline. I am so glad he thwarted my plans and timed things “just so.”

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