Agree to Disagree?

Has Christianity gone wrong? Are Christians sharing their heart or what is on their mind? I just read an interesting commentary by Jay Bakker, minister of Revolution Church (and son of former Praise The Lord leaders Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner) and Marc Brown, a Revolution staff member. Here’s a link to the article: "What the hell happened to Christianity?" Here are my thoughts on their commentary.
I do believe that the conservative movement can turn people away from Christ. Most people are not drawn to religion when it pushes rules or moral standards. We are free in Christ- not bound by rules. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
I also believe that people should not politicize Christianity. Christians are not democratic or republican. I have found a stereotype exists that if you are a Christian then you are a conservative. That isn’t always true, whether it be on moral grounds or government (state control vs. national control). It certainly isn’t so that if you are a conservative you are a Christian. Why would anyone presume that all Christians would take a conservative view?
I struggle to see the validity of the suggestion that Christians should agree to disagree on issues. I do believe that no one makes progress on issues by being hostile. There is a fundamental error with the suggestion to agree to disagree. Who determines which issues are ethically right or wrong? The authors assume that there are some issues that are morally debatable. This assumes there are no ultimate moral standards or that some we have defined as a society as absolute and some we haven’t. No one disagrees that rape and child molestation are abhorrent. Murder seems simple and most Murderers are punished but what about euthanasia? What about abortion?
Bakker and Brown suggest, “Christians should look past their differences and agree to disagree.” I’d suggest, Christians should look past their differences and agree to read their Bible. If they disagree on the Biblical principles or on how to apply them to daily life, then they should pray. Pray apart or pray together. We are called to love each other. We are called to be patient and kind. We are told to not be rude or proud. We can and should love people that do not believe what we believe. However, we are not called to accept opinions that contradict the Bible. As Christians we are called to pray. We should not choose complacency over hostility, we should choose prayer.

What am I looking forward to?

Have you ever thought, “I have nothing to look forward to?” I started thinking about it…a lot. Today, I asked myself, “What am I looking forward to today?” I found that there are quite an abundance of answers even on the most ordinary day. This morning when I asked myself that question, I came up with only 2 quick answers. I was looking forward to Seth coming home from work. I was also looking forward to my next kiss from Seth (yes, I know that is cheesy but it is the truth). Now it is mid-afternoon. This question has generated quite an appreciative attitude in my heart. I have found myself spending more time thinking about God and how many blessings he lays out before me each day. I am still looking forward to seeing my husband. I am also looking forward to so much more. I am looking forward to making my children giggle. I am looking forward to little things like seeing how my new crock-pot recipe turns out. Mostly, though, I am looking forward to the creative way God will show me knew truths because I am recognizing his presence. I am looking forward to time with the Creator. Just in this little exercise today I am reminded that nothing gives me more peace or more joy than drawing close to God.

Delightful Pie Recipe

I am cleaning out my recipe box. This recipe is absolutely delicious. I won't be making it again (due to David's allergy). When I brought the pie places, I was often asked for the recipe. I thought I would pass it on here before tossing it.

Reese's Peanut Butter Pie

1 3oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
12 oz whipped topping
15 small Reese's cups, crushed
1 (9 in) graham cracker pie shell

Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add peanut butter and whipped topping. Blend well. Fold in crushed peanut butter cups. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Thankful

I am so blessed! I am thankful for my life and for all of the blessings in it. This list is made up of things for which I am thankful. The items are in random order and there are only 85 because that is all the time I had for this afternoon.

1. God’s Grace
2. My husband
3. My Kids
4. Friends
5. My House
6. My Car
7. My Dogs
8. Coffee
9. Candles
10. My Bed
11. Computers
12. Email
13. Pictures
14. Cameras
15. Laughter
16. Sunshine
17. Trees
18. Electricity
19. My Dad
20. My Mom
21. My sisters
22. My Church
23. MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers)
24. Good Education
25. Doctors
26. Jonathan’s K Teacher
27. Seth’s Job
28. Staying Home with my Kids
29. The US Postal Service
30. Good Books
31. The Bible
32. Prayer
33. Chocolate
34. Dates with my Husband
35. cell phones
36. pictures drawn by my kids
37. a clean kitchen
38. my husband home safe from Iraq
39. Ketchup
40. My coffee maker
41. My dishwasher
42. house plants
43. Mt Rainier
44. Love
45. Patience
46. Quietness
47. My mother-in-law
48. My father-in-law
49. My grandparents
50. My childhood
51. Safety belts
52. Recycling
53. “It’s a Wonderful Life”
54. Rainbows
55. Sippy Cups
56. Second Chances
57. The Holy Spirit
58. Intimacy
59. Sex
60. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
61. Pizza
62. Water
63. Sleeping in on Satrudays
64. Bubble Baths
65. Music
66. Naptime for my Kids
67. Exercise
68. Flowers
69. The Internet
70. SEC Football
71. Sweet Tea
72. Hugs
73. Blowing Bubbles with My Kids
74. Watching Seth wrestle with the boys
75. Hearing Thomas say “Daddy”
76. Christmas Cards
77. Blankets
78. Birkenstocks
79. Baby Gates
80. EpiPens (especially our unused ones)
81. Cup Holders
82. Ziploc bags
83. Toliet Paper
84. Traffic Lights
85. Creativity