...or to look at it another way.

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"If you're a sinner, then God hates you!"

How great it is that statement is false. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Mankind has been a problem from day one. That's the all-inclusive "man" I speak of, if any ladies ever read this and think too highly of themselves.

This thought ran through my mind today. God hates no one. God hates not one member of the human race. So do people sit and ponder this point when faced w/ the guilt of their sin? When they realize, 'God doesn't hate me,' do they start living as if God grades sin on a scale or degree? Is it, God doesn't hate me, therefore he doesn't hate my sin? Am I even sinning? Does sin become acceptable at that point for that person?

A homosexual or an alcoholic, do they feel fully accepted and not condemned in God's eyes b/c of his love for them? Does the "un-churched" sinner view God by the actions of his believers?

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We've got a lot of snow today. I did not grow up shoveling snow and I enjoy it. I had lots of outdoor chores, i.e., chopping wood, hauling "mis-placed" rock, etc.. These days I've gotten lazy what with the central air/heat system and the sod. Shoveling seems to be my greatest outdoor exercise event in the winter. Still, I think the novelty is wearing off.

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...served on a port roll.

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I 'm not sure where the names of bread derive. When I hear the words "port roll," I first think of fish. Salty fish. When I'm doing my best to enjoy beef brisket, the thought of salty fish is the last thing I want swimming through the mind. Perhaps it could be called "oblong roll" or even "belly bun." Yet one more thing to add to my wiki list for today. P.s., the brisket is awesome!

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I have nothing witty to write. I should be working on my novel; at least a little research. Yet I only talk about it and write down ideas on odd occasions. Still it sits in my document folder awaiting addition.

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Common rule dictates the proper flow of sidewalk traffic should follow the same rule as traffic flow. Drive on the right, walk on the right. Do folk in English or older English territories obey different sidewalk rules than others? Circulation being different and all.

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Ethnic Air

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I enjoy ethnic food as much as the next guy, nay more. Indian, Lebanese and Thai food is a special treat for me and I will take it when I can get it. Anyone who has ever been served these dishes are aware of the associated smell. Great when in a restaurant, not so much in the work place.

How does one go about asking certain people to not eat their strong, ethnic food in such a common area w/o offending those who bring it in everyday? I don't want to seem like the token, "I have a black friend" type of guy, but I'm not really sure what else to tell my fellow co-workers w/o seeming a bit harsh or uncaring.

One can only take the smell of curry on one's clothes for so long. It stays in the trash all day. Today it was fish-y. I'm trying to take the high road, but I'm afraid other co-workers aren't so cautious.

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The Church is made of people

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I was deep in thought last night at Bible study when the question about The Church was aired. 'When we do not attend church, how are we effected?' I was more struck by the usage of the work 'church' than the question itself.

Old news but Church is people, not a building. Church is not a place where people gather to sing songs and listen to someone tell them about Christ or how they should be living. Christ did not die for specific times during the week we consider holy. The Holy One did not bring about salvation for brick and mortar. It may seem like simple semantics but I believe it's a simple step in correcting the way we think about worship and our relationship w/ God.

I know numerous missionaries who have the most amazing experiences in the field and humbly produce great fruit in the name of Christ, b/c of Christ and for Christ. They come back to the States to relax. Relax? That's the type of "Christian Nation" we are? A rest stop for the weary who are doing the LORD's work? These same missionaries share stories w/ their supporting congregations and everyone in the building leaves feeling refreshed and renewed w/ new hope and resolve. Is the message different? Can the missionaries be preaching a different gospel than what we are hearing on Sunday?

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By any other name

My blogs come and go, only the titles change. This isn't a New Year resolution by any means but it's nice that it starts on such an occasion.

I've been asked about resolutions or what I hope to accomplish this year and though I'm sure it's a great trait, I've never been much of a goal setter. There are a few things I'm going to do my best at this year.

I will finish Tolstoy's War and Peace. I plan on reading other books but have no aspirations outside of that great work.

I recently started dating the most wonderful gal in the world. There is plenty of quality time ahead of us. Kristy has been such a blessing!

I will become more familiar w/ certain sections of the Cities this year as well, being that Kristy lives there. I've been saying how much I would like to travel and see more of Minnesota but have yet to make it much farther north than the MetroDome to see the Twins or south of Lanesboro for my annual biking/kayaking trip. I hear the North Shore area is a site to see for the outdoors sort.

Working w/ the youth group and establishing closer relationships w/ the youth leaders will be a top priority this year. We have the greatest group of kids and adult volunteers. Not many churches are able to make that statement when it comes to middle schoolers.

Other "to do list" items for this year:

• Perform in at least one play
• Learn one classical song on the guitar
• Learn one gospel favorite on the mandolin
• Learn one jazz piece on clarinet
• Save time off for trip to Seattle
  
• Keep a constant 20 mph for 20 miles by end of my cycling summer
• Attend BeanFest
• Get five chapters nailed down on the novel

I also have to fit in a week-long trip to Austin, Tx for a film festival, birthdays, holidays and write here as often as possible. When do I ever say I'm bored?