Where the Earth Ends, but the River of Life Still Flows.

I did not plan on updating today. Fact of the matter is, I'm not really sure why I am writing but I am.

Want a book that will blow your hair back? Try reading Donald Miller's Book "Searching for God Knows What." Yeah, I know I'm supposed to underline the title of a book, but this isn't composition class. I didn't read this for awhile in my attempt to fight against a recommendation for me to learn about God. I've usually met that with resentment or something. I can't say for sure the pride or ego or whatever it was/is is Lucifer or what? But, I've been reading it and didn't get a lot out of it at first. The prequel to the book is "Blue Like Jazz" which I picked up today along with another book I am really excited about and will explain it more in a later post. I anxiously await to share it with people. It grabbed me last night talking at bible study.

Speaking of bible study. I'm not sure how much to talk about on here, because I'm not sure who reads it and who doesn't. Let's say I have this atheist friend (one in particular, I have a many). Even though I am new to the study group, I felt compelled to ask on how to more or less talk to this person about what I feel and other Christians of the church feel they need to hear and hope they understand. I think that too often atheists get the radical Christians that attack them. They disrespect and play the you are going to hell card. But as Donald Miller writes and I agree, this isn't what Christ wants us to teach. Granted if one does not accept Christ this is the end result. But what does Christ teach frequently? Love. Let me make this remark that I am by no means innocent or perfect here. I think atheists get this treatment that Christians are some how better than they are. I've heard this and have been around this and have probably acted that way. The book opened my eyes more to pay more attention to the way I treat non Christians.

Donald talks a lot about morality as well and how it is not a system that we must follow nor is it a system that we can do whatever we want and are saved by grace. Basically having a relationship with Christ causes us to want to ultimately please God. I agree with this. I see this in myself is the reason I do agree. For instance, say I am obsessed with food and I know it kills Christ when I overeat and hurt my body. Having a loving, intimate, relationship with Christ would deter me more because I know it pains him to overeat etc. I don't think I am explaining this well. It is hard to grasp and I should read it again. By reading this book as it relates to the Bible I see the large morality point of love. Morality also deals with loving one another no matter what status. I likely am not explaining this correctly. Good stuff nonetheless.

I've got a lot of work to do in myself, but I have to realize I'll never be perfect nor even with my transformed intimacy with Christ, I'm still on an equal playing field with others in his eyes. He did hang out with prostitutes and beggars and everyone else after all. Donald talks about how we put ourselves on this ladder of social/whatever status, but with Jesus all are important.

Did I cram you with enough stuff yet?

I am looking forward to the weekend. Not sure what I am going to do. I'm kind of up here by myself. I think I may go see Hancock or something. I'll go early in the day so I don't have to feel so out casted. I heard of a 5 mile trail I may go run. That still leaves me with a lot of time. Time is all I seem to have.

Okay I'm spent.

Take care.

--ME