Love Your Neighbor as Yourself...

My office at home is now in the garage. And honestly: it's a sweet setup. I have a huge window that faces the San Bernardino mountains (at least I have that window when the garage door is up). Today I watched two of my neighbors across the street. Both of them were collecting their garbage cans from the street. I noticed: they didn't even acknowledge that each other were there. I thought, "How sad." We have become so individualistic that even just saying hi to our neighbors has become something of a difficulty. And then I was convicted: I don't remember their names. I guess it's time to start loving my neighbors enough to remember their names. How about you?

Lesson from Solomon's Song

I started teaching from the book of Song of Solomon tonight at our high school worship service. I have to admit: intimidation was definitely alive and well within me as I prepared my first message out of this book. But you know what: the topic came alive. In a nutshell: think of how things could be different if each person understood and accepted their true value not based on popular media or according to "superstar" celebrity standards. Our value is based on what the Creator thinks about us. What is that? HE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF US! If you're reading this and struggle with "who you are", remember that you were created by a God who said, "a masterpiece" when he finally finished you. You are perfectly made. Physically, you are beautiful. Now he's just got to keep working on the inside.

It's Just Fun To Hang

The InsideOut Superbowl party was just fun. If someone were to ask me, "How was the Superbowl party," I would say, "It was just fun." That's not a bad thing. It's a great thing. You see: it's just fun to just hang out. No "purpose" except to be together. Why is that so great? Because that's what family does. Just hanging out and being together. So much fun. Christians could really benefit from just hanging out with each other. Why? Because that's what family is supposed to do.

And oh yeah: Go Colts! I'm not a Colts fan but am so thankful that Peyton Manning has a Superbowl ring so that sports "analysts" can pick a new topic other than how Peyton can't win the big game. There has to be something else just as interesting to talk about.