Be convicted but not close-minded!

What do I mean? Well, thanks for asking; here's what I mean:

We are convicted that love really is better than hate; that violence really does not work, and always leads to more violence; that it is better to focus on giving instead of getting. We are convicted that diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.

When we live these convictions, the hungry are fed, the homeless sheltered, the sick cared for, the grieving comforted, the lost welcomed and the children protected. These are the convictions that make the world more peaceful and life-giving.

At the same time, we are not close-minded. We know that we don't have the corner on truth. And we know that ignoring the truths to be learned elsewhere only belittles the truths to which we hold.

March's Spiritual Madness

As a close second to the Olympics, we have now entered my favorite sports event. But there is one thing I like better about March Madness: I don't lose quite as much sleep.



I'll admit it up front: March Madness is for me an almost spiritual experience.



Now, relax. Don't get all riled and red-faced. You can save your lectures. I agree that sports are not real life. Of course, part of the value of sports is ...



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Crisis is a terrible thing to waste

Yea, another bandwagon I'm on: using the phrase, "A crisis is a terrible thing to waste."

Who said it, or something similar, first? Maybe economist Paul Romer. A quick look shows the selection of those using the phrase, or something close includes

Thomas Friedman (New York Times, 18 April 2004)
Eliot Spitzer (January 2005)
Arthur Affleck (February 2006)
Geoff Davis (April 2007)
John Lee (July 2008)
Hazel Henderson (September 2008 - good article this one)
Tim Dollmeyer (October 2008)
Richard Heinberg (October 2008)
Max McKeown (October 2008)

So, what does it mean?

Nathan

Green Eyed Monster

Tomorrow is week 2 of First Christian's new worship series that we titled "Sinning Like a Christian." Week one's sin was PRIDE; tomorrow's is ENVY. We're looking honestly at the presence of sin in our lives, but lest you think we get too serious, a bit of humor can be found here and there -- and usually intentionally. The series is off to a good start!

Worship begins at 10:00. First Christian is located at 118 W Washington St in Shelbyville, IN. Y'all come --

Nathan