Home From Vacation

Wow ... it feels really great to be back home in PA after a long drive last night. We had a wonderful time in MO and as always - it's hard to leave. As we were driving away Joshua and Jenna were both crying and calling out for Amie's parents (Bill & Connie). It was a heartbreaking scene and in the moments following I found myself wondering why God has had us so far away from them and the rest of our family for these 10 years. I wish I had a ironclad answer but alas, all I have are guesses. At the end of the day all I can say is that I feel blessed to have such a great family.

Speaking of long drives ... I actually had to pay $3.55 per gallon at one stop - the most I've ever paid before! That was difficult to say the least. How much are you paying for gas?

As we were passing through the various states yesterday I had the chance to listen to numerous podcasts. Below are some of my takeaways ...

Catalyst - Nancy Ortberg was talking about her first book ("Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey through Tattoos, Tofu, and Pronouns") and in the interview she made mention that as far as we know Jesus never journaled. For a guy who has been raised in the church and told that journaling was the way to go that was quite a revelation. Why do we always have to add stuff to our lives to make ourselves feel more spiritual? Nothing against journaling ... but now I won't feel guilty for not spewing all my junk onto paper. I wonder, do you journal? If so, what do you journal about?

Then Nancy mentioned the fact that Mary would not have had access to a Bible and she may not have known how to read or write. If you think about that for a minute then it follows that she wouldn't have had the kind of "quiet time" that is always prescribed either. Interesting. And yet, she was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Fascinating.

Later on in the day I was listening to Matt Chandler's message on Truth from The Village Church and he made some insighful comments that left me asking two questions: What is it that robs my affections toward Christ? and What is it that stirs my affections for Jesus? Wonderful questions. They address a deeper level than just a list of do's and don'ts.

Before I close for today I'd like to give props to my good friend Butch Wise. He is the Lead Pastor of Journey Church on the other side of Pittsburgh. Yesterday I listened to his sermon podcast and you can now listen to him online if you go to http://www.journey-church.net/ and click on Resources. From there you can subscribe to the messages through iTunes. Enjoy!