Pray for the Bus Driver

Three of my kids ride the same bus to school each morning. The driver is a wonderful lady from our church. My son Adam is in 5th grade which is the highest grade on the bus.

Someone decided that it would be a good idea to train one of the students on each bus how to stop the bus should the driver become incapacitated. On my kid's bus Adam has that honor.

So let me get this straight. If for some reason the bus driver feints and slumps over the steering wheel Adam is supposed to make his way to the front of an out-of-control bus, move the driver out of the way, and stomp on the break.

Please take a moment and pray for school bus drivers everywhere!

What Does God Think of Denominations?

A question that has been raised many times in the past is "What does God think of denominations?" Usually this question is asked by someone who, at the time they ask the question, is frustrated with denominations. Some see denominations as a direct affront to Jesus' prayer for unity. The thought is that denominations are a response to a disagreement that has brought about a schism which in turn has led to the establishment of a new denomination.

There is also a lot of talk about the post-denomination era. This seems to indicate a growing dissatisfaction with the divisiveness denominations can bring to relationships. However, I think that though that is true more of the discontent stems from the hierarchal authority structures most denominations operate with rather than the lack of unity.

I wonder if we may be headed for a new denominational era. (Though they will probably call them something else.) If we are, the question remains. I think God is grieved when denominations spring up because of division. The Apostle Paul warns about this. However, I think God loves when we are denominated along positive lines such as passion, style, focus, etc.

Look at creation. It was God who denominated the various forms we see within trees, flowers, animals, insects, colors, smells, weather, etc. Somehow there is strength in variety. Different does not necessarily mean disunity. The key to unity seems to be synergy not uniformity. This is what denominations of the future will look like. It will be groups of people coming together because of a like calling but who remain unified with the body. That's a denomination that is formed for a positive reason rather than a negative division. Come to think of it that's how my denomination was started!

The Ringing In My Ears!

It's been 4 days since the "Battle of the Bands" at Anchor and I think my hearing is just now starting to return to normal. I've got to get ear plugs if I ever do that again. It was kind of hard playing guitar on Sunday without being able to hear very well.

Safety First

Poor Gabby. She can hardly move but she's safe! She Got the blades and pads for her 6th birthday!

$2.86 A GALLON - THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS! A gallon doesn't go very far either so it has a big impact on us since we use so much. I can't believe how much the prices have jumped. Someone must be making a ton of money on this. It makes me so mad I could spit.

Fortunately Kim says she can buy milk somewhere else for about $2.00/gallon so that will help. By the way, the gas prices have gone up too.

Here is something I've never thought of until Kim brought it to my attention. One issue with having people in the church invite friends to church is that their friends may be hesitant because they fear hurting the relationship. Huh?

Okay, here's the scenario. Friend A invites friend B to church. Friend B would like to accept friend A's invitation but what if she does and then doesn't like friend A's church. Will friend A be offended if friend B doesn't return.

That scenario got me to thinking about how we could invite people to church without them having to worry about offending us if they don't like it. Mmmmmmm!