1) Politicians (especially those running for president) in no way represent ideals that would be synonymous with Christ-like character. "You have to do what you have to do to get elected," I hear the defenders of their favorite presidential candidates say. Well, I'll say this, "don't go telling me that they're a good Christian person."
2) The Total Money Makeover is a good book. I know it is good and mostly true because it provides a difficult, challenging plan for getting out of debt and being financially responsible. As opposed to this.
3) My daughter Taylor is very athletic. Somehow she just excels in sports with very little effort, teaching or practice. That doesn't keep me from being one of the yelling parents at her 5th grade basketball games - or my wife (I'll have to get that on video for you sometime - talk about uncomfortable).
4) This is a good verse: James 3:17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Those are all things I would like to become.
For the first 15 years of my Christian life, I never observed Lent. To me it was a Catholic tradition that made some of my friends feel better about their lack of spirituality during the rest of the year (not saying that is true of all Catholics - just my experience with some people I knew). But a few years ago, I decided along with some friends to observe the tradition of Lent. For a 40 day period (from Ash Wednesday - which is to today by the way - until Easter Sunday) I fasted from something as a way of identifying with Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, and to prepare for what should be the greatest celebration in the Christian faith (not Christmas - Easter!). I think I stopped reading blogs and news feeds on my computer and only used my computer for emailing and writing teachings that first year. It was challenging for me, but showed me how dependent I was on my computer for escaping from real things. I've fasted from pop, or entertainment, or food altogether at different times. But this year I decided that rather than take something away to show myself how dependent on that thing I have become, I would add something that would help me draw closer to God. Since Lent is 40 days, I have committed to taking a 40 minute prayer walk every day for these 40 days. I'm looking forward to seeing how He uses that to draw me nearer to His heart.