Unchristian

I mentioned the book Unchristian in my last post and I'm not finished reading it yet, but I just have to talk about it! It is so...I don't know what the word is for it...but I can't get through a paragraph without wanting to talk to someone about it. It makes me sad, angry, motivated, and thoughtful all at the same time. It's convicted me of things and I pretty much would recommend this book to any Christian I know. I'm not saying it's perfect, but it is definitely worth your time.
I guess I should tell you what it's about! It's written by David Kinnaman who is part of this organization called The Barna Group. They do research projects and David has done a three year research project on why non-believers (he calls them 'outsiders' in the book) hate Christians. He's boiled it down to six main themes based on the research: That we are 1) Hypocritical; 2) Too focused on getting converts; 3) Antihomosexual; 4) Sheltered; 5) Too political; and 6) Judgmental. I've just started the antihomosexual chapter. I feel like he does a really good job of not attacking either side- of just telling it like it is- 'this is what the outsiders think, and this is why'. There is also a section at the end of each chapter written by pastors that challenges us as to how to respond to that particular theme.

Anyway- really good book. If you want to know more, I would be thrilled to tell you more. And if you've read it, I would be even more thrilled to talk to you about it!

Facecrack

I'm not Catholic. But I am giving up something for Lent this year. I gave up facebook today. For 40 days! It's very freeing, actually. Some say it's addicting. I think for me, it's more of a time-filler. So now I'm just going to find different things to fill up my time. Maybe I'll write on this blog more often...maybe I'll write you a letter! I'm reading a really good book right now- UnChristian. I'll write about it when I'm done. Anyway- there you go. My name is Meaghan and I've been facebook free for 12 hours. 

Cardboard Testimony

We watched this video at Bible Study tonight, and I wanted to share it with you all.




It was eye opening for me and the girls in my group. We talked about how important it is for us to remember that God is always at work in people's lives. And especially in the unlovable people's lives. The one that hit me was the cult member! I would love to hear his story!! Jesus is drawn to meth addicts and porn addicts, to bickering couples and thieves. These are the people in whose lives He is working. And that is where we need to be. Just look at these testimonies! Amazing. I hope to be handing out some cardboard soon.

I get by with a little help from my friends.

When I left Flagstaff to go to Phoenix last Thursday, it was beautiful...60 degrees, sunny, no sign of bad weather. So of course, I wore my flip-flops down to Phoenix. Well, bad news. I came back to a Winter Wonderland - in my flip- flops. My car was completely covered in snow and totally blocked in thanks to the snow-plowmen. Thankfully, I have the best roommates in the entire world. One phone call and they came and dug my car out and wouldn't even let me help!! They are the greatest and I love them with all my heart. And yes, I still have all of my toes.

Never Been Unloved

A great song. Yes, it's by Michael W. Smith. Don't shoot me (Jenny). At least it's not Steven Curtis Chapman. Love the lyrics. Had to share it with you all.

Never Been Unloved

I have been unfaithful. I have been unworthy. I have been unrighteous. And I have been unmerciful.

I have been unreachable. I have been unteachable. I have been unwilling. And I have been undesirable

Chorus: Sometimes, I have been unwise. I've been undone by what I'm unsure of. But because of you, and all that you went through, I know that I have never been unloved.

I have been unbroken. I have been unmended. I have been uneasy. And I have been unapproachable.

I've been unemotional. I've been unexceptional. I've been undecided. And I have been unqualified.

Chorus: Unaware, I have been unfair. I've been unfit for blessings from above. But even I can see the sacrifice you made for me. To show that I have never been unloved.

Big Man on Campus

I am pretty sure that Noah gets way less credit than he deserves. So here's a shout out to him. What an incredible man! God has just said "I am sorry that I have made both man and beast." That's gotta make someone feel good. But- "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Ah, a breath of fresh air! Now, look at his situation. He's living his life, going to work everyday with his buddies, comes home to a beautiful wife and his three sons. Then one day, God tells him to build an ark. An ark? I'm pretty sure if I were Noah, I'd be like, okay God, show me some thunderclouds then maybe I'll get my wood out. But no! Noah gets right on it and does it cubit for cubit! Now, can you imagine what an idiot he probably looks like to all of his neighbors and friends?! Building this ginormo ark for no apparent (to them) reason! I know I'd be laughing at him. Well, Noah works on his ark and I'm sure he has a tremendously humble attitude the whole time. Finally he finishes and it's time for the storm. So all the animals come, you know the story. Now, if I were Noah, I'd be pointing and laughing "Ha ha! Suckas! Told you!!!" Well, thank goodness I'm not Noah. I can't wait to meet him in heaven. But Lord, please give me the faith of Noah!

Oh, and I'm naming my first son Noah.