Here and Now

I was asked to do a talk at our confirmation retreat. The subject was Grace. And, since we're a United Methodist Church, the further "refined" subject was Sanctifying Grace... But, I was told, I could do whatever I wanted to do... SO - I did whatever I wanted to do. No, I didn't explicate the origins of the Wookie race in the Star Wars series...though that might be fun next year. I still talked about Grace. And I even talked about Sanctifying Grace - but I tried to take on all three major perspectives of Grace that we United Methodists have: Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace, Sanctifying Grace. So - in an unprecedented (at least on this blog) FOUR PART SERIES we present.... Grace - as Bill Beatty understands it...and then again, he might be wrong... Okay. So - WHAT is Grace? Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name Grace, it's the name for a girl It's also a thought that changed the world And when she walks on th

What do I do when I don't have anything to say? I remember one time I said something stupid, just because there was a lull in a conversation (ONE time...heh, happens all the time...). I don't remember what I said, but it was just, well, stupid... I remember apologizing, saying, "You know, sometimes I say something just to have something to say..." I've learned (or, rather, I AM LEARNING) to listen more than speak. I want to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger." But sometimes, I just need to say something to have something to say..." The ultimate in self-centeredness? No, I don't think so. It's fear. Silence is threatening... What are you really thinking right now? How can I know in silence? I talk to God that way - sometimes just babbling on to have something to say because the silence scares me... I guess I want God to speak in the silence... But what if He doesn't? Will I still have faith? Will I still believe?