I got an Amazing gift.... but I want you to have it.

I know a student who does not believe in God. All my youth worker friends are just SHOCKED to hear that, I know it. Well, the reality is that the God he doesn't believe in... I don't either. The world has painted him a picture of God that he just can't get behind. 

I know another student who believes that there is a God but whoever that God is has nothing to do with whatever is happening on earth. To him it's more than just free will, God is distant, God doesn't care. 

A lot of things in my life were going wrong when I was their age. 

So why is it that I am able to believe?

It must have been a gift.

Ash Wednesday Selfie - Instructions for Fasting this Lent

Ash Wednesday comes every year and you see folks walking around with these little marks on their head that almost resemble a cross painted on with ash.

Perhaps you have seen this before?

I have also noticed that a number of people, upon seeing this, ask the fun question: 

"What are you giving up for lent?"

Followed by a 5 minute discussion on what both have given up and how they have done giving up different things in recent years.

As if the Lenten fast is the same thing as a New Years Resolution.

Is there a better way? If you take a #selfie on Ash Wednesday what should it look like? How should we behave toward our Lenten Fast? Why is it different from a New Years Resolution? Or is it different?

3 Minute Theology - "Incarnation" Why does it matter?

For one of my seminary classes we were asked to prepare a three minute talk about a theological word or subject to explain it to a particular audience. The assignment was between 400-450 words, which take the average reader about 2 minutes to read. 

So do you want to know more about the "Incarnation"?

If so it will only take you about two minutes to read.

A Needed Change

I will not be attempting to post at least 3 times a week for the rest of the semester. I have come to an understanding of my limits. Last week I had a 1500 word paper due. This week, a 2000 word paper. Next week, 2 Mid Terms.

I have also been writing a few articles for InfoBarrel and I am building a Niche Site about Podcasting and Ministry. All of this has basically been what I do from 10PM - Midnight each night after my work and home responsibilities are done. With the increase in school work this two hour window is going to have to be added to the time that I spend on Seminary work.