What Led You to Become an Atheist? Some Surprises...

Here is a blog page that you will be interested in reading.  It is David Murray summarizing an article in The Atlantic.  i am tempted to cut and paste it below, but don't know if that is proper, so I'll just give you the link and you can see it for yourself:

http://headhearthand.org/blog/2014/10/28/what-led-you-to-become-an-atheist-some-surprising-answers

Christian Arbitration Positively Portrayed on CBS' "The Good Wife"

Here is something different: on a recent episode of "The Good Wife" there was a very positive portrayal of two Christian neighbors resolving a conflict outside the courtroom, through the church.  You can see the full episode here, Hat tip: Ken Sande's blog, where he also adds his remarks, under the heading, "Befuddled Lawyers and Sensible Christians."  It really is true in that episode that the lawyers are portrayed as befuddled, while the process by which two men come to agree on a resolution for their conflict is very sensible.  (Warning: this is prime time network television, so in the beginning there are short flashbacks to adulterous scenes)

Prayer

I hasten toward an hour when earthly pursuits and possessions will appear vain,
    when it will be indifferent whether I have been rich or poor,
    successful or disappointed,
    admired or despised.
But it will be of eternal moment that I have mourned for sin,
    hungered and thirsted after righteousness,
    loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity,
    gloried in his cross.
May these objects engross my chief solicitude!

Sobering Words from Psalm 49

Psalm 49:16-20:
Be not afraid when a man becomes rich,
     when the glory of his house increases.
For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
     his glory will not go down after him.
For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed
     —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself—
his soul will go to the generation of his fathers,
     who will never again see light.
Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

Cultural Divide on Parenting

There is a recent Pew survey taken on parenting, specifically what parents desire most to impart to their children. Here is a report on the BBC's web site that summarizes it.  It is something to prayerfully consider as we think about how the gospel works in our society and culture.  It also helps us to think about this: What does the gospel lead us most to desire to pass along to our children?

Gospel Song--with a Twist

Emotional Intelligence, Relational Wisdom, and the Gospel

Are you familiar with the concept of "emotional intelligence?" Emotional intelligence (as opposed to "intellectual quotient, " IQ) has to do with emotional awareness--the ability to identify and deal with your own emotions, and EI overflows in empathy and understanding in working with the emotions of others.
It turns out that Ken Sande, author of The Peacemaker, has turned his attention to combining emotional intelligence with the gospel, to create "Relational Wisdom."  And it is a very helpful combination.  You can learn more about it at this web site: www.rw360.org.

Is it worth the fight? Worth clinging to?

As far as governments--federal and state--are concerned, it looks like "gay marriage" is here to stay.  Like it or not.  For my part, even when the state sanctions it--and even though there are some good reasons the state should do so, which might be a surprise--I insist the church should not.  Ever.
What reminded me of that is this excellent article titled, "Why so many Christians won't back down on gay marriage."  You can read it here.