And now, the things Ive been chewing on lately...

The Pew Forum released its survey on religion and public life recently. I think we're beginning to see that "falling away." The number of people I've encountered lately who are clueless or hostile to Christianity is pretty amazing. Shouldn't be, but it is. I can also remember when afterschool programs shut down early on Wednesday, because it's a church night; now, they even hold practices on Sunday morning. And the sharp rise in food prices due to wheat and corn shortages is worrisome. Not the kind of worry that keeps me up at night, but the kind that makes me chew the inside of my lip when I think about it.

I don't know. I feel like things are winding down, that time is winding down, and that we who believe should be kicking it into high gear.

But what, exactly, is "high gear?"

I'm tired of the programs. I was reading some site the other day that talked about "Christians making an impact on the culture" and as many times as I've heard that phrase, it really, really hit me wrong this time. It isn't about the culture; it's about souls, about lives, about bringing an increase to the Kingdom.

If we ban gay marriage but do not lead others to Christ, we have accomplished nothing.

If our protests lead to the cancellation of a slimy tv show, but we do not lead others to Christ, we have accomplished nothing.

Though we increase our membership to thousands and raise millions for new pretty buildings, but do not lead others to Christ, we have done nothing. Nothing!

I'm so guilty of this! :( I have a terrible fear of strangers, and I'm all too likely to get defensive over my faith, rather than going on the offensive for Him. It is time for me to put aside my whiniy, pitiful excuses and speak out for Him.

We must train church members, truly disciple them, teach people that it isn't about us--it's about God. What is His plan? How do we fit in?

Oh, my. Eight months between entries really is slacking, even for me.

I thought about posting a time or two during the primary season, before we voted here, but I just couldn't work up the energy. Liked Fred, but I don't think he wanted the job. Couldn't in good conscience vote for Giuliani or Paul. I remembered Mitt's 'conversion' to pro-life and thought well of him for it, but I found out that afterward his state health care plan was funding abortions. Plus his rhetoric didn't line up with his record. Ugh. Not a fan of RINO McCain. Wound up voting Huck, since he had the best record on abortion, and gun control, and I felt like he says what he thinks.

I'm voting McCain in the general election. We're still at war, and still at risk from terror, and quite frankly, he's got a fine record on national defense, and an acceptable one on most of the other issues that really matter to me. I really bleeping hate McCain-Feingold, but it pales in comparison to HillaryCare or, God help us, Obama's global tax.

Immigration is a "meh" issue for me. What little I've been able to find regarding historical immigration laws suggests that we had something pretty darn close to open borders when my ancestors arrived ("free whites"--I'd like to throw that open to all races) and I think folks coming today deserve the same fair shot. I'm a bleeding heart on this; I believe with all my heart the promise of liberty to all--"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." I'd like to see enforcement of our laws and the deportation of people who are here working on other people's ID, but I'd also like to see a liberalization of our immigration laws. I believe we have more to fear from foreign students on expired visas than from Jose the migrant worker.

Of course, back then you didn't have to worry about visas and social security numbers and paying income taxes. Thanks, liberals! it's your bureaucracy that's made it so hard for people to do it the legal way!