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Do you like this font? I'm still playing with this space.
BTW, my wife doesn't really have red hair. But she did create this account, in Jan '07, and I did steal it from her shortly thereafter. She isn't holding it against me, see? --->
My wife's husband uses this blog to share thoughts, feelings, insights, inspirations, questions (and occasionally answers too), struggles, etc. The interaction on this site is usually fantastic, which is a primary reason he blogs here.
One of the things I've learned over the years is, God has me, and all of us who believe in Jesus, on a journey. None of us are "there" yet ... or else we wouldn't be having this conversation. I hope you will join me, even if just for a little while. If you read one (or more) of my blogs, let me know what you think (nicely, please).
mike n laura's previous blog entries - click to read:
Only a God who has been wounded himself ...our God understands our pain
NEVER beyond his reach! ...God not only creates, but restores too!!
Filthy rags ...time to forget about trying to be righteous
Waiting in hope, finding rest, and defying...
A real purpose for living ...our purpose for existing is right here!!!
See God, look UP!! ...the heavens and skies declare and proclaim!!
Forgiveness a restoration ...of a relationship, not a legal transaction!
I'm just not getting fed here! ...well, I wonder, whose fault is it anyway?
See Jesus! ...see me, see him. Know me, know him.
God must be a really big bird! ...but only if you take the words of the Bible literally
Am I delivered yet? ...God has delivered us, will deliver us, and is delivering us!
Cart before the horse (obedience before the new heart) ...what do ya expect from a heart of stone?
Will you? You can! ...miraculous healing? Sometimes!!
Something unseen....then SEEN ...our experience of the Holy Spirit is unseen, yet seen
Be careful little eyes what you see! ...images captured in the mind can never be removed!
Notes from Town Hall w/MyChurch CEO Joe Suh
How to make your profile viewable by other MyChurch users (and the public)
A prayer.....for us
A gift for ALL occasions ...all of God's gifts to us come in the same wrapping paper
Till he shows us mercy ...without it, we are lost, all of us!
The hidden terrors of Christianity ...fact is, some people make it way harder (and scarier!)
Sin no more... ...said Jesus. But is that what he really expects???
Giving God my ALL...finally ...even after coming to Christ, it can take a long time
A better way to correct someone ...a Godly example and very effective
Our family's first summer camp!! ...favorite memories from vacation!
Jesus is gentle! He offers rest! ...my favorite verse says so!!!
God isn't finished with me, or MyChurch! ...change is useful, even when counterproductive
Real greatness (not what we think?) ...maybe I really am great?
Throwing in the towel (since I'm STILL not good enough) ...well, why continue?
God plays keep-away? ...is there anything faith can't grab hold of?
The forgotten church... ...some may still be waiting, but others have given up...
Blessed are the PASSIVE ...good Christians are NOT necessarily assertive!
Pure folly! ...the wisdom of the "wise" isn't always what it appears
Inward purity, the cure for pesky habitual sins ...why leave the inside of the cup dirty?
My gay friend ...who do you think stood between him and God?
Who do you think you are?!? ...nuthin but a child
Another crack at Holy Communion ...an intimate and spiritual experience w/my son
The weaker partner?? ...husbands, treat your wives AS the weaker partner
Pro-Jesus (not anti-abortion, or anti-gay marriage, or anti-this-or-that)
Adversity and a doggie (Recipe for a great marriage) ...God can use anything!
Feeling childlike ...certainly ain't no pride in that!
Think I'd better stick with mercy ...and let the Judge judge!
You lovely disciples!! ...yeah, YOU who show you are Jesus' disciple by your....
Distracted by the seen ...what are our eyes fixed on, the temporary or the eternal?
Sow in tears if I have to ...persevering in Christ through the toughest circumstances
Incomplete armor?? ...who's got my back?
Just a little bad breath ...our sins do little to ruin our relationship w/God, unless we let em
Love covering ...by loving God, I lose sight of divisiveness
Done with the express ...sometimes a longer commute is better!
Works, our purpose for being saved ...a relationship with a purpose
REAL workmanship discovered! ...it's not our works, it's US!!
I didn't really do anything.....why am I boasting? ...our works are actually prefabricated!!
Considering the source ...the "enemy" isn't who we might think
A beautiful solace ...music can be pure beauty, the right kind of music that is
That's what I call perfect timing! ...God's timing is even better than I imagined!
Wretched joyous fool ...humility comes easier when we accurately perceive our true position
When God's determination trumps faith ...faith is important, but is it everything?
Singing while suffering ...it's all about the witness
Exceeding the expected is never expected ...if grace defies expectations, shouldn't we?
Where exactly does God live? ...I still find the answer surprising, and wonderful!
Accused ...but God is near
Laying it down for you ...just what have I laid down, anyway?
When fear and love mix ...love God or fear him? how about BOTH!!!
Blood on my hands ...don't we all?
Pausing to remember Hope
Put some clothes on, for Pete's sake!!! ...put on Christ, your bare humanity's showing!
Taste! Please just taste!! ...the feast is waiting, and waiting, and waiting.....
A glimpse at the genius of Jesus! ...Matt. 9:2-8 reveals Jesus at his best!
Resolved to rejoice (I'm forgiven!) ...God doesn't WANT to be angry!!
Sunday IS the dessert! ...the rest of the week sets up Sunday, NOT vice versa!
The strange delight of God ...so hard to believe THAT'S his delight!!
Judge rightly, NOT by appearances! ...why is this so hard?
To be completely lost in worship ...two simple things make it possible
Chillin' in Norfolk ...traveling for work doesn't always mean loneliness
Simply divisive ...in defiance of a simple gospel
Can that be said with fewer words? ...musings on the ideal blog length
The DISCIPLINE of appreciation - the cure for lost passion?
No sin in a vacuum, as demonstrated on a bus!
First love lost ...keys to maintaining love: doing and appreciating?
Deep and wide...beyond comprehension! ...now THAT'S amazing!
Nothing new on New Year's Day ...how to REALLY change myself
O holy night, the soul feels its worth ...special song, special night!!
Free speech? Censorship? Whose blog is it anyway? ...don't like my views..write your own blog!
My life is spinning out of control (and I think I like it) ...whose control??
Please, DON'T just take my word for it ...who should you really trust??? [DELETED?]
My little Sherlockian ...my daughter is an award-winning fan!
Sharing Jesus should cost me something, right?
Prayer...that's one powerful network! ...never go anywhere alone again!
The over-simplified gospel, such a joy! ...those who complicate, may sacrifice joy
Hope looks FORWARD!! ...hope isn't for what we receive now, but later!!
If you are willing... you can ...healing according to God's will, not ours
Be CAREFUL!! ...live care-fully, the days are evil and distractions from God abound!
My curious fascination with blood ...just can't get over the wonder of that sacrifice
What's the rush? Let's take the long way... ...God gave us life to enjoy!!
Some leave because... ...sometimes I struggle not to become another leaver
Another leader will come and go (2008 - 20??) ...but God reigns FOREVER, amen!!
How God listens? ...he listens, even though he knows what he's gonna hear!
Even the moments ...with God for the most part, it's just those darned moments
The White Witch lives in Devil's Den ...redemption demonstrated
Comforted by stumbling kin! ...in really good company, and comforted!
Growing up with subtle fears ...fear comes in many forms, and God can conquer them all!!
Sunday school silliness ...on a good day in Sunday school...
Inspiring leadership ...good leaders don't set themselves above those they "serve"
Love can be a one-way street ...love that isn't reciprocated can be quite....fulfilling
Measuring Christ ...how do you tell real Christlikeness from a counterfeit?
My faith fosters courage, which leads to...ACTION!
Bump, set, pray! ...winless volleyball team has priorities straight
An endless contradiction, weighing heavily on me ...the community assists
Politics does not make for a good ministry ...in fact, it could be the ruin of ministry
Pleasant words are needed ...not just another luxury!
Just scratching the surface ...of this mountaintop with God!
Unfortunate circumstances??? ...or God opening doors?
I almost left MyChurch when... ...sometimes God teaches us through humiliation
What's my example LOOK like? ...must my life look EXACTLY like Jesus'?
So who will you vote for, and why should I care? ...one of our FEW blogs on politics
Still married DESPITE love languages! ...take the test, find out your love language!
My secret life (a confession) ..."another" side of me revealed
Imperfect spouses (19 years of GRACE!) ...the Perfect Spouse shows grace is needed!!!
Teach less, share more ...there's just a little too much teaching around here!
Tortoise and the hare (A marriage of contention!!) ...somehow we've made it this far!
Pity to forgive ...how we learned that pity helps with forgiveness
God is... ...this list completes the sentence, in God's own words!
More or less faith than you think ...many of us are deluded into thinking our faith is weaker than it really is
Who are you to correct? ...whose job is it anyway???
Salvation by works, now I believe! ...perhaps I can earn my salvation after all
My manna ...I need it daily, and God provides
Four easy steps back to God ...well, maybe not easy, but they sure look like steps
Is it possible the Bible is simple…and right? ...what, easy to understand?
A God who does things vs. gods who ARE things (and nothing more)
Determining exactly what to offer God ...Abel knew, Cain did not; which am I like?
The gentle answer ...when is it MOST needed?
The importance of a preposition ...God says so much, with so few words!
BE the church...today? ...an invitation to BE
She slipped her hand into mine ...a child's adoration of her father 
Feels so good to be CHOSEN ...and by GOD, no less!!
What kind of evangelism was that? ...many of our efforts actually repel people from God
So are you gonna tell me your name or what? ...names are really important, to us and God!
How different am I? How different should I be? ...to be truly different, we need to question everything!
He who has the touch ...the healing, invigorating sense of touch...don't avoid it!
Looking for easy belief ...why can't God make it easy for everyone to believe???
GUARANTEED to get what I want ...it's all in the source of our desires
God told me to be still.... ...one morning I actually stopped and listened to God
Phases of MyChurch usage (See yourself?)
Words of life!!!! ...God's words are life, literally!!
No time for neighbors ...just forget 'em, life's too hectic!
MY sin, MY Savior ...yes, there's something to this "personal Savior" business
APPRECIATE LIFE (Tragedy can teach this, but why wait?)
Missing the point, once again ...at the heart of every issue is...the heart!!
I'm weak for Christ's sake ...when I'm weak then I'm strong? What the....?
Justice? No....trust ...learning to let God defend me
Doing myself violence? ...by overworking myself, living outside of God's will for me
Treasure their innocence!! ...every parent should read this one (reposted)
Why didn't I look to heaven sooner?? ...distracted from God by a difficult bro
Easter leftovers: Different resurrection stories?? ...discsrepancies in the gospels?
TOTALED! ...just what the title says
Wages and gifts (what are we REALLY earning?) ...earning vs. receiving
A blog to my 'black' brothers and sisters ...perhaps all of us need to be liberated?
Yard sale grace ...the legalist's junk is another man's treasure!!!
Encountering a sheep in wolf's clothing ...when ill behaved Christians "attack"
God, the great punching bag ...can he take it??
Worshiping with a dead man! ...what was I to think when he didn't respond...
My eyes are fixed! (Good Friday '08) ...nobody can deny me this!
Do anything I want, be anyone I want....why not?? ...maybe God has bigger plans?
So much for that triumphal entry ...by our actions we shout "CRUCIFY!!"
These children need your help NOW! ...neglected, mistreated...please help
Confirming my faith in people ...after "loving my neighbor" good things tend to happen!
Forgiveness is imperative! ...forgive, if you have any idea what God has done for you!
Just BEING a good neighbor, THIS ONCE ...loving my neighbor isn't always comfortable!
Christianity...a FEEL GOOD religion! ...don't ever be afraid to admit it!
REPORT 'em! Or better yet.... ...sometimes it's better to ask a few questions first
Denominations are good!! ...they get a bad rap these days, perhaps unfairly?
Assurance of salvation...got it? ...the most important question of all?
Thank God He has me COVERED!!! ...love covers ALL wrongs, amen!
The loneliest place on earth ...not where you might think! ...or is it?
Who is controlling me!! ...examining what I'm doing & why I'm doing it!
Then just sing! ...spontaneous praise can be a good thing, except when...
Friends first (sorry!!) ...why I'm stuck in my What's Fresh "clique"
I confess, I am deeply in debt ...a debt of love, that is!
Keeping his words near my heart (and EYES!!) ...our new strategy for memorizing scripture!
Real life, real issues, real pain ...wanting to do more than "merely" pray for people
My children... and HIS children ...how I love my kids, and how God loves HIS!!
Small group SPLIT!!! ...our small group split up this week, a good thing?
It is written, "It is written" ...Jesus elevated God's word to, well....God's words!
Christian schizophrenia ...Bill Maher thinks Christians are schizo (maybe we are?)
Science...or faith? (What to do with the evidence...)
MyChurch: 100,000 strong and growing!! ...where's your place in this community?
One of many (nothing more) ...the pure joy of praising God
Psalm 22 proves Jesus was who he claimed to be
When a loved one's Christianity turns out to be something else ...not quite "Christian"
What other kind of "day" is there?? ...24 hours, or some boundless age of time?
Children WANT to believe (in Santa) ...why not Jesus??
Really, I didn't mean it that way... ...please take what I write in the right spirit
Must I be blameless? ...why do I try so hard to please God?
God restores, but should I make restitution? ...is my relationship w/God a law thing?
The two most beautiful words... ...words of reconciliation!
A matter of perspective ...how you choose to look at life can make all the difference!!
Missing Miss Meg ...a "special" lady that we will never forget
Don't give in to shame ...present yourself, just DO it!
Gently "insisting" that you join us ...sometimes community has an "irresistible" draw
When fear has a purpose ...yes, God is love, but is he more??
I will offend you ...forgive me when I do?
Thankful for many things, but me? ...sometimes the hardest thing to be thankful for is...
Beware the impostor! ...looks and acts godly, but VERY dangerous!
More than just a clean sweep ...getting rid of bad habits means forming new ones
If you love me, obey... ...if you don't love, it won't to much good to obey
My pastor is not famous ...just one of many humble servants, toiling in the Lord's service
True unity is coming TOGETHER ...as opposed to being driven apart
Children and spirituality... Creative ideas needed? ...just how do you get through to kids?
Experience the UNITY (blogging from the road) ...relishing unity w/believers far from home
Love is... difficult! ...if they don't feel loved, have we really loved them?
More compassionate than God ...how is it possible? But some think they are...
Affirmation overdue? ...for someone I admire
Parenting... Teaching obedience, a lost art?
The "Getting to Know You" Survey by JessIAM ...personal trivia about mike
Such a thing as "just a little"? ...cross necessary for just one little sin?
Bare with me ...we are to bear with one another! (I with you and you with me)
Trapped in the wrong church! ...from my preferences to the Lord's calling
An Apollos moment ...how I got to see the plant 2 years after watering a "seed"
Our relationship will be tested - so prepare! ...important relationship? expect it to be tested!
Do you take the good with the bad, and for how long?
Pray for the miracle! ...don't get caught underestimating the Almighty!
A new perspective on the log in my eye ...alone we're all doomed to be deceived, eventually
Beautiful voices ...sing a new song to the Lord!
Merely coincidence? ...I don't think so...
Pharisee without a word ...are we approachable or is it the cold shoulder?
Sweet confirmation ...Alzheimers patients show their faith in touching ways
Remarkable story about a GREY FOX and God's providential care
Church in crisis? No way! ...as you and I grow, so does the Church!
Will you be on time for church tomorrow... ...it may be more important than you think
Continuing when you don't feel like it (on the importance of perseverance)
Be discontent! ...complacency = saying 'no' when God offers more
No peace on earth ...even (or especially?) with Jesus, conflict remains
A simple psalm of praise?
"Haunted" armoire? ...a strange classified ad, and a discussion about discernment
Finding real humility ...overcoming a misconception or two about humility
If there's one thing I do ...one thing that reveals where the heart is
Those we know who live as enemies of the cross ...Paul cried bitterly for them as do I
When God's Word isn't practical ...which parts of the Bible help us in our day to day lives?
A question of what motivates us ...is it law or grace, bondage or freedom?
A lifetime of sin like a speck of sand? ...seeing ourselves as God sees us
The ineffectiveness of worldly 'weapons' ...will we learn not to rely on them?
Starting small ...everyone has to start somewhere
Silent affirmation?
Two sides of grace ...do I rob people of blessings by denying them a chance to serve?
What if free really meant free ...here's why I feel so free!
Wondering if I am ever a "lion" in God's eyes ...follow my appetites, or trust God?
Transcending stress in my daily life
On comparing myself to others... ...establishing a proper point of reference for life
A simple quiet time strategy, just you, the Bible, and God... ...it's not just for beginners!
Is arguing amongst Christians ever a good thing?
When I put my faith on the line... ...what is a faith that pleases God? or a dead faith?
Teach your children diligently, you'll be amazed at what they might say!
What if today is the day... ...how many choices would make differently?
Don't settle for the SECONDHAND Word!! ...accept only the direct Word of God!
SCRAPPLE.... is it a sin? ...so embarassing, what was I thinking??
Thankful that I'm IMPERFECT ...if I was perfect, who would I depend on?
Am I really who I say that I am? ...service for God, but with a hard heart?
Is your "testimony" boring like mine?
The ideal MyChurch blog! ...my ideas on some characteristics of an ideal blog
A response to discouragement
Daddy, look at me!! ...yes, God is watching, but maybe not for the reason you think!
Thank God for nosy neighbors ...are we open to accountability?
Why aren't we talking about slavery? ...Jesus didn't. Paul didn't. Should we?
Well done, my son??? ...what can my little boy teach me? well, maybe a lot
Measuring up to the "perfect wife" ...the real Prov. 31 woman
Why don't you prove it to me! ...must we prove our love to God or just ourselves?
Big date tonight! ...check it out, it's not what you may think!
Yes, I can MAGNIFY Christ! ...but it's a daily choice
Becoming dissatisfied with dissatisfaction ...quit thinking about how life could be better and let God make it so!
Assigned seating in church? ...bad idea? we thought so!
Cast your cares (yes, ALL of them) ...God really wants them ALL
Motherhood: a career to ASPIRE to
Is it possible to call Jesus "Savior" but not "Lord"?
Immigration: a political issue? ...or an opportunity for the Church?
How could God create this evil world? ...for those with an objection to sin in the world
Be reconciled (or "How am I supposed to stay married to that jerk!")
Great God, great thoughts (inspired worship) ...what goes on in our minds while we worship?
God welcomes me in my afflictions ...why God only calls us to do our best
Was it a sad day, or much more? (Good Friday '07) ...a different look at Good Friday
The promised "who's coming to dinner" blog
How to "star" a blog
Proof that it cannot be proven (that God created)
What is TIME to God? ...go ahead and pray for things that have happened in the past!!
Working towards perfection ...no, I'm not there yet, but I'm on the way!
Are men and women interchangeable?
Giving... ...just read it, along w/the comments, and I promise you will be blessed
How we achieved unity when the Enemy threatened to tear us apart...
Disney's The Lion King a COPYCAT of Kimba ...oh Walt, please say it ain't so!!
Worship His holiness! ...today I'm thanking God that He is not like me!
Real love endures (or else maybe it wasn't real love to begin with)
Practical advice to kick habitual sin
Husbands, we are called to TRUE headship! ...husbands should read this, and wives too!
A love so strong
God's gift of CHOICE (or Why there is suffering in the world)
Don't be bewitched! (God loves you the way you are) ...an exposition of Romans 3,4,5
Weird Christians ...we should be different from other people, shouldn't we??
Every single choice we make ...even the seemingly insignificant ones
Is God's grace transformational??
Drive like a Christian!! ...yes it is a possibility!
When do you stop worshiping?
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Sherlock says ...
Thanks for sharing, I added a star. It was really sweet. Sure makes me appreciate my Daddy! Love you. :) :)
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Prayer Warrior For God says ...
 Along with this huge grin that I get I can't help but say a prayer for you. I hope that your doing well and know that your doing well my friend for you have a wonderful father who is comforting you each day. You can lean on me anytime that you need a shoulder to lean on. Here is a lyrical quote that makes me smile when I think about something like that:
"Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on, for it won't be long, 'til I'm going to need somebody to lean on."
- "Lean On Me" I hope that you know that you can lean on me in spirit when you need a friend when times are hard. God bless you with my heart, Megan PS Safe travels with your work my friend |
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Sherlock says ...
I'll wear them on Friday. Mom didn't want me to wear them today because we went thrift shopping for more boots and she thought I would be trying on a lot of stuff... but I wasn't. Ahh well. Oh! And Daggers CAN come to the BK!!! Yay!!!! A lot of my friends are going to be there! It's gonna be AWESOME! Can't wait! :D
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Preston Pittman says ...
The walk ahead is treacherous,
and hard to see they say,
But walking with My Father,
the path shines as noon of day.
Though the road is slippery
and I could loose my step some time,
I press ahead to victory
with His hand in mine.
Whether the trail gets easier,
or when the trail turns rough,
It doesn't really matter now
His presence is more than enough.
Though there is hope of all the treasure
waiting at journeys end,
It's the journey I hope to treasure,
how precious it has been.
Walking with My Father,
a journey so divine.
Walking with My Father,
with His hand in mine.
By Preston Pittman
I Love you.
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Go Cubbies says ...
Hey bro! I haven't heard back from you. How have things been going?
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Prayer Warrior For God says ...
 Have a sweet dreams and peaceful day tomorrow. I hope that an angel will comfort you as you sleep this night. Sweet dreams my dear friend.
Dear Jesus,
As my friend settles in there bed, help them rest there little head, if they wake in the night, kiss there cheek with an angels kiss, so they'll be alright.
Bless there family and the ones they love. Watch us all from up above.
Amen A sweet dreams prayer for you and your family. Sweet dreams, Megan
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Sherlock says ...
Hiya Daddy!! Thanks so much for the boots; I'll even wear them to co-op tomorrow if you like. :) Hope you had a relatively nice day today, and we'll miss you while you're in Texas!!! Can't WAIT for the Big Kahuna w/you! Did you know Daggers might be coming? Mom sent her mom an invite. And lots of other great people!! :D I love you!
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Jeremy Crouch says ...
Hi Mike.
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Liz Bell says ...
Why thank you kind sir lol
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Sherlock says ...
Good morning, Daddy. Thanks for cheering me up last night; I liked watching Monk with you. He's a great detective. :) My spirits aren't UP today, but they are up. lol, if that made any sense at all. Can we do something fun today? I don't really want to go driving around very much, maybe we can just find something at home that's nice. What do you think?
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