From Genesis to Revelation-Total Faith

Many think it is crazy, silly, and naive to believe in a God who created everything out of nothing. Some believe in the big bang theory. I would ask them, "Who made the bang?" That particular theory makes no sense to me. As crazy, silly, and naive it may sound, I believe God existed before time began, and that He created our galaxy, this earth, and all living things, like Genesis says. And since I believe what Genesis says about creation, it only makes sense to believe every word of the Bible, all the way to the last words of Revelation.

Whose Idea Was it to Surrender Your Footwear Upon Entering a Certain Type of Home?

Mr. M and I, in working with the college students, are often asked (or at least made aware of the expectation of us) to take off our shoes in some homes and apartments. Now, it is not just students who ask (or expect) us to surrender our footwear; there are also alumni. All of our bare-footed hosts have two things in common-they are Asian (or they are so often surrounded by all things Asian that they have forgotten that they themselves are not actually Asian), and they are smart. So I'm wondering if there's an unwritten rule among smart people-regardless of race-that shoes are not to be worn indoors.

I was taught in jr. high to put a question mark after a statement that begins with, "I wonder." However, I was taught earlier in my educational career to put a period at the end of any statement, no matter how it begins-so that's what I stick with. It seems the logical choice to me. Telling you what I wonder about is merely stating a fact, so I don't see that it deserves a fancy punctuation mark any more than if I tell you, "My favorite color is purple." I feel perfectly at peace with my punctuational choices, although I do still feel the need to explain. I hope you'll appreciate my sincerity?

Missionary Zeal

Reading about Ann Judson's missionary career in Burma has got me thinking about mission, telling others about the amazing love of Jesus. Ann had her mission field in Burma. She would tell of Jesus' love to the women and children of the land. The college students we work with have their mission field-other college students, immortal souls that need to know about Jesus. I have my own mission field, neighbors and family who need to know what Jesus did to save their souls. Every one, regardless of where they live, has a mission field. Where's yours?

Choosing My Friends . . . Then Putting Them on The Bookshelf

I am in a biography/autobiography stage. No offense to my actual friends, but I've been enjoying quiet afternoons in the sun with Ann Judson (one of the first missionaries to Burma), and I am looking forward to sunny afternoons poolside with Tina Fey, and come Fall, I'll be spending time with Mindy Kaling, (Kelly Kapoor from The Office.) Of course, I am never happier when two of my favorite things-friends and reading-collide, like yesterday at church when I bought a book by a woman I've had lengthy conversations with, or the buying of Totally Desperate Mom by my high school buddy and childhood actress, Wendy Hagen.

The Real Life of an American Teenager

As an unpopular schoolgirl, I was summoned one day at recess to a table where all the popular girls were gathered. I was invited to sit, while they just stared at me and waited for me to say something. Even as a young girl, I knew no good could come of this. These girls were not my friends. So I just sat in silence and stared back at them. Eventually, as I gave them nothing to laugh at, they got bored with me and sent me away. I won. My natural, inborn cynicism and skepticism had served me well.

I later learned that the game was that whatever I said at the table was what I would say after my first romantic encounter. Oh, how sorry I feel for teenagers-especially the unpopular, uncool kids who are too smart for the popular and cool kids' stupid games!

RUFUS TAKEN HOSTAGE BY MILITANT PET GROOMERS.

I took Rufus in to get his teeth whitened and his nails manicured today. The grooming process was much shorter than anticipated. I saw Rufus in the waiting area, but I couldn't take him home. The place didn't take credit cards, and I didn't have on me the kind of cash they wanted. We were at an impasse. I had to leave Rufus there, as collateral, and go to the bank for cash. The closest bank was on a windy hill, where the wind blew my hat right off my head. Cash in hand, I went back to claim my dog. He was released to me, and we met a good friend of mine and her dog at Starbucks, where we spent the afternoon relaxing and chatting after a nice walk on the bike trails. It was a day, a very good day, a very adventurous day.