A Touchy Subject

In our young adult Sunday School class Stan has been throwing out "hot topics" such as homosexuality, abortion, euthenasia, etc. He has encouraged us to open our minds to looking at things in light of Scripture rather than with a bias because of what we have been taught. I have missed several classes because of filling in for other teachers or uncooperative children, but today I was able to be there. The topic of the day was alcohol and the discussion was rather heated. People seem to be passionate about this subject from whatever side of the fence they are standing. It was interesting to hear people's opinions but I became a bit disheartened as I listened. I wonder if we are focusing on the wrong thing. Why do we get so upset about "our rights" or "our liberties." Living in God's grace does not mean stretching His limits as far as they will go. Maybe I am "closed minded"--I'm sure many think so, but this topic was especially upsetting to me. Maybe talking about alcohol is the wrong way to go...maybe we should be talking about holiness. How can we be more "set apart," more sanctified to serve God...Just a thought. I'm anxious for your comments/opinions. Please feel free to "enlighten" me!

Heaven on Earth

Okay, so I said this page would be for debating, but I am going to stray a bit from that purpose with this post...
We just returned from vacation, which included several visits with old friends and a trip to CCCB (our alma mater) for graduation. Each time we are reunited with friends from college, I get a little glimpse of heaven. Let me explain...
Ministry can be lonely at times. There is a sense of caution about sharing too much with people within the church when you are a "preacher's wife." And often people aren't comfortable totally opening up to you either. And so I often find myself longing for the days when I was surrounded by close friends. The kind I knew I could share ANYTHING with and who I knew would come to me with their deepest needs. When I sit and really think about heaven I am first excited to see Jesus...to touch Him...just to be in His presence. But the second thing I am excited about is that I will never have to be seperated from those friends I love so deeply. And so when we are at a place like CCCB graduation, surrounded by the best of friends, I feel that God is giving me a little glimpse of what heaven will be like. And it makes me all the more excited for the day when Jesus will come and take us all home to be with Him...and to be with each other.
But, this also makes me concerned. Why am I not continuing to build those kinds of friendships in ministry. Is this just the down side of being a "preacher's wife" or am I being too cautious? I would love to hear your responses.