Before (he definitely looks happier in this picture!)


After (ignore the mean face--he didn't want his picture taken!)

New Haircut!

Check out Grant's new do! With the hot weather and his hatred for getting his hair washed, we thought this was the perfect style for him. I posted a pic of him with longer hair and a picture from this morning with his "buzzed" look. What do you think? Do you like the old or new style better?

Punk Rock Christians?

My good buddy Caleb suggested a new discussion topic. Here is his comment in case you didn't read it...

What about punk rockers. I watched a new segment on Fox News about Punk Rock Christians. There was a young preacher of a church on the south side of Manhatten New York City. He was all tattooed, pierced, wore black clothes, loved to skate, and love punk rock music. They showed shots of his church worshipping and mentioned how it has grown. Then they interviewed a "Conservative" preacher in Colorado that said "they play punk rock music in their services. That is beyond peril to me." He said that born-again Christian will want to dress like Christians....WHAT DO "REAL" CHRISTIANS LOOK LIKE? The punk rock kid made a great point, he said if by wearing a suit and tie for church is like the early Christians, then we are far from that. The early church didn't wear suit and ties....they didn't have them!

Interesting topic--and not one I was very informed about. So I did a little research and came up with some interesting information. The punk rock scene is not just about music. Check out this website to see one band's view on the punk rock scene...http://www.terrorgruppe.com/church/punk_engl.html
If this guy is correct in what he says, to call yourself a "punk rocker" and a "Christian" in the same breath would be an oxymoron. (This site is typical of what I found when searching.)I find it very dangerous to try to identify yourself with two groups who are so vastly different--punk rockers and Christians. The punk rock scene is anti-establishment, rebellious and a bit dark. However, if these "punk rock Christians" are just followers of Jesus who enjoy expressing themselves with a certain style of music, hair, dress, etc... I see nothing wrong with that. I guess it just depends on how far you take it.

Can't wait to hear what you all have to say!!!

A final word...

A final comment on the gambling issue...Even if we set stewardship aside and didn't use that as an argument against it, gambling is still dangerous and, in my mind, wrong. None of us really know if we have addictive personalities until we put ourselves into a position to be mastered by something. Gambling is highly addictive. In fact I heard on the radio the other day that gambling is the fastest growing addiction in teens today. Someone may go into the gambling scene intending to do it as entertainment but gambling can quickly become an addiction. Just as those with addictive tendencies have trouble after only trying a few drinks, they also have trouble controlling themselves after a few tries on the slot machine. Once again, I do not see a need to ride the line between right and wrong. Why would we put ourselves in this kind of position for the sake of "entertainment." Gambling is destroying lives as we speak--families are going bankrupt, divorce papers are being filed, etc... I do not want to use my money to support something that has been so distructive in the lives of others. Funny thing is, I never felt passionate about this subject until Julie brought it up for discussion. Now I feel VERY passionate about it and have a strong conviction. Thanks Julie for the GREAT topic!

Up for Discussion...

A new topic has been suggested by one of my faithful blogging buddies, Julie. Here's what Julie wrote...
"what about gambling??? We got into a discussion about gambling tonight. Especially in the sense that "what if someone who gambled and one decided to give you that money as support would you take it?" Then we got into what is gambling?? Investing things into stock markets, oldies playing bingo, playing games at the fair, etc... anyone want to throw out some thoughts about that?"
Julie also shared her opinion which you can read as the last comment on the Monday, June 13th post.
I think in living by the principle of stewardship I would have a difficult time using money for gambling. I guess it is an issue of conscience for me. However, I am not always the best steward of my money so I guess I would need to take the log out of my own eye before I started pointing out specks to others. Let's hear your opinions!