Welcome to the Blog!
This is where you can find the rantings and ravings (or just random thoughts) from Pastor Dan. I hope that I will update this daily, but for right now I know that it will happen at least on a weekly basis. If there is anything you want me to reflect on, just send me an e-mail and I will do my best. I hope you have a happy and blessed day!
March 19, 2008
Today I read a very interesting article about the recent "shut-down" of all Starbucks chains across America for a 3 -hour period with the purpose of holding a company wide meeting. It was interesting article because it challenged churches to do the same thing. It basically said, "Be quiet - listen to yourselves - and take a moment to evaluate what you are doing to determine if it is what you should actually be doing." I wonder how many times we as people take time to actually reflect on what we are doing and if that is what we are called to do?
March 4, 2008
I had the opportunity to visit my mother this weekend I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to spend some time with her. She is in the midst of her chemo treatments, so it was a little shocking to see her without any hair. She was in good spirits and happy to see me and it was great to see her. I have been so proud of her and the courage she has shown throughout this ordeal. She is my hero!
February 24, 2008
Sorry that it has been a little while since I last wrote - sometimes life gets a little busy. I am interested in getting your opinion about something. What is the difference between judgmental and holding people accountable? I think it is our task as Christians to hold people accountable for their actions (or in-action), but I heard this morning that we shouldn't judge others for the same things. What do you think? Did God let everyone off the hook? What do you think? I'll post responses if folks say it is OK.
January 31, 2008
I have spent a lot of time during the recent months reading about and watching the debates of the candidates who are running to become our next President. In fact, I have spent more time doing this than I ever have before. And I was thinking to myself last night why this was the case. Is it due to the perceived disenfranchisement of the current administration? Is it because of the candidates themselves? Is it do to the diversity of choices we have in the process? I think, at some level, I could answer yes to all these questions. But I think the real reason is that I want to live out the convictions of my faith in every aspect of my life - which means I have to engage in the political process. Does that mean I will always agree with conservative Republicans (who are the part of the Religious Right)? No. Does it mean that I will always agree with liberal Democrats? No. But I do feel as if I need to be informed about where people stand and compare that to what I believe is faithful and true to the teachings of Jesus. So...do I know whom I going to vote for? I think so. But I think what is more important is the fact that I am indeed going to vote. I would encourage you all to do the same.
(Sorry for the ramble)