Why I Love My Mom

1. You're funny
2. Loving
3. Pretty
4. Nice
5. Sweet
6. Funky
7. Groovy
8. Good at Dancing
9. Awesome
10. Cool

Happy Mother's Day

Why I Love My Mom

1. You are understanding
2. You're awesome
3. You are a good cook
4. I don't have anything for number 4
5. You love me
6. You homeschool me
7. You read a lot (like me!)
8. You give me a home, love and FOOD
9. Again, food
10. You understand me

Happy Mother's Day.

Why I Love My Mom

1. You know what I want and need
2. You give me souvenirs
3. You're snuggly
4. You're pretty
5. You're awesome

Happy Mother's Day

Welcome

There exist distinct differences in opinion (or ought I say, 'facts') amidst the wide spectrum of Christendom. Spending a weekend with my frozen-chosen friend Mike brings these to light.

I am a sensible person, not prone to edginess or harshness. I have learned through time, talks, reading of history and hopefully the Spirit of God that much of our lives are the extensions of the precepts of men, even godly men; even myself.

I used to spend much time seeking a full and complete understanding of my faith and that of others, seeking to identify the differences, preparing to battle for the intellectual chalice of perfect doctrine.

Now I am more likely to meet out the root causes for the differences, to be more understanding. Contrary to the fears of the stalwarts, this journey has in general strengthened my comprehension of God, man and our connection.

That being said, at church with Mike this morning, as the Preacher forbade people who were not believers from participating in Communion, I was immediately irked, insulted at the barrier of participation built by man around God. He does not need our protection.

My immediate reaction was to refuse to join in Communion under such circumstances, participating with those who refused to participate with others. Fortunately, as the portions of bread and juice were passed from pew to pew, my hypocrisy was timely revealed, and I was reminded of my own belief that Communion is a welcoming table for all, including those who believe otherwise.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I begin the first day of the rest of my life.

I am encouraged by the celebratory spirit of my friends when I announce the day upcoming. Some are interested in the journey, questioning and drawing out the circumstances that led to this life-change as well as the core of my personage that has been the underlying current leading me.

But all are supportive; and for one such as myself who struggles with guilt, with an overriding sense of responsibility towards those at Gaskins, who questions doing anything that brings me pleasure as being untrustworthy (as I am untrustworthy), this affirmation has been immensely helpful, specifically building a platform of excitement towards tomorrow rather than an alter of guilt towards leaving my past.

In an era of continuous personal humility, as one who has always prided himself as not being swayed by the opinions of those around me, I find myself seeking and absorbing the encouragement of others.