Well, today I wrote a bit on myspace about Valentines Day. I know you all love it nearly as much as I do (don't you?) but I felt it would be good for me to put up a little history on the holiday. Somewhat out of laziness and somewhat out of a desire to bring more attention to the fact I have a myspace account, this blog is exclusive to myspace. This is the link to my profile. I want you to see the pink.

Father Alan has compiled his list of top posts for 2006. Sort of. Very good reads, I enjoyed all of them. The one on Francis and Benedict is probably my favorite. I encourage all of you to read it (I think I probably only have one or two readers anymore... it's all good) Good stuff.

Kyle Potter comments on Fr. Peter Matthews (An Anglican priest in Lexington) and "The Evil Pope," bearing Fr. Matthews namesake, in the new Left Behind videogame. It's amusing. In a childish sort of, "Kyle's a nerd" sort of way.

I have added two new faces to my blogroll. They are under the Catholic section (weird, huh?) Author, Mike Aquilina is the first. He keeps an interesting and informative blog chock full of patristic goodness. I know you all love it. The next is Fr. Christppher Phillips. His parish has a unique and interesting history that I wouldn't want to spoil by laying it all out. Mostly because I don't understand it all... haha! He seems like a nice fellow. I like his hymns.

Well, that's all. Be sure to click on all of these. Word.

Yes, we are up and running again. I thought that I should make this announcement with its own post! It's been some time (specifically since Blogger made the beta standard) but now we can all talk about whatever is on our minds and hope that we step lightly (but not too lightly) on one anther's toes. I am hopefully launching some renovations to the site. I won't be changing hosts or anything like that... I want to change the content of it all. Make it a bit more "user-friendly."

I am going to try to start limiting my "updates" posts and make weekly or bi-weekly updates which are half as sporadic as what I'm already doing. I want to include a bit more on religion and politics. I am finding myself changing more and more in the past few months. I expect the new posts to relfect that somewhat.

I will not be posting eloquent papers on the finer points of doctrine or what-not. I think those are boring to read and somewhat useless, as many of you don't know me personally and would only see them as words without a living person incarnating those particular values. At least, that's how I feel.

I hope to make new friends on all sides of all camps. I want you poorly disciplined liberals to say "Mike seems like a good guy. Well, maybe not, but at least can make me laugh!" I want to angry blood-letting conservatives to be my friend as well, saying, "That pomo Mike kid sure does know how to spark a conversation (i.e. stir the pot) hopefully I'll see him in heaven so I can lecture him on a thing or two." Hell, I even (perhaps especially!) want you so-called "free-thinkers," the religiously and/or politically reserved folk, to poke a bit of fun at me. I don't know what you'll say but I do hope you'll do so in a (struggling) mutual spirit of charity and understanding.

I want you to disagree with me, or at least question me. Joshua Hearne is one of my favorite commentors simply because he asks little questions of when I have either assumed too much on the subject at hand or have not gone far enough to say anything of any value to anyone. I want to see more of that. Make me think! I am NOT here to teach anyone. I am here to learn, together, with all of you who choose to interact.

I want you all to leave frequent comments on what you'd like to see. I want you to let me know where I can improve this blog so we can all walk away satisfied, if not even a bit happy! Write here! Don't just read what I have written. I am not that great of a writer anyways. This is what it is only because of those of you who have chosen to participate in it and make it something worth keeping up and improving. Thanks to you all!

Some sick person put me on the Billy Graham email list. Whoever this is, I want you to show yourself! I have a a few suspects...

Kyle: Is it because I ordered that free John Piper book under your name and had it sent to you? It was only a joke! There's no need for this sick retaliation...

David: Was it you? Why would you do this to me? I just don't get it...

Baptists: Is it one of you? Is my scary way of thinking hurting your feelings? I mean, just because I don't feel the need for war/salvation analogies (tract machine guns) doesn't mean you have to stoop to this level...

Well, if it wasn't you, just say so. If it was you, save me the trouble and throw yourself off a giant cliff...

:P

I'm thinking about so many things right now, I'm having problems figuring out what to post on this thing. I don't know if I'm the only one having this problem but it's annoying... So many transitions, I am a bit lost as to where I should begin again.

I'm thinking about christian community and reconciliation. As the church, we cannot make any sort of disciplinary movement or action without the acknowledgement of full restoration. Afterall, that is what redemption is about, is it not? Naturally following this assertation, to what extent does this apply to our personal lives? As hard as it may be, I think it transfers completely over. Although we may not see the possibility of personal restoration ever actualized, we must not rule out the possibility of it, if not even actively pursue it. Although this does not apply in all cases, it is a general rule to follow, I think.

I'm thinking about what it means to be a follower of God in the way of Jesus in the 21st century
American West. I am having trouble figuring out what exactly that means... I know what would help me but it is just so difficult right now. I'm in a very strange position... I would rather discuss this in person than over the internet. But you all may as well know what's on my mind, right? ;P

I'm thinking about next fall. I think I know what I want to do but I doubt I can do it... I may be stuck in Idaho for the rest of my undergrad. Suck!

Well, that's all folks.

Hey everyone, I know I haven't been on recently. Sad, I know... Life has been a bit interesting as of late. I have had many changes and am trying to figure out how to cope with all of them.

I am no longer getting married. Things weren't working out and we both are working with it... I am fine and disappointed both. Everything will be fine, eventually, I am sure.

Church has been rough... my work schedule has been rather demanding. School was dificult at the end of the semester... I am not sure how well I actually did.

Life is being weird. I apologize for the lack of updates. I'll do my best to write something soon.

-mike