One of my favorite blogs to read is Polly Boyette’s blog Life is a Buffet and the reason why is because she is hilarous. Today she has a post where she is describing a feud between two neighbors. Apparently they are feuding over a small strip of grass that is between their property. That’s all I’ll say because you have to go over and read what Polly says for yourself, because it really has to do with loving our neighbor and honestly I’d love to see her do what she was thinking of doing. I think it would be hilarious.

Well, reading this post reminded me of a lady that confronted me about 2 months ago. I was in line at a drive thru waiting to get my lunch, and this lady got out of her car, knocked on my window and then started yelling at me because apparently I had taken cuts, and she had been sitting in line for like five minutes already. Well, I had no clue that I had taken cuts because when I was driving through the parking lot, there was no one behind the car I drove behind – which obviously was true because I drove behind it.

But this woman totally took it personally. She honestly thought that I had tried to ruin her day and after she got done cussing me out, I simply smiled at her and said that I was sorry that she thought I cut in front, because I had no clue she was in line because her car was on the side of the parking lot.

Well, I decided that instead of letting this grumpy lady ruin my day – that day. I decided that I was going to bless her, and not only with my words. So when it got to be my turn to pay for my food, I asked the cashier to let me pay for her meal also. That guy thought I had lost my mind, but I didn’t care because I wanted that lady to know that she was cared about, even though she wrongly thought I had set out to destroy her day. I gave the cashier a note on my business card and wrote on the back a note to her saying to have a good day.

And it was fun because as I drove off and looked in my rearview mirror I saw a puzzled look on her face. That was priceless because she wasn’t expecting it. In fact, I have a question to leave with you today – how often do you expect ill to come to you? Do you look for trouble and something to get mad at, or are you looking for the blessing? The blessing is better, so that’s what I’d encourage you to look for in the event you’re have a bad day.

If you’ve ever been in a situation where you’ve been in a group and there’s an obnoxious person there who likes to dominate the conversation, then you will want to listen to this show. If you’ve been in a group where you wish a silent person would speak up, then you’ll want to listen and also make sure to buy this book. Pat Sikora is an expert when it comes to dealing with small group leadership and communication. And this newest book of hers is a MUST for all small group leaders and those who like to be in groups. Click the picture to visit Pat’s website and to learn more about the book.

Listen to our latest podcast with Pat Sikora, author of Why Didn’t You Warn Me? How to deal with challenging group members. Click here to listen now

by Stacy L. Harp

One of the things I love about different cultures is how they show themselves to the world. In the Christian culture it’s very interesting because people think that if you “wear your faith on your sleeve” – literally – that that somehow makes you a visible and active Christian. Honestly, that is one of the biggest lies I think that is happening in the Christian culture. Here’s what I mean…

Christians in America are spoiled. Christians in America have no clue about real deep faith and commitment to Christ – for the most part. Christians in America are worldly, competitive, and frankly, more about themselves than serving Jesus.

I just happened to stumble upon this website right before I decided to write this blog. The site sells Christian t-shirts and while that is not a crime, it’s actually no indicator of a persons spiritual maturity either. I had to laugh at some of the t-shirts because they are clever, but again, not really a way to display the fruit of the Spirit. In fact, some of the t-shirts are relatively suggestive – for example, there is one that says “Under the Influence” and in small print it says “Of the Spirit”. But of course, you’re first thought is not the Spirit, it’s alcohol or drugs. Another one says, “Homeland Security” and of course you’re to think of the protection of America when in fact in smaller print the shirt is talking about heaven being home and Christ being our security. Like I said, there is nothing wrong with these things per se, however wearing them doesn’t mean the person is a Christian or a mature believer.

When I went to Israel and had the opportunity to spend a day with Internationally recognized author and bible teacher, Kay Arthur, I saw and heard a mature Christian. To this day I am still struck by her humility, wisdom and servant’s heart. In fact, I have witnessed the characters of some pretty popular Christians and no one was as like Christ as Kay is. Not only does she really know the word of God, but she lives it. She has being a servant down.

So what does it mean to show our faith to the world without wearing clothes, just that. We do not need to wear a shirt to advertise that we have faith in Christ. We need to clothe ourselves in Christ and with Christ. We do this by allowing the Spirit of God to change us. We learn to obey the words of God, and we learn to serve others above ourselves. We learn to be loving, kind, patient, long suffering and all of the other characterististics that describe love and the fruit of the Spirit. That is what we need to wear – every single day.

Then as the old song says, they will know we are Christians by our love, yes they will know we are Christians by our love. Not the clever clothes we wear.

Recently I have been watching this Christian television show called Reality Talks. It’s not a new program, but it’s new to me and I want you to know about it. There are three main hosts of the show – Dr. Kevin Lehman who is a Clinical Psychologist and accomplished author. In fact, Dr. Lehman is the guy who put the whole idea of birth order on the map. His cohosts are Dr Jay Passavant who is the shows Pastoral expert, since he is a Pastor and for the female point of view they also have Vicki Hutson.

The show is refreshing because it tackles important issues from a Christian perspective. It’s a funny show, very informative and the guests are experts. I highly recommend you check it out, but you must have cable television. So check your local listings for Reality Talks, because you will be blessed.

This post couldn’t wait until tomorrow because when I see a great film I just have to tell everyone. Seriously, just ask any of my church family and they will tell you that I can’t be quiet about great media that exalts and shows Christ and His people the way they really are.

Well, today I took the time to watch this new DVD produced by The Voice of the Martyrs and The Jordan Group and all I can say is that every Christian in America needs to see this film. In fact, a comparison to this film would be the popular TBN show Travel the Road. Not only was the production of the film wonderful, including popular cutting edge music from some of today’s Christian music bands, but the message of the film was awesome.

Underground Reality Vietnam takes you on a journey with some teenagers into the underground church in communist Vietnam. You will see the teens perspective before they get to Vietnam and then as you walk with them through the four different shows, which comes up to a total of two hours of viewing, you will see how the Lord impacted them and changed their understanding and perception of the persecuted church.

I was honestly overwhelmed to tears all throughout this film because these kids got it….they saw how good God has been to them, and how difficult it is for persecuted Christians in Vietnam where religious freedom isn’t free.

However, what is even more impacting is that when you hear the Vietnam Christians share their stories, and then you actually get to go inside numerous venues that they work and worship in, all I can say is that it is AWESOME.

In fact, there is one scene that really showed the difference in worship where you will see the underground church worshipping with all of their hearts – singing and clapping and literally singing at the top of their lungs. Then you’ll see the teens doing a contemporary worship song with guitar and the contrast coudn’t be more stark.

Another thing that I really enjoyed was seeing some of The Voice of the Martyrs shipping facilities. I’ve never been to VOM headquarters and so it was really cool to actually see the warehouse where all the bibles and other materials are stocked.

The film also showed the teens getting to literally smuggle bibles into Vietnam, bringing them to the underground church and even doing a clandestine drop of bibles at a local venue. You’ll have to see the film to learn where the venue is because I never would have suspected bibles being smuggled there!

In another words, I want you to get this DVD. In fact, I plan on taking it and showing it to my pastor, the youth group and practically anyone else who will listen. The only thing I need to find out now is if VOM is going to do another one. I hope so.

Please visit www.undergroundreality.com to view a short movie trailer and you’ll understand why you need to get a copy of this. You can also read blog entries and learn a lot more about the trip at this same website.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER AND THEN SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND.