You call THAT an Argument?

So, last Wednesday I went to a new youth group to hear a friend of mine preach. His topic was emotional purity, and needless to say, there was a lot of fire -- from even the grown-ups! Specifically, we were discussing how one-on-one dating is NOT a good idea, even when you are trying to find a spouse. (I'll post his lesson if you want background.)

The floor was open for debate, questions, and arguments. One girl "for" dating said: "When you're dating for a spouse, it's like when you get saved. God only did half the work, you still had to do half the work. It's not fair to let God try to bring the right person to you; you half to look." (keep in mind, I just quoted her.)

HOLD IT! WAIT! STOP!!!!!!!! Did you even just hear yourself? Shall I take it from the top?

1. You said God only did half the work for you to get saved. WRONGO! God did 100% percent of the work. There is one and ONLY one thing that you must do to receive it: say yes.
2. Using the new example; then yes, finding your spouse is a lot like getting saved: God is doing 100% of the work arraigning the meeting and forming the person for you. There is one and ONLY one thing that you must do to receive it: say yes.
3. Lastly, what in the world do you mean, "it's not fair to let God do all the work"? HE'S GOD! All we have to do is follow His instructions and be obedient. Who are we to start telling God, "Oh, here, let me do this for You"?

Some of the adults' arguments (with all due respect to them) were just as flimsy. One gentleman said, "Come on girls, date as many guys as you want to find the right one. See if you can get a free meal out of them!"

Once again, Excuse me? Are you suggesting that I date so that I can get free food?!? Well let me see then, if I date a new guy every day for 365 days, I could get an entire year of meals paid for? Never mind that it would be manipulative, usurping, using, and selfish! Not only would it be wrong of me to date just for the meal, but "date as many guys as I want"? Why should I waist time trying to "fish out" the one for me by my own power, when I could be spending time learning about the God that created me? helping in church ministries? volunteering for charity? Why in the would should I put myself in that situation?

I'm sorry, but if you want to convince me that dating is a good thing BY GOD'S STANDARDS you'll have to come up with much better arguments. :)

Making a Mistake

Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.

Napoleon Bonaparte
French general & politician (1769 - 1821)

This is perhaps another reason I don't talk too much. :-) I was often told that it is better for you to keep your mouth shut and for people to think you a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

For me, when I am not careful, my mouth speaks what is in my heart and since our hearts are deceitful above all things. Sometimes, it is better to be quiet. This is why it is important to be careful what is going into your heart.

Derrick

Welcome Home, Baby Alyssa

Sorry, I haven't posted in a while, but my wife had our baby. She was born on Wednesday evening about 11:32 P.M. Mom and Baby are in good health. It is a cool experience to be a part of; the whole birth process. Quite amazing, I'll have to say.

We just made it through our first evening at home. Alyssa did pretty well in giving us a few hours of uninterrupted sleep between feedings. My Beloved and I tried to take turns in the process of getting up. (Not as much I can do, but I try) I can hand her the baby and/or burp her and/or burrito wrap her and/or put her back to sleep. In the in-between-feedings, I think we were able to get some sleep, though my neck feels like someone was karate-chopping it all night. Strange. I say...Gotta watch out for the sneaky ninjas. Anyway...

I'll have to change the purpose of this blog, because I'm sure Iwill now move into talking about purposefully raising a child in the ways of God and the joys and challenges that go along with it. I will try to continue with my blog commitment for now, but surely not as often as before. ;-)

God bless,

Derrick