Brian McLaren + Tuna

David and I are going to Goshen College (a Mennonite college) on May 9/10th to see Brian McLaren speak about his book, "Everything Must Change."

We confess that neither of us has actually read the book, but I've done a lot of internet reading about him, if that counts for anything. He's part of the emergent church movement, and a board member of Sojourners. I'm really looking forward to communicating with others about his message, whether or not we agree with him, and whether or not we may agree with each other. It's always enjoyable to me to hear others' viewpoints about religion.

Oh, and the tuna? David made some really great tuna steaks for us last night and I just had to mention it. And we finally drank a non-cheapo wine with dinner.

Thoughts on Money

Is capitalism against Jesus' teachings? Is it wrong to save money for the future?

Is it sinful to strive to be the best?

It seems like without capitalism, motivation to improve and invent products would not exist.

Would we have the medicines we have today without the drive for pharmaceutical companies to make big bucks? I don't think so. I'd like to think that doctors and scientists would still want to save lives, but maybe it's not enough.

Excitement

For some reason, I feel so excited today. Things have been going really well for David and I lately, and I can't shake these feelings of... joy? Not that I want to. It's just that I am a person that is plagued by anxiety and "what-if" thoughts, so I can't help but be skeptical when I feel carefree or exceptionally happy.

I can't wait to ride my bike, I can't wait to get more involved at church, I can't wait for this chili cook-off on Sunday, I can't wait to clean the house this weekend, I can't wait for Spring!

I keep wondering if I should stop seeing my therapist, but it's kind of like breaking up with someone.

Maybe I can convince Dave to ride bikes with me tonight. (Does that make me sound like I'm 8 years old? Perhaps I should say, 'Maybe I can convince David to go cycling with me tonight.')

On Simple Living, or Something Like It

There are so many things about religion and politics that I don't understand, and feel like I can't even begin to understand.

I've never read the Bible in its entirety, so I am unable to argue about many religious topics with "quotes" or somesuch to back me up.

The basis of my 'religion' comes from what I feel is right in my heart. I don't know how to explain it in any other way.

Does God want us to live simply? I guess so. Why? Should I feel guilty about owning a large house? Why? I do feel guilty for having so much while others have so little. Where is the line crossed? Should I feel guilty for enjoying a hobby, or should I spend all of my time helping others? Why are there so many misguided people? Why is it so hard to find out what God wants us to do in our lives?