Here is an interesting link to a CNN story on dealing with your anger. You will find that much of what they are saying can be directly linked to what we are learning from the Bible about peacemaking. Pay special attention to the last paragraph about forgiveness. LINK

Part of what we have been learning (or reminded of) with the peacemaker series is that it matters how you approach people. Criticism sometimes needs to be offered, but it can be used to encourage, not tear down. When someone is wrong, you approach them to correct, not condemn. We should avoid blame, but look to what our role is in disagreements and disputes. As Christians, even when we differ, we should remember to act out of love. This is true in the world as well. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Well-meaning people can differ, sometimes greatly, on issues and still be positive. One of my pet peeves about politics (and even in churches) is that we tend to demonize our opponents. Satan is wrong and evil. When it comes to people, we are to love our enemy, do good to those that hate us. It follows that we shouldn't condemn those who disagree with us. They very well may be wrong, and if you have the truth of the Bible behind you, you're in a good spot, but that doesn't excuse or permit and bad attitude. So if you are for Candidate A and think that Candidate B's ideas are bad for the country, that is ok. But let's not turn it into a referendum on who's the most American. Check out this link.

Here's an interesting link to a Newsweek story about discoveries concerning the legendary King Solomon's Mine. While the article obviously does not expect the Bible to be true and continues to be dismissive, the point is very clear and encouraging to those of us who know better. NEWSWEEK ARTICLE

Alan Greenspan, former head of the Fed, admitted in testimony that he had been wrong about total deregulation, that he was "suprised" to see that the firms had not been more careful. Greed surprised him. He now advocates that firms that sell these types of securities that have fueled the market meltdown, be required to keep some of the investment themselves so that they will have a financial interest in not being too risky and not warning people. So now he wants to harness that Greed and self-interest. In other words, Greenspan is agreeing with the Bible that the heart of man is selfish and greedy. We all have a sin nature, and when we have the chance, we tend to act in our self interest rather in the interest of others. That's why God has to tell us to do the right thing and why the Holy Spirit can make a difference in our lives.

We had a great night again tonight. Nate did a panel on career choices and God's will. It was fun. It was nice to have Bob Leib join us for the panel. During game time we got laughing so hard as well. It was just a great night. Nate is doing such a great job heading things up. I am very thankful for his help. Turn out has been up too, which is nice.