1. This blog will be my attempt at art. Not the kind of art that people travel hundreds of miles to look at and possibly purchase. But, the kind of art that expresses me for who I am. If you think you know me, stay tuned because you may learn something about me you didn't know. I intend to be real and transparent in this blog. According to traditional American pastoral protocol this is a huge mistake. I am going to open myself up for criticism and I am probably going to display weakness and vulnerability. Don't worry. For every weakness and vulnerability that I display for the world wide web, there are hundreds of underlying weaknesses and vulnerabilities that will never be divulged. Ultimately, this is my way of expressing myself because I cannot draw, paint, or write music. I am going to use the art of words. Love it or hate it...This is me.
2. I am well versed in writing prose. So, for all the English and literary police out there who may read this, know that my writings are at times incoherent and unconnected; I am aware of this. I know how to write coherently and subjectively. But, they are my thoughts to express and I will express them in a way that expresses....me. MLA format...no dice.
3. I am a unique individual. My perspective probably does not mirror yours. And that's ok.
4. Nothing that I share is meant to solicit your advice.
With that, for your viewing pleasure, I will now blog.....
So, here I am expressing myself for the entire WWW to witness. I lay in bed last night thinking of what my first blog would say and I came up with some of the most impressive things to say. This afternoon, I can think of absolutely none of them.
As I ponder what to write about, the priorities of my life come to mind. I must share with you that the single most important arena in my life is my faith in Jesus Christ. I lived a fast and hard life for most of my 20's and thus do not remember most of that decade. At the age of 28 I quit all that and took up my cross to follow Jesus. I can relate to drug addicts, porn addicts, and those who just like to get high recreationally. These are people who are in prison and do not even know it. They do not realize that they are the pawn and their vice is their master. Alas, my Jesus is the answer for all those who are weak and weary and enslaved.
Many people equate church and God. Not the same thing. Being a pastor places one in a very unique position. How do I keep my priorities where they ought to be? My #2 priority is my family (wife being prioritized over children). #3 is my job/career/calling. I wish it were easy to keep numbers 1-3 in the correct order. It isn't. I usually find myself out of balance. It doesn't help that I am discipline deficient.
Jesus. He is my #1.
My wife and children. My #2.
The church that I pastor. My #3
I'm not sure why you are reading this. I am really a very boring person. But, I have some very interesting insights and perspectives. Anyway, if this introductory blog has piqued your interest, stay tuned. It will get deeper and heavier each week.
Until next week...
In Christ Alone,
The Incoherent Rambling Messy Pastor