What You Talking Bout Rob - No Mo' Technorati?

Let me be the first to say congratulations on your departure from technorati. I consider myself a computer “guru” and I call that my profession. Even with my years of experience I have not fully grasped the intricacies of "the net". It gives me pause to think my children may soon be getting on MySpace or using instant messaging. Don’t get me wrong, used properly I think the net is a great medium for reaching out to people, connecting with friends, family, and even strangers, which can be a good thing and sometimes even bad. As Pastor Jeffery said last night when you test your salvation you have to ask yourself “Do you care about others?” I know that your heart was in the right place. You were trying to reach out to the lost, but if it takes away from that goal then it sounds more like it has become a hindrance rather than a help. We have been blogging with you since you started and we are sure the blog will continue to reach the lost. You yourself have said not to throw out the baby with the bath water. ; )

Anyway, I think that we can sum everything up with an “age old” Christian cliché. What Would Jesus Do? Why do I use that phrase? If you watched any of the Republican debate Mike Huckabee was asked one question in particular by Anderson Cooper and a You Tuber, “What would Jesus do? Would Jesus support the death penalty?’’ Huckabee quickly responded “Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office, that's what Jesus would do.’’ Similarly I have read on another site that “Jesus doesn't need to blog, he already wrote everything we need to know in His book.” I think the same holds true in this situation, Rob, and my family and I have got your back in whatever direction this journey takes us. (just don't pull out the kool-aid, especially when you have us all under one tent) It does not matter how much technorati authority we have but how much of His authority is evident in our lives.

What I Am Thank | Full For...

EVERY DAY I AM THANKFUL FOR GOD'S GRACE, CHRIST'S SACRIFICE, MY FAMILY, & BEING LED TO THE CROSS

Linda Richmond and I Would Say, “It's Like Butta”

Great post Rob. In fact the culinarian (fancy term for chef) in me would like to break it down further. I will use a cooking process as an analogy and, at the same time, explain where I came up with the title of my post.

As you may or may not know in cooking there are sauces, stocks, and other preparations made through a purifying process called clarifying. You know, the clear butter you dip your lobster in, or a really clear soup called consume’. Anyway, when clarifying butter or a stock you need an outside ingredient or source, be it heat or egg whites etc., to remove the impurities. Take butter for example. You start by placing butter in a saucepan over a very low heat, letting the butter melt slowly. As the butter melts, it will separate. The top layer is a foamy scum while the second layer contains the bulk of the liquid we want in the end product. There is a bottom layer which is where the water and the milk solids are. This natural separation is what makes clarifying possible.

Now the good part, and there are just so many ways I can go with this it is making me a little verklempt, talk amongst yourselves for a second. I will give you a topic, Microsoft Works is neither micro, soft, nor works, discuss. (Sorry, computer geek in me coming out ; )

Ok, in one of Rob’s examples of the pitfalls of “clarification” he said, and I quote, “Example Three: “That’s not what I meant by that! Let me clarify!” <– Truth? The first thing you said is exactly what you meant. It’s what comes next that ends up being the lie, but you’ve been found out, so now you need to “clarify.” WOW, that is exactly like the butter. It was originally real butter (the truth) but after it was manipulated, the scum (lie) came to the surface. One good thing is that the truth, the first thing that was said, is still in there somewhere.

So how can we get that back and in all things speak and seek the truth? Test everything against His Word and follow Christ’s example. He is the “heat source” that refines, cleanses, and removes any impurities (sin) in our lives. Isn’t it awesome to know that, even though we don’t deserve it, we are clarified (spotless) because of His sacrifice and His shed blood? We truly serve an awesome God. Oh and Rob, still got your back. http://www.robsingleton.net/

Have You Ever Noticed?

In an Andy Rooney-esque tone, "have you ever noticed that sometimes people can say things that not only make sense but really stick with you?" I can remember and have picked up a lot of maxims and rituals from other people that I still remember and use to this day. I once was told by a good pastor friend of mine, Ray, that it is best to learn from and emulate people and organizations that have had success and expand on that success. I do not want to just do something because someone else is doing it but if it works for them..... Anyway, after hearing Rob's message yesterday I wanted to try praying on my knees. I think I have a healthy prayer life, consistently set aside devotional time, and work on ways to strengthen my walk with Jesus every day. After praying on my knees last night and this morning the area of prayer just went to a whole new level. I thanked Him for our church and ALL the leaders, our family, our wealth, the skills and abilities he has given us, and many more things. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with something I cannot describe in words. A few that would come close would be awe, reverence, overwhelming joy, brokenness, humility, and love. I know it sounds like a whirlwind of emotions but it was more than just that, He showed up big time. I was not expecting that but I am so glad that door to an even deeper connection with His Spirit was opened. I am thankful for you Rob. http://www.robsingleton.net/

Thank you for sharing your heart, and rituals, with us. I would also like to thank you and the whole staff for opening your lives for His fame, His will to be done, and to reach out, touch, and move us all. Cannot wait to see what is next.