Ahhh… life after a public apology. I feel like I could sleep for a week.

First off, I need to extend a huge thank-you hug to ALL of you. If you had any negative, grumbling thoughts, you kept them to yourself. Bless you. The kindness wore me out as it was. Meanness might have done me in.

Second, I hope you’ll believe me that this wasn’t just some sort of attention-getting gimmick. I genuinely meant every last word I wrote, and I’ll do my best to show you that I’m dead serious about this and that I want it to set the stage for what I’m committing the rest of my life to.

The details involved in going about that? A little fuzzy.

I do know this: I need to put my money (time, energy, actions) where my mouth is. I can talk until I’m blue in the face, but there comes a time (like right now) to shut up and get up. Start taking steps. Be Jesus in real life, not just on my laptop.

I also know that I need to be more informed. I can’t vote blindly anymore. And while I’d love to just put politics on the proverbial pantry shelf and shut the door, I know I need to be more aware of what’s going on. Especially if there are ways I can be involved in bringing about some of that justice God is always talking about.

I’d also love to continue the dialogue. I’d love to hear more of your opinions. I’d love to give die-hard Republicans and Democrats alike (and everyone in between) a safe place to share from their hearts.

THIRD (and most exciting!), I’m bringing back the READ-ALONG in September! I have a ton of amazing books to choose from, and I was having a whale of a time picking just one when it hit me. I’ve got it. I know what book we’re doing.

AND I’M SO EXCITED.

I’ll give you a small hint. I’ll bet more than 50% of you have already read it. (But it’s totally worth the re-read.)

I’ll give you another hint. Even if you don’t have a copy of the book at home, you can read it online for FREE.

Give up?

Drumroll…

The next Read-Along selection is… The Book of James! (yes, from the New Testament in the Bible)

I’ll have more details next week, but for now, a couple questions:

1. Would you be interested in a 6-week Read-Along on the book of James? (people of all parties/faiths/shoe sizes welcome!)

2. Is Tuesday or Wednesday a better day of the week for you? (or you can vote Independent and choose an entirely different day of the week)

Thanks again, friends, and have a wonderful weekend!

Dear Democrats (and Jesus),

I don’t how else to do this but to just swallow my pride, jump in, and start saying I’m sorry for stuff. I think it would be a lot easier if I didn’t have 35 years of judgmentalism and arrogance under my belt, but I guess it beats 65 or 75 years, right?

For the record, these aren’t thoughts that just hit me this morning or anything. God’s been working on my heart about this for a long time, but really in the past three years I’d say. And this past year most of all.

Am I stalling…? Here we go.

My Democrat friends, I’m sorry for assuming all this time that God was a Republican. I’m sorry for thinking that if Jesus were walking the earth today he’d vote Republican hands-down, no questions asked.

I’m sorry for thinking that God mostly lives in America and that we are the center of the universe and that this is where you should be if you want to experience what it’s like for God to bless a nation that does things right.

I’m sorry for being so narrowly focused on homosexuality and how wrong it is and abortion and how wrong it is, to the exclusion of many, many other issues. (The ones the Bible says over and over and over again that God actually cares about most.)

I’m sorry for mistaking my self-righteousness for righteousness. I’m sorry for labeling people who care about the poor and “social justice” as “liberal atheists” or worse. I’m sorry for blissfully ignoring the 2000+ verses in the Bible that talk about God’s huge, huge, HUGE heart for the poor and oppressed and command me to be kind and merciful and giving and do all I can to bring them justice.

I’m sorry for saying that as long as I “have an eternal mindset,” then it doesn’t matter two hoots what I do to the beautiful earth God created. It’s all going to be destroyed any minute anyway. Might as well live it up and waste, waste, waste!

I’m sorry for demanding that women not have abortions but then doing jack squat for them in their deepest hour of need.

I’m sorry for defending George W. Bush (and John McCain and Sarah Palin) no matter what they do or say, because as long as they’re going to church on Sunday and believe Jesus is the way to heaven, then I know I’m on the right train, so get out of my way.

I’m sorry for thinking that sitting at my kitchen table and reading my Bible and praying for two hours makes me more holy than someone who is holding and rocking an orphan in Africa dying of AIDS.

I’m sorry for ever thinking that AIDS is a “gay people’s problem.”

I’m sorry for my condescending, plank-in-my-eye attitude when this whole time my gospel had a big, fat, humongous, gaping hole in it.

I’m sorry for thinking that “loving people” is code for “watering down the gospel” when, in fact, I’m the one who’s been watering down the gospel this whole time.

I’m sorry for thinking that “getting people to heaven” is all that matters, and that their physical needs here on earth aren’t that big a deal. I’m sorry for putting so much stock in someone praying a carefully-worded prayer that’s not even in the Bible and ignoring the parts where it explains what it really means to be a follower of Jesus and surrendered to him.

I’m sorry for explaining away passages like Matthew  25:31-46 because I don’t like the thought of God keeping me out of heaven just because I didn’t help the poor.

I could go on for pages, so I’m putting the rest in a book.

Please know, my Democrat friends, that I’m not speaking for all Republicans. They aren’t all as narrow-minded and mis-representative of the gospel as I’ve been. There are some wonderful, wonderful people out there who fly the elephant flag.

And please know, my Democrat friends, that I’m not jumping ship, switching parties, riding the donkey into town. In fact, I don’t know that I want to align myself with a particular party ever again. I’m more concerned with God’s politics these days than anything.

And I know now that many of you are too. It wasn’t too terribly long ago that I seriously questioned how Democrats who called themselves Christians could sleep at night.

And last thing, my Democrat friends who don’t share my faith. I apologize with all my heart for turning you off when it comes to Jesus. If you’re offended by what he does/says in the Bible, that’s one thing, and I can’t do anything about that. But if you’ve been offended by me because I’ve been acting the exact opposite (prideful, Pharisaical, hypocritical) of how Jesus would act but calling myself his follower, then may I humbly ask your forgiveness?

I believe with everything in me that we are all sinners and that Jesus is our only hope for reconciliation to God and eternal life in heaven. I’m not throwing Jesus or God’s Word out with the bathwater.

But the filthy, stinking bathwater has to go. I’m done clinging to a party line and slapping God’s seal of approval on it without his permission. I pledge allegiance to my Savior. Period.

Forgive me?

Marla

So my friend Peter asked me to guest post on his blog, Rediscovering the Church, a few weeks ago. For the longest time, I couldn’t think of anything to write. If only his blog were called Rediscovering Giraffes, but it’s not.

Then our little blog discussion happened this week, and it sparked an idea. I asked Peter if he cared if I ruffled some feathers. Be my guest, he said. So, go get your feathers ruffled, then come back and toss in your two cents.

I’m just going to dive right in and bring up a few specific questions that have been raised the past couple days. Some have been addressed by one or more commenters; some haven’t. Why don’t you just answer them yourself? you’d like to know. Because I’d like this to be a round table discussion, not a monologue. Someone told me a couple weeks ago that I talk about myself too much, and by golly, they were right. So, I’m passing the mic around for this one.

One little house rule before we get started. I won’t tolerate any mean-spirited comments directed at someone who asked a question. Answer the question; don’t attack the person. I probably didn’t need to say that, since you all have been so gracious so far, but who knows when one of us might snap, eh?

I’ve taken the liberty of paraphrasing your questions–hope that’s okay. And I’m making the main part of the question bold in case you want to skim. Just make sure if you answer a particular question, you read the entire thing. Capisci? (too bad Andrea’s on holiday and can’t appreciate my mastery of the Italian language)

Here we go!

Ginger is troubled that President Obama recently portrayed the U.S. as an Islam nation. What do you think about this?

Andrea says terrorism is not a real threat in America. What say you?

Ali says she’d like the people who are all fired-up about gay marriage to get fired-up about marriage period, to bring God back into marriage and stop letting Satan break up families. Any thoughts?

Colleen wants to know where Christians should draw the line between speaking out when they disagree with the President and giving honor and respect to his office. Any personal boundaries you’ve set for yourself?

Ashley wants to know–for those who consider themselves pro-life, what is your opinion on President Obama’s push to focus primarily on pregnancy prevention strategies?

Katie finds it scary that people try to follow the Bible literally. She says it’s a guide at most. Anyone else scared by Bible-thumpers?

Andrea disagrees that law-abiding Christians will face persecution, especially in America. He says a rational person will never be persecuted. All in favor, say aye. All opposed, same sign.

Marla is amused by those gushing over Andrea just because he’s from Italy. Whoopty-doopty. (hopefully he can’t translate that word)

KG is bothered by the impression given that President Obama is different than any other President. He can’t think of a single President who represented him well as a Christian. So, let me ask you, what’s the big deal about President Obama?

back door wants to know when exactly were we ever a Christian nation? When we displaced the Native Americans? When we owned slaves? When we complained about immigrants? Good question. Anyone?

And I’ve saved my favorite one for last.

Katie says that as science progresses and we learn more and more about past generations and happenings, much of the bible will ultimately be dispelled by scientific facts. Evolution will HAVE to be the only thing taught in the classroom, as it will be the scientific proof that we have. This might have to be a future blog post.

Try not to be overwhelmed by the plethora of questions. Just pick a favorite and have at it.

I appreciate you guys! Have a great weekend!

Every once in awhile I think to myself, “It sure would be nice to get a few more comments on my blog.” Be careful what you wish for, eh?

Y’all plumb wore me out yesterday. Whew. But it’s a good kind of worn out. And while I’m completely overwhelmed by all the insights you shared, questions you asked and issues you raised, I feel blessed.

As is very apparent by your comments, many of you are much more qualified to offer your opinions on this stuff than I am. You know what you’re talking about, and you know how to express it eloquently. Political discussion zaps me of energy in no time flat, but it clearly energizes many of you.

If you want to write related posts on your own blogs in the coming days/weeks, I would be more than happy to link to them.

Okay. I’m going to say 3 things and leave it at that for the day. But don’t worry–God isn’t going to let me drop this one. It’s an opportunity for Him to get mucho glory, and I’m convinced He wants me to snatch it right up.

1. I can’t possibly hope to change the minds and hearts of those who don’t accept Jesus Christ as the only Way, Truth and Life. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. If Christ is not your personal Savior, then most of what I say will seem like pure and utter foolishness to you. We’ll just go ’round and ’round and ’round. I’m talking mostly to my buddy, Andrea (Ahn-DRAY-uh), here. I so appreciate his thoughtful comments, and I’m thankful He doesn’t mind me praying for him. I have a hunch that many of you are joining me.

2. Because I can’t change a non-believer’s heart on my own, any political posts I do are going to focus primarily on fellow Christians. Call it preaching to the choir, but truthfully, I’m more concerned with how we, as followers of Christ, conduct ourselves than with the conduct of those who don’t believe. If you fall into the latter category, I wholeheartedly encourage you to stick around and engage whenever you feel led. We want you here.

3. My focus is NOT going to be on President Obama and where/how I disagree with him. My focus is NOT going to be on which laws should be passed and which shouldn’t. My focus IS going to be on what the Bible says our responsibility as Christians is as both followers of Christ AND citizens of the United States of America.

Please feel free to continue yesterday’s discussion. I’m thrilled that some of you who might not have a big platform, so to speak, have the chance to express your views and share your heart. You’re some bright folks. And I was SO impressed with everyone’s respectful attitudes and willingness to engage in meaningful discussion without personal attacks. Well done, friends!

And now, some pics from our Whirlwind East Coast Tour.

Niagara Falls. Stunning. Breathtaking. Huge. “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?” (And the monks? I took many pictures of the monks.)

The Liberty Bell. (The monks were there too. I took more pics.)

The First Family (and friends). I’ll have Gabe blow it up for you later–or some of you computer whizzes can do it yourself.

The Lincoln Memorial. Pretty sweet place. I loved learning about President Lincoln when I was younger.

Feeding giraffes. One of my favorite things to do in all the world. Seriously. When I grow up, I want to work at a zoo and take care of giraffes. When I’m not working at the library. And writing books. And traveling the globe. And loving on my grandbabies. And discussing politics online.

And on that note, I’ll leave you with a teaser. Our Zoo Trip Plans have changed dramatically since we last talked. Before I get into that, we’re tentatively planning to be at the Binder Park Zoo (Battle Creek, MI), the Brookfield Zoo (Chicago) and the Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) next week (next week!). Details soon if you’d like to meet up!

And my Zoo Party Posse has started working on name tags (and goody bags for the kiddos), so if you’re planning on coming to the Big Bash on August 1, RSVP ASAP!

And the dramatic change? I’ll tell you tomorrow. Let me just say that it involves this. Sigh.

Happy, Happy Birthday to my father-in-law, Rock Taviano! Love you, Rock-o!

Happy Wednesday, friends! And thanks in advance for keeping the discussion edifying!

You’d think I’d have learned my lesson. Certain blog topics have not been kind to me–panties, politics, pygmy goats. Okay, so I’ve never had any negative feedback about pygmy goats. I have been attacked by them though.

I’ve sworn off talking about undergarments for the next five years (at least!), and I’ve shied away from talking politics ever since the election. If you were reading back then, you might remember a post or three where I spoke my mind about the candidates and what they stood for. Then I stepped over the edge of propriety and suggested that if the Republicans would have won, Election Day and Inauguration Day might not have been quite so peaceful.

And then I stopped talking about politics in the interest of getting along with everyone.

But I’m feeling a tug. A little nudge in my side, a little whisper in my ear that’s saying, “Are you afraid of losing friends? The gospel offends, you know.”

Here’s what I don’t ever want to be: a person who is such a people-pleaser that she’ll compromise her beliefs in order to gain/maintain popularity. Because you know what? That’s the very thing that’s bothering me about our President at the moment.

You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything (and for some reason, I’m hearing a twangy country tune in my ear as I type that).

And sorry about all the bunny-trailing, but I just realized that I have a “politics” category on my sidebar. Apparently, I’ve blogged about politics 14 times in the past 3+ years. And yes, my last post was January 21. Feel free to browse the archives for more background on my political leanings.

I meant to get my thoughts all in a row like little duckies before I opened Pandora’s box of Politics, but that’s not going to happen. Too much going on in my head, at my desk, in my life. So, I’m just going to take the plunge, throw a few things out there, and pray that my words will be more Spirit-inspired than flesh-incited.

I saw President Obama and his family on the lawn of the White House Saturday. We were pretty far away, but Gabe’s big camera lens + photoshop magnification confirmed that it was the First Family (and their dog). We took a walking tour of DC after the National Zoo and just happened to be at the White House when they came outside.

I felt warm and fuzzy and wanted to be their best friends.

At first glance–and even second and third glances–our President seems to embody many of the values I hold dear. Stomping out prejudice, loving the orphaned and oppressed, embracing people of every tribe and tongue, learning to get along peacefully with our neighbors, loving our enemies.

But something keeps nagging me.

See, I believe the whole Bible to be true. And not only true but the inspired Word of the one true God. A God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. A God who does not lower His eternally holy standards no matter how much we, His creation, “progress.”

Things that weren’t okay back then aren’t okay now. (And I’m not talking about Leviticus and the like–once Jesus died, we were under the new covenant.)

I’m talking about things like–it’s not okay to murder, even if you do while the person is still inside his mother’s body. And that sex outside of marriage is not okay–and that marriage is for one man and one woman, not 2 men or 2 women. And that when the God of the Bible says He created the world, that’s what He meant.

I’m talking about Jesus saying that He is the way, the truth and the life. And that no one can get to God–or heaven–except through Him. All other roads, no matter how sweet-sounding or sensible, lead to hell.

I know a lot of you cringe when you hear the word “prophecy.” Another P word! It conjures up images of hairspray-plastered weirdos declaring that the end of the world is upon us, that Obama is the anti-Christ, that Jesus is coming back on March 2, 2010.

But there sure are a lot of things happening in the world today that match right up with what Bible prophets of old said would happen when the end draws near. And we’ve been warned that peace will be a buzzword that’s actually a pre-cursor to much bloodshed and violence (But that’s a post or two in and of itself, and honestly, I don’t even know if that last sentence made sense.).

This post is already longer than licorice, and what have I even said? Maybe this first post will just ease us into a healthy, God-honoring discussion. Apparently, I do better when I enter the proverbial political pool one toe at a time, rather than cannon-balling right in.

I don’t know much, but I do know that I want to follow hard after Christ. And that a time is coming (or has already come) when we’re going to have to take a real stand. When choosing to follow Christ (and Him alone) isn’t going to be popular.

And while I’m tempted to walk around with my head in the clouds, feeding giraffes and leaving the poli-talk to the zealots, I feel a sense of responsibility.

To stand up for my God who laid down His life for me.

If you have (respectfully-phrased) questions or comments, I’d love to try to respond to some of them. I can’t abandon the Zoo Track obviously, and I did mention that this would be Dad Month (where has the month gone??), but I can intersperse political convo here and there.

Thanks for reading. Blessings on your Tuesday!