en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/362529 Comments by Michael http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/06/how-can-i-pray-for-you-3/#IDComment25866806 I'm discerning a move toward full-time ministry in my near future, but I'm hesitant because it seems so impractical right now. My sense of responsibility to my family is clashing with my desire to "drop my nets" and follow Him. The practical side of me wants to know that the bills will get paid if I drop everything and follow. I feel such a tug toward a huge life change yet I see no path available to responsibly make such a change. I'd ask you to pray for something specific, but I think I'd ask for the wrong thing. I'll leave you to your own devices... Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:56:55 +0000 http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/06/how-can-i-pray-for-you-3/#IDComment25866806 http://churchcrunch.com/if-god-text-messaged-the-10-commandments/#IDComment23638017 Not a bad idea! I can just picture friends of our youth getting random texts out of nowhere. "dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob." I have to admit, I had to look up what "myob" means! Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:00:52 +0000 http://churchcrunch.com/if-god-text-messaged-the-10-commandments/#IDComment23638017 http://churchcrunch.com/if-god-text-messaged-the-10-commandments/#IDComment23444905 The youth at my church loved this. We have a no-cell-phones rule on mission trips but I'm thinking we can lighten up on that if we can get them to text stuff like this. ;-) Fri, 5 Jun 2009 13:49:19 +0000 http://churchcrunch.com/if-god-text-messaged-the-10-commandments/#IDComment23444905 http://sixstringlounge.com/guitars-in-christian-music/#IDComment17512612 Also, I can't NOT mention Michael Gungor. I saw him live last night for the first time. Great talent on the guitar. Looking forward to hearing more from him.. Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:41:28 +0000 http://sixstringlounge.com/guitars-in-christian-music/#IDComment17512612 http://sixstringlounge.com/guitars-in-christian-music/#IDComment17512246 Can I get away with mentioning U2 here? They may not be winning Dove Awards but I'd argue that they've influenced Christian music, especially in the modern worship arena, more than most CCM bands. The Edge. 'nuff said. :-) Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:30:05 +0000 http://sixstringlounge.com/guitars-in-christian-music/#IDComment17512246 http://sixstringlounge.com/guitar-for-the-absolute-beginner-6-your-first-chord/#IDComment17512062 Thanks for all your work on this! How about a "Gear for the Absolute Beginner" series? I've been playing (acoustic) for a while and leading worship, but I'm a complete gear newb. I'm looking to step it up a bit and start learning effects (swells, compression, etc.) but I have no idea where to start. Any thoughts? Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:24:39 +0000 http://sixstringlounge.com/guitar-for-the-absolute-beginner-6-your-first-chord/#IDComment17512062 http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/03/please-dont-boomchikawahwah-on-the-clock/#IDComment17190528 How much of "the rule" is prevention and how much is organizational deniability? I think many churches may think that by having "the rule" in place, if something scandalous happens they can say, "yeah, well, we have a rule" and try to sever the tie between the scandal and the church as an organization. I seriously think that for a lot of organizations, "the rule" is more about perception than prevention. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:32:46 +0000 http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/03/please-dont-boomchikawahwah-on-the-clock/#IDComment17190528 http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/03/please-dont-boomchikawahwah-on-the-clock/#IDComment17185561 Didn't Andy have a story once about how he had a rule to never be alone with another female? I think the key here is to discern what limitations God might be placing on your own heart. They're not the same for everyone. As far as a church enforcing rules like this on the job, it makes sense. It's not a lack of trust necessarily, it's an avoidance of unnecessary scandal / gossip / rumors. I can't really think of a time where I've *needed* to be alone with another woman while working at a church. But, my wife is almost always with me anyway. =) Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:55:24 +0000 http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/03/please-dont-boomchikawahwah-on-the-clock/#IDComment17185561