Baby Days

It was just little less than a week ago when I woke up to hear my wife saying, "Alan, I think its time". I wish I could describe the feelings that where swimming through the currents of my groggy (having been woken up) brain. It wasn't quite how I expected myself to respond. I didn't run around like a chicken with my head cut off or anything; probably because Sarah was calm about everything. We gathered everything together and made our way toward the hospital to begin a journey that I will not soon forget. It wasn't long before the contractions ensued and my wife began her own little journey through the catacombs of pain. However, God bless a little medicinal treat called epidural. It wasn't long before Sarah took up new residence in a land called la la. 

After a days worth of labor, the time had come to bring Wesley into this little world. The next two hours would prove to me that my wife is one tough cookie. No screaming, no shouting, just a little grimacing and then he was here. Finally, after great anticipation, my first born son is here. Waves of emotion swept through my entire being. In moments, I experienced an endless array of feelings. I was happy, afraid, concerned, overwhelmed, proud and anxious. Its incredible at how my entire existence has changed. In a few short hours I went from a family of two to a family of 3. I HAVE A SON!!! 

For years I never imaged taking care of a little human being that was utterly dependent on me and my wife. Not just dependent on some things, but everything; and the only way he can communicate his needs is to scream. Its funny how things like poopie and spit-up suddenly are cute instead of gross when its coming from a baby. Why its called spit-up instead of vomit?; I have no clue. In addition to that, its ok that Wesley goes through about 8 changes of clothes a day, but if I wear more than two, I get scolded. Yeah, babies have it made. 

Wesley's been home now for four days and we're finally getting into what we feel is a good routine. Because Sarah is breast feeding I really can't do much in that area, but I try to offer help in anyway I can when she's feeding. Sometimes, I bring my computer in there so that she can watch a movie during the hour he feeds or I just lay in the floor and keep her company until she's done so that I can hold him again. Anyway, there's not a lot to say because he's only been with us for 4 days, but I'll keep you posted as time progresses. Please pray that God gives us wisdom to lead as godly parents would and that Christ would be honored in our decisions and leadership. God bless.

Street Witnessing

I don't know if any of you are familiar with "Way of the Master Ministries", but it is lead by Kirk Cameron (child star from "growing pains") and evangelist Ray Comfort. The whole ministry is street evangelism using God's law (Ten Commandments) as the tool. Watch this video and see this teenage boy's countenance drop to the floor when he realizes his own guilt.

Christians in the UFC

In the last several years the Ultimate Fighting Championship has hit the scene with force that seems to be potentially unstoppable. During the early 90's the UFC, which is mixed martial arts fighting (MMA), was banned throughout most of the country. In fact it was on the precipice of extinction. Why, you ask? I suppose the problem was the fact that it was brutal. Many nay sayers attributed the UFC with being the human version of cock fighting. True, it is not for the faint of heart, then again neither is football, kickboxing, bull riding or any other of the countless sporting events that are hazardess to your health. 

Allow me to briefly explain for those  of you who are unaware of the sport. MMA is basically taking many forms of martial arts and combining them in an arena that allows you to strategically use them offensively and defensively to defeat the opposition. Such martial arts include: Kickboxing, jujitsu, wrestling, boxing and etc... These forms of martial arts include submissions and ground and pound tactics, which is where, for most, the brutality comes in. The entire point of the fight is to win by whatever means necessary. This might include submitting the opponent, or nocking the opponent unconscious. Many times the fight comes to a judges decision based on the points that were earned by striking during the match. For better or for worse this is the concept. 

     Having followed the UFC for a number of years now I've come to know a lot of the fighters in all the classes. Of course I don't know them personally, however, you see someone so much on television you feel like you know them right? Anyway, every now and then there is a fighter who professes to be a Christian. I don't mean they make a reference to thanking God after a fight, but that they really act like  Christ followers and conduct themselves, through word and deed, as a Christian would. 

I would like to hear some feedback from you as to how you feel about Christians being in the UFC. Should Christians get in the octagon and beat each other to a pulp as an occupation. Does God call Christians to fighting occupations to be Salt and Light? Consider this and please respond with your convictions or support.