To my faithful readers, thanks for hanging with me.

OH YEAH!

I was happy for all the Star Wars fans when the new movies started rolling out.  This, however, is something else entirely.  I’ve been a Star Trek fan since I was a little kid and this trailer has got me stoked.

I’m still a little cautious about this prequel but it seems that JJ Abrams is making all the right moves.

The official web site is coming along nicely too.  Check it out here.

God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them.  Romans 11:29 (NCV)

I thank God that He doesn’t give something only to take it back later.  Unlike us, He doesn’t think better of something after the decision is made or the gift is given.  He already knows everything and every decision He makes is perfect so when He gives you a gift it’s given forever.  When He calls you, He calls you forever.

In the Old Testament, the Levites were called to be God’s priests.  Interestingly, that means that they were born into this role.  They didn’t choose the call.  They could only decide whether to respond to it or not.  The cool thing is that they could never not be Levis.  They could decide to not fulfill their priestly duties but they could never un-levi themselves.

Thankfully, God looks at those of us in the ministry the same way.  We may have “accepted the call” late in life but we’ve been called from the moment we were born and, from God’s perspective, we can never be un-called.  We are a chosen people with permanent gifts and permanent calls.

Honestly, there are days when I wish I wasn’t called.  There are times when I wish I didn’t have a gift/urge/passion/need to teach the Bible and lead.  I sometimes wish that I had a more “normal” life but those times are usually when I’m tired or confused or weary.

The reality is that I don’t know what I’d do if He took His gifts or His calling back.  It’s a privilege and I know it.  I’m so very thankful that even though I might fuss and fume and fight Him about it at times, He never withdraws His gifts or callings.  Thankfully, they are permanent.

http://500uniforms.org/

I’m going to buy a uniform.  Will you join me?  Let’s get behind this great pastor and this great cause.  Let’s make a difference.

The McCollum Family Salsa

1 handful fresh cilantro
4 cloves garlic, peeled & chopped
½ medium onion, chopped
3 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
½ cup sliced jalapeños
1 small can green chiles
2 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or electric blender.  Pulse until the salsa is to your desired consistency.  Refrigerate several hours before serving.  (Makes about 5 cups.)