O.K., I warned you. When my brain starts rattling you better run. Like now! 5, 4, 3, 2, .....

Too late.

Why does GOD let bad things happen? An age old question. Cancer, disease, hurricanes, ethnic cleansing, war, accidents, famines, disabilities, the list could go on and on.

The best spin I can put on this is "we" (as in mankind) messed up. Adam and Eve had a pretty good gig going until they began to think and try to expand the parameters GOD gave them, then the "tilt" flashed across the gameboard marquee and they forfeited it all. For all of us. GOD set this universe into motion, and being the perfect gamemaster he is, enabled that motion to perpetuate itself. The bad things that happen are not the result of GOD's plan, but man's imperfection.

Being the good and passionate GOD that he is, GOD allows us a consolation bracket. This second opportunity to enjoy GOD's perfection is made possible through Jesus. GOD loves us so much that he was willing to sacrifice HIS SON to allow us an opportunity for redemption. The rules are more stringent, the reward is not immediate nor will there ever be heaven on this earth (as in Eden). The true reward is in the after life. Eternally. Any reward we enjoy on this earth is a "fringe" benefit.

Probably the most difficult thing for me to come to terms with has been the fact that no matter how "good" we try to live on this earth, it would never meet the criteria to qualify for GOD's eternal reward. At times I have almost thrown in the towel. Kind of like "why even bother". I have struggled with this. I think part of it is the result of some of the fire and brimstone teachings I was exposed to growing up. I continue to try to grasp a GOD of love instead of a GOD of damnation. I was raised a "fear factor Chrisitan" (fear the possible repercusions) instead of a "be all you can be Christian".

My consolation bracket is all about qualifying for GOD's GRACE and MERCY. Because it is GOD's goodness and love that will get me to the end.

Often times I will look around and see someone and just be amazed at their faith. They just seem to bubble over with Godliness, and then I wonder what is wrong with me. Then I see others like me who struggle but even more so. Maybe it's about direction.

How does someone like Mike Cope engage those at the bubbly end of the spectrum without alienating or discouraging those who have only begun to fiz. How does the leadership tend a flock that has such a wide array of need.

What I think is happening is somewhat similar to career paths. We all aren't doctors or lawyers, many of us are menial laborers. But we all contribute. Maybe that is the way our Christianity roles are. There are those who bubble over who continue to grow and flourish and provide hope and goal to many of us who struggle. Maybe there are ministers and church leaders whose role is to "shake our bottles" until the fiz stops and the bubbly flows.

Its all about letting the goodness inside flow outward.

I am glad that our GOD is a GOD of LOVE, of MERCY, and of GRACE, who cares enough to allow me multiple chances to accept his offer. I too am thankful that he is a GOD of FORGIVENESS because I must be a bitter disappointment requiring "do-overs" time and time again.

I think I would like to see a series, in classroom or worship "And Grace has set YOU free!"

YOU can't say I didn't warn you. Who knows, I may read this tomorrow afternoon and be shocked at what I wrote. Maybe instead of beginning to flow I am beginning to fiz out. Today's subject may be an opportunity of correction for blogs to come. Maybe I needed to purge my soul a little.

Be the real deal.

FATHER, I need YOU. Fill us with YOU and YOUR goodness. Let us spread that goodness in our lives. I am thankful for YOUR love and mercy and for the opportunities of grace YOU give us. Help me not to focus on how unworthy I am, but to work with what YOU present me with. FATHER I continue to pray for healing and renewal for Krl and me. I pray for Adam and his men, I ask for their safety and care. I pray for Kali. FATHER, I pray for Addie, Memama, Pepa, Hag, Bets, B., Lillie, Aimee, Jennifer, Ashlyn Kate, Jess, Dr. Mackie, Jeanine, Verlin, S.T., Brenda, and K.C.. I ask YOUR miracle of healing and care for them. I ask YOUR comfort for those who are heavy hearted from loss. I pray for those of us who stumble as we try to follow YOU. I pray for our spiritual family and for our leaders. I pray for the efforts being made to expand YOUR kingdom. Mold me and make me.