Day two-hundred

I just got home about an hour ago from spending part of the day at the beach. The weather was nice, the beach wasn't crowded, and everyone seemed to have a good time. I told my friend Aaron that even though I enjoy these outings, I find myself still having to deal with the temptation not to participate. I always end up having a good time, so I find myself wondering, "Why do I resist?" It may be that it's still too easy for me forsake opportunities for fellowship, and when I miss those opportunities, I suffer for it. Someone once said that fellowship can sometimes be the clearest indicator of God's love for us, because of the love He has given us to have for Him and one another.

It gets me thinking about better things than myself, and nothing makes me more miserable than thinking of myself. When I focus on myself, I just get miserable. I'd rather do things for others, but it's too easy to let those opportunities to by.

On our way back, we listened to a Christian radio host examine a woman's YouTube clip where she attempted to use Scripture to dispute Calvinism. Her problem was that she misunderstood the essential point of Calvinism (the sovereignty of God), she made claims about Calvinism she made no attempt to substantiate, and badly misapplied Scriptural references by removing them from their appropriate context, to in order to (poorly) illustrate her point that Calvinists were in error. I would liken that last point to someone who knew nothing about cutting hair walking into a barber shop, picking a lock of hair off the floor, and asserting that the lock of hair proved that someone shaved a swastika into their hair.

I find myself praying so often, "Lord, grant me Your wisdom and understanding". I don't want to be in error, and I'm sure it's likely there's some point of doctrine I'm not understanding correctly. My knowledge is small and my understanding badly needs to grow. If I struggle with a point inScripture, that's not the Bible, that's on me.

After we got back into the area, Aaron and Jen took me to the house they will renting with Rudy and Eneida, and their baby. It looks like a nice house that needs a little work, but seems like it'll work for everyone involved; at least, that's the hope. It's close to church and near to where I live. We'll be helping as best we can to help everyone get settled. It's certainly a blessing to everyone involved.
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Today is my friend Joshua's birthday. I hope he and Samantha are having a good time. They're very special people to me, as they are really the first Christian relationships I cultivated. I'm happy to know them and that they are doing well in Texas. I'd like to get out there and see them at some point. Who knows, it may happen. Anyway, happy 30th, Joshua. May The Lord bless you and Samie in the coming year.