A few weeks ago I learned from Twitter that there are a bunch of people unhappy about Chaz Bono dancing with a woman on Dancing with the Stars.

Last night I learned that a lot of my 2,000+ Twitter followers (most of whom are evangelicals) LOVE Modern Family. I had a constant stream of excited tweets about last night’s season premier.

So, I’m confused… Do conservative Christians take issue with both shows, just Chazz, or do they really not care either way?

Based on my Twitter observations it seems as though conservative evangelicals had more of an issue with Chaz than with Cam and Mitchell adopting another baby on primetime. Maybe because Chaz is transgender? Because DWTS is real and Modern Family is fiction? Because Modern Family is crazy funny where as DWTS is corny and lame? IDK.

Maybe I just follow more liberals.

Thoughts?

P.S. I LOVE Modern Family… even with the new, talking Lily.

Well, well, well… here we are again.

It’s been a long time since my last blog post. And while I realize that I have broken every written (and unwritten) blogging rule by abruptly abandoning my second love, it was just one of those things I had to to.

In September I traveled to Las Vegas to facilitate a few sessions at Idea Camp: Sex. While I was there I was challenged to consider some new things, and to reconsider some old things. I went to Vegas to facilitate a session and share a little bit of what I know. I came home with an overwhelming sense that I needed to stop talking. Immediately. I was being called into a season of listening.

Now, if you knew me well, you would understand that walking away from blog posts and Google Analytics graphs and running my mouth about my myriad of opinions is almost as monumental as the parting of the Red Sea. Almost. Er, well, not really… but I do like to talk.

Anyway, I walked away and committed to listen (to God and a few other people) for 40 days. Two words: Game Changer.

So I’m returing to my blog with a fresh perspective, having refocused, recommitted a few areas of my life and my ministry, sought Godly counsel from a few women that I adore (thank you, girls), rested under the Godly leadership of my amazing husband, met face-to-face with some people to confess a few things that I learned I was holding onto, called myself into account, was called into account by others, and submitted to what the Bible refers to as a refining fire for the first time in my life without kicking, screaming, or calling God a bad name.

And it felt really, really good.

So before I jump back into sharing my opinions on everything from Beth Moore to same-sex marriage to solving the world’s orphan crisis by becoming the Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe, let me leave you with these ever so inspiring words that were impressed upon me during my break:

Listening is good. Shutting your mouth is hard. Abandoning your selfish desires is freeing. And resisting the urge to eat an entire tray of sour cream doughnuts is the definition of self-control.

And, yes, that was worth losing 40 days of blog traffic for.

What have you been up to during the past few weeks? Catch me up on your life!

Not because it isn’t a good outlet or because I don’t love everyone who reads and leaves comments. Sometimes I want to quit because it’s a lot of work. At least it feels like a lot of work when I add it onto all of the other stuff I have going on.

A few of my good friends (whom I love, love, love) are always encouraging me and reminding me that blogging is part of my ministry. If I’m being honest, I haven’t bought into that 100%. Yet. But I’m getting there.

When I get emails like the one I opened today, I get a renewed sense of energy. I need to keep blogging. And you do too. Our stories matter. Sharing other people’s stories matters.

I get A LOT of emails. Some good, others bad, many heartbreaking. Here is a snippet of the email that I received today. It made my day.

As a Christian, I’ve struggled this past year since my son told me he was gay… So I’ve been struggling this past year. Praying. Searching. Researching. Trying to understand so many things… I’ll be following your blog now. Yay. There ARE other Christians who don’t despise, ridicule and reject gay people. What a relief.

Powerful things happen when we are open and honest about real life things. Powerful things happen when we share our stories or tell other people’s stories in meaningful ways. Powerful things happen when we become a collective community that supports each other (even when when we disagree).

So I will continue blogging.

And I hope that you will too. Your words matter.

Do you ever feel like abandoning your blog? Do you hold back from sharing all of who you are or what you think? Who has a blog that has been meaningful to you?

I haven’t written here in weeks. It’s been a trip, folks. A messy, wild trip. About three weeks ago, I was sideswiped by all kinds of craziness in my life. Nothing earth-shattering or devastating, just a million little distractions and “situations” that made things, well, complicated. Before I go any further, let me just say that I’m fine. No worries. But for the past few weeks, I have been swept away in the busyness. And in the process I achieved some record high burnout. Seriously, I haven’t felt this level of burnout in years.

During what I will now lovingly refer to as “the great meltdown of 2010,” I needed to focus all the energy on had on family, work, and some speaking gigs that I have on the calender. That meant that Twitter, Facebook, most of my personal email, and the blog (my baby) had to go. I thought about  posting that I was going on sabbatical, but I didn’t want the temptation to write more. I needed to keep first things first.

I am finally starting to feel like myself again. Most of the life stressors that had built up have been addressed, sorted through, and reordered, and for the most part life is back to normal. Praise God! Several of you have been praying for me. If that’s you, thank you so much! God is good. And faithful. So, after a few weeks off and a lot of time spent in prayer and meditation, I’m back. It feels good… I’ve missed you all!

Even though I haven’t been blogging I have been taking notes on all kinds of newsworthy things that I’ve wanted to write about over the last week or two so there will be some good stuff coming up this week. :) Also, I’ll post Your Best Blog Now over the weekend because I haven’t visited your blogs in the last few weeks either.

Now for good news…

As I pushed myself to refocus, I spent a lot of time praying, listening to worship music, singing, and thinking about the things of God. During one of those times I was reminded of an old Hallmark gift book called God is Everywhere that my Aunt Peg had when I was a little girl. I loved that book. I loved the mustard yellow, textured cover. I loved the Precious Moments-like illustrations. I loved the subtle reminders that God lives everywhere that we live. You can find him in churches, in fields of flowers, in soft breezes, and in sunny afternoons. Over the past few weeks I found God living in the quiet moments, lovingly reminding me that I need to slow down, take rest, breathe deep, and enjoy him.

For a moment I thought that God was being silent. Then I remembered that God is everywhere and that when I am being still, when I acknowledge that He is God, he will reveal himself in the quiet spaces of my life.

God is Everywhere was published in 1968 and has been out of print for years. My Aunt Peg let me have her copy when I was about six years old, and I cherished it. I lost is somewhere along the way. I was so excited when I googled it today and found it on Amazon for $0.02! Yay me!!!

Have you experienced burnout? How do you deal with burnout?

P.S. If you emailed me in the past three weeks I got it and will get back to you soon. Promise!

Since we’re coming to the close of 4th of July weekend I thought it would a be fitting, and quasi-patriotic time to come out. Of course that all depends on your definition of patriotism. Plus, everybody loves a true confession.

So, here’s mine: I’m coming out.

Not in terms of my sexuality.

And I’m certainly not coming out in the debutante sort of way (announcing that I was gay would be way less shocking than being a debutante for those who know me).

I’m coming out from behind the curtain of the voting booth.

You may be shocked by this but….

I am a registered Republican.

Yep. I voted for McCain/Palin. And George W. Bush. Twice.

More on my youthful indiscretions tomorrow….until then…

Are you surprised? What do you think of Christianity and partisan politics?

Oh. My. Goodness.

Since we didn’t have our kids this week (they’re vacationing with Grandma and Grandpa), we decided to go with a more “adult” theme. It’s a long video but it’s worth the commitment. I promise. I almost peed myself near the end.

Enjoy!

The Fort/Night Club (Party all the time! Party all the time!)

P.S. I wanted to keep the light effects, add a “cool” Keynote slideshow of worship lyrics, and call it “Catalyst Main Stage-lite Fort”… of course we would have all been sitting in it tweeting on our iPhones. I got voted down. But I must admit the club scene was pretty rad… especially since we had a special 2-dimensional guest bumpin’ it in the club. Holla!

Did you build a fort too? If so line it up in the comments. For everyone else…

Do you think we’re totally crazy?

The movie is about three salesmen on a business trip trying to land a HUGE account. It’s also about how the Christian in the group, the young guy, turns their sales pitch into an “opportunity” to witness. NOTE: This is an older movie that was adapted from a stage play, so you won’t see any CGI or million-dollar effects. What you will see is some phenomenal acting (perhaps DeVito’s best) and an interesting perspective on evangelism that will make you think.

Anyone who is a Christian and thinks evangelism is important needs to see this movie. It is a valuable example of what not being genuine looks like to somebody else.

The conversations about God and faith are brilliant! Check out these two clips (especially the second one!):

The Trailer

Here Danny DeVito explains the difference between relating to people and selling Jesus after the young salesman gets into a fistfight with Spacey over whether it was OK to talk to their prospect about Jesus instead of business. Good stuff…

Want to rent this (or any other movie)? ENTER TO WIN a $10.00 iTunes gift card by answering this question in the comments…

What is the one movie you think every Christian should see and why?

** Comment that you tweeted this link or put it on Facebook for additional chances to win**

Winner will be selected randomly from all comments on Sunday, June 20th at 11:00 PM EST and announced here on Monday June 21st.

Steve Jobs led me into temptation today. Again.

I covet this thing. Seriously covet it. And if I was one of those cheesy people (you know who you are) that have music streaming on their blog (if that is you please stop) you would have opened this page and been greeted by Stevie Wonder singing “Isn’t She Lovely.”

And she is, isn’t she?

Confession: Today I believe I would rather spend $200 upgrading my perfectly good, 11 month old iPhone 3g than use it to feed starving children in Africa.

It’s sad but true. More proof that I need the Lord…

And I bet it’s true for most of you too. Be honest. You need iJesus Jesus too.

So, who else needs to confess?

Do you want one?

Are you waiting for Verizon?

What feature is killing you the most? (Front facing camera and battery life for me).

Would you rather spend money on this than on building the kingdom?

Do you believe that buying Apple products IS building the kingdom? (Just kidding. Sort of).

Are you ready to mortgage your kids for one?

Are you iCoveting too?

Here’s what I plan on reading:

Priceless

My friend Tom Davis sent his book today (kindly ignore the chipped nail polish). I can’t wait to read it. Priceless is about the fight to save two Russian girls trapped in the sex-slave industry. If it’s anything like his last fiction book, Scared, I’ll probably read it all in one sitting. I promise I’ll review it and will most likely have Tom on the blog to talk about it too.

Priceless is now available in stores and on Amazon. You should totally go and buy it. In fact he has a pretty cool gift for anyone who buys the book. You can find out about his giveaway on his blog and watch the book trailer while you’re there.

My Fair Lazy

On a totally different note, I can’t wait to pick up a copy of Jen Lancaster’s new book, My Fair Lazy. As I’ve confessed before: I’m lazy… so this should be a perfect read for me. In fact, whenever I think about all this half marathon stuff that I’ve gotten myself into I immediately think of a scene in Jen’s book (my personal fav), Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office. Brilliant I tell you! If you’ve never read a Jen Lancaster book and need a good chicky beach read start with Bitter. You’ll thank me.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird is my all time favorite book. I fell in love with it the first time I read it in 9th grade and have read it every sumer since. Literally. And, I refuse to believe any crazy rumors that it was actually written by Truman Capote. Period.

Anyway, I love everything about this book and will keep up my summertime tradition with a 21st read this year.

What are you reading right now? What’s on your summer reading list?

Sex and the City 2 hit the theaters this weekend. I loved the show (and the shoes). LOVED it. That said, I have never had HBO, so my access has been limited to the TBS edited versions. I did see the first movie. And it did cross the sex line. Big time. As for this one, well, the Abu Dhabi story line seems ridiculous. However, I do want to know what’s up with Aidan.

Anyway, a lot of my twitter friends (mostly Christians) have been tweeting about seeing or not seeing this movie. What are your thoughts about this, or movie/TV viewing habits in general?

Do you think Christians should see Sex and the City or other R rated movies? Where do you draw the line?

P.S. Speaking of things that are inappropriate, if you haven’t entered my pickup line haiku contest you should.

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