Folks, recent events have really torn me this way and that and I’ve come to the point were I feel I need to make some changes to my site, yet again. Unlike the previous changes, these will not be merely cosmetic or mechanical in nature. The content and the target audience is what will be transforming, though I’m really not sure in what way or to what degree.
As a result of this, I have turned off my links to other sites. Rest assured, this is not because I no longer desire to be linked with these sites. On the contrary, I do. This is in case they do not wish to be linked with my new and evolving site. So, as things develop, please let me know if you wish me to link your site. I’ll understand if you don’t.
My reason for change isn’t fully clear in my mind yet. I have to admit, I have more than a little to think about these days. But it’ll pass soon enough and clarity will set back in. The bottom line is my site has been found either too high-brow or too intimidating to a number of friends. And this has really been bothering me for some time. Anyone who knows me well, knows that this is the opposite of what I was shooting for.
While I will continue to use my site to write down and express my thoughts and views, I will be doing it in a way that is considerably more generic. And I will make use of categories so that individuals can read or avoid what they wish. You should know that most of my friends are in fact non-Christian. And I make no apology for this. Also, as a result of this, many of the people whom I hope will visit and participate will not subscribe to our presuppositions about much of anything. Some will participate in alternative lifestyles and some will have other dealings, which many of you will take issue with. Please note, while I have not and am not considering changing my views, I do not want this site to be confrontational to these friends. This is not intended to be a forum for Evangelism. It really isn’t, at least not any longer. If an opportunity arises to go into detail with someone, hey great! But I do want to emphasize that we respect one another enough not to be forceful with our views. And by the way, this is a two way street. I do not want, and really don’t expect, any of them to try to convert the others. There you have it.
Folks, I have been regenerated by God, plain and simple. And while I love discussing my theological thoughts with anyone who will listen, what does it really accomplish? Sometimes I feel as if I’m simply engaged in one-upsmanship. Now, those who are not born again really don’t care much for being evangelized verbally. But I’ve noticed they’ve been more than kind and gracious to me as I live out my faith amongst them. And at times, I am asked to give a reason for the hope that is within me. This doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it’s tremendous. But it’s also not my goal. I have developed some wonderful friendships that, pure and simply, I wish to foster further– as pure friendships. And I accept my friends as they are, where they are and so forth. I do not seek to change them. And, lest some of you might forget, even if I ask them to believe on Christ, they can’t unless the Father draws them.
Anyway, that’s my thought. I value the many friendships I’ve developed and hope they will continue. I do not take my friendships lightly– not at all.
12/08/2006 at 2:41 pm Permalink
Great. Links to my blog just decreased by 33%.
Ha, ha. Kidding. (Not about the percentage, but about my reaction to it.) My one desire for you, Mike, in the midst of this time of change is that you follow unswervingly the Lord’s leading. Turn neither to the left nor to the right. Paraphrasing Luther here: to violate your conscience in this matter is neither right nor safe.
And whatever you wind up with, I am totally confident that I’d feel fine being associated with it, so link to me all you want…if you want.
Gordan
12/08/2006 at 4:45 pm Permalink
Looks like you are onto something there, bro, and I look forward to how this site evolves.
12/08/2006 at 5:31 pm Permalink
Hey Gordan, thanks for the support. And I know what you mean about the 33%. It’s not like I can afford to alienate my peeps, lol. And I had no idea Luther Vandross was so profound. That’s good to know. Well, I’ll do my best to stay straight in doctrine, at least as straight as I’ve been
And thanks for the permission to keep ya linked.
12/08/2006 at 5:32 pm Permalink
Hey David,
Thanks for the support. I’m curious how it’s gonna go too. I guess we’ll find out shortly.
-Mike
13/08/2006 at 12:40 am Permalink
Speaking of one upsmanship, I love this quote from AW Tozer.
13/08/2006 at 12:41 am Permalink
Hey, there is no “preview” feature, and you call this an “upgrade”/
13/08/2006 at 8:06 am Permalink
David,
Great quote and I’ve just used as the crux of a post. I hope you don’t mind.
Also, I’ll take a look at adding a preview feature and possibly a delete.
16/08/2006 at 7:28 pm Permalink
heartbroken… you de-linked me.
16/08/2006 at 7:42 pm Permalink
Well, I’ll add you back in then
16/08/2006 at 8:46 pm Permalink
Been too preoccupied with stuff I shouldn’t be preoccupied with. That’s why I made that post about making memories with my kids. Way more important!!!
You and Chelle are a blessing.
17/08/2006 at 3:44 am Permalink
It’s so easy to get swept up in all this and it can burn you out. I’ve got several friends simply burned out, now. Much better to focus on the kids.
And I happen to think you’re the blessing to us
kiddo!