Random Ramblings from a Fellow Struggler #9

Every Friday we’ll take a break from topical posts and will post some random personal thoughts.

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A Cuppa Joe – Random Ramblings from a Fellow Struggler

On July 29th I posted about Brian McCloskey (founder of Tom’s shoes) apologizing for speaking at a Focus on the Family event. Seems he felt the need to distance himself from an organization that was deemed too “intolerant” after activists complained about him having any association with such a conservative group. This week Starbuck’s CEO Howard Schultz seems to have followed suit, cancelling a speaking engagement at Willow Creek Church after gay activists objected to his participation with a group that didn’t hold the “correct” (read “affirmative”) view on homosexuality.

And the hits just keep on comin’.

Catch the Republican debate last night? Good info, but a bit too much whining from Gingrich about ‘gotcha’ questions. Good grief, it’s a debate, Newt! Objecting to tough debate questions is like complaining about body contact during a football game. Don’t like getting blocked? Pick another sport.

America’s credit standing is big news, rightly so. Our first-ever reduction from AAA to AA+ is sobering. God grant this turn hearts towards Him, and cause some serious reflection, from the White House on down, about the direction we’ve taken.

On a happier note, Renee and I celebrated our 24th anniversary this week. (-applause-) When we married in 1987, she oversaw copyright permissions for Maranatha Music, and I was a waiter, finishing my schooling in hopes of becoming a Biblical counselor. We were dreamy kids, poor but happy beyond belief, hoping yet never daring to predict the future.

Good thing we didn’t try, ‘cause we’d have fallen short in so many ways. Since becoming a Christian in 1971, I’ve consistently found that God’s plans for me are higher, richer, and infinitely more satisfying than anything I’d dream for myself. What He had in mind for Renee and I when He brought us together is a perfect case in point, as He envisioned events, challenges and blessings beyond our highest hopes.

So Happy Anniversary to my precious Italian bride who vowed at the altar to love and honor me, but choked on the word “obey.” You are more than any man has the right to ask for.