For Reals.

One of the things a lot of people tell me once they find my spiritual blog is that they are surprised at how much they relate to what I write.

I think we, as Christians, think we're supposed to be perfect. We think we're not supposed to have worldly thoughts. We think we're not supposed to have messy homes. That we aren't to have conflicts with co-workers, family members or our neighbors. As if becoming a Christian negates our common humanity.

It doesn't. We are still human, we will still have conflicts and troubles in our lives. What we have to be conscious of are our reactions and thoughts. Because, you know what? God accepts us and meets us WHERE WE ARE. He loves us. Just like we, as humans, love our children or pets, imperfections and all.

I was just watching the remembrance video of Saddleback's pastors. They are celebrating 25 years of being a church this weekend. Rick Warren, the founding and senior pastor of Saddleback, as well as the author of The Purpose Driven Life, has slips of the tongue because, you know, he's human. But, it keeps it real. He's learned that errors of speak is a bonding tool between him and the people in the church. Just as our errors, as Christians, can be a bonding tool between us and non-Christians.

Among my favorites on the video were, "If you are poor, we give you money. If you are foodless we give you food stamps. If you are breastless, errr *pause, shakes his head* recovers with, well, if you're breastless, we give you implants. If you're breathless, we give you oxygen."

Another one, "In anticipation of Saddleback's Christmas services, we've made yard signs. You can take these signs and stick them ... *his brain went blank*, *laughing*, recovers with ..." stick them in your YARD."

"You know, it's just a fart ..." *pause*... "did I just say fart? Can I say fart?" ... *pause* ... "I meant, it's just a fact ..."

The best one, though, was "God spoke to Balaam through a donkey. A jackass! Does God speak to us today through a jackass? Why, yes he does! Every Sunday, here at Saddleback!"