Randy Wray’s Blog

We started a new Bible study last night with the goal in mind to dig deeper in our pursuit for spiritual maturity. 

Eventually we aim to tackle some of the more difficult, perplexing passages in the Bible.  This means that we will eventually work through those sections of Scripture that have defined and divided God’s people.

My goal in the first few lessons (how many they turn out to be) is to lay the ground work or foundation for defining, understanding and interpreting Scripture.  Yes, exciting terms like Exegesis, Hermeneutics, Theology, Dogma, and Systematic Theology.

Speaking of Dogma, Greg has not blogged about Chipper in 97 days!  We need one of those signs which proclaim the number of days a company has been accident free - only change it to reflect how many days Greg has been Chipper blog free?  You know, something like this: (Thank You Brad!)

We covered so much ground and made such progress the first night of class I’m actually afraid to let anyone else join the class because they will already be behind.  So, I’ve decided to start putting some of these thoughts on paper.  I’m also considering posting these thoughts for your interaction.

Santa Claus skipped our house this year.  Jeff Corwin (or perhaps the spirit of Steve Irwin) visited instead. 

The junior members of our household have been begging for another pet besides our deranged, cross eyed cat.  Inspired by the brilliant idea of my lovely wife (who has no name) we researched some pet options, selected two viable options (one for each) and gave them books pertaining to said animal for Christmas.

Here was our "give a pet as a gift" strategy:

1. Read the book and do some research to learn all you can about this animal.
2. Make a plan for habitat, care and general well-being.
3. Create a list of supplies and other needed accessories.

Upon the successful completion of the three steps we would secure the varmints as planned.  Well, the kids did their part and we now have two more additions to the household.

Reese is now a proud owner of a Bearded Dragon named Perry - a fun little reptile who has a personality much like a dog.   He runs to greet you when you approach his terrarium and likes to be picked up and crawl on your shoulder.  Reese actually shed some tears of joy when he opened his book.  He’s been wanting a reptile type animal for a long time but I am severely anti-snake.

Speaking of dogs, for those of you keeping score at home, Greg hasn’t mentioned a word about Chipper, aka "the blog cash cow," since September 29th.  One wonders when Greg will break his sabbatical and continue to thrill us with stories of man’s best friend or write some more about Chipper.

We had intended to get a Parakeet for Madison.  As it turned out, someone at church was moving and needed to find a home for a Pacific Parrotlet -  complete with custom built cage and all the accessories.  Considering what we spent for the dragon and the required habitat we jumped at the chance for the freebie.

Madison is now a proud owner of Pacific Parrotlet named Pistachio - a chirping mini parrot that wants to sit on your shoulder and gets really mad if you put her / him back in the cage.

Which makes me wonder.  Does having a mini parrot on your shoulder make you a mini pirate?  A pirate in training?  A wee little pirate?

Now that we have established a healthy food chain (reptile, bird, cat) I think our next pet should be something that can eat the cat.

Even if you don’t like college football or sports in general (you know who you are) you have to like the epic battle last night between Oklahoma and Boise State.

My apologies to all my okie friends, but what a game!  Three cheers for the mid-major schools!

During the pre-game broadcast the commentators were drawing the parallels between David and Goliath.  Boise State, you know them because they play on a blue field, a lesser known football program (David) going up against Oklahoma a football powerhouse (Goliath).  It just goes to show that in sports, on any given day, anything is possible.

Boise State ran with the big dogs the entire game, leading most of the game.  With a little over a minute left the Boise State quarterback let fly an errant pass that was intercepted for a touchdown.  After a successful two point conversion Oklahoma was ready to claim the Fiesta Bowl title.  But wait,  there is a reason they play every single second!  With time running out the Boise State offense pulled a razzle dazzle play from the depths of the playbook and scored a touchdown to tie the game and send the game into overtime.

Oklahoma roared back and scored a touchdown on the first play in overtime.  Boise State had their opportunity and used every play in the book to finally get into the end zone.  Rather than settle for an extra point attempt to send the game to a second overtime the offense took the field, went for two and on the old Statue of Liberty play won the game.  It was fantastic!

Though we had sent the kids to bed they kept running back downstairs to see the reason for the yelling. 

Most New Years resolutions focus on redistribution.  Here are two examples:

1. More hair in some places and less hair in other places.
2. More mass in some places and less mass in other places.
   

Rather than focus on resolutions of redistribution imagine what would happen if we made resolutions that focused on transformation.

The better resolution begins with this question:  "What kind of person do I want to be this year? 

There is a good answer to this question contained within the writings of the Apostle Peter.

2 Peter 3:11  (NCV)  So what kind of people should you be? You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God.  

So here are my resolutions for 2007:

1. I resolve to pursue holiness.
2. I resolve to serve God.
3. I resolve to look forward, with eagerness, to the return of Jesus. 

 Happy New Year everyone.  I continue to be grateful for your company on this blog journey.