Yesterday evening I went with some friends to a conference at Central State University for a class. The conference was on parenting. The speaker was Mrs. Rock, mother of 10 children and 17 foster children. She is also the mother of Chris Rock, a famous comedian and winner of Emmy's. She had some very practical advice for parenting. My favorite piece of wisdom from her was – "I am your mama, not your friend". So often I feel that parents (and teachers!) try to hard to be their children's/ student's friend, that they forget the role that they are in. Parents and teachers are in the role of guardian, whether that be over the whole child or just their academic lives. They are there to provide support and guidance, not to be best friends. Mrs. Rock was funny, witty, and a wonderful parent. Her children are all successful, and she now keeps busy traveling and speaking.

Chapel today was truly confronting. Matthew 25:31-46 was spoken on by Bryan Loritts. He spoke on the fruit that is supposed to come out of a believer's life: engaging the poor. His message was well spoken, and tackled the problem that American Christianity has come to: a comfortable, inside the box sort of life. You can listen to his message here: http://www.thepath.fm/chapel/

Some challenges to start living:

1. No complaining! It is a terrible habit, one that denigrates my witness for Christ. Phil. 2:14-16; 4:11. I am to be without reproach in a world that is looking.
   
2. Engage the less fortunate! The poor are God's heartbeat; my heart needs to be where God's is. Matthew 25:31-46.
   

Christians are not called to be comfortable. How am I going to step outside the box this week?