Steven Curtis Chapman nominated for Most Inspiring Person of Year - VOTE!!!!

Steven Curtis Chapman was nominated by Beliefnet.com for the Most Inspiring Person of the Year Award. You can get the complete story on my Gospel Soundcheck blog at Beliefnet.com., and learn how you can cast your vote!

BREAKING NEWS: Hamster Recovered!

Officials report that at 9:10 PM on Monday, November 17, Minnie, the hamster who has been missing for much of the afternoon, was recovered when she came out from behind the book case to watch the opening scenes of "Heroes".

Rescuers say she was unharmed and appeared to be in good spirits. The charges of attempted murder and mayhem against Catzilla have been dropped after he expressed remorse and begged for forgiveness.

Officials are looking at ways to reinforce the security at Habitrail Heights.

Missing Hamster Alert

Missing: one hamster, weight appx. 3 oz. , short blond fur. Answers to the name "Minnie." Last seen running around Habitrail Heights at around 11 PM on Sunday, November 16.

Officials believe she may have suffered foul play at the hands of Catzilla when Habitrail Heights suffered the effects of a major catquake, causing massive damage and breaks in the Habitrail security system.

Anyone with information should contact the nearest hamster officer immediately.

My review of "House" at MovieJungle.com

My review of the movie "House," which opens November 7th, is up now at MovieJungle.com. The film is based on the best-selling novel by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker.

I'd rather argue with non Christians

My friend Chris asked me to answer some survey questions about HIV for a paper he's writing for a class on something medical-related for college. The questions were mostly about my thoughts on teaching sex ed in schools, and what I think about approaches to prevention, etc.

What I thought was humbling was that Chris said:

"I hope you don't mind, but you're one of the people I picked to do this survey because 1. you have thought out ideas in your mind, you don't just shout them out without thinking about what you're saying, and 2. I pretty much assumed we would disagree on stuff."

I think that is a huge compliment. Yes, Chris and I disagree on a lot of things. I'm a Christian, he's turned off by most things Christian. And yet we have been able to have some very interesting chats without arguing or debating or shouting. It's always thoughtful and I definitely walk away making sure I consider his views, rather than just trying to make my own point. I'm glad someone noticed.

In my daily Bible reading this week, I read Paul telling Timothy "not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers" and that "a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all". (2 Timothy 1) I consider my life verse Phillipians 2: 3, 4: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

I think that's something to consider as we close out the final days of the elections. I've been bombarded lately by people on the other side of the political fence pointing out how ignorant I am, usually using phrases like "fear mongering" and accusing me of drinking the red kool aid. And these are Christians, oddly enough. I don't argue back. I find that those who define themselves as open-minded are usually calling me narrow minded and ignorant, so vehemently defending their opinions that they are unable to carry on a calm, intelligent discussion and listen to my side of the issue.

I'll chat with the non-Christians, who may disagree with me but who at least think my opinions worthy of consideration.