Fun

3 Ways That Heaven Is Better Than Sex

by Larry Hehn on April 8, 2012

Back in 2010 I had a great conversation about God, heaven, and sexuality.

First I was asked, “What sex is God?”

After consulting my Bible I replied, “Good question. It’s my understanding that God does not really fall under the category of either male or female. Genesis 1:27 says: So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Which tells me that God transcends gender.”

I continued, ”Jesus also suggests that sexuality does not really exist in heaven (in Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25). So basically the answer to your question is somewhere between ‘both’ and ‘neither’.”

Which prompted question two: “I just wonder why sexuality and gender don’t exist in heaven but they do on earth.”

I reached for my Bible again and continued, “Here’s what I’ve found for genders on earth. Genesis 2:18 says: Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’ Which tells me that God created male and female [on earth] to complement and be in relationship with each other.”

Then question three: “(If sexuality and gender don’t exist in heaven, then) why compare God to a father figure?”

“I’m pretty sure Jesus describes God as father not because God is male, but so we could have an understanding of God’s character and relationship to us that we could relate to. As far as father figures go, I know that some people have problems with that analogy due to the fallibility of their earthly fathers.”

“But it works if you consider the traits of an ideal father - someone who knows what is best for his children, disciplines them out of love, provides for them, gives them direction, but ultimately allows them the freedom to make their own choices. And is always there for them when they really need him and ask for him.”

It was a great conversation. I found it quite intriguing that sexuality causes such division and controversy here on earth, but doesn’t exist in heaven. That says to me that we shouldn’t be placing so much importance on our sexual identity, and should instead be focusing on our identity as a child of God.

Which prompted me to consider this (somewhat) tongue-in-cheek tilt of heaven vs sex.

Don’t get me wrong, I like sex just as much as the next guy. But if it came down to a choice between one or the other, here are three reasons why heaven would win out for me:

1. Heaven is forever. Whether we like it or not, our life on this earth (which includes our sex life) is definitely finite. Not only is heaven forever, it’s also 24/7, not just a few minutes at a time.

2. As long as we’re breathing, heaven is always an option. God loves us and really wants us in heaven. He has extended an open invitation (see Romans 10:9-13). If we call on him with a sincere heart, he’s not going to roll his eyes and say he has a headache.

3. Heaven is where we find our true identity. Let’s not allow our sexual appetites (or any earthly desires, for that matter) to define who we are. We are worth so much more in God’s eyes. Instead, especially this Easter season, consider the price that God paid to make heaven available to us (see John 3:16).

Those are my three reasons.

Can you think of any other reasons why heaven is better than sex?

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P90X vs Doritos

by Larry Hehn on March 8, 2012

P90X vs Doritos Yesterday my wife and I went grocery shopping at our local Costco. I’m not usually much of a “junk food” eater, but last night I had a bit of a craving for Doritos.

Seeing the look in my eye, and hoping to keep me from whimpering, my wife grabbed a Club Size bag off the shelf.

Oooh, yeah.

1.1 pounds (aka 500 grams up here in Canada) of all the bold, nacho cheese flavor my mouth can handle. Mmm…

And only 2,600 calories. Yikes!

We picked up the rest of the items on our grocery list, then did our usual quick tour of the book section to see if there were any new and interesting titles.

I was thrilled when I discovered P90X, a 90-day home fitness program that I’ve been wanting to try for a very long time, nestled in among the paperbacks.

Since I was planning to order it online anyway, it was a no-brainer to drop it in the shopping cart as well.

So there we were at the checkout.

With a P90X, and a family-sized bag of Doritos.

The pain of discipline beside the allure of instant gratification.

Is that what they call ironic?

It’s like Paul said in Romans 7:

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

I want to do what is right for my health - the P90X. Inevitably, I do what is wrong for my health - the Doritos.

Because the things that are wrong can feel so darn right at the time.

Ultimately, I’d rather reap the benefits of the P90X. But those Doritos will always be calling my name…

“For my birthday I got a humidifier and a de-humidifier… I put them in the same room and let them fight it out.” – Steven Wright

How do you stay in shape?

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Who Is Your Dream Half Time Act?

by Larry Hehn on February 7, 2012

I don’t usually watch football, but who can resist the Super Bowl?

Not only did I enjoy the game, but I had just as much fun following the running commentaries on Twitter. It was double the entertainment!

I was even more thankful for Twitter during the half time show. Seems like I wasn’t the only one who didn’t exactly “L-U-V” Madonna. Reading all the hilarious tweets was a welcome distraction from all the lip synching.

At one point I tweeted, “I vote that next year for the half time show we get The Knack to play a 20-minute version of My Sharona.”

That thought stuck with me.

Then when my friend Eva Marie Everson posted her vote for Garth Brooks today, I just had to find out.

Who would your dream Super Bowl half time act be?

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A Personal Introduction from Pinterest

by Larry Hehn on February 3, 2012

When it comes to technology and social media, I’m a bit of an old dog. I don’t own a cell phone or an MP3 player. I haven’t quite figured out a good reason for Google+. If I still owned a VCR, it would be flashing 12:00.

So when my friend Sundi Jo offered a guest post that would introduce readers to Pinterest, I was very pleased!

Take it away, Sundi Jo…

In case you’ve been living under a very large rock, let me catch you up to speed.

Me: Reader, meet Pinterest. Pinterest, meet the reader.

Pinterest: Nice to meet you. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m the coolest thing since sliced bread. Or homemade strawberry shortcake on a stick. Or chocolate covered peanut butter bananas. Hungry yet?

If you weren’t one of the 30+ million pinteresters to join in 2011, make this the year. Better yet, make this the day! Head over to Pinterest, request an invite and I’ll see you back here shortly. Seriously, I’ll wait.

Welcome back!

Pinterest isn’t just the place for recipes. Looking for the perfect activity to do with the kiddos? It’s your one stop shop. Get creative with gift ideas. I’ve learned things about DIY products I never knew existed. Did you know you can make your own laundry detergent? Way cool!

But let’s talk about what you can offer to others. Here are four ideas to take your Pinteresting to another level.

P.S. Guys, before you run off too quickly and think this is a “for chicks only” kinda place, you’re wrong. I promise you’ll love it too.

Showcase your photography – Photographer Diana Bogardus has committed to posting one picture every day for the next year. Her pinboard is called Project 366. She’s reaching an audience of other photography lovers who cannot only use her ideas, but provide her with other creative techniques to this art.
Start your own Project Runway - My fashion sense may not be something to write home about (While you’re reading this I’m probably walking around in my Smurfs t-shirt), but perhaps I can get a few tips here. (I’ll take those boots please.)
Time for a change around the house - Are you getting tired of the same ol’ pictures hanging on the wall collecting dust? Find some new decorating tips and make your guests think they’ve come to the wrong place next time they show up for movie night. Check out this wine rack. Who wouldn’t want one?
Be part of the bigger picture - Another thing I love about Pinterest is the ability to create groups. For example, check out this Words for Jesus pinboard. Find a photograph of your favorite Scripture and add it to the group for everyone to see. You never know what kind of connections you could make. Oh, the power of social media.

I haven’t even scratched the surface on what this virtual pinboard can offer you. From architecture to wedding planning, there’s something for everyone.

I promised whatever men were left reading that I would give them a few reasons to join. Here they are:

Vintage car collections
Tools
Outdoors
Sports

Need I say more?

Pinterest isn’t going to disappear anytime soon and for that I’m grateful. I’m becoming organized with ideas in my mind. I’ve gotten some great cooking ideas. And maybe someday soon, I’ll toss the t-shirt out and trade it for a blouse. (Probably not)

What about you? What’s your favorite part about Pinterest? Is it another time waster in your life or has it helped you in some way?

Sundi Jo is an author, speaker, and social media consultant, making her home in Branson, Missouri. You’ll either find her engulfed in the social media world, spending time with family and friends, running, hanging out in a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and flip flops, or writing for the Kingdom. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook. To see more from Sundi Jo, be sure to visit her at www.sundijo.com.

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The Friendly Giant

by Larry Hehn on January 30, 2012

Growing up in the 1970′s in Canada, one of my favorite TV shows was The Friendly Giant. It was a staple among Canadian children’s TV programs from 1958 to 1985.

Mostly ad libbed, each show revolved around the interactions between a giant named Friendly (played by Bob Homme), and two puppets – a rooster named Rusty who lived in a book bag that hung on the wall, and an orange and purple giraffe named Jerome.

Yes, you read that correctly.

I’m not sure how they initially pitched that idea to the network, or who decided that such an unusual premise would work.

But it worked anyway.