Why do we test it?

The other day my wife set up 'shop' in our kitchen to cut hair for two of our sons and myself. Our 2 year old grand daughter was there, and was told to stay out of the kitchen because of the hair all over the floor. She so much wanted to go into that kitchen! She'd run right up to the edge of the living room carpet, testing to see what we do. Every time, someone would caution her, and she would stop. It came my turn, and her antics continued. Then, she did something different. She slowly walked up to the edge and just stood there. I told her not to come any further. Then, with the look of defiance on her face, she took one foot and stretching it across the line, touched her big toe on the kitchen floor. Of course, her folks verbally corrected her; but she had done what she had set out to do - she had stepped where she was forbidden to go, and she got away with it!
We probably all have seem this in our lives. And I'm also pretty certain we have all done what she did. But why do we do it? And why do we do it when it comes to God and sin? He warns us not to; but we stretch out and touch our 'toes' where we know we are not to go. And then we wonder why we have problems in life?
PJ

The Shack

A while back a pastor friend of mine recommended the book 'The Shack', by Wm. P. Young to me saying that every pastor in America should read this fictional story about a man's search for truth in his relationship with God. I am almost finished with it, and I can say it is one of the most compelling books I have ever read. It has not only spoke to my heart, but it expresses my heart towards God like no other work of literature I have ever read. Not only do I consider this a 'must read' for every pastor I know, but a must read for everyone I know. Please read this book.
Let me share with you a tiny glimpse of this book. For financial reasons, one of our sons and his wife & 2 year old daughter are currently living with us. This morning as I sat at the breakfast bar eating breakfast and talking with my wife Carole, in the doorway suddenly stood our gran daughter, Shay. Carole opened wide her arms and somewhat loudly proclaimed "Shay!". Shay's face, already in a grin, burst into an all-out smile, and proclaimed Carole's name back to her. Shay then ran into Carole's open arms and was swept off of her feet in an embrace of love. I heard Carole whisper into Shay's tiny ear, "I love you.", and Shay with her head now on Carole's shoulder and her arms wrapped around her neck whispered back, "I wuve you, Carole."
My friends, that is what this life is all about. Now, go and get your hands on The Shack!
PJ