I learned from Alan Knox today that some new Greek manuscripts were recently discovered which shed light on how the early church practiced their Christianity.

New Testament scholars have been wishing for something like this for hundreds of years. According to Alan’s translation, here is some of what these manuscripts reveal:

There was also this alternative opening to Peter’s first letter: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ and Bishop of Rome…”

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I’ve spent some time visiting with psychologists and counselors. In general, I think we pay counselors for two things: to be a friend so we don’t feel lonely, and to be a listening ear. If you want to be a counselor, that’s really all you have know.

I know…what I just said is an oversimplification and an insult to all psychologists and counselors. It’s like telling a pastor he only works on Sunday. Psychologists and counselors have to do more than be a friend and a listening ear. They also have to give advice.

So if you want to counsel someone and never know what to say, here is some advice that fits nearly every situation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYLMTvxOaeE

My wife is sleeping on the couch.

I know, it is usually the husband who gets sent to the couch, but this time, it’s the wife. She’s been there for about three weeks.

But it’s not what you think. It’s not marital problems or the result of a big fight.

Our three girls have been sick, one after another, for the past three weeks. They wake up a lot during the night, have a persistent cough, and suffer from high fevers. So my wife, dedicated and loving mother that she is, moved the couch cushions into their room, and is sleeping there so she can check their fevers and comfort them when they wake up during the night.

I love you, Wendy! You are the best mother in the world.