I know who moved my cheese. God did. 2 weeks ago today, my church decided to make all full-time positions “part-time.” The Administrative Board may very well have been the instrument He used, but God moved my cheese. I believe He has greater plans for Miranda and I. I believe He is leading us into…
Category: Books
Harvest
I read a blog by Alan Danielson this morning that brings home a concept that’s been rolling around in my head for a while. Here’s a quote: “Often we think that a great harvest is when masses make a decision for Christ, but Osborne (in his book, Sticky Church) challenges that mindset. Farmers don’t celebrate…
Playing in the Dirt
Lately I’ve been reading a book called “Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus.” So far, it’s a great book – all about the Jewishness of Jesus and the insights that come to the Scriptures when you understand Jewish culture. I’m loving it!!! (I’m hoping to write a blog later about the things I’m learning…
RePost: Tyranny of the Urgent
photo credit: Pulpolux !!! I posted this one other time back in 2007, but was struggling with some of the same issues today. I thought it was worth reposting: Charles E. Hummel writes, “We live in a constant tension between the urgent and the important.” He talks about a cottonmill manager who said, “Your greatest…
Micro Expressions
Did you know that our emotions come out in our faces? Of course you did. Poker players bank on it – looking for the “tell” in the other players faces. Everyone looks into the eyes of the one they love when they’re being told “I love you.” Why? So you can determine the sincerity behind…
Pagan Christianity
“Pagan Christianity” by Frank Viola and George Barna is an interesting read. I read it a few months ago, and quite honestly, I’ve been wrestling with it ever since. I haven’t blogged or posted anything, ’cause I simply don’t know what to think. The book is written to describe the origins of many of our…
Rule of 150
photo credit: cwarkup “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell describes the concept of the “Rule of 150.” I’ll try to give you a summary, but I’d recommend the book too. In anthropological literature the number 150 shows up again and again. Out of 21 different tribes, the average number of people in their villages is…
Memory and Community
photo credit: Scuola di Atene I’ve been reading “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell lately. So far, it’s a great book. I just thought I’d share one of the many ideas that I’ve been thinking about lately. Gladwell says that much of what we remember is actually not stored in our brain, but outside our…
Anne Lamott Quotes
Anne Lamott is one of the best writers I think I’ve ever read – and funny too. Anyway, this morning I started listening to her audio book (she reads herself) called “Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith.” Anyway, I just thought I’d share a few quotes that struck me: Peace is joy at rest. Joy…
Consistency
In his book “Wild Goose Chase,” Mark Batterson brings up something that really struck me. He says that the reason we take things for granted is because they have been so consistent. I think it’s true! I take it for granted that my bride will get up when Kasen cries in the middle of the…