Wonderings and Wanderings

Angry Conversations

March 23rd, 2009 | 1 Comment

Have you ever felt like you and God needed couples counseling? I know there have been times in my faith journey when it probably would have been helpful. I know that even more now that I’ve read an amazing book by Susan Isaacs titled Angry Conversations with God: A Snarky But Authentic Spiritual Memoir. Isaacs shares her personal journey with God with wit, raw honesty, and a vulnerability that fleshes out struggles with God – struggles of which most of us can relate. This book resonated with me so strongly that I couldn’t put it down – even when I had to get up early for a trip to St. Louis. I read the last half of the book last night in bed and throughout it I had an incredible sense of God’s presence with me. Isaacs creates … Read entire article »

Filed under: Books, Spiritual Formation

What the Heck is Twitter

March 5th, 2009 | 2 Comments

I get this question a lot: “What the heck is Twitter?” Sometimes it is difficult to explain. If people are active Facebook users, they understand the idea of just getting status updates which helps a lot. But even active Facebook users, like many of my youth, have tried Twitter only to quickly give up with an exasperated, “I DON’T GET IT!”. So here is a short educational video to help those who want to know more. HT to Existential Punk for pointing me to it. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Miscellaneous

Twitter this and Twitter That

March 3rd, 2009 | 1 Comment

Came across a neat twitter today called @Tweetvo. Every day you get a devo in 140 characters or less that you can text or tweeter to others. It’s a great tool for youth ministry. Here is just one sample from Feb. 27th. Love what it says: Christian convictions vary & thatz OK*B Tru 2 wut God convix U about & let God convict others*Your job is 2 luv & let th Spirit convict Wish more people would follow this – including myself. So easy to take your own convictions and impose them on others but that is not what God instructs us to do. Headed to Springfield, Missouri, tonight for an event. Last year I read a great book by Ron Hall and Denver Moore titled Same Kind of Different As Me. Outstanding … Read entire article »

Filed under: Current Affairs

Lifeway at it again

February 27th, 2009 | 3 Comments

Maybe you’ve heard by now or have seen this in stores recently but Lifeway Christian Stores have done it again in their quest to play the role of Holy Spirit in the lives of readers. In January, they put this disclaimer on their website and began placing “Please Read with Discernment™.” stickers on select books by select authors. (Please note the trademark on that phrase.) Shouldn’t everything be read with discernment? If not, then we could save a lot of money by returning to a few select religious leaders having the only copies of the Scripture and just telling us what it says. (Hmmm.. wait a minute… that sounds familiar.) Of course, that would impact sales as well so perhaps not. To their credit, Lifeway does state that: While we recognize that almost every title requires some … Read entire article »

Filed under: Books, Current Affairs, Spiritual Formation

Crazy Sister Love

February 20th, 2009 | 1 Comment

Today I turned in my devotion for our upcoming Lenten devotional book here at the church. It is a wonderful treasure of writings and art from members of our church and it is a blessing to read the thoughts and hearts of individuals that often don’t get the opportunity to share. My devotion was based on the John 12:1-11 passage where Jesus is anointed with expensive oils by Mary, Lazarus’s sister. Growing up, my sister and I had your normal sibling love/hate relationship. I can remember some fun times and I remember some passionate fights but when she left for college, our friendship blossomed and two years later when I followed her to college, we roomed together. We often made trips to Springfield, Missouri, for some “culture” and that included shopping. On one … Read entire article »

Filed under: Family, Spiritual Formation

C-Group Aroma

February 18th, 2009 | 3 Comments

Two weeks ago the weekly high school small group (we call them c-groups) that meets in my home multiplied into two groups. We had 12-14 kids coming consistently and it was too large for a small group. Not everyone could be heard. It was difficult to get through a lesson, etc. We had talked for quite awhile that we would need to multiply one day when our group was large enough and strong enough. And the day came. We planted a new c-group on Monday nights with two youth stepping up to co-lead it. It is so awesome! I love to see that happen even when I’m sad about not seeing certain kids every week at my house. But it is a good thing because more youth will be reached this … Read entire article »

Filed under: Youth Ministry

Dreaming Like Children

February 8th, 2009 | 1 Comment

My 4-year-old nephew and I were hanging out at church before service ended. A friend said, “Aunt Moe would do anything for you, Blake.” I said, “That’s right. Blake – if you want the moon, I’d get it for you.” Blake says, “What moon?” I said, “The moon in the sky. Do you think Aunt Moe would get you the moon if you wanted it?” Blake nodded yes. “But we will have to build a really, really big ladder. I have wood at my house.” We need to dream like children. Nothing is impossible. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Uncategorized