christianity – Page 46

Book Review: The Search Committee

The Search Committee
Tim Owens
Tyndale House Publishers, 2012, 258 pages

I’m still on the fence about this book. In some ways it felt like I was reading two books at once. It took some time to keep the characters all straight as the author switched between the story as it related to the committee’s search for the new pastor and the story as it related to the development and interaction of the committee members themselves. I also suspected pretty early on the direction that the committee was going to take in the end. (No, I’m not going to give that away!)

The parts of the story that dealt with the search process were witty in their presentation. Perhaps because I was a pastor for many years, and served as an interim, I found much that was relatable. It was also interesting to learn about the search process in a different denomination.

The portions of the book that dealt with the committee members discovering themselves seemed very dark at times. The relatable part was the diversity of personalities on the committee. Sometimes I don’t think we recognize the vast difference of persons that make up the church. To the author’s credit, he created characters that were both easy to like and dislike—I found myself feeling something about each of them.

It’s an ok book. I thought I would like it more.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, please mention as part of every Web or Amazon review that Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

Book Review: Unstuck

Unstuck
Your Life. God’s Design. Real Change.
Arnie Cole + Michael Ross
Bethany House Publishers, 2012, 265 pages

I was looking forward to getting this book to read. Then I got it. My first impression was not good. The authors stated that their approach to getting unstuck was not found in a quick fix or formula, but they proceeded to describe steps for the process. The steps initially felt like a veiled formula. I decided to keep reading, and I’m glad I did. It became very clear that the authors were emphasizing process and relationship. I was also reminded that most of us don’t get stuck overnight, so we should realize that getting unstuck will indeed take time.

Each section of the book began with a list of concise goals that the authors intended to accomplish. I found this very helpful. The good news is that they did a good job of meeting their goals. Perhaps this is just a personal pet peeve of mine, but I have always disliked going to a workshop and having the leader identify goals, but never come close to meeting them. To the authors’ credit they demonstrated integrity in this issue.

One of my concerns at the outset was that the book, because of its foundation being based in a survey that was taken by the authors, was going be too statistically focused for my liking. What I found to the contrary was a nice balance between head oriented material referring to the study, and personal stories. This balance is such that it would result in the book appealing to either mindset. There is also a nice assortment of quotes to support their findings and their stories. Many of the names are recognizable, lending a sense of credibility and connection both to and beyond the material.

Another strength that I found in this book was that it was plainly written, without a lot of Christianeze or assumed common religious language. While this would be appealing to either unchurched folks, unbelievers, or those new to faith, there wasn’t a sense that the material was dumbed down, so it would still make sense and get the point across to believers who found themselves stuck in one way or another. With that in mind this book would be good for the new believer just starting their faith journey and wanting to understand the Word. It would be great from the perspective of preventative material so that they might be sparred some of the frustration of being potentially stuck in the future. There is still enough impact of the material for the stuck, static, and status quo believer.

The third part of the book puts the ball in the reader’s hand. It invites the reader to plot his/her own course toward a spiritual breakthrough. While the steps described sound like a formula, it is presented in such a personal way that the relational component came through very clearly. By including pages that resemble a workbook, the authors’ remove some of the natural tendency to put off doing the suggested work and reflection and instead create the opportunity for the reader to get right to work. It should probably also be noted that the book is formatted to be read (and digested) on a daily basis (each chapter gives a daily scripture reading and question). The chapters also close with a statement about what their research revealed and an encouraging nudge.

I think the thing that really sold me on the book was the way they seemed to tie everything up at the end. They have been emphasizing the importance of improving one’s relationship with God, especially as it is related to the Word. They share at the minimum we need to be reading and engaging the Word at least four times a week as the foundational component of getting and staying unstuck. They finish by describing the four critical elements of spiritual growth: knowledge; prayer, faith and action. I believe that these parallel the things that God himself requires of us, loving Him with all our heart (faith), soul (prayer), mind (knowledge) and strength (action) (see Deuteronomy 6:5). Anything that helps us understand and move deeper into relationship with Him is a good thing. This book does that in a very clear manner. I’m really glad I kept reading.

I recommend this book. Read it. Share it.

(I received a free copy of this book to review from Bethany House Publishers.)

Hi, I’m Tina

But you already knew that, right?

When you introduce yourself, do you lead with a list of what you do: I’m the pastor at First Church; I’m Austin’s grandma; or I’m the manager at McDonald’s Southview?

One of the things I was unprepared for when I got to the BRMCWC (Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference) was the introduction process that took place each time you met someone new. Standard process was such that you stated your name, where you were from, and what you write.

What I write? Uh, uh, uh, I write devotions and inspirational pieces, Bible studies, and monologues. Before I was done, it seemed like the asker had gotten bored and moved on to the next person. At first I was confused by their response, then I began to see that my confusion was the cause of the problem. As the week went on, I began to notice a change in myself that brought about a change in the response of others.

Throughout the week, we had opportunities to meed with writers, editors, and publishers in one-on-one appointments and to join them in conversations at mealtime. With each appointment I found myself more clear on who I am as a writer.

I’m Tina. I write non-fiction, primarily devotions. I’m also working on a Bible Study.

It may not seem like much, but this is huge for me. I feel like I have direction, but more importantly I really feel like I can do this. I’m not just an ocassional blogger and book reviewer. I’m a writer. And soon, I will be and author. The dream that God placed in my heart when I was just 10years old is starting to unfold.

Review: Soul Caffeine

book cover
This is a wonderful collection of stories and studies. As I was reading, I found myself nodding, smiling, and drawing closer to God. The writing is very practical and relatable. The author writes in a style that leaves you feeling like you are just sitting there discussing the topics over a cup of coffee. It’s the kind of book that I will go back to, but also a great book to give to new or old believers, and those who are searching for answers. Established believers will find familiar language and themes, but it is done in such a way as not to be off-putting to those who aren’t familiar with Christianeze. Don’t miss this one!

Smile for the Camera!

246519_10150943144364060_283339519059_9791845_1721011058_n — Accepting My Award

This was the highlight of my week at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. Well, highest of many. I was awarded 3rd place for Unpublished Article for Print.

It was an amazing week and I’m still processing through things. I have so much to share. I’ll be back to fill you in.

Book Review: 10 Things Jesus Never Said

“10 Things Jesus Never Said…and why you should STOP believing them” Written by Will Davis Jr., Published by Revell, 2011.

I was pretty sure I had the general premise or direction of this book figured out before I ever opened it. Having read the author’s other book, “Pray Big”, I was just looking forward to getting his perspective because I really appreciated his fresh style that made me think and occasionally say ouch. What I didn’t aticipate was our mode of transportation for this trip. The vehicle used to transport us to the truth is my favorite text, Jesus’ words of comfort and invitation from Matthew 11:28-30.

As I started reading, I began to wonder if I would make it out of the first chapter. I have always considered this passage as “mine.” Just ask my husband. He thinks he’s heard every possible message on it. But he like me had never read Will Davis’ take. I wept through the whole chapter. It was exactly the message my wounded and weary soul needed.

I am certainly glad that I have my own copy of the book. Almost every page has underlining and notes. Many pages are dogearred. Exclamation points, amens, and arrows are thrown in throughout. I got so excited about the message and invitation to move into or return to a deeper relationship with the giver of grace that I hinted to my Sunday school class that I had found our next study before I was even done reading the book!

I was able to see how this material could lend itself to a study with established ‘churchized’ folks, but also how it would be applicable and appropriate for people whose woundedness has kept them feeling like they could never feel welcome in a church, even if they wanted to go inside. Each chapter ends with Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.” Those words are just as fresh and necessary today as they were two thousand years ago.

Pastor Davis anchors his points solidly in scripture. His examples and case studies are relevent and broad enough in their scope so as to not come across as finger pointing or judgmental. At the close of his examening each of the lies, or things that Jesus never said but we have somehow come to believe, there are a set of questions that can be used for personal or group study.

When I came to the end of the book I found an appendix. Its title is “You’re Disqualified Because You’re Divorced.” I’m not divorced, so I almost didn’t read it. But because I do know several people who are divorced, including my daughter, I decided to at least see what the author had to say on the subject. This is the one place I found myself disagreeing with Will Davis. This chapter is far too valuable to be tucked in at the very end, appearing as a possible afterthought. I found myself finishing this book as I had started it: in tears! It is a tender treatise on the topic, with truths that shine light on almost each of the ten lies previously discussed in the book.

I stumbled across Will Davis Jr’s writing in January of this year when I found his book, “Pray Big” at my public library. I wasn’t sure, but gave it a read. I was blown away by the fresh approach to a topic everyone thinks they know everything about. I was ready to go out and buy a case so I could just start giving the books away. When I finished “Ten Things Jesus Never Said” I was ready to buy two cases. To say that I recommend this book barely comes close enough to how strongly I want to urge you to read it. I found healing in these pages, and a restored sense of my place in the yoke beside the Master. Don’t miss this one!

In case you’re wondering what Jesus never said:

You’re Too Far Gone to Be Saved
I’m So Disappointed in You
This Wouldn’t Be Happening If You Were a Better Christian
It’s Okay Not to Love Certain People
Everyone Should Believe and Act Like You Do
It’s All Up to You
You Don’t Have to Forgive Someone Who Really Hurts You
You Missed My Will for Your Life
This Is a Cross You Must Bear

Lessons on Loosing the Training Wheels–Part One

My grandson turned six in January. The recent warm weather seems to have awakened a piece of his boyhood. Up to this point he has just not been all that interested in bike riding. His cousins’ love for this hasn’t even been motivating to him. Watching all the neighborhood kids ride by the house has not seemed to phase him. So I’m not sure what brought about the sudden interest or surge of importance, but it was imperative that Pepa get those training wheels off and the riding needed to happen. Now. Now, as in instantly and perfectly. It reminded me of my daughter when she was three. I took her to the library to introduce her to the world of books and she promptly looked at me and told me that she wanted to learn to read. Extatic and feeling like I had acomplished my task, I set out to explain how we would learn letters and then words. She wasn’t having any part of that. She stomped her little foot and in a voice way too loud for the library told me, “No Mommy, I want to learn NOW!

So there I was out in our front yard trying to convince the grandson that I really knew what I was doing and that I would not let him fall to the ground and crack his skull open. I’m not sure where he got that idea from.

At first he insisted that I hold onto both the handle bar and the seat. He wasn’t all that comfortable with that but I was able to get him to allow me to let go of the handle bar so he could do the steering. This accomplished two things: it gave him a sense of control but also reinforced his fear of not being in control. Yeah, I know, it confused him too.

In an attempt to ground this in something he could understand, I reminded him of one of his games on game cube where the character needs to jump from one platform to the next while the platforms rock back and forth. To complete the jump the character, directed by the grandson, has to balance the platform by finding that special spot in the center. He got the concept. What he didn’t get or appreciate was how I was loosely holding the seat which allowed for some uncomfortable tippage. I was soundoy scolded repeatedly for everything from wanting him to fall and to fail. In his mind I was crazy if I thought thisbwas going to work. And ultimately, I must not love him if this was how I was going to treat him when he asked for something as simple as just a little help in learning how to ride his bike. I’ll spare all the anger about the stupid, worthless bike that was obviosly horribly defective since it couldn’t follow his directive.

After about a half hour of more excuses than riding, I told the grandson that I loved him very much, but I needed a break and so did he. I suggested we try again another day. I put the bike in the garage and not the garbage, as he suggested. Then I went and sat on the porch where I could lick my wounds, and contemplate my obviously ineffective teaching strategy. But the teaching wasn’t done.

Sitting there, I felt that gentle nudge that comes from the Spirit. You know the one. It’s just enough to help you stop what you’re thinking so you can see it from a diffrent perspective. From God’s perspective. Then with the exhale that comes from a big sigh, I began to see this riding lesson was less about my grandson learning and much more about the imbalance in my own life. It wasn’t news to me that God had been trying to get my attention, but what he was asking of me and directing me towards seemed so impossible. I had given up on those dreams. But he hadn’t.

Gentle Hands

I got my teeth cleaned this week. There are two reasons that encourage me to actually do this twice a year. First, I have insurance coverage, and since it’s paid for why waste it? The second is less “logical”. When I turned 50 (why does that seem so terribly long ago?) when I would see doctors, they would add this little phrase to their discussion: “Well, you know, you are the age…” When they talked I felt like I had just entered a time warp where everything was going to fall apart.

Confession time. I haven’t always been as committed to keeping my regularly scheduled appointments with the dentist. Cleaning hurt because I’m one of those people who naturally build up tartar, no matter how faithfully I brush and floss. I became so reluctant to go that my husband cancelled the insurance coverage. Now as is often the case, no sooner had he done this than I broke a tooth and needed a crown. That was an expensive boot to my behind. So I’m back to cleanings every six months.

So I show up for my appointment, and am quickly informed that the usual hygienist just had a baby and someone would be filling in today. I didn’t think much about it. I trusted that they would have someone competent there and just climbed into the chair. The woman was very chatty, discussing family, weather, and even politics. She was also painfully thorough at cleaning off my tartar. Scrape, scrape.and Wince, wince.

When the tooth torture and gum stabbing was done, the dentist came in to check the work and go over my teeth. I really like my dentist. The lead dentist was the one that was recommended when my tooth broke, but he was unavailable so I agreed to see his associate and I’m so glad I did. After a short discussion about my jaw pain she put on some gloves and began her exam.

Immediately I realized and experienced an enormous difference. The dentist’s touch was smooth and light, and quite gentle. She used the pick but it slid across my teeth causing no pain in the process. The difference I felt was amazing to me…and of course started me thinking spiritually.

Next Sunday is Mothers’ Day. Nelson and I are scheduled to sing for the worship service. I had recently heard a song on the radio while traveling that we had sung together in the past. The song was sung by a group called Truth, popular back in the 70’s and 80’s–I told you it was old. And obviously, it’s not very familiar since it’s not on youtube or godtube. (Insert disappointed sigh here.)

Anyway…the touch of the dentist hand reminded me of the master’s hands while the hygienist was more like me: well-intended, thorough, but just not as skilled or gentle. The dentist’s gentle touch reminded me of Jesus’ invitation to the people to come and learn from him for he was gentle and humble (Matthew 11). Gentle there doesn’t have anything to do with wimpy. No it’s strength under control. Just like the dentist. She had a weapon in her hands that could cause intense pain, but she wielded it as if it was really a feather in her hand.

I am drawn to feathers and a feathery touch. In this politically charged climate, I’m finding myself withdrawing from people because they seem more intent on throwing stones. I’m tired of all the wounding. There’s too much bludgeoning with the truth. Scripture says to always be ready to give an answer for the hope we have, and to do so with gentleness and respect. Yes, we need to speak the truth, but we’re to do so in love.

I needed my teeth clean. There was gunk there that needed scraped off. The hygienist did her job. I’m thankful. But it was the gentle hands of the dentist that really touched me–all the way to my heart. I guess we just need to remember that there really is more than one way to get the job done. Who will you gently touch for Jesus this week?

More About The Corner

Yesterday I posted about coming out of the corner. I mentioned something about wondering whether there was paint still on my nose because of the way it seemed some people were looking at me. This morning I was reading in Max Lucado’s book, “Fearless” and it came to me that perhaps it’s not paint but that I continue to carry the corner with me.

Can you imagine how ridiculous a three or four-year old would look trying to carry their corner of punishment with them? It would be hard enough to just carry the time out chair and still be able to function or enjoy. As I tried to imagine that I got the picture of Laugh In’s Edith Ann (google or check youtube if you’re too young to remember) trying to haul around her great big rocking chair. It just couldn’t be done. And we were never meant to.

Our six year old grandson has a behavior that just infuriates his mommy and Pepa too. I’ll confess until just now as I was thinking about it, I didn’t much care for it either. We can be right in the middle of a good scolding and he all of a sudden is ready to move. The infuriating part is that it appears that he is dismissing what we’re saying. It comes across as pretty disrespectful. I know that if I would have just thought about doing something like that a hand would have been flying in the direction of my smart mouth. But what if it wasn’t sassyness or disrespect? What if this child really has something and it’s preciousness is not to be squelched or denied? He lets go and moves on.

Reflecting on this, I was reminded of a comment made by a pastor I heard many years ago, “God has dumped our sins into the Sea of Forgetfulness and posted a no fishing sign.” It made such an impression on me that I wrote it in my Bible so I wouldn’t forget. Trouble is I should probably tattoo it on my hand instead because out of sight is really out of mind, and practice. Typically you’re not going to find me fishing unless my keys are hiding in the dark depths of my purse or I’ve returned to that
Sea and I’m trying to carry some long forgiven sin. There’s little more non-sensical than this.

In an effort to find more lasting relief and release, I went to the scripture to find this Sea of Forgetfulness and while there is no exact reference there are definitely verses that support the concept. Here’s some of what I found:
Micah 7:19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
Psalm 25:7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.
Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Hebrews 8:12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Hebrews 10:17 Then he adds: Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.

Others may see paint on me, but God doesn’t. He’s a lot more like my grandson–he’s ready to move on.

As I wrote this reflection I was reminded of a song that our choir sang at church recently. I found it one youtube:

I love this song. I even love this arrangement. When we sang at church some people complained because it just said the same over and over and over. And it does. But I love what it says. Maybe they don’t get it because they haven’t been someplace that they never, ever, ever want to go back to. Maybe because though they know they were bought with a price, they’ve never given much thought to the depth of that price–that it cost a life. All I do know, is that I’m never going back. No fishing in that putrid pool for me. And like Asher, I’m moving on.

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