Well, today I had to play doctor. Adriana was sick with a fever. My 11-year old was still sick with a fever. And, at 1pm I had to go and get my 7-year old from school because she also had a fever. I was dishin’ out meds, servin’ up soups and Gatorade, taking care of the house, etc. Jesus instruction to care for the sick hit home today. Lord, please heal my family. Amen.
One of New All-Time Favorite Books: Sabbatical Journey
It seems like an odd choice, but I have just finished reading the book Sabbatical Journey: The Diary of His Final Year by Henri Nouwen and concluded that it is one of my new all-time favorite books. In some sort of mysterious way, the simple, intimate, honest reflections of a man (which were never intended for publication) have resonated with my heart in a special way and encouraged me in my pursuit of Jesus.
Nouwen, a Catholic priest, died sadly and suddenly within three weeks of the conclusion of a year-long sabbatical during which he committed to daily journaling. The back cover describes him as “an author of more than 40 books (none of which I have read, I might add, but all of which I will now try to get my hands on and read), is considered one of the great spiritual writers of modern times. He taught at the University of Notre Dame, Harvard, and Yale but shared the last ten years of his life with people with mental handicaps as pastor of the L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto, Canada.”
I was fascinated by his life: His communion with God, his authenticity in the midst of struggle and questions, his deep sense of community and friendship, his appreciation for culture, and his commitment to caring for the poor and the least of these. As I was reading his daily thoughts and reflections I found myself dreaming and longing for a deeper connection with God, a more authentic and meaningful sense of community with my family and friends, better and deeper conversations, and a more intentional and compassionate extension to the poor. In some strange way getting away from the x’s and o’s and how-to’s of so many books and just seeing the raw life of a man living well has inspired me in an intensely personal and powerful way. I have much to ponder and meditate on after reading this book, and I will revisit it often.
NASCAR Racing Finally in Laymen’s Terms!
My father sent me this tremendous NASCAR tutorial video noting that it really helped him finally understand the “sport” of car racing. After watching the video I could not agree more! My minuscule mind could never quite understand the complexity of the sport, so dad and I would settle for watching simpleton sports like basketball, baseball, and football. Now, maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to watch car racing.
Adventures in Missing the Point
Just finished up another book entitled Adventures in Missing the Point by Brian McLaren & Tony Campolo. I really enjoyed this book! Each author tackled different issues writing their take on various issues and how they believe the Church has missed the point. The other then presented a brief response to what the other had written. Taken together there was much to consider and hopefully they are getting us on the track of healthy dialogue which gets us closer to a more healthy, balanced, biblical view of and approach to the issues. Included in the book is also a discussion guide. I have ordered several copies of the book and I am going to be inviting a bunch of my friends to read through the book and gather together on a weekly basis in a small group format for fellowship and to work through the discussion questions provided. I am really looking forward to this!
William Booth: Soup, Soap, & Salvation
I just finished reading William Booth: Soup, Soap, and Salvation by Janet & Geoff Benge. It’s part of the Christian Heroes: Then & Now book series. William Booth was the founder of the Salvation Army, and I was very much looking forward to reading this book about his life and ministry. The read was quick and easy and it’s a book that older children and youth will enjoy as I did. I most appreciated reading of Booth’s holistic approach to ministry. In the beginning of his ministry he was only concerned about the soul. But as he began to get more in touch with the compassion of Christ he began to recognize the need to minister to the entire person – something I have been meditating on much of late.
Gearing Up for Small Groups!
Tonight I had about 20 of our student and adult small group leaders over to my house gearing up for our Spring Small Groups which kick off next Sunday night, January 25th. During February and March we will be doing a series called Love Out Loud, and in April and May we will be doing a series called Live Pure. It’s going to be great!
Redeeming the Snow
Although I can’t stand snow (I was traumatized growing up in Rochester, NY and have seen enough snow for two lifetimes (lol!)) today I embraced the principle of God seen in the life of Joseph (What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned for good), and took my 7-year old out sledding. We had a really fun time together! After we were done we went to Starbucks. On the way home we stopped by a pond near our house where many people were playing ice hockey and we walked out onto the ice. At first Natalia was excited, but then suddenly she thought of the fish under the ice and the possibility that they might break through the ice and get her, freaked out, and jumped into my arms. It was quite comical. Enjoy the pics and videos.
Centerreach High School Bible Club
Today I had the privilege of speaking at the Centerreach High School Bible Club. Here are some questions we thought through together:
When you think about the things that characterized the life of Jesus, what kinds of things come to mind?
What would you school look like if people lived out the teachings and followed the example of Jesus?
Where do you see Jesus in your school?
How can you serve Jesus in your school this year?
Scriptures we looked at together that related to the above questions:
Matthew 25:31-46
Matthew 22:34-40
I John 4:7-8, 20-21
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