Finally feeling something!

Chief priests

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:23:17 -0500

Yesterday I read Matthew 27. It’s the account of Jesus’ arrest and subsequent beating, mocking, and crucifixion. Heart wrenching stuff. Stuff that I can’t figure out. Pilate’s role is incredible. He wants so bad to do the right thing, but he doesn’t. Even then, God had a plan. In the end, Pilate ends up agreeing to put guards at the stone at the front of the tomb. This, coming at the request of the Chief Priests, is foreshadowing for what is to come. The story goes on to speak of the reasoning for the chief priests request. They were concerned that the “disciples” would come steal his body and make a claim that he had risen “just as he said”.

Amazing to me that the chief priests knew so well the claims that this “Messiah” had made. Yet even after seeing the miracles, the heart of the man, the love he showed, they still couldn’t believe.

And then Sunday comes.

An angel comes and rolls back the stone. The guards were terrified. Not just scared. They were literally shaking in their boots. So they run away. They run and tell the chief priests EXACTLY what happened. They didn’t say someone stole him. They told then that an angel showed up. Why are the chief priests so determined not to listen? The have just heard first hand that Christ is no longer in the tomb and an angel, not some human, has rolled back the stone. Isn’t it obvious that they should believe? But they didn’t. In fact, they did quite the opposite. They paid the guards to tell a lie. That’s nuts! They fabricated a story, a story that will now affect all eternity, just because they had too much pride to admit they could be wrong.

The text goes on to say that “this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this day”.

Sadly, to many still believe this story. A story that was fabricated because of the pride of men. And then we read, “you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free”.

I believe the Truth. I do not want to ever be a “chief priest”. I want to live my life in a way that it is clear that I believe in a Risen Savior. A Savior that loves me more than I can imagine. A Savior that died for me. A Savior that gained victory over death, and created a pathway for me to join Him. I want to live my life for Him.

Happy Easter.

Book Review: The Heart Mender

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:21:56 -0500

As my last post mentioned, I am quite the Andy Andrews fan. It is quite possible that I enjoy reading his work more than any other author. There is just something about the peaceful feeling I receive when reading his stuff. So, I picked up The Heart Mender and began reading.

We were on a college trip headed to New Mexico. I had actually received two of this book so I gave one to a young woman on the trip and suggested she read it. She couldn’t put it down and neither could I. We were traveling 7-8 hours one way and were all in a van and we were being completely anti-social. I felt bad, but I couldn’t put the book down and neither could she. We both finished the book before the weekend was over.

The Heart Mender is a story of a Nazi submariner during WWII ending up on US soil and the challenges he goes through in his time here. As always, Andy Andrews tell the story beautifully. You become a part of the story and are pulled in so you feel attached to the characters.

The Heart Mender is another Andy Andrews book that I believe is a must read. A great story that has so much life application not to mention entertainment value. Can you tell I liked it?

Book Review: The Boy Who Changed the World

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:52:00 -0500

I have two girls, aged 6 and 2.5. I have myself, aged too old to count. I love Andy Andrews’ writing. The match was perfect. Andy Andrews + Childrens book = Love at first sight. Obviously, this was one that I must read.

Well, I was partially right. The Boy Who Changed the World was definitely a book I should read, but I quickly realized that Andy Andrews is not a childrens book author.

The story was well told. The story of a young boy, who impacted one person’s life, who in turn impacted another, and so forth until you see the life of a prominent man in history whose life was ultimately affected by that young boy. A great story, as should be expected coming from Andy Andrews, however not necessarily a childrens book as one would expect. The illustrations were great, and again, the story was great, but I am having difficulty figuring out what age this book was intended for.

Overall, I would recommend this book. It is great to see how a small act can snowball into something so incredible. Definitely something that needs to be shared AND discussed. Buy the book and read it with your children talking through it as you go so that the dots can easily be connected.

Many lasts, and one HUGE beginning!

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:18:42 -0600

Around 5pm this afternoon I will take one last stroll through the halls of Milsoft. I will walk into the break room one last time, take one last handful of peanut M&M’s and one last bottle of water. I may take one last piece of beef jerky, throw one last football at someone walking by, and take one last verbal jab at friends in the office.

But even though I am participating in all of those “lasts”, I will have the memories that join each of them. From having my car saran wrapped to having to find the OneNote disc in “John’s” office. I will remember the golf tournaments, the softball games, the 4 hour long management meetings, and certainly the memories of office conversations gone wrong.

My time at Milsoft will be remembered with fondness and gratefulness. I am so thankful that God placed me at Milsoft when He did, and thankful also for the opportunity He has presented for the future.

I quit my job! Here's why...

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:50:48 -0600

For those of you who haven’t heard already, I quit my nice paying, well benefitted, very secure job at Milsoft.

I’ve heard it all, from “Are you crazy?” to “You don’t realize how big of a mistake you are making” and then there are those that put away their personal feelings and say, “I’m happy for you and I wish you the best”.

Two years ago today, I was challenged to read a book by a very good friend and I haven’t been the same since. I realized that God had given me talents in ministry and relationship, but in my reading it became clear to me that working for a church was not his plan. God also blessed me with jobs that allowed me to learn about business and to use the analytical skills he had given me to help companies grow.

Over the past year I have grown more and more sure of the fact that God wants to use me, but it also became more evident that if I stayed with Milsoft I would not be able to serve God in the way he wanted. I would not be able to have a schedule flexible enough to meet with those hurting on their schedule, instead of mine. God was directing me and had put me in positions in organizations to further HIS purpose, not mine. He knew what he was doing all along.

In September of this year, he opened a door, and I walked through.

Since that time, God has revealed Himself in ways I could have never imagined. He has blessed me and my fledgling business in ways that only He could. That said, I have no doubts that this road will be difficult. For this reason I have set a goal that I rely solely on God for guidance, for provision, and for wisdom to make the right decisions for myself, for my family, for my business partner, and for my clients.

I do not believe for a second that I am the only one God is calling. He is calling you. Are you listening? Where is God calling you in life for HIS purpose and not yours? I pray that you will listen to Him, and walk through the door when he opens it.

A New Years Challenge

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:39:00 -0600

A few days ago, I got a text from a friend, Jeremy Voss that said I was a failure. He didn’t come right out and say it, but knowing Jeremy I knew what he meant.

Did you really only blog ONCE in 2010?

Thinking back over the past year, I realized this was probably true so I offered him an apology. I also offered a resolution to his concern by stating I would blog “at least twice as much this year”. Surprisingly, he was not satisfied by this response. So I decided I would set a few goals as another buddy Lantz Howard suggested I do last year. I’ve decided to post them on my blog so I can remember them and you all can hold me accountable (all 5 of you).

Blog at least twice this year - This one is for you Jeremy
Quit using two spaces after a period - for all you grammar punks out there
Become a stronger spiritual leader in my home
Read the Bible daily with my girls - I know this goes with above, but I wanted to spell it out
Read more books
Trust in God to support my family instead of relying on myself - I’ll explain this later in my second blog post
Give more - of myself, of “my” money, of my heart

All of these are areas I have grown tremendously in over the past 2 years, but I don’t want to ever be satisfied. I challenge each of you not only to set goals, but also to challenge yourself to never be satisfied with who you are today.

I also request that you check me regularly to make sure I’m on target. I’m ADD, I need it

Personal insight on Twitter: Chat with my brother-in-law

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:17:29 -0600

Manny: believe it or not, my dad is on g-chat - this is sooo weird
Robert: Wow
That is great
Manny: i know
he is moving up - he is on facebook too now
next we will get him on twitter - not sure he would use it, but that is the next steps
Robert: Depends on if he likes information or not
Manny: true
Robert: If he likes information and is willing to take a little time to get it set up than he will use it
Manny: very true, the only problem is that i don't know if most of the people he would want to follow and stuff are on twitter - so it would not be a great vehicle for him
Robert: Like who?
What info does he like, I guarantee someone is talking about it
Manny: all of his brothers and sisters, friend etc
oh, i am talking about his family and friends, most of them don't use a computer
they are all old school or just plain illiterate
to the new world
Robert: I think you have yet to find that use of twitter my friend
Manny: oh def not, not that invested yet
don't really care to yet either
Robert: Following friends and family is only about 25% of my twitter use
Manny: ah i c
well, i don't necessarily utilize it for what it is, b/c i have no interest yet
or things i need to investigate yet
Robert: Tell me what you care about more than anything
Manny: God and my wife
Robert: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23marriage
Robert: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23god
So basically I used hashtags (#) to find things I care about
#marriage
#god
Manny: i c
Robert: and I get all the tweets going out about those things.
Manny: but this information is not vetted
Robert: I can look through those and find people I want to follow. people I think will help me grow, people that will help me learn, etc
You're right its not vetted which makes it all the better
Manny: i am used to vetted information
Robert: It is candid, I would much rather read people's candid thoughts than something that is edited
Manny: i guess
well, i see where you're going
Robert: That is the power of twitter. It maximizes your information sources. You are left to do fact finding yourself if you don't think it is true
Manny: ok, so Scott and i are trying to get 2+2=5 off the ground to do consulting
Robert: ok
and?
Manny: we are trying to bring constant traffic through twitter etc to our blog and then going to take that to the next level
but we want to have a following before we go out in the market with the consultation product we have
Robert: ok
So are you asking how to go about doing that?
Manny: so how do we do that?
yes, so how do we do that?
Robert: What you have to realize is that Twitter is not like other marketing channels
You don't "sell" your product by saying how great you are and what you can do for people
Manny: ok, that makes sense
Robert: The most successful "Twitterers" rarely talk about themselves
Manny: you just bring them information they want
focus on them in other words
Robert: Exactly. You have to talk about things they are interested in. Once they see you are a viable option for the information then they will use you
Manny: ok
Robert: Twitter is completely user driven
The things people care about are the things that are important
Manny: however, how do you get the basis - do you just go out and follow people with the same interests and hope for the best?
how do we get the traffic to follow us?
Robert: If what you have to say is uninteresting or if it is old and "Common sense" you don't stand a chance
You get the traffic two ways...Follow people that are interested in the same things you are...So, do twitter searches just like I did and follow people that are talking about or asking questions about the things you are talking about
Second is just to talk about those things regularly because others are doing twitter searches and doing the same thing you are
Manny: so in other words, you don't tweet once a day - you make it a full time business
Robert: Pretty much
But it doesn't really have to be that much
Manny: so if you're not giving real time all the time feedback etc
people have no interest in following you
Robert: Exactly
That is the key
Manny: ok, this could be interesting
Robert: You have to RT people that say good stuff and you gain respect
You have to @reply to people that talk to you
Manny: ok
@reply?
Robert: Make it a communication tool between you and other people that you don't know
@reply is responding to someone. When I say "@manueljc what are you doing this weekend" That is an @reply
a mention is also what it is called
Manny: ok, a mention
i knew what that was, but not @reply
you started confusing me
Robert: @reply was what it was called initially because it was mostly used to reply to people but now you do it in the middle of the sentence to "mention" people so they changed what it is called
Manny: so, the book Scott wrote, we should start taking quotes from there and tweeting them every 10-15 min
Robert: I don't know that there is a magic bullet on how often
Manny: or other interesting things to get people interested in what we can do for them
Robert: In my opinion 10-15 minutes is too often
Manny: ok, i have seen people do that and it drives me crazy, but if that's what it takes, then that's what it takes
lol
what would you say is the optimal number of tweets to be interesting, but effective?
has anyone done a study on that?
Robert: No, but I think the key is not to set a defined number because then you come off as a bot. You have to come off as a real person with real thoughts, not an automated system programmed to send tweets every 15-30 minutes
Manny: got it
so in other words, think out loud
let the sky be the limit - this is your opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas and hope everyone else things they're good too?
Robert: Exactly.
Manny: alright, now i am starting to see more of a usability to the whole twitter things
Robert: Good. That is the piece that people fail to realize when others talk about twitter. They think it is just telling what you are doing or where you are etc, but it is so much more powerful than that
Manny: now i see where this can go
that's interesting

Community: The Beginning

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:39:33 -0600

I have spent the last several weeks thinking a whole lot about Community. Three weeks ago, Jeremy Voss asked me the question…”If you were going to put together an event, where families would come together for some common reason, what would it look like?

I began thinking of some non-church “family events” and what they looked like. Problem was I couldn’t really think of many. The few I could think of we birthday parties, which don’t really gather complete families, Super Bowl Parties, and… Well, to be honest that was about all I could think of. I am sure there are others, but I just can’t think of many.

Over the next several weeks, I hope to begin a discussion of what “Community” is. I have some thoughts on this, but I know I lack complete understanding and in fact I am sure I have barely begun to scrape the surface of the thoughts that others have on community.

I didn’t want to jump right in to it in the first blog because I would like to get a variety of thoughts and opinions, the more the merrier. So, if you have friends, or family, or church people, or non-church people, or anyone really that might care about this discussion, please invite them to interact and discuss. I plan on posting at least once per week and this discussion will go on for as long as it needs to.

I will begin by asking two questions:

What is your definition of “Community”?

Can you think of any “non-church” examples of true community?

Book Review: Hole in Our Gospel

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:48:23 -0500

Hole in Our Gospel is an amazing book that not only points to a massive hole in the Gospel being taught in our churches, but it also gives examples of today’s sick, and thirsty, and naked, and imprisoned.

Richard Stearns, CEO - World Vision, mixes his personal story in with the story of those whose lives he is now touching in the poorest parts of the world. The statistics represented are staggering. In fact they are so staggering that some may feel as though there is no reason to help, but Rich Stearns does a great job of making the struggles of those around the world personal.

I highly recommend this book. I will however say that Rich Stearns challenges the reader to not sit idly by and do nothing. He calls the reader to action. So, if you are looking for a feel good book that you can put away and move onto the next book, find another book. But if you are looking for a book that will challenge you to be the Christian Christ calls us to be, then read this book, and get off your tail, and do something.

What's your Story

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500

“A story is a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it.”

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is another Don Miller book that can not only make laugh, but will make you think and cry as well. I am continually amazed at how Don Miller has a never ending supply of stories that are actually interesting. I am amazed at how he can tell a story about himself and yet he never seems arrogant or prideful.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years explains that a persons life is a story. The choices you make and the challenges you face determine how interesting ones story is. Boring choices makes for a boring movie and challenging choices make for a great movie. What is your story saying? Are you living a life that requires stories to be made up in order for people to watch it?

Once again Don Miller has delivered an excellent, well thought out, challenging book that should be read. In fact, it is my opinion that this is by far the best book that Don Miller has ever written, and should not only be read but purchased for two or three friends to read.

Nine-Eleven

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:06:05 -0500

Please take a moment to watch the video below and remember…

Where were you? What were you thinking? What were you doing? Could you watch? Could you STOP watching?

This was a tough day. I had an 8 o’clock Environmental Science class at Abilene Christian University with Emmitt Miller. I left there and went to work and as I walked up the stairs I heard the radio playing very loudly from the Faculty/Staff technology Help Desk. I had never heard this before. I didn’t know what was going on, but I came in loud as I usually did and was immediately “shushed”.

The next several hours were a blur. I went from my office, to the conference room to the help desk and then continued the cycle watching TV, listening to radio, looking on the internet doing anything I could to find out more information. I remember more from that day than almost any other day in my life. I was furious. How could someone do this to us? Don’t they know who they are messing with? I cheered as we carried out our “Shock and Awe” campaign. Take that! That’ll teach you to mess with us again!

And then I realized that over 3,000 people were still gone, never to return to their families. Firefighters, ran into the building when others were coming out, only to never come out again. I can’t imagine the pain that these families felt, and the amazing pride that accompanied the sorrow.

I hurt more today for these families than ever before. I watched several tribute videos this morning and I couldn’t quit thinking about the families across the globe impacted by this one event. The innocent lives lost in Iraq, the innocent lives lost in Afghanistan, the innocent lives lost in Pakistan, and many other places around the world that have been affected by this single event.

Today, as you go throughout the day, I ask you to thank God for your safety, thank God for your family, thank God for your blessings, and to pray continually for those that are putting themselves in harms way to keep it this way.

Comments from a True American hero

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:23:46 -0500

When I wrote my last post I was hoping that one of my military friends would comment. I was not disappointed when Brandon Sheets, a true American Hero, commented with his thoughts on the topic.

In one of Brandon’s comments, he refers to this labor day when he and his crew literally saved others lives in a military expedition. On Tuesday morning, when I woke up, I checked Facebook statuses and saw Brandon’s status which read:

430am, Just landed, 18hr day, Canada border-Nth Cascade mtns, search for family of 4, hypothermia, steady snowing, Located & hoisted all survivors, built fire, waited for weather, launched again, more bad weather/snow, team effort, LABOR DAY. Counting the blessings, Thank God, back home.

I got out of bed and asked my wife if she had read Brandon’s status and she chuckled because you just never know what Brandon is going to say, he is a really funny guy, but when I read it she said, “Wow”. So, all that said, I just want to tell you Brandon, “Thank you! You are a true American Hero”.

Real quick back to the post from yesterday though. Here is some more food for thought. Last night we had a discussion about this very topic with our Junior High, High School, and College students at church. A Bible story came to mind as I was thinking about this that really made me second guess my thoughts. You may remember the story about the lost sheep. A reminder for those unfamiliar can be found in Matthew 18:12-14:

12”What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”

Does this apply to this situation. The shepherd left all the sheep at risk to save the one. There was a chance that all of the sheep could wander off, or be killed, but the “one” was that important. How does that fit in?

How much is 1 Life worth?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:51:00 -0500

I read an article today that really disturbs me. A summary of the article is below:

Over the weekend U.S. forces dropped bombs on two hijacked gasoline tanker trucks, killing approximately 70 people, and I am sure injuring countless others. A New York Times reporter went to the area after warnings not to go due to Taliban control, and was captured along with his Afghani translator. British Forces “extensively planned” an extraction to take place while we were sleeping last night to rescue the reporter.

The reporter has been been rescued, but during the raid at the two owners of the house as well as a Taliban commander were killed. Also, the reporters translator and a British service member were killed in the raid.

The part that disturbs me I hope is obvious. How much is one life worth? Also, who gets to decide which life is more important? For instance, this reporter is now safe, however, there are now 5 people no longer living so that this can be the case. Is this reporters life worth 5 others? If so, who gets to decide this and why?

Please don’t get me wrong, I truly back our military forces, and in this situation it is actually a service members life that was given. My only question is, where is the justification for what took place. How is it OK to give 5 lives to save 1, especially considering he was told specifically not to go. Am I alone in this thinking?

Book Review: The Noticer

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:00:00 -0500

My previous post was a book review on The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley. Unfortunately, I really did not enjoy the book, so I thought I would try another Thomas Nelson book that was receiving rave reviews.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews deserves all of the attention it is getting and then some.

A story of a man named “Jones”, definitely not “Mr. Jones”, The Noticer give a vastly different perspective on many of the struggles faced by you and I in the world we live in. Throughout the entire book, we see “Jones” counseling people by merely showing them a better way to look at the situation they are in. There is definitely a direct impact that could be had on each of our lives if we would only be open to see from a different angle.

The Noticer addresses issues from depression, suicide, marital problems, and everything in between.

I really enjoyed the book. As a minister I deal with these things all the time, not to mention the frustrations I face personally. It was great to read a book that took negatives and changed the perspective so the outcome was positive.

There is no doubt that this is a definite “must read” by anyone that is human. Everyone struggles, but our struggles may be overcome merely by taking a glance from a different perspective.

Book Review: The Principle of the Path

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:37:00 -0500

I just finished reading The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley. The subtitle of the book: “How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be”, sets the stage for what appears to be a great book helping someone accomplish their goals.

I was excited to start reading this book for this very reason. If you have kept up with my blog at all you know that I am currently in a time of transition, and wondering how to get from where I am to where God wants me to be. I read the introduction and Chapter 1 and told my wife, “I think this is going to be a great book”. I was wrong!

Imagine a man who is driving on a road trip and doesn’t exactly know where to go. The obvious thing that the man should do is stop and ask for directions. The Principle of the Path states that you should “stop and ask for directions”. We all know however, that what we “should” do is not always what we do. Throughout the entire book I asked myself the question…”Great, I am glad I am on the right track, but when are you going to help me actually do these things?” When will we get to the part that says, “This is how you make yourself ask for directions…”. The problem is that it never came.

So basically, my recommendation is this…If you are wondering what the right thing to do is, this is definitely a book for you. If you are having more trouble actually doing the right thing, find another book. I would make recommendation, but I have yet to find it. I will let you know. If you have read this book, and think I am crazy, please let me know.

Mother's Day

Mon, 11 May 2009 15:31:18 -0500

There are very few things that every person in the world has in common with each other. That said, every person in the world has a mother. I am sure everyone has different stories about their time with their mothers and unfortunaltey some never knew their mother.

I write this today because I am one of the lucky ones. I have spent the last 28+ years getting to know my mother. Many of you out there know my mom, and I am sure that the sentiments I share in the paragraph or two below will be echoed.

For as long as I can remember, my mom has spent every spare second of her time supporting her “kids” in everything they were participating in. I say “kids” because it is not just my sisters and me. I cannot count the number of people I call “brother” or “sister”.

For instance, two weekends ago, I took my university students to San Antonio and the people we stayed with are my “brother” and “sister” that were “adopted” by my parents while they were in college at Abilene Christian University. I have a “sister” in Dallas, a “sister” in Las Vegas, another “sister” in Lewisville and I could go on.

The lives that have been impacted by the love that my mother shared are inumerable. Please note, that because of the love shared 20+ years ago, college students today are reaping the benefits. The cycle is endless all because of this incredible woman. I could continue to tell about the “Cooper kids” or the countless other people that she has loved over the years.

For the years of “soccer mom”, to Bible Bowl, to more “soccer mom”, to adopt a student programs, track manager, and now most importantly Nana, I thank you mom! You are truly an inspiration to me and I thank you for all that you have done. I love you!

Book Review: Through Painted Deserts

Wed, 06 May 2009 08:31:00 -0500

Recently, I finished Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller. Through Painted Deserts is a recollection of the events and thoughts that occured while he and Paul, a man he met only months before, traveled from Houston, TX to Oregon and beyond. These two friends endured this trek in a Volkswagon van that required many “tune-ups” on their journey. From the Grand Canyon to the coffee shops in Portland, the book gives great insight into the author of Blue Like Jazz.

Donald Miller uses incredible detail to give you a perfect mental picture of where they travel and the things the encounter. There are times where he spends pages saying, “The place was beautiful”. At first this bothered me but towards the end I rather enjoyed picturing the landscapes, the broken down Volkswagon, and the young ladies he and Paul drool over.

The more I look back on this book, the more I like it. It helps to know that you are not the only one asking the “Why” questions. As a “Christian” (post on this word coming soon), we don’t concern ourslef with the “How” question of creation, but instead, we concern oursleves with the “Why” of God’s plan. Donald Miller does a great job of showing his struggles with this question, in uninhibited form.

If you read Blue Like Jazz this is definitely a recommended read. Donald Miller gives you an uncensored look into his struggles, thoughts, and cravings. This openness, allows for a better understanding and a more complete picture of Blue Like Jazz, not to mention, the free trip to the Grand Canyon.

You will never believe this...

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:48:49 -0500

I, Robert Blasingame just signed up and was approved to be a “Book Review Blogger”. Have I really come this far?

Three months ago I hated reading. Despised it. Couldn’t stand it.

Now, voluntarily, I have requested to have the responsibility of reading a book and telling others whether they should read it or not. Let’s think about this…3 months ago, I told people Satan created reading, and now I am recommending that they do this very thing.

For recap, prior to February of this year, I had read 3 books. In my life. Now, counting the book I am about halfway through, I have read 9 books in the last 11 weeks.

Crazy thing is, I really can’t get enough reading. This causes a problem because books cost money. And, it takes time to stand in a store or online looking for books you want to read, so I heard about being a Book Review Blogger for Thomas Nelson Publishers from Lindsey Nobles(@lnobles).

Basically, you sign up, get approved, and then request a book. The book is mailed to you and you read it…ALL of it. Once you have read it, you blog about it (200 words) and post a review on some consumer website (Amazon, etc). That’s all. Pretty simple, and you get a free book out of the deal.

It is my understanding, there is no limit to the number of books you can review, there is no minimum number to review. If you sign up and realize you just can’t do it, you stop. Pretty good deal if you ask me. In this day of 2 year contracts, it is nice to have some flexibility.

Again, I really can’t believe I am doing this. The first book I have requested is The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley. I feel like I have just accepted a challenge. Hopefully I am up to the task.

Meetings are completely pointless if no action is performed after them.

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:43:00 -0500

Meetings are completely pointless if no action is performed after them.

More Sunday Thoughts...

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:11 -0500

As my good buddy Kent West so eloquently put it in a comment on my last post,

“Sanctifying (“setting apart”) a few hours of a day as “holy” causes us to adopt a compartmentalization mindset: “Now I am in my Holy Mode”; “Now I am in my Everyday Mode”. I believe such compartmentalization (including the special clothing) is unscriptural.

This was exactly my point on the post last week. It really seems to contradict everything we live for if we set some “special” time to “worship”.

As I have said in previous posts I am currently a University Minister. I love it! The thing is though that I want to teach them regularly which means I never get to go to class. The elders have often times told me…”Robert, get someone else to teach the class for a little while, and you find a class you enjoy so you can be fed spiritually”.

Maybe this is what “worship” should be. A time for us as Christians to be “fed spiritually”. the problem with this thought is that I truly believe, and I have heard many teachers say the same things, that I learn (read: get fed spiritually) by teaching. I am fed spiritually by my service to others.

If our life is truly a living sacrifice to God as he calls it to be, then wouldn’t every second of every day be spiritually fulfilling? It seems as though by living as Christ did, loving others no matter their situation in life, we would have a much closer relationship to God. Not only that, we would be much better evangelists of the gospel, because we would have more credibility instead of the hypocrisy the world sees.

Just some random thoughts, feel free to comment.