Posted on

Coffee Break – 07.07.2014

Coffee Break Banner

Using Science To Make The Perfect Cup Of Coffee – I really enjoy satirical sites that make fun of ourselves. One such site is called Fake Science. Most of their posts are graphics, and this would make a great poster. And, while it is tongue in cheek, the final point has a lot of truth to it.

The Joy Of Typing – I write a lot. And most of the time, I use my computer for that. But when I journal, I’m kind of a purist. I hand write in that area. So which is better? Writing? Or typing? As it turns out, it’s both, depending on what you’re doing. I found this to be very interesting, and his conclusions thought-provoking. I’ve wanted to buy an old antique typewriter for a long time. This just may be the thought that pushes me over the edge in that regard…

Making A Splash In Photography – I tend to be captivated with special effect photography. When people come up with something very creative and then capture it, I’m captivated. This website hosts a series of photos depicting splashes of colored liquid captured in midair. Pretty cool images, if you ask me.

Posted on

Memorize Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2

As we begin the fourth and final chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we see Paul turning to a more personal charge for Timothy and his ministry. Paul senses his death is imminent, and he is ready to pass on the torch to a young man in whom he has invested much.

Look at this week’s passage, found in 2 Timothy 4:1-2:

2 Timothy 4:1-2

Paul is certain that his death is at hand. And he is ready to go. However, before that can happen, he must pass on a personal charge to young Timothy. Much of that is found in this fourth chapter if 2 Timothy. And, even though it is directed towards Timothy personally, there is much that we can learn from his words.

Paul begins this chapter with a very solemn charge. His language here is very similar to his statements in 1 Timothy 5:21 and 6:13. And the idea of giving a charge such as this isn’t limited to Paul’s writings. Moses charged Israel in Deuteronomy 19:1-10, and Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8. Joshua, Samuel, and Solomon gave charges to the nation of Israel, and David charged his son, Solomon. Jesus gave such a charge to the disciples in John 13:34. Each of these charges, and Paul’s charge is no different, carries with it an air of seriousness and gravity.

A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge among the people, and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen; a general emulation takes place, which causes good humor, sociability, good manners, and good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment inspired by such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious, and frugal.

John Adams - Thoughts On Government, 1776
Posted on

The Benefit Of Heading Outdoors

I’ve been reminded frequently over the past few weeks just how important it is to take a break once in a while. I’m not talking about taking a vacation, although that’s necessary as well. What I’m seeing the need for is for brief breaks throughout the day to help you stay effective.

Rocky Mountains near Como, CO

I don’t know if you are like me, but once I get into a zone of productivity, everything else takes a back seat. Once I get into the swing of a project, I will continue working on it until I finish, or until I must shift gears to something else. I’ve been known to skip lunch or stay late at my desk, or even stay awake half the night, simply because I’m on a roll.

That’s great for productivity.

But it’s not so great for my health, physical or spiritual.

The need to take a break is an essential part of our being. We were created to rest; we need to stop and slow down occasionally.

Strange Glory

Strange Glory: A Life Of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Charles Marsh (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2014)

A few years ago, I read Bonhoeffer, by Eric Metaxas. I was very impressed with the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. When I saw this new biography, I grabbed a copy as soon as I could. It’s very different so far, from Metaxas’ work. Marsh deals more with the intellectual and theological aspects of Bonhoeffer’s life, where Metaxas spent more time devoted to life events.

I’m only about a hundred pages in so far, so that could change. It’s well worth the time to read it, especially if you are a fan of biographies. Bonhoeffer was a spiritual giant of the early twentieth century, and there is much that we can learn from him.

I will post a full review when I finish the book, but in the meantime, you can pick up a copy of Strange Glory on Amazon.

Posted on

Book Review – Critical Condition by Richard Mabry

Critical Condition Most of what I read is material that I find useful for my life, from my work in ministry to fatherhood, and every topic in between. Every once in a while, though, I like to grab a good fiction novel and enjoy some lighter reading for a change.

Last week, I picked up a new novel by Richard Mabry, called Critical Condition. I managed to digest the entire book in just a couple of evenings, and enjoyed it.

I’ve read several other books by Mabry in the past, and thoroughly enjoyed each one of them. This one just didn’t seem to be as good as the rest that I’ve read.

The premise of the story is based around Dr. Shannon Frasier. During a dinner party, a man is shot in her front yard, and dies in her arms. Add to that Dr. Frasier’s younger sister moving in after a fight with her boyfriend, and with drug trouble a possibility, Dr. Frasier is suddenly overwhelmed.

That’s when the questions and threats start coming. And they are coming from both the police and a mysterious caller. Dr. Frasier’s life becomes a nightmare, and just staying alive seems an impossibility.

Posted on

Top Posts For June 2014

As a youth minister, the summer was often the busiest time of the year. Even though the rest of the year seemed to be busy enough, the summer always took the prize for being busiest.

June 2014 Word Picture from Wordle.net

When I made the transition to being a senior minister, I hoped that my summers would slow down a bit, and somewhat take on a sense of normalcy. I hoped that I would settle into an established routine that would flow from week to week, and day to day.

Looking back, I wonder what possessed me to dream such dreams.

This summer has been as busy as I’ve ever experienced, and I haven’t even made it to a single week of camp!

Life has thrown a few big curve balls our way this summer. In the realm of ministry, I’ve decided to try to make my preaching even more expositorily focused. That is causing me to take more time to study while preparing my messages. I’ve been to five funerals in the past couple of months, preaching four of them myself. Camp season is in full swing, and Vacation Bible School is right around the corner.