The Way Home - a review

I reviewed the movie for Book Sneeze.

My wife an I watched this movie. I had a great message and a good story. A boy is lost and found. It was very predictable and covered a short time span. Some of the "extras" actors seemed a bit... "new". Check it out for yourself. I think you will be pleased.

Over all it was a good movie. I'd recommend it to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Bibleman Video Review

I received this DVD as part of the BookSneeze program through Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was given this DVD to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bibleman Video: Combating The Commandant of Confusion

I like Bibleman, but this DVD was not up to the good quality of other Bibleman DVDs. This one was live. Maybe that is the reason for the lower quality.

I let my two girls watching the DVD. They said it was "pretty good, but not great." Don't let this keep you from the Bibleman series.

2010 UNC Recruiting

Interesting recruiting notes from ESPN.com - College Basketball

This is from there "top players from each position - class of 2010." Interesting. These guys will be in Chapel Hill NEXT year. The program is in good hands with Roy.

Reggie Bullock, 6-6, 190
Kinston, N.C./Kinston
College: North Carolina

Bullock has great size and can score with regularity from all three areas of the floor. His slashing ability, midrange pull-ups and deep 3-point range are all strengths. He shoots over smaller defenders with ease and will give UNC coach Roy Williams a big-time versatile scorer who should thrive in the Tar Heels' transition game.

Kendall Marshall 6-4, 180
Arlington, Va./Bishop O'Connell
College: North Carolina

Marshall is the best passer in all of high school basketball. In transition, he handles the ball with his head up and eyes taking a picture of the court to see if the advance pass is available. Everything this young man does throughout the course of a game has a purpose. He plays the game like Jason Kidd.

"I Was Shocked"

Someone sent me this. Not sure who wrote it. But it is good.

I WAS SHOCKED

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp—
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why's everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock.
At the thought of seeing you.'

Cleared of Spam

I was accused of being a spam blog. I was told by Blogger that they would investigate me. I guess they did and the notice on my blog homepage is gone... so, I'm taking that to mean I'm not a spam blog. Good to know. Thanks.

Book Review - Stray Affections by Rhonda Smith

Stray Affections by Charlene Ann Baumbich As a fellow "critter lover", this novel was a particularly enjoyable read. I appreciate the author's ability to weave several plots into one story. Thank you for the reminder that God's grace is extended to all. I could often "hear" Burt's guffaw, "see" the 'Everything Room' or have to swallow back my own tears as Betty and Cassie reconciled their relationship. I will definitely share this novel with my friends. -Rhonda Smith You can also check out the promo video on YouTube. Official Book Review, from the publisher The last thing that Cassandra Higgins expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. She’s enjoying some shopping time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can’t resist taking the unique globe home– even if means wrestling another shopper for it! The beautiful snowglobe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, “Bad Betty” Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange–flurrious, as Cassie deems it–moment happens with the remarkable snowglobe, Cassie and the people she loves are swirled into a tumultuous, yet grace-filled, and life-changing journey. With the quirky, close-knit Midwestern small-town feel that made Charlene Ann Baumbich’s acclaimed Dearest Dorothy novels so popular, Stray Affections invites you to experience the laughter and the healing of second chances. Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular author and speaker and an award-winning journalist. In addition to her Dearest Dorothy series of novels, she has written seven nonfiction books of humor and inspiration. A bungee-jumping, once motorcycle-owning grandma and unabashed dog lover, Charlene lives with her husband and rescued dog Kornflake in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She loves telling stories, laughing whenever possible, and considers herself a Wild Child of God.

Helicopter Parents extreme

Now you can keep an eye on your teenager's driving habits, even control their maximum speed and radio volume. It is Helicopter Parents to the Extreme.

This is part of the YS Blog. Read it and tell me what you think.

Today’s USA Today reports that Ford Motor Company is unveiling something new, aimed at helping teen drivers practice safe driving.

MyKey lets parents configure one key as the teen’s. When the car is started with
MyKey, top speed can be limited to 80 mph, and chimes can be set to sound at 45
mph, 55 mph and 65 mph.

Seat belt use is encouraged in two ways: If the
driver and passenger don’t put on their belts, a chime sounds until they do.
Possibly more important to teens: The audio system won’t turn on until the front
two passengers are buckled up.

It can also max out the audio at half
volume (which is still plenty loud), keep track of the young driver’s mileage
and provide earlier low-fuel warnings than standard.

It all sounds so reasonable, doesn’t it? A device that prevents kids from dangerous behavior is probably a good thing. I’ve had students get in serious car accidents. I’ve witnessed teen drivers be involved and even cause fatal car accidents. And I certainly know the dangers and statistics about teen drivers.

Yet, I can’t help but point out that MyKey treats the symptoms of the problem without solving the problem. (Perhaps this amplifies the problem by electronically preventing poor driving?) The problem isn’t the cars ability to go fast, play loud music, or beep when the seat belt isn’t in use. The problem is that we don’t expect teens to be safe drivers. The problem is that when a child gets a citation for reckless driving that the parents keep giving their child the keys. As with other monitoring devices, this gives parents the ability to monitor their behavior without ever having a conversation with their child. Isn’t this just another tethering device that, in effect, prevents teenagers from growing up, learning from their mistakes, and getting a taste of freedom?Isn’t adolescence all about individuation, experimentation, and learning how to be a unique person away from parents?

Five years ago, youth workers started to notice the helicopter parent phenomenon. Kids had to call mom or dad constantly to inform them of their latest position, what they were doing, who they were with. Additionally, parents were anywhere they were allowed. I remember looking out my youth room window while teaching and seeing 2-3 parents spying in… just to keep an eye on what their kid was doing. Now, thanks to mobile phones GPS, cars GPS, and devices like MyKey, parents can call their child at any second as well as monitor their behavior via satellite. We are moving from helicopter parents to satellite parents. And I’m not sure that’s a good thing for adolescent development.

Thoughts?


September 1st, 2009 - Posted By: Adam McLane in adolescence, news item

Free Music

I hooked up with iTickets.com a while back. They let you know about concerts in the area - of course sometimes the "area" is REALLY big, but they do let you know what is around. If you sign up (free - get a password and user name), they will send you free music. They tell you one free song (MP3) each week. Usually it is at least two and sometimes 4 or 5. This week I got 4. 2 that I really like already and the other 2 are good. Sometimes it will be a song I'm not interested in keeping, but most of the time I like it. This week I got: (check it out)

"Love Is On The Move"
by the artist Leeland
from the album Love Is On The Move

"You're Not Shaken"
by the artist Phil Stacey
from the album Into the Light

"Tomorrow"
by the artist Our Heart's Hero
from the album Our Heart's Hero

"Waitin' on You"
by the artist Stephanie Smith
from the album Not Afraid

Tell 'em "Jeff sent ya." It won't get you anything, but it might make them wonder, "Is there a 'Jeff sent ya' promotion." That would be kinda funny - of course you will never know what happened on their end... but you can imagine.

Anyway, good and free music. Nice combo.

help please

Some how someone has been able to hack my blog. I've changed settings. I'm not sure what to do. I even changed my password. Any suggestions? Please?

lawnmowing

I'm not a big lawn mowing fan. Push the mower around a bit and then next week... same thing. SO, since we've been away more than we've been home this summer, I've not mowed my backyard in about 2 months. It's not high, just thick. I did mow it yesterday. Took a long time. I knew it was thick when a group of boy scouts got made because they were on a nature camp out and I'd scared a family if deer.

Anyway, all is mowed... I think I hear it growing again.

Distribution Point OR Destination?

I pulled this from an email about a church that developed an ap for the iPhone to help there people worship. The how is not as important as the why. The following is a quote from the information. After that is 4 questions... 4 questions I'd like help with. Thanks.


Northland (A Church Distributed) is a central Florida church that is all about helping people worship where they are. Northland's $42 million facilities in Longwood were built with the vision that they would serve as a "distribution point" rather than a "destination."


<> Are we a distribution point or a destination?
<> What does that mean?
<> Do we want to change?
<> How can we change?

Help!

Read Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart Author

I just finished a great book. In fact, I read it rather quickly. It is book 3 in a series, but easy to get into. I'm looking forward to checking out the whole set.

This is book is great story that parallels spiritual life. Check it out, you'll be impressed.

Buy the book at

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421265

or at Amazon.com

Below is the official review.

Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart

Chuck Black

Sir Dalton, a knight in training, seems to have everything going for him. Young, well-liked, and a natural leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow knights, and especially the beautiful Lady Brynn.

But something is amiss at the training camp. Their new trainer is popular but lacks the passion to inspire them to true service to the King and the Prince. Besides this, the knights are too busy enjoying a season of good times to be concerned with a disturbing report that many of their fellow Knights have mysteriously vanished.

When Sir Dalton is sent on a mission, he encounters strange attacks, especially when he is alone. As his commitment wanes, the attacks grow in intensity until he is captured by Lord Drox, a massive Shadow Warrior. Bruised and beaten, Dalton refuses to submit to evil and initiates a daring escape with only one of two outcomes–life or death. But what will become of the hundreds of knights he’ll leave behind? In a kingdom of peril, Dalton thinks he is on his own, but two faithful friends have not abandoned him, and neither has a strange old hermit who seems to know much about the Prince. But can Dalton face the evil Shadow Warrior again and survive?

Cruise Withdrawal

Ever been on a cruise? We went on a Disney Cruise, the whole family. It was INCREDIBLE. But, now we're back and we all have cruise withdrawal. I expect it to be a recognized clinical disorder, like postpartum syndrome, post traumatic syndrome or ADD. It will probably be featured on Law and Order or some other crime drama with court cases.

"We find the defendant not guilty your honor. He has 'post traumatic Disney cruise line withdrawal' or PTDCLW."

Gasps are heard all over the courtroom. Children cry. A group of older women and in the back praying.

OK, maybe not. But, man! I wanna go back.

Here's to DCL!

Book Review: Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes

Book Review by my Wife, Rhonda:

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn

What a delightful read! Thank you for addressing "real life"... relationships, unexpected circumstances, healthy marriages, Godly homes, denial, forgiveness and restoration. I especially enjoyed Summer and Noelle's unplanned adventures. Can't you just picture them floating down the canal in a over-sized yellow wooden shoe. I appreciated being reminded that my list of "what ifs" needs to include positive outcomes as well as the negative outcomes that so readily come to mind. I HIGHLY recommend this book and I will pass my personal copy around to my group of girlfriends (known as yada yadas).

The official review goes like this...

Summary: When a mammogram result comes back abnormal, midlife mama Summer Finley makes a snap decision to relegate fear to the back burner and fulfill a lifelong dream. Summer heads for Holland where she meets up with tulips, wooden shoes, and her best friend, Noelle.

Pen pals since fourth grade, Summer and Noelle have never met face-to-face. Through decades of heart-level correspondence, they have sustained a deep friendship. A week of adventure helps both women trade anxiety for a renewed and deeper trust in God. When Summer confides in Noelle about the abnormal medical report, Noelle finds the freedom to share a long-held heartache, and both women discover they needed each other more than they realized.

Women ages 35 and up, readers of Christian Boomer Lit, and fans of books such as The Yada Yada Prayer Group will enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s humorous and uplifting style. True-to-life characters and moments of poignancy bring a deeper understanding of the value of life and the gift of true friends. Readers guide and bonus material included.

Author Bio:

Robin Jones Gunn is the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television. http://www.robingunn.com/ http://www.sisterchicks.com/

Book Review: Bon Appetit

Bon Appetit
Sandra Byrd

Reviewed by Rhonda, my wife

"I enjoyed getting to know Lexi Stuart. She is adventurous. I am proud she pursued her dream of becoming a pastry chef even when this dream took her an ocean away from home. What a delightful mix of cultural accuracy and faux pas as Lexi lives in France.

"I would recommend this book to others with the contingency the reader enjoy Let Them Eat Cake first. I did not read Let Them Eat Cake and was occasionally left out when references were made to characters I had not met. "

Summary:

In this second book in the French Twist series, readers join Lexi Stuart in a crème de la crème adventure!

Deciding to leave her familiar home in Seattle and her could-be boyfriend Dan, Lexi moves to a quaint village in France to pursue her dream of becoming a pastry chef. Life among the French initially proves to be less than easy as Lexi is challenged by her coworkers, missing her friends, and failing to master the perfect baguette.

Determined to find her place, Lexi settles into the culture and life becomes la perfection. She finds a church, meets a new friend, and makes the acquaintance of a child named Celine—as well as Celine’s attractive, widowed father, Philippe. Even Patricia, the gruff pastry cook, shows a softer side as she mentors Lexi in the art of baking.

Fast, fun, and packed with French culture, foodie appeal, and unique recipes readers will love accompanying Lexi on her journey in Bon Appetit as she tries to choose between two countries, two men and the faith to lean on God while savoring the surprises life brings!

Author Bio:

Best-selling author Sandra Byrd enjoys a successful career writing adult, teen, and children’s books, including the Friends for a Season, Secret Sisters series and the French Twist series, including the first Lexi Stuart novel, Let them Eat Cake. She is also a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines. Sandra lives in Washington state with her husband and two children.

This is a WaterBrook Press and Multnomah Book.

Book Review: Pressure Proof Your Marriage

This review is from my wife

Pressure Proof Your Marriage
My husband and I teach a Sunday school class for married couples at our church. We have used this particular book as a reference guide in our class. This book is a great reminder that marriage is not a matter of IF pressure will come but WHEN and how you will respond. Thanks for the helpful insights.

Book Review: Gardening Eden

Think "being green" = "tree hugger" then read this book. It is about stewardship of what God has given us, the Earth. Mike Abbaté gives practical tips for taking care of the Earth, eating healthy, as well as making good choices about transportation. He also gives plenty of statistics and websites as well as practical tips.

This is a great book if you are looking for a good Biblical example of "being green."

Buy Gardening Eden for yourself.

Gardening Eden:

Before the snake, the apple, and the Ten Commandments, God created a garden, placed humans in it, and told them to take care of it.

“Spiritual environmentalism” did not start out as an oxymoron—it was an invitation. Yet today, many believe God’s original job description for humankind has been replaced by other worthier pursuits. So when did this simple instruction become so controversial? How does one sort through all the mixed messages? Is making the world a healthier place for the next generation really a responsibility—or even possible?

Gardening Eden is a new understanding of how the spiritual dimensions of life can find expression and renewal through caring for our incredible planet. Empowering, simple, and never polemical, Michael Abbaté outlines the Bible’s clear spiritual benefits of caring for creation, exploring new motivations and inspired ideas, and revealing the power of our basic connection to all people and living things through the growing interest in spiritual environmentalism.

Green living is no longer a fad—simple lifestyle solutions are now available to everyone. Gardening Eden shows readers how this shift transforms not only our world, but their very souls as they’re drawn into deeper harmony with the Creator. This book invites them to discover the powerful spiritual satisfaction of heeding the call to save our world.

Author Bio:

A nationally recognized expert in “green” development strategies, Mike Abbaté is a founder of GreenWorks, an award-winning landscape architecture design firm. He frequently speaks to students and leaders about practical ways to minimize the impact of building and landscape design on natural resources. Abbaté’s work has been featured in national magazines such as Metropolis and Landscape Architecture and in many local newspapers and trade publications. He and his wife, Vicki, have two adult daughters and live near Portland, Oregon.

People Switch

You've got to check out this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBPG_OBgTWg

Derren Brown really messes with your mind.

Bogus Entries

I'm having issues with someone posting to my blog. I apologize and I'm looking into it. Has this happened to anyone else? What did you do? Thanks

My cure... Sarcasma

I've found my cure...

Quick - don't buy... yet

I read several financial blogs. They all have to do with saving money and spending less. One is "Get Rich Slowly." Today's post is about simply buying stuff. It doesn't say "don't buy" but "questions to think about." Read it here.

A few questions are: When will I use this?, If I buy this, can I pay cash?, Can I wait to buy this?, Do I have another one like this already?

There are 6 other questions, all with comments to follow. Excellent stuff. Good questions to to think about before buying.

Final Preparations

I don't really like to think about death. I'm sure you don't either. But, I came across this article in a blog about being prepared. Actually it was making sure your family is taken care of. Check it out here. It is really something to think about. Good stuff.

On Again Off Again

Seems like my blog is on again - off again. Not sure if I want to continue to commit to posting. I've got good intentions, but just not a lot of follow through - so many "things" in my life right now. I read a bunch of blogs and try to keep up with facebook.

Some of the blogs I read...

The Simple Dollar - great stuff about saving money, one of my favorite blogs to read

http://www.morethandodgeball.com/ - Josh Griffin from Simply Youth Ministry/Group/Saddleback Church

http://lifehacker.com/ - Just some real interesting stuff. Lots of general "stuff" - cooking, saving money, stuff about computer/Internet and much more. Really worth having in your downloader. I don't read everything - just look at the headers and read what is interesting.

The Minimalist - a really neat read from a guy who writes on dining for the NY Post. He doesn't post much, but it is interesting. Usually talks about something involving cooking, but in simple terms.

Student's Say the Darndest Things - Youth Pastors write in about what there student have said. Usually very funny. Mostly a one liner so not mush time involved. Check it out for a laugh.

Stuff Christians Like - Poking some serious fun at Christians. Check out some of his posts like "church hopping." Fun stuff - sometimes lengthy, but usually good.

Mark Batterson's Blog - good, interesting stuff

Statsheet - more stats on sports than you could EVER need. Of course I have my set on UNC.

Rick Womack - my room mate from college. He is on staff in the Georgia Conference for the IPHC.

Darien Gabriel - my good buddy. Used to be a youth pastor in Wilson, NC. We used to hang out, have lunch, talk. Then he took a demotion to become a Senior Pastor in Summerville, SC.

No, that's not all. But it is some of my favorites.

Book: Living Rich For Less, Ellie Kay

I just read a GREAT book on personal finances. Ellie Kay does an excellent job with "Living Rich for Less." She subtitles it, "Create the lifestyle you want by giving, saving, and spending smart." Her subtitle gives away the three sections of the book.

The book is written from an Christian perspective, but it is not "over the top." It could easily be read without thinking "church." The principles are there no matter what your faith. She promotes the 10/10/80 principle. Give 10%, Save 10%, Live on 80%. She goes on to tell you how to do just that, but not with theory only - she adds personal examples, examples from others as well as practical advice and tips.

I was very encouraged by the book. I've already made several changes based on what she suggested.

The book is also an easy read. You won't get bogged down. But at the same time, take your time. Don't hurry through the book. I'm going back through again.

Get your copy of the book at Amazon or FamilyChristian. It will be well worth your time and money.

Random Bible Verse On Your Blog

Hello again,

I had sent you an email a few weeks ago, but never received a response. I was checking out your
blog, and really enjoyed some of your thoughts.

I was wondering if you'd be kind enough to check out a neat little Bible Verse script I had created,
that would look great on your blog. It randomly displays a Bible Verse each time the page is loaded,
and has 17 different Bible translations available.

Of course it is 100% free to use, as we are just looking to support fellow Christian sites. You can also
configure the script for the look and feel of your site. Please take the time to check it out:

http://www.sacredmint.com/webmaster/christian-random-bible-verse.htm

I'd be happy to assist you in setting it up, and even create some custom graphics if you need them.

Please let me know your thoughts, I'd love to hear them.
Thanks in advance, and God Bless...

Jason Del Giudice
Phone:	(866)923-4656
Email:	jdelgiudice@sacredmint.com
Web:	http://www.sacredmint.com

Book Review: For Young Men Only

For Young Men Only

I wish I had this book when I was a Middle School or High School student. It would have saved me a bunch of grief with girls. Well, I probably would have still had grief, but at least I would have understood the girls better.

This is an EXCELLENT book when it comes to understanding girls. No, it's not a million pages long or magic. It is just a very well written book based on much research about girls.

Jeff Feldhahn & Eric Rice have a great writing style that keeps the book from becoming some regurgitated pile of stats. Instead, it is an easy to read, and sometimes funny, book that gives great insight into the mind of the girls.

In the book:

Why does it seem good girls go for bad boys?

Why do girls say one thing and then something completely different?

What are the "break up" signs.

What are girls really looking for in a guy.

This should be required reading for all guys. It seems to be written mainly for Middle School and High School guys, but all guys could get something out of if. It would be a great read for a father and son too.

By the way, I tried out some of the questions on some of the girls in my youth group... dead on!

Get the book - you won't be disappointed!

You can get the book here or here.

Jesus Is My Friend - Crowder style

Copying this from Adam Mclane

Last week just about every youth ministry blog on the planet featured a video of an 80s band singing “Jesus is a friend of mine.” And it is very funny. Over the weekend our friend David Crowder was inspired when they showed the video during the announcements at their church. During the sermon he and his band disappered to an office and worked out this memorable remix. This is why we love Mr. Crowder.

Worship?

Our new worship team? No, but it sure is funny.

Christian Cheese

Is it for fun? Are they serious? You be the judge...

Some Regrets

I missed my 20th High School Class Reunion. I've not kept up with many friends from High School, but I've heard from a few since the reunion. I'm regretting missing the fun. I have heard they are thinking to do it again for the 25th. That would be nice.

Ready for Football

Are you ready for football? I'm itching to see some real games - all done with preseason. I've got to get some logos up on the web for my fantasy teams. I'm in ESPN Fantasy Football and ESPN College Pick'em. Here we go...

$Gas$

I bought gas today for $3.44. How is that? Crazy we are getting excited about getting gas that is still over $2. Ahhhh! But still, $3.44.

Book: Wild Goose Chase

I'm reading a new book, Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson (author of "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day"). It is GREAT! He brings the adventure back to being a Christian. I recommend this to anyone looking for something more from their faith than just going to church and trying to "just get by" in life. Read it and put it into life practice... I plan to. Thank you Mark. You really nailed this one.

Check out this link for more about the book. You can purchase the book at a great bookstore or you can order it from amazon.

This is a summary and author bio from the publisher

Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect.

“Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” --from the introduction.

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of Washington, DC’s National Community Church, widely recognized as one of America’s most innovative churches. NCC meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the city, as well as in a church-owned coffee house near Union Station. More than seventy percent of NCC’ers are single twentysomethings who live or work on Capitol Hill. Mark is the author of the best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and a widely read blogger (http://www.markbatterson.com/). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.

Book Details
Paperback: 192 pages

Publisher: Multnomah Books

Release Date: August 19, 2008

bulletin slave to no bulletin

Just read some interesting stuff about ditching the old bulletin and moving to something simpler, eventually easier, web driven and less taxing on the environment. The reason why and how is explained better here and here. Read the first "here" first. Anyway... good stuff. Not sure if it will work for our older congregation. Not sure how many would got to the web for info and everyone wants their stuff IN the bulletin... every week. It is a change of thinking. I like the fact that it makes us think further in advance, plan better.

What do you think?

Lessons from the Kids

I'm home today with Rachel, my youngest. She was running a fever. It is also Sunday. While I'm actually on the "paid" staff, my wife is more "needed" on Sunday mornings. She leads worship. Most of what I do on Sundays is done in advance and then I just ... work on Sunday (help in our Sunday School class - Rhonda leads discussion, help in Kids Zone, hang out with people, etc.). ANYWAY, I told Rachel that I had a surprise for her later and to let me know when she needed a surprise. Well, just about the time I get busy on something, she informs me that she needs her surprise. I told her to wait - which she did. Then I thought, "that was lame." I had told her to tell me when she needed a surprise and then when she did, I made her wait. Lesson learned? NO! I told her she could get on Webkinz when she put away what she was playing with in the living room. She did and again I was in the middle of something and made her wait. Maybe I learned the second time.

Lesson: when you offer something, give it in a timely manner.

She was a good sport. She was very patient.

Can you think of other lessons to be learned?

Fireproof

Rhonda and I went to see "Fireproof" movie. It was a free screening for pastors and church leaders. "Fireproof" is a great movie. Plan to take your spouse, friends, family. Everyone should see it. There are a couple of things to keep in mind. This movie is not a sly Christian movie. It is very upfront with Christian values and themes. BUT, it is done very well. Excellent movie. Check it out here: