TWO BOOKS

I've just completed reading The Starbucks Experience by Joseph Michelli. Like another
book about StarbucksI've read, I kept wanting to drink cups of coffee while reading it. The
book offers five principles for turning ordinary into extraordinary. As a Pastor, I can see
how churches would benefit from following these principles to reach and minister to people.
The amazing thing to me is that these are simple solutions that anyone, anywhere can try
on for size. If the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it!
At the first of the year I read The Gospel According To Starbucks by Leonard Sweet.
Sweet speaks of the spiritual things that we should put into practice while Michelli comes
at things from a different perspective all together. Side by side, these two books offer so
much that need daily application. These principles would work anywhere if we would but
use them.
I am astonished that the subject of Starbucks gets so much attention. Starbucks has
so much to teach those who will take time to drink in their words of wisdom. There is
an even better book that needs to be read daily and applied, it's called The Holy Bible.

WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE

In 2001 I read a book by Bob Russell entitled, When God Builds a Church. Rev.
Russell has since retired after serving a church where over 14,000 people attend
worship each Sunday. When the new worship center was built, hundreds of people
wrote words on the flooring before carpet was put in place. He mentions that day
in his book.
Last night, several souls met in a small chruch to worship and to write words on the
floor before it is to be covered with carpet soon. After a mini-message, we went to
work writing our words on the floor. I wrote: Acts 4:20. "But we cannot but speak
of the things we have seen and heard." The words that were written last night give
evidence of how God's Words have spoken to our souls through the years. When I
went around the room to read what had been written by those there I came across
what my wife and daughter wrote on the floor. It was a moving moment for me to say
the least.
I have preached from the pupit of the old church and hope to have the opportunity
to preach at the new pulpit area some day. If I do, I know that written beneath the
pulpit are the words from John 3: 16. I will be standing on the promises along with
others who proclaim God's word. Our hope is that lives will be tranformed for years
to come through wonderful words of life. It has worked for 2000 years so I have
no doubt that God's word will work in the lives of others far, far into future. That
would be simply great.

PUT IT ON PAUSE

Wednesday night I will lead a Bible study on the subject of "A Survival Guide for Grief."
It seems strange to deal with death during this Summer but I feel that this is a topic that
is much needed. Most of the people who attend these studies are on up in years and have
a great deal of experience on dealing with death. They have lost family members and friends
through out their many, many years. I'm sure they could tell me more than I can tell them
The past few weeks have been busy with preaching and teaching. While I've enjoyed the
preparations, preaching and teaching, I'm ready to rest. For example: yesterday my wife
and I went to visit my dad because I put it off far too long. I couldn't wait any longer. We had
a great visit for a few hours before heading back home. I am behind in my book reading so
I started reading a new book last night. While there are places to go, things to do, and people
to see, just being at home sounds good to me. This is the pause that refreshes unless someone
wants something done. And I'm sure she will.

A GUIDE FOR GRIEF

Next Wenesday night I'll be conducting a Bible Study in the chapel of a near by church. The
topic will be: "A Survival Guide to Grief." Grief is something that we all have to deal with at
one time or another, for one reason or another. Some grief is so great that we wonder if we
can survive it at all.
Yesterday I found myself in a conversation with someone dealing with the death of a son
and the aging of a parent. This person shared so much pain with me that I hurt for her. I
wanted to say something to help her but I thought the best the thing to do was to just
listen. There is a house for sale right down the street from our house because a wife and
mother died of cancer not too long ago. The family needs a new start without staring at
all the many memories that the house holds. Grief can grab and strangle our souls if we're not
able to deal with it, can't it?
I don't have a "tip of the day" that can make things all better. What I do have is God's
guide for dealing with death, disease and difficulities. It comes from the experiences of
others who have survived the storms of life with God's help. I hope what I share with
this small group helps in a big way.

Been Busy

I've been busy preaching and teaching over the past few days. Last Sunday I preached for
a friend who is on vacation and will do so again this coming Sunday. Last night I conducted
a Bible study for another friend who is on vacation. I will teach again next week at State
Street. I enjoyed preaching and teaching at both churches. One is very small and one is very large.
The amazing thing is that both churches seemed to survive my being there.
While I miss the week to week preaching and teaching, I sure don't miss all the administrative
things that a pastor has to do week after week. I rather hit & run. Being a pastor is hard work
if the pastor does all the things that have to be done. I know that both Gary and Paul needed
some time off to rest. I'm tired this morning but it's not from preaching and teaching, it's from
going shopping with my wife all morning. I forgive her since she bought my breakast
(with my money) at a good resturant. I just hope she gives me the rest of the day off for
good behaviour.

ON A COOL DAY THINGS GET HOT

When I saw that today was going to be cooler, I knew that meant I would be hotter. Boy, was
I ever right! Because of the hot days we've been having, we have put off cleaning out our
garage until a day like today. It's easier to work with the things that need to be tossed and
the things that need to go here or there, up or down. So, my wife and I spent most of the
morning throwing things away and putting things in there proper places.
The trouble is, it seems like me just did something like this not too long ago. It amazes me
how something so neat and nice can look like a tornado hit it hard over night. Where does
all this stuff come from? Does someone slip into the garage while we're sleeping and mess
things up? Is there a monster in the attic that comes out at night and shuffles it all around?
I don't know exactly who or even why, I just know that on a cool day like today, I get hot
under my collar and need a nap. The trouble is, I'm afraid that the things we're worked with
will get all messed up again while I'm sleeping on a Summer afternoon. Then I'll have to get
hot on a cool day like today.

A BOOK THAT READS ME

I am almost finished reading Eugene Peterson's book, The Jesus Way. I have spent several
hours thus far digestng what he has to say. It is writings such as this that remind me that I
am ignorant of the Scriptures. Even with a Master's Degree from Seminary, I find myself
scratching my head when I read some scholars. This is one such scholar.
The Jesus Way is one of those books that makes me want to know more than I do about my
Lord Jesus because the more I know of Him, the more I know myself, for better or for worse.
As I read Peterson's book, I ask myself question after question about my relationship with
Jesus and the Gospel. This is good for my soul because is gives my soul a good shaking and
allows me to firm up my faith. I don't want to put this book on the shelve and leave it alone.
And, know what it has to say to my soul, it won't leave me alone for very long. It has already
gotten me to look at some scriptures that I had forgotten or forsaken. So, The Jesus Way is
having it's way with me as I let the book I'm reading, read me.