Recently I signed up to be a blog book reviewer with Thomas Nelson Publishers. I am excited about being able to read some advanced copies of books and sharing my thoughts about them with you. I am currently reading a book about the Eucharist (Lord's Supper, Communion, Mass, etc.)
In addition to this reading opportunity, I found out last week that I will be attending a retreat the first week in January entitled "Imaginative Reading for Creative Preaching." I will spend a week with pastors and ministers from around the country (some friends and some friends-to-be). We will read a variety of novels, short stories and poems. Then, we will spend time discussing them and seeing how they can help us better understand the world around us. The setting will be the beautiful Camp Chrysalis in the Kerrville area. I had a wonderful time last year and am looking forward to this year's group.
Ultimately, both of these things will challenge me to read and reflect more than I would normally do. I hope to make these continuing practices as I head towards graduation and enter the real world.
Grace and peace.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Take Your Best Shot
In Take Your Best Shot, Austin Gutwein recounts his journey from sitting in his living room to founding Hoops for Hope, an organization providing AIDS relief in Africa. As a nine-year old Austin saw a video about the poverty and struggles children face every day. He knew he had to take action.
Austin began raising money by shooting free throws which has turned into an international effort to help orphans. Hundreds of kids now join with Austin to help people around the world.
I particularly like the way Austin encourages everyone to do great things that help others. No matter how big or small, every person can make a difference. That is the key point he makes throughout the book.
I also think the format of the book is wonderful for reflection and planning. Gutwein provides thought provoking questions and space to write answers at the end of every chapter. These questions are not just about making plans to help others, but they also help the reader reflect on his or her relationship with God.
Ultimately, Austin shows how he felt a call from God to do more for others. Then, he shares how God calls all of us to do more with our lives. Everyone who reads Take Your Best Shot will be challenged to find ways to serve others.
Austin began raising money by shooting free throws which has turned into an international effort to help orphans. Hundreds of kids now join with Austin to help people around the world.
I particularly like the way Austin encourages everyone to do great things that help others. No matter how big or small, every person can make a difference. That is the key point he makes throughout the book.
I also think the format of the book is wonderful for reflection and planning. Gutwein provides thought provoking questions and space to write answers at the end of every chapter. These questions are not just about making plans to help others, but they also help the reader reflect on his or her relationship with God.
Ultimately, Austin shows how he felt a call from God to do more for others. Then, he shares how God calls all of us to do more with our lives. Everyone who reads Take Your Best Shot will be challenged to find ways to serve others.
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