Sweet and salty.

I like sweet things. I also really, REALLY like salty things. I tend to keep the salt shaker handy when I'm cooking and when I get ready to dive into whatever I've made (or gotten from some" less than great for me" establishment!). It brings out the flavor. And, honestly, I would rather have salt than any other condiment. --Now before you tell me all the health risks associated with salt, I know. I really am trying to cut down and eat more whole, healthy food.

Several years ago I was reminded of my youth. I was at a senior adult conference to support one of my undergrad professors as she taught the daily Bible study sessions. She mentioned salt and asked what it was used to be used for. Well, everyone unanimously said "to preserve meat." She then told them how her students had no clue about that use. (I gave her a hard time later because a few of us DID know!)

Imagine my surprise this weekend as I read through Leviticus (yes, Leviticus!) as a part of my daily reading plan to read the Bible chronologically this year. (Thanks to youversion.com and Blue Letter Bible for the reading plans!) My general impression is that being a priest was more akin to a present day butcher than a present day preacher. Anyway, I digress.

In chapter 2, verse 13 the NLT says, "Season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God's eternal covenant. Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings." --WOW! I can add salt and reference Scripture as my guide! Ok--maybe not.

But, on another level, salt in the grain offerings?! Today, salt helps us savor the flavors of our food. What does that have to do with God's eternal covenant? I think we can connect the use of this salt idea with God's love for us in a couple of ways.

First, God's covenant is something to savor. Good food critics allow the flavors of their food to sit on their palates for a while so they can wrap their minds around all they are experiencing. Maybe we should sit within God's love and covenant with us, his people. Maybe we should savor the experience of salvation and grace.

Second, salt adds to our food. Again, the savoring idea, but more than that. It adds to the quality of the food many times. (We won't mention what happens if more than one person adds salt to a meal that is being prepared...another topic for another post!) Likewise, God's love for us adds to the quality and joy in our lives. His presence in our lives adds a peace and love that can only be found in him.

Two things are sure in Baptist life (and really any church that believes in proclaiming the gospel): we like our food and we love our God. What do we do when we eat a great meal or cook a fantastic recipe? What happens at potluck when we steal the show with our creation? Everyone wants the recipe and we WANT to share it! What happens when we are passionate about our relationship with God and our community of faith? What do we do when we experience the love, joy, and peace of Christ? We WANT to tell others.

Jesus said we were to be the salt of the earth. We are to help flavor the world with him. We are to add to creation in ways that increase its quality.

So, as you salt your food today and in the days to come remember God's eternal covenant. May we consume salt in moderation and be salt in the world.

Grace and peace.

Checking in on Goals

We are now a little more than 3 weeks into 2010 and I have already heard some folks say they have given up on their New Year's Resolutions. In light of that, I decided to revisit the things I set out here and see how I am doing.

1. I have already finished 8 books and have three more going right now.

2. Umm...this one is seriously lacking. While it's not an excuse, my hip has been really hurting. That said, I did really good until the last five days with doing squats. I am up to 137!! --On another note, I have decided to adjust my diet as well. I am now eating AT LEAST 1500 calories less a day and that also means I have cut my fat gram intake by at least half!

3. I have not spent much time with people at all, but when I have....well, in a word...FAIL.

4. No writing yet. Maybe this week.

5. I am eating at home a lot more (see #2) and am trying to cut back on other things that waste money. I want to downsize to maximize my ability to give to others.

6. Not yet.

7. YES! I have started working on some ideas and doing some research on transformative learning and the role training plays in it becoming a reality. We'll see how it goes from here.


In a nutshell, I have not completely fallen off the bandwagon, but there is definite room for improvement. I'll keep you posted.

Grace and Peace.

The Gospel According to LOST

I must admit that I have not actually ever watched an episode of LOST. However, I am a huge fan of Chris Seay so I read The Gospel According to LOST in an effort to support him. I was pleasantly surprised that his book grabbed me and spoke volumes to me even though I am not a loyal follower of the Losties.

Seay breaks the book up into character analyses. Each chapter gives a bit of background on the character and the ways in which biblical themes are portrayed through said character's interactions with the Losties, the Others and the Island. He then asks questions about how those themes and characteristics might be a part of the reader's life. This helps to draw non-Losties into the story and into a new understanding of the world.

I found myself really enjoying the book because I was able to see how I could fit into a larger narrative. The pointed questions about themes and issues found in the series allowed me to reflect on my own actions. I spent some time evaluating relationships, leadership, learning and faith as I dialogued with Seay and the characters in LOST.

I would recommend this book for people who are Losties and those who are interested in the relationship between pop culture and faith. This review is part of the Book Review Bloggers program with Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The Sweet By and By

I found The Sweet By and By, written by award winning artist Sara Evans, to be a wonderfully delightful read. It centers around a family that has estrangements from one another and their journey to reconciliation. This all begins when Jade decides to send a wedding invitation to her mother with who she has not spoken in some time. The story follows their relationships and the relationships they have with others.
I thought the book was well written, especially for a first time novelist. Her approach to language helped me to envision and understand the characters. It is often hard to make people real without making them cheesy or trite. However, Evans does a good job in avoiding this situation.
I would recommend this book for high school and above because of some of the content involved in the story line. While none of it is offensive, some issues addressed are deep, complex and for a more mature reading audience. That said, it was an easy, fun read that deserves a wide audience and even wider reading. I commend Evans for her work and look forward to more of her writing in the future.
I posted this as a Book Review Blogger for Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Reading List

Lately I've been reading a great deal in preparation for the "Imaginative Reading for Creative Preaching" retreat this next week at Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville, Texas. I decided it would be a good idea to let you know what I have read and what we will be discussing while there.


1. The Grapes of Wrath--John Steinbeck

2. Silence--Shusaku Endo

3. Girl Meets God--Lauren Winner

4. Mariette in Ecstasy--Ron Hansen

5. Salvation on Sand Mountain--Dennis Covington

6. Compass of Affection--Scott Cairns

7. The Road Not Taken--Robert Frost

8. God:Stories--c. Michael Curtis


These cover a wide range of styles and approaches to mostly the human journey of faith and life. Except for The Grapes of Wrath, all of these reads include some form of religious searching. It is fascinating to me that so many approaches can be taken in humans' attempts to understand the divine. They have opened my eyes and mind to diverse forms of worship and expression of faith. Hopefully, this next week will only cause that openness to grow.

Grace and Peace.

As the New Year approaches...

I've been thinking lately about the goals and resolutions I will set for 2010. I have been thinking about how I can simplify and live a more productive life, now that I am out of school (well, for a while anyway). I know, simplify and production don't usually go together. However, I truly believe that if I focus on what's important I will be more productive and life a calmer life.

So, here are some things I am going to attempt in 2010 (with some longer range goals included). These are meant to challenge me in areas of personal growth, ministry and faith. I will try to update you as I go along this coming year so you can know where I stand on each of these.

1. Read at least 1 book a week on a variety of topics. (faith, leadership, ministry, education, adult learning, cognition, fiction, economics, etc.)

2. Workout at least 4 times a week. (This may mean walking around the block...I want to participate in a 5k in 2011.)

3. Spend time being really present with people.

4. Journal and write reflectively (be it poetry, prose, or painting..just some form).

5. Work to simplify finances and dependency on others in this area. (Paying down bills, eating at home, etc.)

6. Take advantage of free entertainment and activities. (or those of little cost in the community.)

7. Begin researching ideas, topics and information for a DMin project.


Ok, so that list doesn't seem simple, but it will keep me focused on things I think are important, namely learning and living. We will see how it works out in 2010.

Grace and Peace.

Finished...but not really.

Yesterday I graduated from George W. Truett Theological Seminary. It has been a five year journey--well worth it. I have learned more about life and love and scripture than I ever could have hoped to know before entering. I have been changed for the better (at least, in my opinion).

And yet, I know this is not the end of the journey in learning, but the beginning. I have so much more to learn. So many things I want to learn. So many other fields I want to explore. In fact, I told three or four professors that I would be back in three to four years to begin work on a doctorate at Truett. I am already thinking about possible projects and areas of study.

So, now, it is off to find a place to serve full-time where I can use what knowledge I have and gain more knowledge along the way.