Plan B--by Pete WIlson

I recently read Pete Wilson’s new book, Plan B. I have been looking forward to this book because of my admiration and appreciation for Pete and his ministry at Cross Point Church. He is a master communicator and leader in a thriving, growing congregation.
As he reflects on his own life journey and the journeys of people in his ministries, he answers the questions we often ask God. –Where are You? Why is this happening to me? Do You care? Can You hear me? How could this happen to us?—Wilson takes a look at what happens when God shows up in ways we don’t expect, or in ways we don’t understand.
I found myself reflecting on how God has moved in my own life through some amazing times and some rough times. I was able to process some events in new ways because I was able to look at the situation from a fresh perspective, thanks to Pete’s thought provoking questions and challenges. It has truly been helpful to my spiritual journey.
While I applaud his use of real life examples, from his own life and the lives of people in his congregation, I was a bit hesitant with his use of names. (That said, knowing a bit about Pete, I am positive he got permission for each story and name he used!) It just left me with an uneasy feeling, like I was spying on someone I had no business spying on. Again, that is my own reservation and not an accusation of wrongdoing!
I loved the study guide/questions at the end of the book. In fact, I could very easily use this book as a launching point for developing deep, meaningful community in a couple of my church’s small groups. It wouldn’t work for every group, but it has great potential for bringing about healing, growth and understanding for some.
I have been a long time fan of Pete Wilson, and his book, Plan B, only serves to encourage my desire to support him.

This book review is written as a part of the BookSneeze blogger program. I received a free copy of Plan B for the expressed purpose of reviewing it for my blog. I received no money or other compensation except the book, as noted.

New Beginnings...

Tomorrow I will spend my last night at Trinity Baptist Church in Harker Heights, Texas. I have been a member there for almost four years. In that time I have been honored to teach preschoolers, children and youth in various classes. I have spent time with a wonderful group of ladies on Tuesday afternoons. I have made friends that will always be near and dear to my heart.

I am leaving because I have a job! Starting Sunday, May 2nd I will officially be the Minister to Children and Youth at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Paris, Texas. It is an opportunity to go home and minister in the place I grew up. It is a chance to serve alongside some incredible people. I am blessed to be headed in this direction.

And yet, while I am excited, I am also realizing that Central Texas has been home for more than nine years. I love this place. I love the diversity. I love the folks serving in our military. I love the scenery and culture here. I will miss it immensely.

So, as I look forward, I look back. I am grateful for my time here. I am excited about my time there. And as always, I am humbled to serve others in ministry.

A Century Turns--William Bennett

Bill Bennett walks through United States' history from 1988-2008 in his latest book, A Century Turns. In his third book about recent American history, he focuses on major events within the life of the nation. Beginning with the 1988 election and ending with Obama's run and victory for the White House, he shares candidly about his time working with various administrations in Washington.

While he is honest about his political leanings, Bennett tries to present an unbiased and fair review of actions and events. He states what he considers were good decisions and bad choices by leaders and the American people. I appreciate his attempt to point out the good and not so good, regardless of the political persuasion.

I enjoyed this book because, for the first time, I was reading American history that I lived. I remember the presidential elections, the Branch Davidians in Waco, and the Gulf Wars. I remember seeing many of the events on TV, some that were making history for being the first live video feeds from around the world. Because of this, I have an even greater appreciation for other written history.

It took me a while to get through this book because it was a different genre than I normally read, but it was a good read. I would encourage history lovers, and students, to read A Century Turns if they are interested in modern American history.

This review is a part of the BookSneeze blogger review program. I received this book for free in order to review it. I was not compensated in any other way.

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.