Barnes and Noble and Birthday Gift Cards...

My husband truly loves me:) For my birthday he gave me a $150.00 gift card for Barnes and Noble. Yes, I could take the time and use it online and have the books sent to my rural home, but doing that negates the whole B&N experience. So this past Saturday we made the 90-mile drive to B&N, walked in the door, and promptly ordered our caramel fraps. Then, with suitable coffee in hand, I headed straight to my favorite section...theology. I firmly intended on just purchasing one book, but as with any bibliophile, that was clearly not an option. I keep a running list of books that I want to read/purchase, and fortunately (or not:) I was able to find each of those books.

For those interested, here are the books that I purchased...

>The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis...(This is actually a repurchase. I keep buying this book and then giving it to people to read cuz I just love it:)

>The Jesus I Never Knew - Phillip Yancey

>Reimagining Church - Frank Viola

>Something Beautiful - Leonard Sweet

Well, there they are. I am two chapters into Reimagining Church and one chapter into Yancey's book.

And for those who think that I have a one-track mind, Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade is also on my list of books to read. The movie version (w/Rosalind Russell as AM), is one of my all-time favorites.

Ah, The Things That Sue-Babe Hath Taught

Sue-Babe's memory work...
Only the first line of the the following poem has stuck with me for the past 20 years, but stuck with me it has, so here ya go...

When I Consider How My Light Is Spent
by John Milton

When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide;
"Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or His own gifts. Who best
Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at His bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."

Does Your Church Fit One Of These Models?

Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?

From Subversive article

"FOUR UNBIBLICAL MODELS FOR CHURCH"...

"James Rutz, in his book "Megashift" outlines four non-Biblical models for the modern
Church:

The Harvard Model - Where the professor is the preacher, the lectern is the pulpit, and the students are parishioners. Trouble is, they can sit and take notes for forty years, but they'll never graduate, never get a degree, and never ever become professors themselves.

The Hollywood Model- With its stage, entertainers, polished performances, costumed singers, applauding audiences, etc. All the church needs is popcorn.

The IBM Model - Where a board of directors runs everything from the top down, where permission to do things is denied or granted by the CEO (Pastor) and committees, where finances are the overriding factor behind policies, and where the institution competes with other churches for market share.

The Wal-Mart Model- Where aisles and aisles of tempting merchandise offer something for everybody. Seeker-sensitive mega-churches, with their array of 100+ programs, mirror beautifully the "consumer heaven" ideal of Wal-Mart."

Where is Jesus, on Aisle 9?

Click here for the full article.

Thoughts? Questions? Ideas?

Please Give Me Your Feedback...

There are a total of 10 questions. Please take the time to answer these questions as honestly and as thoughtfully as possible. Feel free to answer either here on my blog or on Facebook. If you would like to answer anonymously, please post your answers in the comments section on the blog entry.

All answers will be respected, and this will not be a forum for arguing/debating. I am really curious as to what people are thinking and looking forward to seeing the different responses.

Feel free to share this questionnaire with those you feel would enjoy taking the time to answer the questions.

*If the question does not apply to you or if you would just not like to answer, please mark N/A.

1. What is your spiritual world view/philosophy?

2. You have one book to choose from that defines your spirituality or lack thereof - what is it?

3. Do you believe in God? If so, who is He?

4. Who is Jesus?

5. How would you define church?

5. If you were a first-time visitor to a church/spiritual gathering, what would you look for?

6. When attending a church/spiritual gathering, what are things would turn you off?

7. Do you like Jesus but have a problem with the way people who say that they follow Him present themselves?

8. Name one good thing about those who follow Christ.

9. Define the term "Christian."

10. Do you share your spiritual beliefs, or lack thereof, freely with others? If so, is it a topic of conversation for enjoyment and growth or one of conflict and apprehension?

Thank you for humoring me and taking the time to at least read this:)

Teaching Creative Writing

I came across this article this morning and thought someone else might find it helpful/informative.

How To Teach Creative Writing