GroshLink

Yes, Eden's super excited to start first grade today! Pray that she has the mobility for the regular bus, strength for a full day, and the care she needs for special moments (e.g., eye drops every two hours, lunch, stairs). Last week we visited to see the layout for the 200+ kids in 11 first grade classes in the elementary school (full-day literacy kindergarten, grades 1-4). Wow! 

BTW, the twins seem ready for Middle School with their bags, folders, lunches, clothes, etc. Are we?

Thank-you to David* :) 

I'll forward this one: As Hurricane Irene prepares to batter the East Coast, federal disaster officials have warned that Internet outages could force people to interact with other people for the first time in years. Residents are bracing themselves for the horror of awkward silences and unwanted eye contact. FEMA has advised: "Be prepared. Write down possible topics to talk about in advance. Sports...the weather. Remember, a conversation is basically a series of Facebook updates strung together."

Comment regarding Hurricane Irene: To access what we'll today, our family tuned into a local TV station. I had to chuckle as the station tried to invite South Central PA residents to keep track of the storm via their TV, web page, email, twitter, FB sources. Don't worry phone wasn't left out :) 

At present our power has blinked on/off several times, but has not been off for an extended time. We've turned our attention to taking a "camping trip" in the living room :) Not sure about the rest of the day, but hoping everyone's not worn out for the new school starting tomorrow -- including myself at Evangelical Theological Seminary, Myerstown, PA.

• OT559 Psalms -- Monday
• SF723 Christian Spiritual Direction -- Monday
• PM515-02 Personal Foundations for Ministry (online) -- Tuesday

Note: Already started with InterVarsity for the new term, PSU - Hershey has been in session for several weeks. Loved having the twins join me for a variety of activies. Theresa and our youngest will start coming to some of the lunches with the rest of the girls in school.

*A friend with whom I now largely stay connected via FB.

I began sharing material from Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction (David G. Benner. IVP. 2002), which I'm reading for SF723: Christian Spiritual Direction, with the post Sacred Companions off the shelf and in the reader's hand (8/25/2011). Below I pick up with Chapter 1.* Note: if you're interested in discussing the below material with me (possibly even reading Sacred Companions alongside me), please drop me a message. 

Chapter 1: The Transformational Journey dives into framing spiritual friendship in terms of a biblically based understanding of accompaniment on a journey. The follower of Christ engages in "a journey of following and trusting God as he leads us on the adventure he has planned for us" (26). Who/what comes to mind in Scripture?

How about Abraham, the children of Israel in the wilderness, Jonah (added by Tom), the call of disciples to follow Jesus (Mark 1:14-19, 2:13-17; Luke 5:1-11, 27-32; John 1:35-51), Paul (added by Tom), John in the book of Revelation (added by Tom)?

"The essence of Christian spirituality is following Christ on a journey of personal transformation. The distant land to which we are called is not heaven. . . . The distant land is the new creaure into which Christ wishes to fashion us -- the whole and holy person that finds his or his uniqueness, identity and calling in Christ [inside-out (27)]. Spiritual friends accompany each other on that journey. . . . The inner self counts and in fact is the primary focus of the personal transformation that Jesus calls conversion" (26 - 27).

As I asked in Sacred Companions off the shelf and in the reader's hand (8/25/2011), with whom do you share your soul? Is your spiritual life centered upon the Spirit of God, in union with God through Christ (16-17)?

 (More)

Did you know you can make microwave popcorn au natural? Recently Theresa shared the below recipe on Facebook. I thought I'd post it here (with some edits). . . . and yes, it will end up on Facebook again, but this time on my page ;)

Recipe: Microwave Popcorn Au Natural

Just put 1/4 cup popcorn in a brown paper bag, fold over the top (2x) and microwave for a few minutes. I'm still experimenting with the perfect timing for my microwave (1000W). I burned the first batch and the second batch was delicious but had quite a few unpopped kernels. Melt the butter in your iron skillet while it pops. Mmmm.

On-line recommendations from friends:

• You can also sprinkle a little ranch dressing powder mix over it for an extra kick!
• Alton Brown's DIY microwave popcorn recipe:
  • 1/4 c. popcorn, 2tsp. some kind of oil, melted butter, etc. and salt or seasoning as desired (during or after popping.) Popcorn salt is finer and sticks better. We like garlic salt. One could also choose to add a little sugar before popping, for that kettle corn flavor.

On-line endorsements:

• That's awesome. And much cheaper!
• Cool, just folding over the top keeps it closed? I would be afraid it would open up. I am going to have to try this.
• I am very interested to know your final results. . . . [My spouse] and I were just talking about popcorn options on Sunday! 

Confession and Disclaimer: My preferred popping method is my "whirley popper". But this is good for a smaller quantity and easy clean up! Interestingly, when I was looking through my microwave manual to find its wattage it said not to pop popcorn in the microwave unless it's in a special popcorn contraption or its commercial microwave popcorn. I just add that so you don't blame me if something goes awry!

Tom's comment: I likewise prefer the "whirley popper," but please no toppings (including salt) or as little as possible (e.g., oil, butter) . . . unless we're talking about caramel :)

The other day I posted The Hidden Costs of Higher Ed (Noah S. Bernstein. NY Times Op-Ed. 8/21/2011) to the Emerging Scholars Network FB page In brief FB fashion, in order for the material to go to Twitter, I commented: Higher ed & the leveraging of resources to provide it costs $. As w/cars, houses, tech, we can't all have high end & don't need to.

Then I posted a comment: What are your thoughts? Note: W/regard to higher ed, I've had what our family can afford. Not sure what that will mean for our kids. We're encouraging & developing practical life skills. As you may guess, it's not a strength of mine. I'm learning a lot about myself & embracing life as I can tomatoes, raise chickens, consider bee-keeping, & take advantage of various community activities w/our family.

Sharing the question/conversation with you :)

If you've been in my office (or seen pictures of it), you know that I have a small library. And when upstairs I regularly look out the window to see/hear my kids excitedly receive/open deliveries of more books to add to the queue :) Thankfully, as I begin reading for the fall term at Evangelical Theological Seminary (Myerstown, PA), I had opportunity to pull Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction (David G. Benner. IVP. 2002) off the shelf for SF723: Christian Spiritual Direction.

For some reason, Sacred Companions has sat unread for several years. Now's my opportunity to focus upon a piece by a clinical psychologist who is "concerned about the predominantly therapeutic face of soul care in our culture's church and society" and the entrusting of "the care of the inner life of persons to experts who understand their role primarily in problem-solving and therapeutic terms" (18). "The care of souls is much too important to be left to clinical professionals" and as an amateur Benner does what he does "out of passion" (19). Amen!

Below are a few quotes/questions, more coming as time permits. Such is the life of an amateur :)

Preface

Of all the social changes in the last several decades, nothing as surprised me more than the recent rise of interest in spirituality ["a person's awareness of and rsponse to the Divine" (15)]. For many in Western societies, a hunger for the sacred has emerged out of the bankruptcy of materialism and secularism. And for many in the church, a longing for a deep encounter with God has arisen out of the arid soil of knowing about God but having little personal, experiential knowing of him (13).

Benner wrote in 2002. I find spirituality rich, complex, and experimental on campus (especially Penn State - Hershey Medical Center). I enjoy carrying over musings and resources from the campus to family, local assembly, neighbors, library, etc. But what is spirituality like in the larger culture? Thoughts? 

In the core of our being [i.e., soul (15)] we yearn for intimacy. We want people to share our lives. We want soul friends ["offer each other the sacred gift of accompaniment on the human journey" (15)]. We were never intended to make the life pilgrimage alone.  And attempting to make the spiritual journey on our own is particularly hazardous.

Paradoxically, however, what we most deeply long for we also fear. How else can we explain our reluctance to be genuinely known by those with whom we are most intimate? Often it seems that what we want is the fruit of companionship without the demands of genuine intimacy (14).

Amen!

With whom do you share your soul? Is your spiritual life centered upon the Spirit of God, in union with God through Christ (16-17)?

Personally, I have found through the years the below soul/true friends of great value, helping me "remember that this is our Father's world" (17-18).

• my spouse
• a small groups of spiritual friends ["nuture the development of each other's soul" (16)] with whom I meet monthly (various configurations through the years)
• weekly prayer meetings
• various mentors, in particular faculty and partners-in-ministry who have invested significant time during specific seasons of my life
• several spiritual directors ["one-on-one relationship organized around prayer and conversation directed toward deepening intimacy with God" (17)].

Back to reading. It may be awhile before the next post. The life of an amateur blogger/writer and those who journey with him ;)

Our youngest two had cotton candy for supper and loved every sticky moment of it. Our 'little one' and Grandma rode their first ferris wheel. They loved every moment of it. Eden won a family pass for roller skating (which is ironic--are there any ways to adapt roller skating for a kid that physically can't skate?). My weeds-I-mean-mint won a blue ribbon for the second year in a row. One of the twins took second place in the poetry contest!

Comment from Tom: I adapted the above from a FB Wall post by Theresa. The girls are already excited about and getting ready to go back to see the bunnies. On Monday night Theresa helped with directing people in our local assembly's facilities while the twins staffed our local assembly's youth games. What an opportunity to be blessing to the community as the people of God.

Picking up from The Manga Bible to The Rhyme Bible to The Manga Bible (8/19/2011), More on The Manga Bible by Siku (8/20/2011), Siku: concept/art for The Manga Bible (8/22/2011), and Akin: Script for The Manga Bible (8/23/2011) . . .

I came across this Youtube clip, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoQcpD3Km9Q, of Akin sharing The Manga Bible with school kids in London (BBC).

The power of art and storytelling to engage. Is the The Manga Bible what the youth need today? I like the idea of a 'first step.' It's not where they are dwell as there is teaching/wisdom alongside (and informing) the action of the Biblical story. Maybe in some ways the The Manga Bible is also prophetic wake-up call needed by some in the church to remind them of the gritty Bibilcal story. A question, one might come away with is, "How much of the Bible do you really read and such has does that inform your life as shared with God and others?" If I was revising, I'd seek to weave in the central themes of creation care/culture-making (left out of creation account) AND the Shema (Loving neighbor question is answered by 'The Parables of Jesus: The Good Samaritan,' but I don't remember Loving God, Loving others being explicit).

Picking up from The Manga Bible to The Rhyme Bible to The Manga Bible (8/19/2011), More on The Manga Bible by Siku (8/20/2011), and Siku: concept/art for The Manga Bible (8/22/2011).

 

With the limited time I had to explore on-line for more on The Manga Bible: From Genesis to Revelation (Siku/Akinsiku. Doubleday. 2007), I came across an interview of Akin on Beliefnet (along with pictures of some of the first pages). Well worth a read as one receives more insigh on the genesis and direction of the material. Below's a quote:

Describe some of yours and Siku’s illustration background and your Christian background.

I studied Fine Art at Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria and Animation in England. In between, I illustrated a strip for Sphinx magazine and wrote “Fever of the Gods” for Judge Dred Magazine. Siku also studied Design in Nigeria and went on to become one of the major artists working on 2000 AD. My Christian background is someone very mixed. I grew up in an Anglican household, switched to Roman Catholic as a child, then to Evangelical Pentecostal as a teenager, and now I am just a plain Christian. I like simplicity.

When were you and Siku first inspired with the idea of drawing a “Manga Bible”? Was there a particular moment or life event that made you guys know it was time to collaborate?

Well, "The Manga Bible” is really Siku’s baby. I was just made godfather. I came into the project by divine default. Siku and I have worked together over many years on different projects. With "The Manga Bible,” I came on board last-minute as a writer and, for me, it was a dream project in terms of merging two worlds that are of great interest to me. I have been a long-time fan of Japanese comics and animation. In fact, the first cartoon I got hooked on as a kid was “Gigantor.” I absolutely loved that show. I really want to do an all-out Mecha-meets-Bible intergalactic fest. That would be fun!

For more, including how they shaped the Biblical story and what they thought the response would be to their work, visit http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/Bible/The-Manga-Bible-Interview.aspx.

If you've read The Manga Bible, I'd love to read your thoughts/comments.

Picking up from The Manga Bible to The Rhyme Bible to The Manga Bible (8/19/2011) and More on The Manga Bible by Siku (8/20/2011) . . .

 

Three more pieces of The Manga Bible: From Genesis to Revelation by Siku/Akinsiku (Doubleday. 2007) which I appreciate are

• Read this first!
  • the disclaimer before one begins the text, which underscores Siku's heart for inviting others in the Biblical story
  • "The Manga Bible is an adaption of the Holy Bible. It tells the story of God's relationship with his people, from the creation of the earth and the early history of the Israelites, to the life of Jesus, his death, and the adventures of the first ever church, in graphic novel form. It does not claim to to tell all the stories or cover all the teaching of the Bible, but is intended to provide a helpful 'first step'; to give you, the reader, a taste of the most important themes and characters, and a basic idea of what it's all about. . . ."

• Key Scenes Commentary
  • Siku and Akinsiku (Akin) discuss the relationship between the art and the script.
  • One receives insight into how the Word speaks to and through both the artist and the scriptwriter as they seek "to provide a helpful 'first step'" into the Big Picture of the Word of God.
  • In the discussion of Exodus, Siku comments, "There's a question that I'm asking now: does God free slaves? If you look around today I'm not sure that he does." Akin comes back with, "So who does it?" Siku's reply, "We do. God doesn't come down in glory and BOOM! 'Here's my kingdom laid out on you all.' It's our duty to free slaves. It's our duty to feed the hungry." In the dialogue one realizes that this has been maturation for Siku, something about which he and Akin used to argue. He concludes his thoughts with, "I used to think that if we just had enough practicing Christians then there would be a kind of critical mass that would make poverty and oppression irrelevant. It might still happen, but now I've changed my mind. We need to work for it." Akin responds, "Exactly! If we'd just sat about and waited for things to improve we'd still have slavery." 
• Hello Humanity, This is your story
  • Siku lays out 'The Grand Story' and how we fit in it. His focus on hero and action is evident. He wraps up with this challenge, "We may look on . . . but God does not. He became human, got involved and got his hands dirty. We ask, 'If there is a God, why does he look on?' The question is, 'God showed us how it is done, so why do we look on?' This book is God's story, the story of Angels and the story of humanity. It is your story and and somewhere in your guts you've heartd it told to you before becaue God buried it here, a long, long time ago."

Note: Siku is the pseudonym of British/Nigerian artist and writer Ajibayo Akinsiku, best known for his work in 2000 AD (comic). He's quoted by various articles as stating, "As a Christian, it is my job to show others the work of God, whatever it takes!" May it be so. To God be the glory!

If you've read The Manga Bible, I'd love to read your thoughts/comments.

More on Akin coming . . .

“Are you tired? Worn out?  Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matt. 11:28 MSG)

Today, the Disciples Fellowship Group at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ will discuss Chapter 7, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity(Keri Wyatt Kent. Zondervan. 2009).* We invite you to enter into Sabbath rest with us.

Rest (Keri Wyatt Kent)

Disciples Fellowship Group/Summer 2011

Chapter 7: Praying: An Antidote for Self-Absorption, Part 1

It has been said that “Generation Me” (those born in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s) are more self-centered, more disrespectful of authority, and more depressed than any generation prior.  They have been indoctrinated into “self-esteem” which has ironically led to them thinking more highly of themselves than is warranted.

“The antidote for our self-absorption and self-importance is the practice of prayer…  The traditional Sabbath prayers begin, ‘Blessed are you, Lord God,’ and not, ‘Please bless me, God.’” (p. 180)

“Prayer informs our Sabbath; it infuses it with holiness.  Otherwise, the Lord’s Day becomes ‘our day,’ simply time to take a break.” (p. 180)

“If we limit our understanding of prayer to a narrow definition that includes just ‘talking at God’ and little else, we will miss out on the richness and restfulness of Sabbath prayer.” (p. 180) (More)

Picking up from The Manga Bible to The Rhyme Bible to The Manga Bible (8/19/2011) . . .

I particularly appreciated

• the emphasis on the Biblical story and the various storytellers involved. For example, framing the early history in Moses' encouragement to the people of God at the Red Sea with the Egyptians pursuing was stunning (see picture above, for more visit)* and Paul's writing of the letters in response to various appeals, concerns, and conflicts.**

"The rise and fall of God's chosen people . . .

The mysterious stranger who brought about a new world order . . .

And the ultimate showdown between the forces of good and evil . . . 

This is the greatest story ever told . . . as you've never seen it before.

Containing both Old and New Testaments, this is the first ever English manga of the most important book of all time." -- from the back cover.

• "Want to know more?" captions noting the Bible references for the sets of comic strip panels.
• Black-and-white: honestly, color probably would have been too much for me.
• Glimpses of "the story drawn for today," e.g., Job: A Story of Human Suffering (61), Psalm 18 (107), Temptation of Jesus (145), The Parables of Jesus: The Unforgiving Servant, AKA the Unforgiving Underboss (155), The Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ (framed by a 12 year old girl in the "Rainbow Children's Ward'" of the "21st Century - Newham General Hospital, London," 196)
• Portrayal of Solomon's reign/fall (108-111). As with the story of the disobedience of Moses (60), David (105-106) and Jonah (121-122), led me to prayer for myself and others called to lead the people of God.
• Emphasis on the prophets of God. Note: one might include the insertions of Jesus' parables into the telling of the Gospel story as the delivery of prophetic words.

Caution: Not surprising with Siku's Judge Dredd experience that the art is too much for little children. In addition to violence, a few (very few) panels expose nakedness and some edgy language is used periodically -- also not surprising as it is the Bible :) I'd place The Manga Bible: From Genesis to Revelation by Siku/Ankinsiku (Doubleday. 2007) in the teen section.

Personally, I'm hoping for an expanded version with more of the story

• More from Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes -- I like the material woven into the story'
• More on Jesus' birth
• "I AM" passages
• Footwashing
• Letters/epistles beyond Paul
• More of Revelation -- which has some of the best art
• Central themes of creation care/culture-making (left out of creation account) AND the Shema (Loving neighbor question is answered by 'The Parables of Jesus: The Good Samaritan,' but I don't remember Loving God, Loving others being explicit)

But The Manga Bible was intended to be a taste which encourages one to seek more :) On Monday, more on Siku. If you've read The Manga Bible, I'd love to read your thoughts/comments.

*The art reminded me of Gandalf encouraging his fellow travelers with the history behind them, the story they are currently making, and the end redemptive end goal.

**E.g., the appeals of a delegation from Corinth followed by it's reading in Corinth.

Earlier in the week, Eden had her first Upwards cheerleading practice. She's truly enjoying it more than our summer foray into ballet/tap dance. Join me in praying that her enthusiasm continues through the whole fall football season. She loves moving about and it's great exercise/skill development for her at an age when kids aren't as picky about how things look.

More news: Yesterday Eden received a letter from her First Grade Teacher. After Theresa read the letter to her, she rushed to find me and share the letter with me. As the letter's border had the letters of alphabet, Eden, Lily, and I sang the alphabet song in response :) Next week we'll walk through the elementary school and see her classroom. School starts Monday, August 29. I can't wait for school to start. I guess one could say that we're all pumped for the fall, Eden has expressed the most enthusiasm. Pray that this carries us through the tough days, particularly for Eden to develop the strength for 'full day,' i.e., school without the afternoon nap. To God be the glory!

The parents choice of when to end the bedtime Hobbit¹ reading for their children is important. The other evening I purposefully read a little longer to bring closure to Chapter 7: Queer Lodgings.

"Stick to the forest-track, keep your spirits up, hope for the best, and with a tremendous slice of luck you may come out one day and see the Long Marshes lying below you, and beyond them, high in the East, the Lonely Mountain where dear old Smaug lives, though I hope he is not expecting you." [said Gandalf] (More)

Looking over the syllabi for my three fall classes at Evangelical Theological Seminary, Myerstown, PA:

• OT559 Psalms
• SF723 Christian Spiritual Direction
• PM515-02 Personal Foundations for Ministry (online)

I ask for prayer as I

• focus attention to accomplish a growing workload. Note: If three is too much, I'll drop 1.
• apply what I learn directly to walking with God when alone or in the home, local assembly, campus (especially PSU-Hershey), classroom, blog, "cloud."

In retrospect it was a very good decision to take

• one class in the spring to warm up
• one class in the summer to finish off the Brethren in Christ Core Classes -- particularly with all the children at home and play.

Time to wrap up some summer reading/writing and dive into a fresh pile of material :)

In partnership with the church, Evangelical Seminary develops servant leaders for transformational ministry in a broken and complex world by nurturing rigorous minds, passionate hearts, and Christ-centered actions

Theresa recently made 30 Minute Mozzarella and it didn't even take 30 minutes!

She used the recipe, http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/Mozzarella.pdf.

It's the 2nd time she's made it and it's drier than she would like. She wonders if she should have used whole milk instead of 1% milk. Anyone with insights to share? Note: She thinks it will be fine grated, but was hoping for nice soft, fresh mozzarella and that's not what she got. But the recipe was really easy :)

So I just had to read ahead ...¹

In the opening of Chapter 4: Kit's Hard Times²

"Kit!" Dad gasped.

Kit couldn't breathe. She felt as if she had been punched in the stomach. Shock, disbelief, and a sickening feeling of terrible shame shot through her as she stared at Dad.

Suddenly, Kit could bear no more. She pushed past Ruthie and Stirling and bolted through the swinging doors. She ran through the kitchen and past the stoves with kettles of soup that had billowing clouds of steam rising from them. She burst out the back door into the alley. Once she was outside, her legs felt wobbly, and she sagged against the hard brick wall.

In a moment, Ruthie and Stirling were beside her. "Kit?" said Ruthie gently. "Are you okay?" (45-46).

Have you read the story? I don't want to spoil it for you, but the false stories which people have been telling one-another regarding finances unravel. Ever had that experience? Finances seem to be an area where tales are spun. How much do you face the true financial concerns of your family, workplace, municipality, school district, state, nation, world?

Yes, Lily and I played with my sister's American girl doll collection when we were at my parent's house on Sunday :)

¹Three year old enjoys 'Kit Learns A Lesson' (Thomas B. Grosh IV. Groshlink. 8/13/2012).

² Kit Learns A Lesson: A School Story (Valerie Tripp. Pleasant Company, 2004)

Amy E. Jacober's The Adolescent Journey: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Practical Youth Ministry (InterVaristy Press. 2011). Wow! The affirmation in ministry approach and tools to build an even stronger framework is a great encouragement as we enter a new academic year.

Part of the description:

Drawing on the insights of sociology and psychology, Jacober reveals youth ministry to be an act of practical theology, and helps youth pastors find their footing as they guide young people through adolescence.

From the book:

Why is it important to know adolescent development? Andrea Solarz offers one of the most compelling reasons I have read. 

Today's adolescent needs one thing that adults seem to have the least surplus of -- time. It takes time to listen to an adolescent. . . . A crosscutting theme, regardless of one's professional role, is the need to communicate effectively with youth. Adolescents will not simply "open up" to adults on demand. Effective communication requires that an emotional bond form, however briefly, between the professional and the adolescent. For this bond to form professionals must be knowledgeable about normal adolescent development.¹ (p.50) ^(More)

“Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matt. 11:28 MSG)

Today, the Disciples Fellowship Group at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ will discuss Chapter 5, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity (Keri Wyatt Kent. Zondervan. 2009).* Building upon

• "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity" Discussion: Intro/Chapter 1
• "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity" Discussion: Chapter 2
• "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity" Discussion: Chapter 3, Part 1
• "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity" Discussion: Chapter 3, Part 2
• "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity" Discussion: Chapter 4, Part 1
• "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity" Discussion: Chapter 4, Part 2
• "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity" Discussion: Chapter 5

Theresa prepared the below material to facilitate the conversation (Note: study posted in PDF here). You'll note how our fellowship group's consideration of Rest has themes similar to what is found in Theresa's God at Work Testimony (6/19/2011).  Feel free to share your thoughts with us by comments, email, personal conversation ...

 (More)

Yes, we have four girls who love American Girl dolls. None-the-less, I'm surprised by the attention our three year old has given to Kit Learns A Lesson: A School Story (Valerie Tripp. Pleasant Company, 2004). The short chapter book has some great pictures (full page and woven into the edges of the text) and Tripp is an excellent storyteller, but there is a lot of text. I must say my greatest appreciation of the opportunity to read Kit Learns A Lesson with our three year old is the opportunity to discuss The Great Depression. Another great example of history and the lessons learned from it, when interpreted through the proper lens, speaking into the present :) 

We're at the crucial part of the story, which occurs at the end of Chapter 3: Spilling the Beans. Through a fun set-up, the three main children in the story deliver their class' Thanksgiving donations to the local soup kitchen.

But they stopped giggling when they turned the corner onto River Street and saw the line outside the soup kitchen. It was four people across, and it stretched from the door of the soup kitchen all the way to the end of the block. The people stood shoulder to shoulder, hunched against the rain. The brims of their hats were pulled low over their faces as if they were ashamed to be there and did not want to be recognized. The buildings that lined the street were as gray as the rain. They seemed to slump together as if they were ashamed, too. . . .  (More)

I've been following Greg Veltman's comments on film for several years. I really appreciated his recent *cino post: Screening desires. Note: The article originally appeared in Comment magazine, the opinion journal of CARDUS. A few days ago, I commented on *cino [update: 9/6/2011 site down]:

"By acknowledging that films can shape our desires, we open ourselves to a deeper experience of film and a more thoughtful engagement and response to the images we encounter. In this way, viewing films can be a starting point in becoming who we want to be — people who strive for truth, create and cultivate beauty, and work for love, justice, peace and reconciliation in our world." -- Amen! Thank-you Greg.

Raising 4 young women (including twins preparing to enter middle school), my re-reading/discussion of Dennis Hollinger's "Head, Heart & Hands," and a discussion of Keri Wyatt Kent's "Rest" w/some other families have been significantly reshaping my engagement culture (including film). Not sure what it will look like, but ...

 (More)

Recently part of a group where a request for books/articles on risk-taking in leadership was made. At the time it struck me how important the context is for the recommendation. None-the-less I shared:

The context would make a difference. Off the top of my head, Johnson's "Who Moved My Cheese?" is the classic for American business. But I'm not impressed, especially in comparison Heath & Heath's image of the elephant (emotions) rider (rational) focused on the 'path' in "Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard."

I appreciate the brevity/clarity of Collins' "Good to Great and the Social Sectors: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great" and its contrast of business vs. social sector success.

Herrington, Creech, Taylor's "The Leader’s Journey – Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation" weaves stories w/recommendations in a helpful manner. No doubt burn out is a big issue for risk takers/change agents.

Henri J.M. Nouwen's "In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership" is in a category of its own :)

Out of curiousity, what would you recommend?

Shortly after posting on the Bridgemans in Honduras and the Nelsons in Kijabe, Kenya, I received word that Samaritan's Purse did a survey of all their Post Residency Mission Program trainees.

One of the questions was

"What was #1 thing that has motivated you to choose a career serving God in medical missions?"

What do you think the answer was? (More)