Catalyst Lab Schedule: Who Should I Hear From?

It's all very tough. Let me know who I should hear from!!!

In honor of Julie and Julia

I recently saw Julie and Julia. It was awesome. In honor of seeing the movie I am reviewing "The Busy People's Fast and Frugal Cookbook" for Thomas Nelson . Awesome right?

I've always wanted to be a chef. But this book is not going to help me become one.

This is for people who are lazy. People who don't like to actually cook. Most of the time I fall under these guidelines. So this book is perfect for me. If you are someone who is not good at making grocery lists, cooking in order, or coming up with original things to prepare, then this book maybe perfect for you.

So if you don't have anytime to cook and you are looking for something simple, then I recommend this one.

Happy cooking.

"What Difference Do It Make"

While I have never read Ron Hall and Denver Moore’s prequel Same Kind of Different As Me, I was fortunate to receive a pre-release edition of What Difference Do It Make. Without ever reading the book before it, it made the book was still easy to get something out of. Each chapter included personal testimonies of what has happened in different peoples lives since they read “Same Kind of Different As Me,” as well as detailing some of Ron and Denver’s personal story.

There were story after story about how people were able to take lessons learned and begin to live more and more like Jesus. For both Ron (millionaire, homeless volunteer) and Denver (shelter resident) we are able to catch a glimpse of their childhood, while also seeing how their relationship is continuing to grow.

The title of the book is a perfect description of what the reader is in store for when they read this book. From what I got out of “reading” about the last book, I could tell it was all about initiating change in one’s personal life to change the world. This book is a collection of stories of people who were willing to risk themselves in order to live like Jesus. They were the ones who were willing to live the Gospel. They were the ones willing to make a difference in this world.

Am I willing to make a difference? What different do I make?

"A Million Miles In A Thousand Years"

Somehow I was lucky enough to win a free advance copy of A Million Miles In A Thousand Years from the CEO of Thomas Nelson, Michael Hyatt. I've loved Miller's previous writings. There is something in Millers writing that just grabs my attention. Maybe it is is honesty about who he is, about the things he has experienced, or how he is navigating life. This book is no different than his previous books.

I am not an avid reader. Often it takes me a few weeks to finish a 200 page book. This was not the case with Donald Miller's newest book A Million Miles In A Thousand Years. In one sitting I was a able to finish the 249 page follow up to Blue Like Jazz.

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years is Miller's journey of turning his previous release Blue Like Jazz into a screen play. In the course of doing this he realizes how boring his life really is, but it is in this process that he realizes that he can edit his life in real time to be more interesting. Throughout the course of the book Miller details several experiences in his life that have led to the development of a better personal story.

Miller does a great job of exploring the use of story to tell our story. For some of us we have so much life ahead of us, but what are we really doing with it? Are we living a life full of easiness and just coasting through life or are we willing to take risks. Without risk, without climax, there are no stories to tell.

If I could take one main thought from this book it would be this: "It is easy to be a cynic and drift into an easy life where little is required, but we were meant for more; we we're meant to tell a great story with the opportunity God has given us."

What stories are going to be told about you after you leave this earth?

My Rating: 9/10

"Who Stole My Church?"

I just finished Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald. It's a book I've had on my shelf for nearly a year and I've finally gotten around too. It was recommended to me by Dr. Rob Rhoden shortly before our church (First A/G New Castle) launched our Connection service.

MacDonald writes the book in a different way than I was used to. The book is a fictional story of a realistic situation with possible results. The author did a good job of identifying problems that churches do indeed face everyday; issues including blending age difference, finding a middle ground in music, and you get the idea. The story consists of a Pastor (MacDonald) meeting with a group of older people who feel that there church is being stolen from today's generation. Something very similar to what I've experienced in my own ministry.

What I liked about the book is how easy I was able to identify with what he was describing. There were times in the book where I thought he offered very reasonable solutions in combining generations. After reading the book it did leave me with a positive outlook on my current situation. There is always hope for churches who are still struggling to change.

While I enjoyed aspects of the book, MacDonald took a little too long to say what he wanted to say. There were certain fictional details that could have been left out. Also, I understand the main point he was trying to convey but from a pastor currently navigating the same situation I can guarantee you it is not as easy as MacDonald made it sound. While there will be some people willing to change, it won't happen the same way for everyone.

Overall, I would recommend the book for anyone who is currently serving in a traditional atmosphere but is looking for something else. Otherwise I don't see the need for reading this book.

My Rating: 6/10

learning to be real.

In this life I think it becomes so hard for us to be real about who we really are and what we truly are doing with our lives.

Sometimes we may try and hide the things that are really going on in our lives. Sometimes we may try and hide the things we think people will judge us because of. Sometimes we may try and hide from our fear.

Fear traps us.

Are we learning to be real about who we are or are we learning to simply cover things up.

Are we as the Church helping people break free from fear or are we hindering their spiritual journey by creating a culture of fear?

It's time to be real.

A lot has happened since then...

My last post was a longgggggg time ago.

Anyways. A lost has happened since then. I am married now. What a great experience. There was so much stress that went into the planning of the wedding and now it is all over and we have been married for over 3 weeks now.

Hard to believe.

I certainly married an amazing woman. Carlie has been nothing short of amazing so far and she has picked up the skill of cooking quite fast. I knew she would. I enjoy sharing life with her.

Here we are half way through the summer and I look back and think to myself "Where did it all go?" I know I got married and that consumed a large portion of my summer, but what about the rest of me?

Where has my ministry taken me?

If you know me then you know I can be a little cynical, but I have found this summer increasingly difficult. There are things that happen in ministry that can cause you to view church in a different way. It's not always easy. It's not always pretty. But there is such a reward knowing you are doing what God has called you to.

It really comes down to the idea of viewing it as a job or as a ministry. How do you know the difference?

I love learning. I need motivation. I love life.