Month: January 2009

Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

Posted in Church Chat, Discipleship, Funny, Life Happens4 Comments

5th-grader4Like American Idol, the recent television program, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader, has been quite a hit for Fox and host, Jeff Foxworthy. Let’s face it, some kids are very smart, and often, they say the wisest things!  Listen to some of the remarkable wisdom of children from around the country.

  • “When your dad is mad and asks you, ‘Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer.”  Hannah, 9
  • “Stay far away from prunes.”  Randy, 9
  • “Don’t squat with your spurs on.”  Noronha, 13
  • “Puppies still have bad breath after you brush their teeth with dad’s toothbrush.”  Charlie, 9
  • “Never hold a Shop Vac and a cat at the same time.”  John, 9
  • “Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.”  Kellie, 11
  • “If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.”  Naomi, 15
  • “Felt markers are not really good to use as lipstick.”  Lauren, 9
  • “When you get a bad grade at school, show it to your mom when she’s on the phone.”  Alyesha, 13

Two of the saddest things in this world is a child who can’t learn and an adult who won’t.  Every day you and I can learn something that will make us a better person and a more devout follower of Jesus. Every week our church can learn ways to be more effective at assimilating newcomers and helping our members to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus.

Prayer: “Lord, help us to stay curious. Help us have a hunger for You and a thirst for knowledge. Help us to be content in our salvation, but discontent in our level of spiritual maturity. Help us to do whatever it takes to be more like you in our thoughts, in our ways, and in our heart! Amen.”

Book: “The Life You’ve Always Wanted”

Posted in Book Reviews2 Comments

booklife-youve-always-wanted6I just finished John Ortberg’s book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted. I wish I had found this book when it was first written back in 1997 because I’m confident that it will influence my Christian walk throughout the rest of my life. Simply put, THIS IS A MUST READ!

In the book, Ortberg talks about the need for every Christian to experience real life change–transformation into the likeness of Christ. He explains that spiritual transformation comes through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Although there are many possible spiritual disciplines, Ortberg deals with the following ten: Celebration, Slowing, Prayer, Servanthood, Confession, Receiving Holy Spirit Guidance, Secrecy, Reflection on Scripture. Well-ordered heart, and Suffering

I can hardly wait to begin practicing these disciplines with this new understanding. Well, I’ve started on books three, four, and five. Stay tuned!

Book: “90 Minutes In Heaven”

Posted in Book Reviews4 Comments

90-minutes5I am attempting to read a book-a-week in 2009 for a total of 52 books. The book I completed first is called 90 Minutes In Heaven. In this book, Don Piper recounts the tragic car accident that left him dead for an hour and a half.  During this time, the Southern Baptist minister tells about his experience in Heaven.

Piper’s description of Heaven is fascinating and believeable. Nothing from his experience seems to contradict the Bible’s description of Heaven, but his account does shed new light on Heaven.

The book reminded me that our loved ones who were believers are in a far better place that is beyond our earthly comprehension and understanding. What a beautiful place Heaven must be! The next book I am reading is The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg.