roses

You know that kid that intentionally avoids eye contact when she knows the teacher is looking to call on someone? I was that kid. You know the teacher that always calls on the kid who avoids eye contact. Doug [Learned] was that teacher.

Anyway, here's what I was asked to read. It has stuck with me.

"Any good gardener knows that beautiful roses require careful pruning. Pieces of living plant have to die. It cannot just  grow wild. We cannot simply "celebrate growth." It is more than to be regretted, it is tragic that we seem to have lost the insight that growth in Christ requires careful pruning. Pieces of us by our intentional action need to die if we are to become the person that is in God's vision. We are not cutting away a cancerous growth, but making room for intended growth. Mortification refers to that intentional action of pruning of life that better life might grow by God's grace--just as better roses grow by God's grace." 

--From Spirituality for Ministry by Urban T. Holmes III

As one staff member pointed out, God is the gardener; we are not. Our job is to accept his pruning. In light of the scripture passage paired with this reading, we focused our discussion on the pruning of sin from our life-- attitudes and actions that must be cut off so that good fruit might grow. I also thought, though, about activities--things on our schedules that could be trimmed down in order to make room for hearing and seeing God, and then growing in his likeness.

So while Holmes' words are simmering in my own heart and mind, I'll let them do the same out in the blog-o-sphere.... What do you think?

summer reading

In case you are looking for a good [Christian-y] book to add to your summer reading list... here are my suggestions.

parenting in the pew, castleman

In January 2010, Dr. Robbie Castleman came to visit us at NPC. She shared insights from her book, mentioned above. I will always encourage children's ministry parents and volunteers to read this. Even if you don't think bringing your kids to the sanctuary is for you, read this for its theology of worship. Trust me.

creation regained, wolters

This one is recommended by my husband, Craig. I asked him why and he said something about how it shows humanity as our sinful selves, God as the lover who won't take no for an answer, and creation as it growns for redemption. And it shows you how you fit into all of that as you walk around this world. (He also said I should probably re-read it.)

living the message daily devo, peterson

A friend gave me this devotional in December 2009. Each day's reading presents a message that leave me saying, "Gee, I never thought of that before." And I am inspired to reflect in new ways, on my relationship with God and the world.

patched together, manning

Admittedly, I've not read this one. But I have read other books by Manning, and I even had ice cream with him once (peanut butter is his favorite!) In many ways it is a retelling of Manning's own story, through the fictional character Willie Juan.

spiritual parenting, anthony

While we're promoting David C. Cook books (not cook books), let me mention this one. I would love to hear a Christian parent's perspective on this book--what rings true; what helped you; what new questions does it raise?

the big god story, anthony

Finally-- one for the kids! This is like the Jesus Storybook Bible you can read in one sitting. The story that shapes our lives in a couple dozen pages. (I just made up that subtitle.)

What book are your kids loving right now?
(They don't to be as Christian-y as these :)

And don't forget about our church library's "satellite campus" just outside stone hall, complete with children's table and chairs.

inspiration

For years I've been fascinated reading dozens of different kinds of blogs written by all different kinds of people. But now I have a good reason--inspiration.

Most of you only found out about this blog last week. I have been hesitant to "reveal" it because I'm still not sure what direction to go with it. And mostly because I haven't gotten used to devoting time to it. That's the real reason. But I would like to, because I see some potential here. (Again, I'm just not quite sure what it is...)

Are you interested in this blog? What would you like to see here? Help inspire me.