Missed Opportunity August 30, 2008
Last January I made a bitter-sweet trip to Door County, Wisconsin. Our third-born child, second-born son was commencing a ministry as a youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Sister Bay. I wrote this piece while I was there:
This afternoon we visited a nice used book shop in Fish Creek. (Fish Creek is the village on the north slope of the Door Peninsula between Egg Harbor and Sister Bay, Wisconsin). The proprietor is a young man who runs a very tidy, well-ordered shop and plays quiet, pleasant, classical music. I purchased a stack of books there in September, on our anniversary trip. While I was there I noticed that the religion section was extremely small and what was there reflected a distinct anti-orthodox bias.
We had a hearty breakfast at a Swedish Restaurant, visited the church, and then stopped in to browse the stacks at the bookstore to see what was new. Strolling around today with the boys, I wondered how I could be a testimony to the owner. Then I had an idea. He owns a bookstore. I will give him a copy of my new book. (more…)
What About The Shack? August 29, 2008
The Shack is very popular. People often ask me about it. Here are some thoughtful links:
Preacher and Author Ray Pritchard has written a bunch of really good books. He has a beautiful web site full of free, helpful resources. I have read his blogs for years. He has read and commented on The Shack. I would suggest you read his posts on the topic if you are interested in the book.
Theologian Al Mohler discussed it on his radio program Mohler is one of the finest, most thoughtful Christian leaders in America.
Blogger Tim Challis has reviewed the book, too. I would suggest you download the PDF version from his site.
We who are teachers–who are trying to help people wrestle with human hurts and questions–will use every creative means possible, but we must keep in mind the warning of James 3:1:
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
Tozer Biography August 28, 2008
I’ve been reading a new biography of A. W. Tozer by Lyle Dorsett. It is worthwhile and honest.
An Open Letter to My Dad August 25, 2008
Dear Dad;
Do you remember the Saturday morning when I was fourteen and a group of young people from First Church in Newark was going to Old Man’s Cave? I wanted to go. You got up early. You made me lunch. You gave me a little spending money. You drove me to the church. The parking lot was empty. I was disappointed. You found out they were picking kids up across town. You drove there. They were gone. I was disappointed. You didn’t give up. You tried to catch up with them. We couldn’t find them. You drove over an hour more all the way to Old Man’s Cave. They were not there. You drove from one point of interest to another until finally we found the bus and connected with the group. You told me to have a great day. You drove all the way home alone. You drove back that night to pick me up at the church. You were waiting in the parking lot when the bus pulled in. We talked all the way home. I don’t remember what we said. I don’t remember if I thanked you. It’s been about thirty-five years. I still think about that day. I wonder if you really know how much I love you and how grateful I am for all the times you and Mom went way, way out of the way for me.
I haven’t forgotten. I never will. Thank you.
Ken Pierpont
August 25, 2008
Granville Cottage
Riverview, Michigan
K2 August 14, 2008
K2—Kyle Kenneth—visited for a couple hours this afternoon. He wanted to play with Grandpa’s football. 
Grieving Alone August 11, 2008
Junior High was painful experience for me. There were some who accepted me or at least tolerated me in my school, but the ones who rejected me did so in such a hurtful and public way that I felt universally despised. Without a loving, stable family I would have despaired. (more…)
For Lois August 8, 2008
My lover will drive away within an hour and we will be apart for two days. My heart is sad about that. This morning while watching Steven Curtis Chapman family powerfully testify of the faith that sustains them through the loss of their daughter, I came across this beautiful song.
A few years ago a dear friend married. At the wedding her husband-to-be literally wept through this song. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. Lois, I am weeping through this song today for you. I am a communicator, but I have never been able to find the right words to reveal the love I have in my heart for you.
Football August 2, 2008
Last Saturday we signed Wesley up for football. Some of my happiest memories are of a robust intra-mural football experience at Moody. When fall comes ’round I always have an urge to clean the garage and listen to The Ohio State University Marching Band on the radio, but there is something that is infinitely more important than football. Watch this:
How to Build a Ship
Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a French writer, said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood, and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
