Bittersweet Farm
In the Algonquin Wilderness my Nalgene sustained major damage. The bottle is still functional but the strap holder broke off. Today I treated myself to a new one–a lovely shade of blue and strong enough to survive a nuclear blast. A thing of beauty. It’s just one of life’s simple pleasures. Everyone should own at least one of these.
We used to be all together on days like this. I miss that, but life changes and we have to do what we can to stay as connected as we can. I am missing Kyle and Charles today, remembering Labor Days in the past and looking forward to times together soon.
Isn’t it funny that on Labor Day nobody is supposed to labor? I know it’s not, but I always see Labor Day as the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Last night on the way home from church we passed fields of corn and soybeans drying and turning from the lush green of summer to the golden brown of autumn. It’s been a swift summer for us. I hope it has been a good summer for you. Maybe today we will grill out, bike or stroll the neighborhood, or toss the football in the street. Maybe I’ll get ambitious and clean out the gutters or move boxes around in the garage. Don’t wear yourself out. Have restful Labor Day. You need it. It’s almost fall and things are going to get busy. Soon you’ll be dartin’ around like a squirrel on a four-lane highway.
11:00 AM
Jerry Diserens; (2 Samuel 22:1,20-28)
06:00 PM
Brian Hess; (Philippians 3:1-11)
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. [Read more…] about Missed Opportunity
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.
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