I just started reading this book by David Augsburger (Brazos Press, 2006) last evening. Actually I perused it. I have this ability to read a 200 page book in a few hours - this absolutely irritates my wife - she says, 'Yes, and he remembers what he read, including the footnote on page 34!'. This is a bit of an exaggeration - but I do have the ability to read quickly (I had to learn the skill in university where, as a history major, I had to read at least 2000 pages a week). And I do have pretty good memory - I don't claim a photographic memory. I jokingly tell people I have a photographic memory - it's just underdeveloped!

At any rate, I am going to spend much more time in this book. I believe it is one of the most incisive evaluations of modern spirituality I have read. I urge you to get a copy and start reading.

If you have read any of my previous postings on this blog, you will recognize my thoughts in this book. (It's always nice to find a major scholar - Augsburger is a Fuller Seminary professer who has several doctorates - who agrees with you.)

In future blogs I will be sharing excerpts for your and my reflection.

ron

There is a US Federal program that works with communities who want engage in community transformation called Weed and Feed. I am proposing that followers of Jesus have their own transformation program: Read and Feed!

Here is how it works:

Find a piece of paper - probably at least 51/2 inches by 8 inches:

Find passage in the Bible, I suggest folks begin with the little Letter to the Ephesians by St. Paul (6 short chapters).

Write down these four questions:

1. What does this passage teach me about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)?
2. What does this passage teach me about myself?
3. Is there a promise to claim?
4. Is there a command to obey?

For added benefit, find a friend who can meet with you once a week and share with each other what God is saying to you.

I have used this simple program for years with men and seen remarkable spiritual growth!

Happy reading! and Happy Growing!

Ron

I am walking Abby this morning when I come upon an elderly man (guestimate - early 80s) watering his front yard:

Good morning! he says.

Good Morning, young man!

Beautiful day!

Well, it's better to be on this side of the grave than the other!

That's for sure. There are lots of guys in the obituary column younger than us. What do you do for a living?

I am a counselor at Catholic Charities. What did you do before retirement?

Restaurant and real estate.

I have some real estate.

What kind?

Investment real estate.

I did that - had about 10 properties - a big hassle. Sold them all. Do you rent yours?

Yup, my wife takes care of them.

Well, I don't have many friends anymore. They are all dying.

I'll be your friend. (looking at the old cars in his driveway). I like old cars. I drive one.

Yeah, what kind?

'72 El Camino.

I bet it's a gas guzzler.

I don't care. I only drive 4 miles to work everyday. (He smiles knowingly).

Hey, you have a good day.

Hey, my name's Ron, what's your name.

May name is Frank. (he waves - he is ready to put his hose away)

I walk head toward home with Abby. I have made a new friend.

This gentleman is like many people in our world. He is looking for a friend. I want to be Frank's friend. I am going to bring the old truck by so we can talk some more.

Go make a friend today for Jesus's sake.

I notice the word 'stressed' if turned around spells 'desserts'.

If I am stressed am I getting the dessert I deserve for paying too much attention to the stuff of Life?

There is good stress - according to Hans Selye, the father of stress studies, the fancy word is eustress. When I am stressed with good stress, the dessert I get is the job finished on time with a pat on my back from my boss.

There is bad stress - When I am stressed with bad stress the dessert I get is high blood pressure, headaches, low back pain.

I think I'll try to to practice eustress!

A few blogs ago I introduced you to "Bob". Bob is a 30+ year old man who is now officially dying of a disease which is slowly consuming body. I say 'officially dying' because his doctor had decided that Bob is incurable by human standards and he has been moved to a hospice unit. June and I visited Bob this evening. We entered his room - wood floors, pastel-colored walls - a very beautiful, home-like place. He smiled as we entered. "I am living in a home. A home where they don't do medical things. A home where I will wait for the end." As we talked with Bob about the future of his life, he said, "I am happy. I am going to be with Jesus. (he lifted his fingers toward heaven as he said this)" Now you need to understand - Bob has been in the US for less than five months. He has a beautiful wife, a twelve year old daughter and a son three years of age. He survived about eight years of disease, starvation, physical and emotional abuse in a refugee camp! He is in the land of properity, health and freedom! His dream of coming to America is realized! And he is happy he is going to die! I don't know about you but if I had lived that kind of existence and finally came to a land like this and then was told by my doctor that I was terminally ill - I would not be telling people: "I am happy"! I would by angry! I would be arguing with God and with people who think they're God if they want to tell me how much time they think I have left to live. I would be angry that I would not see the fruits of my efforts to get my family away from the horrors of war and starvation. I think I have a lot to learn from Bob about what life and death really mean. I hope I have the opportunity before he is happily with Jesus forever. Meanwhile, I pray for Bob and his wife and children. More than pray, I will walk this journey with my friend and his family. And if there is no miracle here for Bob to experience a life of three score and ten, I will walk with his family and share with them and assistant them, God giving me strength. And I will tell his family that Bob is happily with Jesus.