Reading -- Book reviews

It has been some time since I've enjoyed reading fiction on a regular basis. Most of my reading in the past several years has been of the non-fiction, educational, self-help variety. Recently I have added some fiction back into the mix and I have been spending more time book reading and less time scrolling through internet feeds.

I mentioned Searching for Sunday in my last post. That falls into the first category. If you have been struggling with religion and often find yourself conflicted because religion seems less loving than it should be, you may find yourself in this book. It is one woman's personal search for God in a religion that didn't do a very good job of representing him.

At the same time I was reading Searching for Sunday, I was working my way through the novel Bleak Harbor. I enjoyed the book. It is a well written kind of mystery/thriller. The author brings the different characters together in unexpected ways and keeps you guessing (wrong again) as the story develops.

I also just finished a book on grounding. Grounding is one of those things that some believe in wholeheartedly, while others poo-poo the idea as pure quackery. Getting Grounded was an interesting read. I think I am some where in the middle of wholehearted belief and quackery.

I am currently reading an apologetics type book, That's Just Your Interpretation. I'm just getting started so I don't have much to offer in the way of critique.

The fiction book that I just finished was Hunt Them Down. It looks like you can still get it for free on your Kindle app. I really enjoyed it and would certainly encourage you to get it for free if you can.
All of these books I read on Kindle and all were either free or 99 cents. I have several more books to choose from and will be picking another fiction to go along with the book on apologetics.
The Dark Heart sounds interesting. It is a true story, but I may go with it anyway.

I have never considered myself to be a voracious reader (and still do not), but it has been good to get back to spending some time reading just for the fun of it.

What are you currently reading?

John <><

Regrets...

This is a post that I thought about a few weeks ago. The reason that I didn't write it at the time is because one of the people that I wanted to tag so she could read it was in a medically induced coma at the time. Last weekend she died.

I never met Rachel Held Evans (RHE) and really haven't been following her for very long. I just finished reading her book Searching for Sunday and had already read her book Inspired. I think I would have liked her.

The reason that I wanted to write about her and a couple of other women that I follow on Twitter is to offer my apologies and regrets for having been a part of the male dominated evangelical clergy that often ignores and dismisses the contributions of women. I could blame the religious culture for shaping my thoughts on women in ministry, but that would be unfair. My thoughts, views, and opinions are mine and I have to accept the responsibility for them. I'm not sure where conservative religion got the idea that we (men) cannot learn biblical truths from women. I know that the standard response will be -- it's in the Bible, but I think that I can safely say that is a pretty skewed point of view.

Do you know that over the past couple of decades I have never read through a Beth Moore bible study or book?
I somehow believed that she was a good women's teacher but would have little to offer me. I have been following her on Twitter for a few months (thanks to RHE) and have benefited from her wisdom and insights. I'm going to have to make time to read some of her stuff (recommendations are welcome).

Another woman that I have recently started following (also from following RHE) is Rev. Jes Kast. I enjoy her encouragement and posts and think I'd like to listen to a few of her sermons and learn about life, love and Jesus from her.

I'm finding that growing spiritually and learning through areas where I've been wrong isn't as hard as one might think. Admitting that you are wrong and need to change your thinking is the hard part. Realizing that you have taught bad ideas to others is incredibly disturbing. Knowing that I have been a part of failing to recognize the gifts that God has given to so many women is cause for personal shame. It's really weird that I didn't have a problem with women supervisors or bosses, but somehow managed to believe that church was different.
(smh)

I know that I am less harsh on people than I once was. I'm learning to recognize that I have no idea what others are going through. I am looking for commonalities with others rather than focusing on differences. Rather than becoming a grumpy old man, I am becoming more introspective and thoughtful. Don't get me wrong -- the grumpy old guy is still in here; I'm just working on keeping him locked up with Ugly John.

I really am ashamed that there was a time in my life that dismissing others was so easy; when judging others by my own bigoted standards or standards borrowed from others was so much easier than seeing them the way God sees them. Sometimes I think to myself, "Damn! I was an arrogant, egotistical ass."

If that's the way that you know me or knew me -- I am sorry.
In reality, I know that those that I have been that ass to are not reading this, so feel free to share it around. It may be difficult to believe that John is becoming a decent kind of guy, but I'm working on it. It probably isn't a good idea for an evangelical preacher to admit that he struggles to walk with Jesus, but that is my truth. That is my life.

Lately, I've been thinking of the African proverb -- If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with someone. 
So I'm walking with this guy, Jesus. I'm learning some stuff, too. If you find yourself racing through life alone,
slow down.
Walk with us.
We can use the company
... and we have a long way to go.

John <><

Hotel coffee -- no thank you!

I know, I know -- I admit it, I'm a coffee snob.
As usual, I'm up before Chris and per our plan, I am a couple of blocks from the hotel at a nearby Starbucks for my morning coffee. For the most part, Starbucks has consistently decent coffee. Some of their seasonals are better, and a few of their roasts are not to my liking. My standard selection is a venti (20 oz), 5 shot Americano. Depending on my mood, I may or may not add cream. Today it is black.

It is still cool enough to sit outside (74f, 23c) and the outdoor seating is well shaded at this time of day. It is a little humid, but no worse than the humidity of the Ozarks. There are a half dozen of us outside, as many more inside and a fairly steady stream of walk-ins that appear to be regulars.

This location is about 1/4 mile from the hotel. As I was walking here, I was thinking that I should start walking before my daily coffee. I know 1/4 mile isn't much of a walk, but my normal daily walk is about 3-4 miles and it might be more motivational to walk early and have the incentive of coffee afterwards rather than having coffee first and then using the heat and humidity as an excuse for not walking.
Hmmm... something to consider.

*****

I am going to miss meeting with my Venues friends at Downtown Venues tonight. In truth, I have very little interaction with people at our midweek gathering. In general, being around people tends to drain me of energy (a typical introvert characteristic). It is a little strange that I tend to gain energy for my spirit just from being there.

I am also going to miss our Friday morning Breakfast Venues.
Both of these Venues (as well as our Sunday morning gathering) have become a bit of contradictory phenomena. Typically, people drain me and I recharge by being alone. However, there are so many energy giving people at The Venues that I can recharge from being with them. I don't really need much interaction; simple presence seems to be enough.
I do not think that I am the only one that feels this way. I have noticed (because noticing people is something I have started doing) that there are quite a few people that quietly attend The Venues. They attend regularly, but seem to have pretty limited interaction with people. Although they would be happy to remain unnoticed, I believe they are also pleased that their presence is acknowledged as I say "hi" or even just make eye contact and share a smile. I have found the simple ministry of presence to be a powerful way to bless people. A touch, a smile, a look -- they are all ways that simply give a person value. You can accomplish the same with a text, an email, or a virtual wave.

Try sharing some of your energy today.
And if you do, come back and leave a comment on how you did.
If you need an extra smile to share, it just so happens that I have one for you!

John <><

Traveling...

I don't think I'm a very good vacationer.
I've never been one to go-go-go on vacation. I don't want to get home and have to rest from what ever running and funning we've done for the past week or so. I'm perfectly happy to lay on a beach or by a pool while enjoying a good cigar, a cool drink, and the company of family or friends. Most of the time it is just me and Chris, and that seems to works for us.

I don't really have a life that I need to take a vacation from. I don't have a tropical beach nearby, so I guess I just need to move! And I would if it were up to only me. I'd have a place on or near the beach with a couple of extra bedrooms and you all could take your vacations when you visit us. I've tried to assure Chris that we would have plenty of guests, but so far I am still living in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri.

Living is Southwest Missouri is not so bad. Many people spend their vacation time traveling to the Ozarks for its many attractions and family friendly atmosphere. There are miles and miles of shoreline on the beautiful lakes -- but no ocean and enough cold weather that much of the year is not very swim friendly!
Even so, I could work with a lake home compromise, but that looks unlikely.

I suppose I could take up fishing and spend my days doing the hunter/gatherer thing by foraging nature for our food rather than going to the grocery store. So far, the grocery store has been the extent of my hunting, fishing, gathering experience (and will likely continue to be).
I have considered a kayak or SUP to make use of the many lakes and rivers, but have yet to pull that trigger -- maybe this year. Most of the reason for not doing it just the money. I hate spending money on myself. It just feels sort of selfish.

Time to get on with day.
Enjoy yours.
Be kind along the way.

John <><

Christianity without Borders; more un-organized religion

Last week our Associate Pastor began a series on The Others.
The Others are people that have been marginalized, not only by society in general, but by many Christians and by many Christian churches and/or denominations. Last week we looked at refugees, people fleeing their homelands due to violence, war, and persecution. Around the world there are millions of people that are leaving everything behind in search of safe places for themselves and for their children. They are so desperate for this safety that they are willing to surrender their old familiar way of living to start over in a foreign land.

Much has been made of the caravans of people that journey from Central America to the US southern border. As much as I am saddened by the desperation of the families that have made this difficult journey, I am also appalled by the many US Christians that would deny them the mercy and relief that they seek.
I get the rah rah patriotism and flag waving nationalism, but the Kingdom of God has no physical borders or boundaries. I am weary of and disgusted by the nationalistic approach to Christianity that has become so powerful in the US.

In the Bible, Jesus tells us that we can't have two masters; that we can't serve both God and mammon (wealth as an evil influence or idol). I think he would tell us the same thing about where our true citizenship lies; that we can't idolize our nation above our service to the Kingdom of God. Certainly we can serve our country within the Kingdom, but such service should never be in conflict with our service to God.
If you are a long time follower of Out of My Hat, you already know that I've never been a big fan of God and Country services that are held around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans' Day, etc. When we gather to worship God, we shouldn't expect him to share that time with anyone else.

I don't want to give the impression that I don't appreciate my citizenship in the US, I do.
But the United States of America is not my religion. Maybe it is time that we all took a good look at what or whom we worship. If country is more important than God, then maybe your god is too small to deserve your worship. If your god marginalizes and hates the same people that you do, maybe your god is of your own making.

Jesus showed that God loves the marginalized people -- the sinners, the tax collectors, the gentiles, the lepers, the lame and physically handicapped. Jesus showed that God is a God without borders.
Shouldn't his followers also be without borders?

Just a thought...

John <><

It's Friday!

Okay, so the fact that Friday is the last day of the typical work week doesn't have a great meaning for us retired folk, but Fridays are good days for me!
Friday mornings often find me serving breakfast (along with other volunteers from The Venues) to 100+ of our area homeless friends. It really is one of my favorite hours of the week.

Here's a pic from last Sunday's service that shows what The Venues has done in the first quarter of 2019.

Here is another one that shows how some of it breaks down. (click it to big it)

I hope you get the opportunity to help someone today -- maybe just a kind word or a text message to encourage a friend. There will be plenty to bring people down and stress people out. Consider being a moment of calm in someone's hectic day.

Leave a comment and share what you're doing to brighten someone's day!

Smile
God loves you
(but I'm his favorite!)

John <><

Un-organized Religion (again)

It's been a year and a half since I wrote this post on Un-organized Religion. Obviously, I didn't keep up with the regular posts sharing my thoughts on religion, but I've been thinking about it again.

For the past year, I've been worshiping and serving at a church that receives a lot of criticism from most mainstream Christian churches and is often condemned by the more fundamental evangelical churches. I think The Venues brings a little order to un-organized religion without becoming what looks like organized religion. Maybe that's what bothers so many people that are members of one of the many churches (or Christian clubs) that are organized religion -- The Venues doesn't look like them.

A quote from our worship leader says it well -- "The Venues isn't a church for everyone,
... because it's a church for everyone!"
Being inclusive bothers a lot of self-proclaimed loving Christians.

Though not very traditional, The Venues is a non-denominational Christian church that teaches what Jesus teaches. Jesus said that all of the commandments are based on just two of them -- Love God with everything you've got, and Love your neighbor as yourself. More than anything else, teaching the love of God and encouraging us to love like God is the emphasis of the message at The Venues.

The Venues isn't a Christian Club and it doesn't have members or membership requirements. If you are a lover of God and a follower of Jesus, you are welcome to worship and serve with us. Even if you don't know God and feel alone and unloved, come hang out with us. The people that come to The Venues are truly the most loving and caring people that I have ever met.
Most of us have a story. Many have been shunned by other Christian churches. Some have been abandoned by friends and family. It is a pretty unique gathering of people. There are homeless people worshiping alongside of professionals, LBGTQ folks and straight people, and a racial diversity that looks more like our community than most area churches.

One of my favorite quotes about the Christian community is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

"Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than they love the Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions maybe ever so honest, earnest and sacrificial. God hates this wishful dreaming because it makes the dreamer proud and pretentious. Those who dream of this idolized community demand that it be fulfilled by God, by others and by themselves. They enter the community of Christians with their demands set up by their laws, and judge one another and God accordingly. It is not we who build. Christ builds the church. Whoever is mindful to build the church is surely well on the way to destroying it, for he will build a temple to idols without wishing it or knowing it. We must confess, he builds. We must proclaim, he builds. We must pray to him and he will build. We do not know his plan. We cannot see whether he is building or pulling down. It may be that the times which by human standards are the times of collapse are for him the great times of construction. It may be that the times which from a human point are great times for the church are times when it's pulled down, 
It is a great comfort when Jesus gives to his church.
You confess, preach, bear witness to me, and I alone will build where it pleases me. Do not meddle in what is not your providence. Do what is given to you, do it well, and you will have done enough... Live together in the forgiveness of your sins. Forgive each other every day from the bottom of your hearts."

Perhaps this is what the founders of The Venues had in mind.

John <><

Taking care of planet Earth

The rural Midwest is far behind in the move to recycle and be more environmentally aware. There isn't a lot of encouragement to reduce single use plastics or to recycle materials of any kind. There are a few centers where you can take recyclable goods, but no recycling pick-up services that I am aware of.

Admittedly, I'm also far behind in what I should be doing to take care of planet Earth.
I haven't set up recycling bins at home for plastics, glass, or paper. I have reduced my use of single use products, often skipping a drink when I'm out if I didn't bring a reusable cup with me. When I do purchase a beverage out, I try to save the plastic bottle or aluminum can until I'm at a place with a recycle bin. I'm also skipping drinking straws when we eat out (when I think of it).

I've been doing more grocery shopping at places where you bring your own bags. Aldi is one place where I bring a couple of collapsible cardboard boxes and a few paper bags. Lucky's Market uses paper bags and gives a 10 cent rebate for each bag you bring. I generally donate the rebate to one of the charities they have listed (an option they give you). I try to keep a few paper grocery bags in the car in case I make an unplanned stop for a few things. I will sometimes walk to the store if it's just for a few things. (1.75 miles round trip to the closest grocery store)
I really need to do more.

I've also been trying to reduce energy consumption at home. We generally keep the house cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer than most people and will avoiding using the a/c as long as it doesn't get too hot during the day and the nights allow us cool things down. Eventually, the Midwest humidity will play a part in the decision to use the a/c. 

Where do you live and what are your options for living a greener lifestyle?
Is there one more small thing you can do to reduce waste?
I'm ashamed of the planet's condition that we are leaving to future generations.
We need to do better.

John <><

It's a small world...

I've let my world get small again.
I think that's a good thing.

Oh, I've kept up with the news -- the redacted Mueller report, the killings in Sri Lanka, the plethora of Democrats entering the 2020 presidential race, the actions of the White House and the inaction of the GOP Senate, but I haven't commented (much) on these things and have specifically avoided commenting where my comments would be unwelcome.

I am enjoying the peace of my small world.
There are several people or small groups of people that are welcome in my small world. Most of them have some connection to The Venues. The great majority of my time is spent alone and that is always a pretty peaceful place.
Alone I can enjoy my morning coffee or an afternoon cigar while reading on the computer or reading a book or just relaxing and enjoying the sounds of nature. I haven't been riding in some time and need to get back to that. I have a couple of trips coming up and the bike would be a grand way to travel.

I've added Comfort Spiral to my list of blogs I frequent. Cloudia posts beautiful, peaceful pictures along with some quotes that are often inspiring. It always adds a moment of calm to the day. You should check it out.

Today I get to expand my small world by venturing out to the grocery store to pick up some necessary household items. It will be a good exercise for me to keep Ugly John contained and muted while dealing with the moms and small children, the other retirees, and people in general. I'll try to have a smile and a kind word for everyone as I exercise patience and remember that I am not in a hurry and likely have more free time than most people I encounter. If I run into you during my outing, hit me up for a smile, hug, or work of encouragement. I'm loading up on them before I head out.

John <><

What if ... ?

What would happen if we stopped looking to partisan politics to address our nation's issues and looked to God for answers?

How would we care for immigrants that are fleeing from horrific conditions and seeking a better life for themselves and their families?

How would we deal with a health care system that often bankrupts families or denies treatment or medication based on an ability to pay?

How would we treat people that are different from us in race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.?

How would we address the care of our environment?

What if we stopped listening to those that stand to gain financially or in power and influence and simply looked to science, logic and compassion for answers?
I realize this question is a little different than the one at the beginning of this post, but I believe that God gives us science (it is the study of his creation), logic (the ability to reason and think for ourselves), and compassion (the ability to see suffering).

I also realize that solutions often cost us in the way of time and money. We are a prosperous nation and we have the resources. It really just comes down to whether or not we are willing to spend them to help others or if we will continue to hoard them so that only a few benefit.

Caring for the least of our society and taking care of the planet shouldn't be politically divisive.
It shouldn't be the Democratic thing, nor the Republican thing.
It shouldn't be the Christian thing, nor the non-Christian thing.
It shouldn't be the straight thing, nor the LBGTQ+ thing.
Caring for each other and our world is simply the right thing.
Why can't we do it?

And don't tell me that we all want to do it, but just disagree on how to do it.
That simply isn't true. There are too many self-righteous, pompous, narcissistic people that just want more for themselves at the expense of others. And there are too many people that blindly follow because of political affiliation rather than speaking against what is unjust and speaking for what is right.

I believe we can do this.
I believe we can overcome our divisive political environment and do what is right.
Maybe I'm just too naive.

John <><