Author

Culture Making, by Andy Crouch

My friend Brenda Salter-McNeil recommended that I read Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. She added, “I can’t wait to hear what you think about it.” Well Brenda, here you go.

This is a fabulous book. Regular readers of this blog know that I only post book reviews on this “main” page if I feel strongly about the book. And Culture Making certainly qualifies.

Crouch calls Christians to be culture makers. The complexities of culture are explored with broad but sensible descriptions, and then the recent impact the Church has had on our culture is unpacked. The result is …

Random Thoughts,

Pastoring the Old Fashioned Way

My daily reading came across this short piece by St. Bede in which he describes such legendary Celtic church leaders as Aidan and Finan. It made me think, “That’s the kind of religious leader I’d like to see in every organization.” Here’s what he wrote:

“The sole concern of the teachers of those days was to serve God, not the world, and to feed the soul, not the belly. The religious habit, therefore, was held in great respect at the time, so that whenever a cleric or monk appeared he was welcomed gladly by everyone as a servant of …

Book Reviews,

Twenty Five Books That Influenced My Life – #18

Perhaps you read my post about Interruptions and wondered where those ideas came from. Glad you asked, because that brings me to The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. This little book has meant a lot to me over the years. The gist of the book is straightforward: you can find God’s presence in every moment of your life no matter what you might be doing. Big project or little project, daydreaming or praying, work or rest, church or hard labor, God’s presence can be found if you just continually keep your focus on Him.

Now, …

Random Thoughts,

Interruptions

I was drafting a blog post that began with a personal observation about interruptions. As the draft evolved the insight didn’t fit the overall message. I almost cut it completely but then decided it deserved it’s own space. So here it is. Let me know what you think.

One of the great challenges of our age is taking the time to reflect. This is all the more true in our walk of faith. We are surrounded by distractions and it is difficult to keep God in the forefront of our thoughts.

Years ago I read a classic devotional book that …

Random Thoughts, Westmont,

Old Skool Cafe

For a long time I had heard about the incredible things a young woman and fellow Westmont alum, Teresa Goines, was doing in San Francisco to help at-risk kids. People would talk about a supper club called “Old Skool Cafe” as if I was suppose to know all about it. I didn’t. Which was my loss.

Then last year I was asked to speak at a Westmont event in Palo Alto. To my surprise and delight, Teresa Goines was also speaking at the event. And she was seated at my table. D’Aun and I loved getting to know …

Belize, PathLight,

PathLight Event in Redwood City

Are you in the Bay Area this weekend? Do you have Saturday night free? I would love to see you at a PathLight event that is being hosted by Pamela Wilhelms, Erik and Bonnie Hansen, and Greg and Anjanette Lundell. It will be a great chance to learn about the incredible things PathLight is doing in Belize with teachers.

If you want to go, please let me know. Details below. Thanks!

When: Saturday, May 19th, 6 PM.
Where: At the home of Erik and Bonnie Hansen (address to be provided when you RSVP).
Childcare: Yes, childcare will be provided!
Dinner: …

Belize, PathLight,

A Few Belize Photos

My last post was about Brenda Salter McNeil and Rosanne Swain having a huge impact in Belize with PathLight. This morning Rosanne sent me a few photos from the trip, so I’m posting them for you. Hope you enjoy them!…

Belize, PathLight,

What Teacher Influenced Your Life?

Last week I saw the difference that a talented and dedicated teacher can make. Brenda Salter-McNeil, a friend who works to build inter-culturally competent leaders in the Christian community, spent two days working with the PathLight sponsorship students. It was an amazing weekend!

Along with her colleague Rosanne Swain, Brenda guided the students through a process of discovering their own racial identity. This workshop showed the students how important diversity is and it also reinforced a positive self-image. Based on Biblical principles, and often tracing the story of Esther, the curriculum was truly the integration of faith and learning. …