Learn Something Every Day

Just out of seminary, I was excited about a new book one day, and mentioned it to my senior pastor.  His reply?  "I'm solid, don't need it!.  I don't read new books anymore!"

Well, that sure closed a door!  He remained an admired friend for lots of other reasons, but that closed off a whole area of life.

I like scanning blogs.  I'm a follower of one photography blog that features abandoned hotels and amusement parks.  I'm a follower of one that has a huge discussion spin-off:  http://rachelheldevans.com.  Today's is a provocative question about God's care for Anne Frank.  I write three, and enjoy reading several.  Always something new to learn EVERY day.  And I appreciate the responses to this little instrument, you know.

I like teaching, because students and other participants always bring a fresh insight.  And I thrive on preaching, because it is so much more of a conversation than most people think.  There is NO sermon in which I don't LEARN, from the spoken and visual responses that occur in the moment.  Those responses bring the Word to the speaker at least as clearly as to the hearer.

In fact, all of the community that God has built is a blessing to all of us.  And the more you look around, the more blessed you feel.

Thank YOU for being one who reads and discovers.  Blessings on your day.

Finding Parables

Generation after generation, rabbi after rabbi, the stories taken from life illustrated God's message for people who trusted only the spoken word. Vivid images, poetry, insights that changed and focused lives, and created traditions.

No other of the rabbis ever approached the skill of one, the Master teller of parables. From the mustard seed to the mountain that could move, Jesus evoked images that stuck in the mind, more shaping than a simple listing of facts.

I'll find some new parables, some parables from the saints and solitary folk of the Christian tradition, and some that you will suggest, from time to time.

One Sunday morning, in the polite moments as folks leave church, a man thanked me for a very specific statement. I hadn't said it. I asked my wife. Nope, you didn't. Well, he needed to hear it and the Spirit shaped the moment. It happens. It's a blessing. Let's share more than we thought we already knew!

I'll always BCurious........

Thanks, Bryan