Notes From Jon

Stumbled upon this quote from Socrates the other day, and it’s something I have to be reminded of often…

He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.

I found out today that Gospel singer/songwriter Dottie Rambo died in a bus accident this weekend.  As a musician, I’m very aware of her impact on the world of Christian and Gospel music in the last four decades… and I suspect, if you look down the list of songs she’s written, you’ll realize her impact as well.

I don’t know why I felt compelled to comment on this, other than that I am grateful for what God was able to do through her, and rejoice at her homecoming – untimely though it was.

Been wondering where my sermons are?  I haven’t posted any, because I haven’t really been PREACHING any.  The last few Sundays, we had special guests and events that prevented me from doing more than a  brief meditation.  It’s a good thing – I needed the break, and they needed a break from hearing me!

On Mothers’ Day
2 Timothy 3:14-15, Exodus 2:1-10
May 11, 2008

Before we begin this morning, I want to read a story for you that I found.  It’s both funny, and it’s a good way for us to start talking about the important role of motherhood.  It is widely found on the internet, and it’s been attributed to Bill Cosby:

The First Parent

Whenever your kids are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God’s omnipotence did not extend to God’s kids. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was:

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Adam replied.

“Don’t eat the forbidden fruit.” God said.

“Forbidden fruit? We got forbidden fruit? Hey, Eve…we got forbidden fruit!” Read the rest of this entry »

Some of you may have noticed the “Now Reading” section of the sidebar already, and might be interested to see that a lot of what I’ve read lately, or am planning to read, is either fiction or has nothing to do with theology or church. There’s a reason for that.

There’s a stack of books in my office – many of you have one, I’m sure – that contains all the books I’ve bought and really feel like I need to read. I have three different stacks, actually, arranged in different inconspicuous places in the office. Some are books I’ve stumbled upon as I’ve browsed bookstores, magazines, or blogs. Many are books that others have recommended to me. I look at these stacks of books with a mixture of eagerness, frustration, and anxiety. Several of them have been sitting there for more than a year.

So, what will happen if I don’t get that book about postmodern theology read? Well, I might not be caught up on postmodern theology. But I don’t think the book is going to bite me. I’ll get around to it one day.

I have two reasons for reading the books that I do. First, my work is so “mind-intensive” that when I get a chance to read, I like to read about something OTHER than what I think about all day long. I recognize that I’m an obsessive person, and I know it’s dangerous for me to allow my life to be consumed by anything – no matter how noble. I’m a pastor, yes. But I’m also a father, a husband, and a reader of good books. I’m sure many of you can identify with this reasoning!

Second, maybe it’s because of my “artsy” side, but I find God tucked in-between the pages of these books… sometimes, I find him there more clearly than I do in “real life!” Anyone who writes a story, who can make it a good story, is obviously putting themselves in to the story, too. You can learn a lot about an author from the kinds of things they put into a book. And I enjoy seeing how other people see God.

I’m a “story-based” kind of person. Any of you who have heard or read one of my sermons can figure that out. I love a good story. And sometimes I even find fodder for preaching and theology.

So, with that said, I encourage you to take a look at the “Now Reading” portion of the sidebar and see what I’m into. I’ve recently posted reviews of The Chosen by Chaim Potok, and The Seduction of Water by Carol Goodman. I’d also love to hear about the kinds of books YOU read, and why…