Jimbo's Jots

So, it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve written anything. It seems when the church secretary goes on vacation and doesn’t need a bulletin article, it becomes a nice reprieve from the writing.

But we’re back at it this week! And here’s where we’re at today. It seems that after having a couple of weeks off from writing that my brain is not catching up as quickly as I would hope to write. So, I pondered about what to share this week. Then I thought since my brain is not quite ready to think and write, I’ll share what I’m reading. Again, not a huge reader, and it takes me a bit of time to get through them all. But here’s what I’m reading:

Bible class preparation – Bible class is about seeing Jesus in the whole story of the Bible, specifically Genesis. So I reached out to several of my scholarly friends and here’s what they recommended and I’m reading.

• The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson – understanding God’s part in the idea of covenant can help you understand the relationship between the two testaments.
• Portraits of Christ in Genesis by M. R. DeHaan – an interesting book that actually was written as a transcription of Dr. DeHaan’s radio program. He states that it seems a bit overwhelming considering all that he had to research to prepare for this content. I’m so glad he did.

Just for “fun” – most of these were recommended to me along the way:

• How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations as Emotional Systems by Peter L. Steinke – Using his understanding and training with Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, Steinke gives insight and practical application to helping churches, especially leaders, manage anxiety and challenges. This is actually a re-read from several years ago.
• 10 Ways to a Stronger Marriage by Trey & Lea Morgan – Husband and wife ministry team that lead Stronger Marriage workshops across the US. It’s a great practical tool to help couples create a stronger marriage.
• Keeping the Love you Find by Dr. Harville Hendrix – actually reading this with several clients. As this is fairly new, here is what I know. Sometimes we have unresolved conflicts that eventually sabotage our current relationships. Dr. Hendrix helps the reader understand how to have a healthier self and thereby healthier relationships.

Well, that’s where I am. What are you reading? If you’re not as motivated to read as most of the time I am not, you will find something that helps you grow in this area. It’s a goal for me to grow intellectually over the next couple of months as 2022 ends. I hope you’ll join me on the journey and challenge.

Be blessed! Be a blessing along your way!