A Big Milestone for Me: My First Book

Now that it is actually in publication, I am pleased to announce that my first book is available for purchase. It is part of the brand new Flex curriculum published by 21st Century Christian.

Many churches consider curriculum, but for decades, curriculum has been on a set rotation of subjects that are only available at specified times. They have now produced a set of a la carte curriculum that is simply available to you whenever you want it. They have 2 options so far, with 2 more coming in August, and they will continue to add to the options in the upcoming months.

The advantage of this is that they are keeping the costs down, so as opposed to buying everyone a $16 book for your Bible class, you can get everyone one of these at $3.75 each.

My book is called The Story of God's People, and it is a very panoramic look at all of Biblical history from pre-creation up to what Scripture teaches about the end of time.

This comes from a class I taught at Old Hickory. I made a series of sophisticated handouts--if I may toot my own horn, which I pitched to 21st Century Christian. They told me that with a little reworking of the format, they wanted to publish them. I sincerely hope that this book will be a blessing to people; especially to those who want to understand more about how the Bible fits together.

I would be flattered to have you take a look at it. It is available here.

Dick Cheney Has No Pulse

No, seriously. Some kind of new heart technology. Dick Cheney actually doesn't have a pulse any more. That is bound to be some good fodder for the late night comedians.

Friday Smiles: Pet Food

Friday Smiles: High Five

Sometimes Failure Isn't Necessarily Bad For You

I found an interesting article at the Chicago Tribune about the inability of the younger generations of today to accept criticism or disappointment. Where parents have desired to surround them with completely positive support to help build their self-esteem, there is apparently some sort of balancing point there, also. We need to learn how to handle disappointments and setback, because they are very much a part of life. I'm not an advocate of some of the harsh methods that some people use with their children, where they feel unable to measure up to their parents standards. But on the other hand, we're not doing kids any favors if we let them think that all of their wildest dreams will come true, and that they should expect the world just to give them whatever they want when they want it. My failures have become some of the more valuable experiences I've had in life, and though I wouldn't wish disaster on anyone, I also wouldn't with for them a life completely devoid of disappointment.

By their estimation, today's young people have been praised so much that some flail at their first taste of criticism or failure. Others develop a keen sense of privilege, believing they'll coast into a golden future regardless of their actual talents, accomplishments or willingness to work.

I would encourage you to take a read. I found this article very insightful.