Lessons I’m Learning at 37

July 26, 2011 Leave a comment

I haven’t been active on my blog for several months, and wanted to take this opportunity to start things up again. I hope you will check back often as I post new material.

Life is a journey, and it never stops. In the words of the great philosopher Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” As I pause today for my 37th birthday, here are some things I’m learning about life:

1. Make friends where you can find them. There have been times when I’ve been hesitant to invest in a friendship because I didn’t have much in common with the person. But many of those people have turned out to be great friends who have been a real encouragement.

2. Let go of unrealistic expectations. Sometimes the idealistic dreams of our youth can set us up for disappointments later on. You can find real freedom when you let go of an idea, dream, job, or relationship that will probably never happen.

3. Trust God. At some point in my journey of faith I began to set aside my need to have every question about God resolved. We can’t fully understand God and how He works, and that’s OK. It’s incredibly refreshing to let go and step out with childlike faith and see the amazing things that happen.

4. Treasure the small things in life. The best moment of yesterday was when my 7-year old son made chocolate milk and brought it to me outside. It was a real gesture of love. Don’t miss the great little moments in life. Read more of this post

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Review of “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews

January 3, 2011 1 Comment

I received The Noticer through Thomas Nelson’s “BookSneeze” book review program for bloggers.  The title refers to an old man named Jones who interacts with the people of a small coastal town. He mysteriously appears at critical times in their lives to “notice” them and offer much-needed perspective on their difficult situations. Although The Noticer is a work of fiction, it’s really a parable designed to help the reader look for the broader, more hopeful perspective in their lives (and the lives of those around them). At 150 pages, it’s a quick, easy read that reminds us of the need to step back from difficult situations and see things from a different point of view.

It’s easy to dismiss these kinds of inspirational books as light and superficial, and to an extent that’s a valid criticism.  This is not great literature, and some of the dialogue and situations lean toward the corny side.  That being said, it’s important to remember that the point of a book like this is not the storytelling, it’s the message behind the story.  It’s really an extended parable.  The Noticer is an enjoyable read with several good points of application to help you “notice” the people around you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze, a book review bloggers program from Thomas Nelson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Boasting in the Lord

November 7, 2010 Leave a comment

You can tell a person’s priorities by how they spend three things: their money, their time, and their words. The first two are not always evident if you don’t know someone well, but you can gauge what is important to someone pretty quickly through casual conversation. There are really only a few things that dominate a person’s life. Life is complicated, and we all have various commitments and responsibilities, but only a handful of things are truly important to each person. Through our words, we reveal what’s important to us. It’s impossible not to.

What sorts of things tend to come up in my conversations? There are only a few major things: my family, guitars and music, my work at SLCC, what books I’m reading, and what movies I’ve seen. Others may have different lists that include their cars or houses, how much money they make, who they’re dating, their titles or position, or other things (and people) that make them feel secure and important.

These are the areas where take pride, or “boast.” It’s where we find our identity.  In the academic world, it’s not uncommon for professors to take great pride in their degrees, publications and awards. Likewise, students get much of their identity through grades.

I was struck recently by how different all of this is from the words of Jeremiah:

Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” (Jer. 9.23-24)

I hear all kinds of conversations that center around sports, music, culture, grades, accomplishments, family, health, and a thousand other things. But I can’t recall many conversations when someone “boasted” about understanding and knowing the Lord more intimately; where it was evident this was the driving priority of his or her life.

As we come out of a week where the headlines have been dominated by the loss and gain of political power, and as we will soon enter into the time of year when we are obsessed with giving and receiving material gifts, may we take to heart Paul’s words from 1 Cor. 1.31: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Worship leader Paul Baloche has done a great job of capturing this thought in the song “I Will Boast.” Check it out on iTunes.

 

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A Fascinating Talk on Book Publishing by Seth Godin

July 28, 2010 Leave a comment

One of my favorite writers is the marketing guru Seth Godin. I read his book Tribes last year and it was great. He also updates his blog daily and it is nearly always thought-provoking and interesting. Although he focuses on topics related to business and marketing, his ideas have wide-ranging impact for all kinds of leaders, thinkers, writers, teachers and just about everyone else.

He recently gave a talk to the Independent Book Publishers, and has made an mp3 of the talk available at his blog. You can find a link to the mp3 via this blog post. Anyone who reads books, uses technology (especially an e-reader or iPad), or is involved in leadership, education or ministry at any level will find something interesting here. At least I did. Check it out.

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Reflections on My 36th Birthday

July 26, 2010 3 Comments

Today I turn 36 years old. To some reading this, I am still a young pup. To others, I’m an old geezer. But to me, I’m just where I’m supposed to be. I’m sort of a reflective person, so I wanted to share a few thoughts that best express where I am in my journey through life. These are in no certain order.

I am more aware of mortality. Not just mine, but of my parents’, friends, relatives and many others. The fact that we will all die eventually isn’t just a concept; it’s a concrete reality. It is hard to see people you love getting older, and sometimes getting sick.

I miss my childhood more. Lately I have been thinking about my childhood home a lot more, and watching home movies. I am very thankful for where and how I grew up, and I’m sad that I will never be able to return there. Sometimes when I go to bed I close my eyes and mentally walk through our old house, our yard and the woods I enjoyed as a kid.

I am less impressed with titles and positions. One of my most influential profs in college was a man we all called by his first name, and I have adopted that practice (at least with students who are comfortable with it). I feel that your influence comes from loving and helping people, and being a good teacher, not from some title or position you hold. At the same time, being a “Professor” does come in handy sometimes. :)

I am more convinced that attitude and character are what matter most. Students are usually concerned with getting good grades, but what matters more in ministry and life is having integrity, a good attitude and a servant’s heart. I am thankful that at our school we have some built-in ways to emphasize these qualities as well as academics.

I have fewer convictions, but the ones I do have are more firm. I still have opinions about lots of things, but getting older (and hopefully a little wiser) has helped me sort the essential from the non-essential issues. Part of being a mature person is knowing what issues you will die for, and which you can let go.

I am more family-oriented. Back in my 20′s I was a real workaholic and wanted to please everyone. These days, my greatest joy is being at home with my family. (If we can all be together at Steak-n-Shake, so much the better!) Read more of this post

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What If You Don’t Like the Music at Church?

May 17, 2010 Leave a comment

Here is how I look at music in church: churches are like restaurants, and worship music is like the food they serve. No matter what kind of food your restaurant serves, there will always be someone who doesn’t like it. The problem is that you have to choose something–you can’t satisfy every taste (unless you offer multiple services with different styles).

What happens if you’re a mature Christian who loves your church and wants to support your pastor, but you dislike the music?  I have a good friend who hates Chinese food, and I know that if we went to a Chinese place for lunch, he would not enjoy it. What do you do when you’re the person who doesn’t like Chinese food? Here are a few questions for those who want to support their church and would like to deal with this issue in a positive, godly way. (These would apply in a range of situations, whether your church uses a traditional hymn-based style or more modern music.) Read more of this post

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I Am…

May 12, 2010 Leave a comment

I am a Conservative because we should use wisdom and caution in these turbulent times.

I am a Liberal because I believe in grace that is liberally given, and liberally received.

I am a Traditionalist because there are some traditions worth keeping.

I am a Progressive because the advance of the Gospel demands that we change for the sake of progress.

I am a Republican because I value the freedom that a republic offers–the right to vote for our leaders.

I am a Democrat because I enjoy the rights and privileges of living in a democracy.

I am a Catholic because there is only one holy, Catholic church.

I am a Protestant because some things should be protested against.

I am an Evangelical because we should evangelize the nations.

I am an Orthodox because we should believe what is right and true.

I am a Baptist because those who follow Jesus should be baptized.

I am a Methodist because we should find good methods and use them.

I am a Presbyterian because a church should be led by elders.

I am Rich because God has blessed me far more than I deserve.

I am Poor because without Christ, I am nothing.

I am a Leader because I influence others.

I am a Follower because others influence me.

I am a Husband, Father, Brother, Son, and Uncle to my family. I am a Friend to many.

I am all of these and more. But most of all, far above all, I am a Disciple of Jesus.

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The Simplest Prayer

April 12, 2010 3 Comments

You can learn a lot about faith from a child. That has certainly been the case the last few years as Ben (who turned 6 yesterday) has learned more about God and has learned to express his faith more and more. His simple faith has challenged me to simply love and trust God.

Each night at bedtime we read the Bible and pray together. In our prayer time, Melanie or I usually begin, then Ben finishes. Most of the time he closes his prayer this way: “Jesus, I will love you and I will serve you, and do whatever you say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

That pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18.1-4)

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Great Songs: "Beautiful Day" by U2

March 28, 2010 Leave a comment

This is another of my favorites – just a wonderful song by one of the greatest bands ever to grace popular music. “Beautiful Day” was released on U2′s 2000 album “All That You Can’t Leave Behind.” Hard to believe it’s ten years old.

What makes this song great? For me, it’s a positive, uplifting anthem to the beauty of the world we live in. We hear so many depressing stories about the state of the world today that it’s refreshing to hear about good things all around us! All we have to do is open our eyes to see the beauty and diversity of planet Earth and the people who live here. In addition, the song has a lot of energy and a simple but great guitar riff.

Life is what we make of it. We have the choice to make each day good or bad. Will you go through this day or week and see it as beautiful, or will you see it as terrible? We can’t control what happens to us or around us, but we can control what happens within us.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (Genesis 1.31)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4.8)

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Letter #5: To My Mom

February 7, 2010 1 Comment

For the last several months I’ve been reflecting on the fact that I turned 35 this year.  It seems like a “halfway point” of sorts, and I’ve decided to spend the next year thanking 100 people who have made a real difference in my life.  I also plan to post each letter on my internet blog (www.sacredstones.net) because I want to publicly share how each person has influenced my life.  You might even call this a “reverse eulogy”—why wait until someone’s gone to tell them what they mean to you?

The order of the letters is not necessarily important.  At times I may skip between family, friends, teachers, pastors and others who will receive letters.  The important thing is that you’ve made a big difference in my life.

This is letter #5.

December 29, 2009

Dear Mom,

I’ve had this project in mind since the summer, but from the beginning decided that I’d wait until your birthday to send your letter. So happy birthday!

This may be my hardest letter to write.  After all, who impacts a person’s life more than their mother?  And how can someone like me, who has been blessed with a wonderful Mom, even attempt to put into words how much she means?  It can’t be done.  So instead of trying to say everything, I thought I would say a few of the most important things.  Specifically, here are a few of the most important things you have taught me in life:

1. Care about God.  The most important way you influenced Donnie and I was taking us to church as kids.  That one single thing, week in and week out, has totally changed the course of our lives. I know it wasn’t always easy to get us to church, and I recall a few times when I stayed home to watch Sunday morning wrestling on TV (I don’t recall why wrestling seemed to appealing to me then).  More than anyone else, you are the reason why I am able to teach at a Christian school today, doing what I love.  And if God has used me to help anyone draw closer to Him, in the end it’s first and foremost because you took Donnie and I to church.

2. Care about people.  I could write a book about all of the ways you have helped your own siblings (and Grandma, until she passed away) over the years. Somehow you have single-handedly been the tie that binds your whole family together. And that’s not to mention all the other people and organizations you have served.  I don’t think you realize all the lives you have touched and influenced.

3. Have a good attitude.  I can’t think of anyone I know who has a more positive attitude in life.  You always have a smile or a good word to say about someone.  You have been through hard times in life, both as a child and an adult, and your positive attitude has been a wonderful example to so many people, including me.  I don’t ever recall you telling me to have a good attitude; rather, you taught me this through example.

4. Do your best.  You have inspired me to do my best in everything because that’s the example you have always set.  You always put a little extra effort into everything.  I even noticed this on Sunday when I was opening my Christmas gift that had been wrapped “just so.”  It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be my best.

Without a doubt, the book I loved most as a kid was “Pierre” by Maurice Sendak.  Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Ben now loves the same book.  The moral of the book is “CARE,” and I can’t think of a better description for your life and what I’ve learned from you.

Happy birthday, Mom.  I will always consider it an honor to be known as “Mary’s son.”

Love,

Kent

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