10) Repetitive Reading.
I am really enjoying my repeated reading of James. Simply reading the same book of the Bible over and over and over again yields so much understanding! Interpretation is far more accurate when the entire context is in mind through repeated exposure. All of our ABFs begin James this Sunday. I plan on giving one sermon through the whole book as a kick-off to the ABFs this Sunday.
9) Gospel Opportunities.
I heard from 5 or 6 people this weekend that they have had good opportunities to share the gospel with friends, family, baristas, mechanics and neighbors.
8) Biking.
We have not ridden bikes in… I don’t know how long. It has been years. We bought new bikes on Saturday. We rode them 26 miles on Monday. Met friends in Chicago and rode the Lake Shore Pathway from the north side all through downtown past the pier, the museums and Soldier Field.
7) Singing Pirates.
The unbelievably hokey, incredibly goofy singing pirates show at Navy Pier where we stopped for lunch.
6) Family Discussion.
I asked the family to read this article (Cumulative Daily Decisions, Courage in a Cause, and a Life of Endurance, by Randy Alcorn) and we discussed it at dinner. Great insights into developing Christian character. You can get a PDF of the entire book at the desiringgod website.
5) Praying with Leaders.
All of our Adult Bible Fellowship leaders have been meeting for training. This weekend we dedicated time to prayer for the ABF ministry. Prayer with those who are really doing the work of the Lord together, shoulder to shoulder, are always the most excellent prayer times.
4) Reading Carly’s Blog.
3) Party at Culvers.
I mentioned in our Sunday services that we should all go to Culvers after church Sunday night. We did. There were literally no seats left in the entire restaurant. It was noisy. The flavor was cookie dough craving. I walked around talking and laughing with middle school guys, elderly widows and everyone in-between. Loved it.
2) We Need Each Other.
Sunday’s sermon consisted of four reasons, from Ephesians 4, why we need each other. I enjoyed talking with so many RBC members who are already fully invested in these truths. I loved chatting with some for whom this teaching is really motivating more consistent commitment.
1) The Goldfish Sneeze.
In between services I wandered in to the four year old classroom. It was promotion Sunday and I heard the four year old class was very, very full. I sat at the little table with the kids. The little girl next to me got a mouth full of goldfish crackers, turned toward me, blinked her big brown eyes, and let out an enormous sneeze. Gotta send that suit to the cleaners.