Didn't See It Coming!

At the end of July, I received an advance copy of Didn't See It Coming by Carey Niewhouf.  It took a little longer than I planned to read the whole book and a lot longer than I was hoping to write this review.  A couple of things came up this summer that I didn't see coming.

The book is written from a Christian perspective and would be helpful for those in or considering ministry.  At the same time, the seven challenges are hurdles every leader will face in life.  I appreciate Carey's statement on page four.

I've tried to strike a tone in this book that works for those who are skeptical of Christianity and for those who passionately follow Jesus.  As a result, this book may end up not feeling Christian enough for those who are Christians and too Christian for those who aren't.  If that's the case, I may have hit the mark.

Didn't See It Coming has proven to be so very helpful to me considering some of my current circumstances.  The seven challenges are cynicism, compromise, disconnection, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness.

Two things that make this book very helpful:

1. Carey's openness in talking about struggles he, and probably everyone, has faced,
2. The eternal foundational hope that comes from Jesus Christ.  In the chapter on pride entitled "Habits of the Humble," Carey shares some ways to never lose your gratitude.  One of these is "Fall more in love with the Giver than you ever do with his gifts."

My copy is filled with highlights and many of them are not just because of good information.  They are statements or stories that God used in my heart and life.  This will definitely be a book I reread and recommend.

A Different Kind of Birthday

Monday was a different kind of birthday.

On my (David) 48th birthday which fell on Labor Day, it was challenging to not be preoccupied with the fact that I need to find a job.

During my last several weeks of teaching the Genesis class, we looked at some misused verses of the Bible.

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

AND

1st Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it."

Before beginning the study, I asked the class leadership team about doing a different study.  Part of the reason I asked was that I thought with the possible transition it would have been very difficult for me.  I am glad they said to stick with this study.  In God's sovereignty, he used it in my life.  

The Fighter Verses have also been an encouragement to me.
Krista has been an encouragement to me. 

New Morning Mercies and The Gospel Primer have been great helps.

The past Sunday's sermon from Chapel Pointe was an amazing blessing.  The message was entitled How to Get Out of a Cave from Psalm 57.

With all of these big helps and great reminders, our current circumstances are still hard.
NOT impossible BUT challenging.

In posting pictures of our family at the beach, the museum and other places, I in no way, shape, or form want to create or communicate a fake facebook idea that everything is smiles, beaches, and carousel rides.

I don't really know how to best share moments of late night prayers, challenging parenting moments, and packing stacks of boos that seem like they were just unpacked and organized.  I don't even know if all of these moments need to be shared on social media.

Actually, here is a short video of the river in downtown Rockford where I have gone for some night prayer times.

Two specific verses have reminded me why I want to share the story of how God is working in the Rodgers' family.

1st Timothy 1:15
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the foremost.

AND
1st Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as LORD.  Always be prepared to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do so with gentleness and respect.

About 8 years ago I wrote that this blog “is meant to show what God has been doing in, for and through us.  We do this for the purpose of GLORIFYING GOD and HELPING OTHERS GROW.”  It is my prayer that my Facebook page, this blog and even more importantly my life will glorify God and help others do the same.  

For more updates on our family, click on the other links at drodgersjr.blogspot.com/search/label/personal