Destroying Passivity

I'm the typical guy. I love to channel flip. If I don't have to sit through seven minutes of commercials, I'd rather not. That being said, why is it that on any given evening, guys can and will do absolutely nothing but channel flip? Nothing interests us. We're bored. We're lazy. And we're prone to passivity. 

I have read articles by researchers who have hooked monitors up to guys while they watched television. You know what they found? Not a lot of brain activity. In fact, about as much as someone trapped in a coma. So when asked what we did last night, it makes sense a lot of sense to say we vegged. 

So how do we kick the habit? Stirring up a little enthusiasm to get out and do, sometimes lasts about as long as the thought. But lately I have been viewing my own tendency toward passivity as a trouble light, an indicator that I am spiritually hungry. Instead of reaching for the remote, I have determined to reach for my bible or a christian book. And it has worked.

The takeaway I offer from this post is a list of five books that have challenged me over the last couple of years to pursue real life and true godliness. And I suspect that they will challenge you as well.

Not in any particular order:

1. Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge
2. The Search For Significance, by Robert S. McGee
3. A life God Rewards, by Bruce Wilkinson
4. Our Jealous God, by Bill Gothard
5. Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs, by Bruce Wilkinson

As usual, comments are welcome, and warmly encouraged. Feel free to add to my list of five. What books have influenced your life? Please share them here.

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Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs

It's rare to find a book so full of 'aha' moments that I can't put it down. But Bruce Wilkinson's Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs is such a one. It's 245 pages of insight and biblical truth have fanned into flame the desire to see myself more clearly. From that seeing, has come a decisive commitment to action — to be not only a hearer of the Word, but a consistent doer.

I am now in my second read and just as impacted by the 'aha' moments as I was the first time. It's a book which speaks to where you are in your relationship with God, your spouse and your children. It's for anyone who, like me has asked, "what's missing? Why isn't my Christian life working." And anyone who desires more of the reality of Christ in their lives. I highly recommend it.

A four part video series by author Bruce Wilkinson, is also available here.
The kit includes the book Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs.

A Quote from My Four Year Old

Remember that television show Kids say the Darnedest Things? I do. From serious discussions on the meaning of life to where babies come from, the show was a humorous and candid look at how children view the world around them. 

Just last night my four year old told me she was sad. "Oh?" I asked, hesitating. "Yes, I'm sad daddy, she said. "I wish God would come visit, cause I love Him and want to give Him a hug." 

There are many ruminations of childhood wisdom and innocence that ought to be written down, yet we parents have neglected or forgotten to do this more often than not. So I ask, can you remember what your child/children have said, that caused you to smile in wonder, with that dawning realization that kids really do say the darnedest things?

Blogging Etiquette

Confession: I'm new to blogging. I read a few regularly, comment occasionally. And just recently, I decided to take the plunge. I have joined the blogosphere...adding my voice to the conversation.

To kick start this blog and with the help of good friend and veteran blogger, Jim L. I have begun a list that I will call:

Rules to Blog By

1. Be yourself, not your favorite blogger.
2. Post regularly.
3. Keep your posts short. Sweet. And to the point.
4. Engage your reader.
5. Don't make a point or accusation you can't back up.
6. Poof read.
7. Proof read again.
8. Respond to comments.
9. Give appropriate credit.
10. Ask questions.

So in keeping with these rules, I'd like to ask: What are the rules you blog by?