Some Questions For You To Answer

I am writing from Houston, TX. Had a great couple sessions kicking-off “No Other Gods” at Friendswood Community Church. Tonight we are off to Marquez, TX and then tomorrow morning we are flying to New Orleans for a women’s event a few hours outside of all the beignets and jambalaya. It’s going to be an exciting run.

In the meantime, I have a big favor to ask of anyone who is willing to share her thoughts: I am writing a new book on the classic virtues (godly character traits) in the Bible. I want to come at this from a very here-and-now angle. What I mean by this is: I don’t want to approach things like forgiveness, patience, integrity, etc. from a lofty, textbook approach because we need these things in REAL life, right? I want to really study them for what they are, while also looking at the power that only Jesus can give us to live these guys out.

I am passionate about these character qualities because they have made a huge difference in my life, and yet I feel there is little being said about them collectively right now. So here are my questions for anyone who is gracious enough to share:

1. (This is not an exhaustive list) Out of the following virtues: Forgiveness, kindness, patience, humility, joy, peace, love, integrity, purity, thankfulness, grace, which THREE are the most difficult for you and why?

2. Which TWO would you like to have more of in your life?

3. Out of these eleven, is there a character quality that you’d like to see added to the list?

4. Absolutely ANY other thoughts you have on this subject matter are wholeheartedly welcome. Also, please feel free to pass this blog/questions along to anyone who is willing to share.

Thank you all so much. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

New Ruth Study and CD Finally Here

There is much joy in my heart as I type this header because – at least for a few minutes – I can take a breath. A few women came up to me at the LifeWay Women’s Forum this past weekend and asked what my next study is going to be on. I looked at them with glazed, almost twitching eyes. I wish I could have come up with something profound like, say, a study on Lamentations or the personality traits of Job’s friends, but alas, I am fresh out of ideas at the moment. At least for a few months I would like to enjoy the things I am still – and will continue – learning about the book of Ruth. In fact, one such nugget hit me just the other day and I found myself thinking, “How did I miss that?” I’ll save that thought for my next blog since I don’t seem to be one of those exceptional bloggers who can write about her couch with an audience of 20,000 pining for what she will write next (wish I was better at this).

In addition to the study, I am also exceptionally exited about the CD “Loss, Love & Legacy” that is accompanying “Ruth”. This is something I’ve never done before, but getting to make music about my favorite themes in the book of Ruth was exhilirating, as I have always found music to be. Producer Paul Moak did a remarkable job on this project. And the writers who helped me pen these songs blew me away as usual. I hope this record will be another colorful expression of some of the timeless truths and experiences tucked in the pages of Ruth; a soundtrack for your own journey.

I cannot tell you how grateful I am to each one of you for the support you have shown me. I have loved hearing about your “No Other Gods” gatherings… all the way to the group of 50 year-old women who had a slumber party on their last night. This definitely surpassed anything I ever had in mind. Perhaps there will be similar stories from those who have room for a little “Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy” in their lives – or any Bible study for that matter. Truly God’s word changes lives so just get in there one way or another. Lastly, the “Nog” girls and I have compiled some of our favorite recipes included in the Ruth study so get your cooking utensils out.

Thanks again. Can’t wait to hear about your encounters with Ruth, and more importantly, her God.

New Study and CD COMING SOON!

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve put the last touches on “Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy”, the second installment in The Living Room Series. (A six week Bible study on the book of Ruth). It’s due to release on December 1st, 2009 along with a full length CD inspired by the book of Ruth called “Loss, Love & Legacy”. I’ve had the sheer fun of getting to write songs for this record that speak to the journey we all share. It will be the first time I’ve written a Bible study while also writing and recording a CD that specifically goes along with the study. I will be updating you on a lot more of the details, but for now I just wanted to let you know that this will all be coming in just a couple months.