How Big is Your Package?

Three massive boxes arrived at the office recently. Our office manager excitedly opened her shipment of umbrellas from Target. How many do you think could be shipped in boxes of such magnitude? If you guessed THREE you were right. Who is the genius at Target who fills an order of three umbrellas in three separate and giant boxes?

Alas, from this some lessons in public speaking/preaching are gained.

The package (PowerPoint, dancing bear, unicycle act) can’t overpower the content.

1. Study the contents, then choose the most efficient and effective method of delivery. Any old method won’t do.

Brian McLaren & Ramadan

Brian McLaren – speaker, pastor, postmodern/emergent guru has announced that he will be participating in the Muslim rituals of Ramadan. Check it out here. Below is the letter I would write to him.

Dear Brian,

Thank you for your service. Please turn in your keys now. We will mail your last check.

Sincerely,

JB

Alvin Beadles – Update #16

At Dad’s first post-hospitalization appointment the surgeon said, “You are my miracle man.” This, from a doctor deep into his career and not inclined to such descriptions.

Has Dad’s recovery been miraculous? I don’t know. At minimum it’s defied statistics.

Doing excessive mental calisthenics solely on this issue won’t take me where I ultimately need to go. Focusing exclusively on miracle speak is like watching a chicken dance the cha-cha: You leave impressed, but essentially unchanged.

I ultimately need to go to the place where I’m both impressed and changed. This seems to necessitate my asking questions like:

• How can I get a clearer understanding of Jesus as he superintends Dad’s recovery?
• What must be focused upon for me to increasingly submit to, and honor Jesus instead of merely being impressed by his preserving of Dad’s life?
• How might I be increasingly humbled by the grace that’s lavished upon me?

After getting out of bed, showering and shaving – Dad is ready for a nap. His legs are still pretty swollen and parts of his right hand remain temporarily paralyzed. He hurts less but still lots.

In spite of this, he and Mom are enroute to Kerrville, TX (500 miles away) for an Auctioneers Convention this weekend. As only Dad can say, “I can hurt and be tired at work, or I can hurt and be tired at home… …might as well go to work.” Yes, they are crazy. But it’s a good crazy.

Alvin Beadles – Update #15

Ladies and Gentlemen, Alvin Beadles has left the building. He has been released from the hospital.

I invite you now to track back through the blogs updating Dad’s story. My thankfulness for Dad’s recovery is equalled only by my appreciation for the mercy Jesus showed our family in the midst of it all.

Thank you for walking this path with us.

Alvin Beadles – Update #14

Talk of Dad’s being released has begun in earnest. It’s hard to imagine given how sick he was only days ago; but we’ll trust them now as we trusted them then.

May the Lord be pleased to continue the clearing of Dad’s post surgical fog and preserve him from any permanent deficits. May the Lord give mom and him the wisdom and patience necessary to navigate this approaching transition.