Last night, our church welcomed Sandy. She kicked off our discussion by asking some questions about how church works (or doesn't work). She had picked up a copy of Frank Viola's book Pagan Christianity? and it got her thinking, which is something that books ought to do. I think God used Sandy's questions to get us going. Thank you, Sandy.

If you are not familiar with the book, I wrote a review on it: http://www.jacksbuzz.com/Jacks_Buzz/Blog/Entries/2008/12/20_Pagan_Christianity.html

The author's believes that much of what we know of church in the USA comes not from the Bible or early church practices but from the adoptions of Roman and Greek pagan practices (Pagans worship nature, by the way). He thinks that the current lack of growth in churches stems from wrongheaded practices. Why do we have buildings dedicated to meetings and Christian education when the first Christians decided to meet in homes? Why do we sit in rows like a classroom when the first Christians met in living rooms? Why do we have a clergy class when the first Christians shunned special titles and privileges? There are a lot of whys in Viola's book along with a rather angry tone. He has some good points, and some I cannot condone. All in all, you really should read it if only because he found sources you're not likely to see elsewhere.

You can make up your own mind about his hypotheses once you read his evidence. You will, I think, be glad Mr. Viola and his predecessors wrote some things down.

Your Great Thoughts

On another matter, one we were unable to get into last night - time is always so short - how will you gather your great thoughts this year? Jesus had an infallible mind that retained everything. You and I do not. Perhaps we should write things down. I've been writing things down on purpose for about 30 years. The practice got me up out of poverty, and through college, business success, graduate school, church leadership, tenured professorship, and right here with you. Many of my journals are long since lost, and I regret that. Others I have sacked safely away - hidden treasures for my children to read when I am gone.

Today, I received a treasure from a great champion of journal keeping, Jim Rohn. I wish I'd read this three decades ago. I might have been more disciplined about writing, and I surely would have kept more of my thoughts from which my fabulous children (and maybe grandchildren) could laugh, cry, and learn.

Here's a cheer to your 2010.
... and 100,000 blessings,
Jack

Keeping a Journal—One of the Three Treasures to Leave Behind by Jim Rohn
If you’re serious about becoming a wealthy, powerful, sophisticated, healthy, influential, cultured and unique individual, keep a journal. Don’t trust your memory. When you listen to something valuable, write it down. When you come across something important, write it down.

I used to take notes on pieces of paper and torn-off corners and backs of old envelopes. I wrote ideas on restaurant placemats. On long sheets, narrow sheets and little sheets and pieces of paper thrown in a drawer. Then I found out that the best way to organize those ideas is to keep a journal. I’ve been keeping these journals since the age of 25. The discipline makes up a valuable part of my learning, and the journals are a valuable part of my library.

I am a buyer of blank books. Kids find it interesting that I would buy a blank book. They say, “Twenty-six dollars for a blank book! Why would you pay that?” The reason I pay 26 dollars is to challenge myself to find something worth 26 dollars to put in there. All my journals are private, but if you ever got a hold of one of them, you wouldn’t have to look very far to discover it is worth more than 26 dollars.

I must admit, if you got a glimpse of my journals, you’d have to say that I am a serious student. I’m not just committed to my craft; I’m committed to life, committed to learning new concepts and skills. I want to see what I can do with seed, soil, sunshine and rain to turn them into the building blocks of a productive life.

Keeping a journal is so important. I call it one of the three treasures to leave behind for the next generation. In fact, future generations will find these three treasures far more valuable than your furniture.

The first treasure is your pictures. Take a lot of pictures. Don’t be lazy in capturing the event. How long does it take to capture the event? A fraction of a second. How long does it take to miss the event? A fraction of a second. So don’t miss the pictures. When you’re gone, they’ll keep the memories alive.

The second treasure is your library. This is the library that taught you, that instructed you, that helped you defend your ideals. It helped you develop a philosophy. It helped you become wealthy, powerful, healthy, sophisticated and unique. It may have helped you conquer some disease. It may have helped you conquer poverty. It may have caused you to walk away from the ghetto. Your library—the books that instructed you, fed your mind and fed your soul—is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.

The third treasure is your journals: the ideas that you picked up, the information that you meticulously gathered. But of the three, journal writing is one of the greatest indications that you’re a serious student. Taking pictures, that is pretty easy. Buying a book at a bookstore, that’s pretty easy. It is a little more challenging to be a student of your own life, your own future, your own destiny. Take the time to keep notes and to keep a journal. You’ll be so glad you did. What a treasure to leave behind when you go. What a treasure to enjoy today!