The Big Weblog Comeback
August 24th, 2009 by Todd JohnsonI reckon it’s time to get on here again and see if there isn’t something to be saying.
Truth be told, I’ve had absolutely zero motivation and/or inspiration to contribute anything worthwhile on the blog. Not a good excuse or a boast, just the deal. Time has been a factor, so has priority. I’m seeing light at the end of the time tunnel though, and all of my major priorities seem to be in order, so here I am.
Here’s a thought.. how about a new book to read together. Right now I’m reading THE PRODIGAL GOD by Timothy Keller. Anyone want to read this one with me and air our big theological thoughts here in public for all to see? It’s a little book with a powerful and timely message. OR … in the spirit of the current Sunday morning series on The Church, we could read WHY WE LOVE THE CHURCH by Kevin DeYoung. I haven’t read this one yet but it’s sitting on my desk and I’m looking at it right now. It could turn into a great discussion on why we all love the church so much.
So.. what say you? Do you have a preference? Are you in? Are you still there after this summer break? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller…?
I’m down for some book clubbing.
I’d like in on this exciting action. What book shall it be? You call it Todd. Let me know and I’ll order it and get to reading an bloggin!
I’m in.
Both sound great, but Kevin DeYoung’s book especially. That subject has really been on my mind lately. It sounds like it
could be a great thing to dive into especially after our current series in Acts 2.
I’m in.
Read the DeYoung overview and review on Amazon – looks awsome!
In.
Welcome back.
Glad you are back — I miss your synopsis of the week’s message– A book sounds good too. Leaning toward the Prodigal God after reading the reviews of both.
I am up for starting it – can’t promise a finish though (18 very academic units this semester-ugh!). But I would love to attempt being in a good book and doing the blog world. It is this kind of thing that makes being inundated by the “world” at school that helps me stay focused and connected to the body… and I need that!!!
I’m in; my vote is for WHY WE LOVE THE CHURCH by Kevin DeYoung
Hey all!! Looks like plenty of interest in sharing a good book together. I’ll give it a little more thought. Feel free to invite anyone that you might think would be interested in joining in on the action.
I’m thinking PRODIGAL GOD by Keller would be good because it is a simple commitment, and if all goes well.. a greater commitment could follow sometime soon.
Like I said, I’ll give it a little more thought and I will certainly listen to the opinions of those here.
Yeah, sounds good. I’ll play.
Ha, you said “….joining in the ACTION.” Nice.
If we’re still voting, mine is for Prodigal God. I don’t know anything about that book, and the title is ALMOST a bit too sloppy for me, but I’m sure the author qualifies it nicely thru the course of the book. My reasoning behind casting my vote this way is, secondarily- we’ll be slightly past the preface when the current “Church Series” on Sunday mornings concludes (though this reasoning is easily rendered ineffective by raising the point that to continue in a subject that is acutely focused on for a month of Sunday mornings further impresses and solidifies the points made on those Sunday mornings, thus making the the possibility of such a practice a desirable endeavor, and certainly worth a “vote” within the realm of the ToddBlog). Primarily- PonyBoy voted for the “Church Book”, so did TomS, and so I kinda felt bad for the “Prodigal Book”.
Either way, we’ll be blessed.
Hi, all to you too..
After reading reviews of both books, I am going with The Prodigal God. What I feel the book is about is, “A little of man’s insight of GODS GRACE.”
Blessings…
ps. I liked the reviews so much, I ordered the book for myself, and family.
Nevermind post #13, I take it back. Let’s read “Why I Love The Church”.
Jk TW, jk.
Although, maybe the timeliness of the Church series being followed by the Church book is a God-send, with anytime later being a good time for a more over-arching subject like the grace of God. New day, new thoughts… I am done now.
I’m in. I have miss the Book Club, big-time. Such a good way to force us to get deeper than our latest facebook status.
Both books are excellent choices; My daughters just returned from L’Abri and were assigned “The Prodigal God” to read while there. Claire loved it. I lean toward the deYoung book, just because I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it, and it seems like a good choice to build us up together.
I dibs hosting the potluck.
Ahem, “missed” the book-club.
Sorry Todd, but now I think I’m going back to Prod. God.
Dibs on GOING to the potluck.
You see what happens when you leave for a month- we all go nutty.
Book Club! Book Club! I vote for Keller.
Hello Crabby — have missed you!!
Well, I just committed myself to prodigal God via amazon used$9.95 and expedited mail $6.99. I hope Todd picks this one or I’ll be reading two books.
I want a book to eat. I vote Keller. “The Reason for God” book we read had good discussions on the forums. I like good discussions rather then “yes thats true!… yes thats true!” discourse. Cant wait to love each other as iron sharpens iron again. Love you all
Just stopped by cuz I had a moment and here you are starting up the Book Club without me! Hello! Was somebody gonna tell me? Mike? Michele? Levi? TW? Golly gee wiz!
Todd – Go ahead, make my day!
OK – from what I’ve gathered here .. either book would be a good option, but Scott’s already made a commitment to Keller, and Mike doesn’t want a “Yes, that’s true” book (which I don’t think you’ll get from DeYoung, but I understand the sentiment.
Let’s go with “The Prodigal God” by Keller, which I’ll be glad to order up for those that would like to buy a copy at the Commons @ Crossroads (for about the same price you could get it on Amazon & without shipping). I’ll try to get the books in the store by early next week.. if you are going to purchase the book online then do so soon.
We will begin the book the week of September 6, following Labor Day. I’ll firm up the details and post them next week.
Plenty of room for all that are interested.. join in anytime. This book is a VERY simple and FAST read, but I guarantee that it will be well-worth your effort & time.
Sounds great — can you post when the books come in?
Last night was a word to my heart in light of the many who are in such need and ill. Thanks for sharing God’s heart from your heart. I know He was pleased.
Hey!!! You’re back! I am in. Prodigal God…sounds a lot like a chapter in Ogilvie’s book, “Autobiography of God” 1979 and MacArthur’s recent book “A Tale of Two Sons” 2008.
Let us know when it is in and I’ll make sure that me and Mrs. Crabby make a special trip up to visit.
I should have said, “Mrs. Crabby and I.”
Perry, we weren’t keeping it from you–we just thought you were all busy being marrified.
Looks like the Jedi-bookclubbers are out, and some freshmen, I’m excited!
Michele – I’m never too busy to book club with all you wonderful people! Millie is in too! We are excited!!! Feels like a class reunion!
Perry… a little late, but….. welcome to you and your lovely new bride. You are always so up to date on things, didn’t even think to email you… blew it
but, I know you will forgive me.. 
see you as pass by and give you a wave ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Blessings..
Love those waves TW!
Jedi bookclubbers we are! Vader, Mr. Crabby wants to be. He’ll be the darth of me yet…
Looking for an excuse to visit Crossroads, I am. And have Mr. Crabby in tow, I will!
Hi B’s Gramma! Miss you, too!
P.S. I’ll bring salad (and Mr. Crabby) to the potluck at Michele’s. Hey, T. Chavez Action – what do you like in your salad?
Mrs. C- If you only knew! TJ has mocked me (playfully, of course) for the past ten years that about all I eat is salad. For you to be so kind as to ask about my salad preferences makes me (literally) “lol”. To answer, whatever you come up with will be wonderful to me. Thank you.
TJ- See what I’m all talking about! You leave for a month and WE ALL GO NUTTY! 34 posts, plus 7 from the Sound Of Music post = 41 POSTS in a week- without this being about depression or Obama or anything controversial?! YES!!
I bought The Prodigal God, but after the quote on Sunday and reading about his previous books, I really hope that next club we can do the (or a) DeYoung book.
Magnolias, (or would it be” Magnoli”?) so glad you’re doing the club. Don’t break me old heart and miss the PL.
I’m excited about the new, intriguing members. Can’t wait to get to know them through their comments. So good to see the profusion of TW’s smiley faces again. Can’t help but be cheered by their number.
I have my dorky reading glasses polished and revved….
Michele – Go Speed Racer! Go!
“He’s goin’ down the track
Like he’s never comin’ back!”
I’m new to the book club, but looking forward to it
Hey LMD – welcome aboard! We’re looking forward to your participation!
Perry I didn’t tell you about the book club because I wanted to keep it a secret from you.
Someone told me Levi has a blog-does someone have a link? I couldn’t find it.
Prodigal God sounds good, gonna go look it up. Why I love the Church, well not always an easy one for me, my book would be more like “Why I Fear the Church”. but glad to have found Crossroads. D
New post coming soon. I’ve been in Tahoe camping with my son and his class.. good times!
For those waiting to purchase the book .. they’re in now and available at The Commons at Crossroads.
Next week the instructions for the beginning of our reading will be posted. The following week we will begin the discussion.
This is a book that we are reading as a staff right now and the message of this book is one EVERY Christian needs. I’m anticipating a great discussion here!!
So for now… GET THE BOOK and await further instructions.
Sounds like Pentecost is on the way…(Luke 24:29)
Todd – it was great to meet you finally!
I purchased that last book and…have read it. Now it is Mrs. Crabby’s turn. R.C. Sproul has a book I picked up awhile ago titled, “Loved by God” that I had started reading last week. I am amazed at God’s support of themes He is reminding and building into my life.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Mike – I knew it! It’s a conspiracy! You’re all out to get me!
I am glad that you are reading “The Prodigal God”. I finished it this morning and I do believe we all need it more than “Why I love the Chruch” (Although I don’t know the basis for that book) Saying that, I do love the church, but so many have pulled away and I think that “The Prodigal God” shows the way back in. Some are sitting in the church but really distant in heart and understanding. The book reaches new depths of God’s message for all. Excited to hear what other are touched by in it.
Had to order book from amazon…the cafe keeps selling out….looking forward to reading with everyone….my first time to join in with the group…