Out of My Hat

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Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts

Thursday, 25 July 2013

Happy Anniversary!

Posted on 02:14 by Unknown
In the Blogosphere, we say Happy Blogoversary!

It was seven years ago that Out of My Hat made its first post! This is my 857th post.

Over the past seven years I've had my streaks of writing and not writing. I've posted rants of things that drive me crazy and shared things that I hold dear. I've written things that are funny and things that I find interesting. I've told my readers about me and the things that are important to me and written posts just as an exercise in writing.

The most incredible thing that I've found through writing Out of My Hat, is that I've made a great number of friends in the ever growing blogosphere. Sometimes I mourn a little bit over the blogs that have wandered off the virtual highway and disappeared into the great internet wasteland. I rarely search for random blogs to read as I once did, but do find new blogs by reading through the lists of blogs to which my readers subscribe.

There are only a few professional blogs that I read on a regular basis. Most of them are written by bloggers that are just regular people that have taken a little bit of the electronic world and use it for the purpose of making their voice heard.

Out of My Hat has gone from only a few friends as followers, to many readers from many countries and back to a few friends as followers. Although I check to see if anybody is reading, the truth is that I write to write, write to rant and will write as long as I feel like writing rather than write as long as people feel like reading. I've thought about using advertisements on my post but figured that I'd feel like I had to write to get readers rather than just write for fun.

I think it's funny (in the sad sort of way, not the ha-ha sort of way) that I've lost friends over things I've written because we have become a society that hates people that voice differing opinions. I think it's great that I've made friends over things that I've written--not because we agree on everything, but because we enjoy the differences and embrace the dialogue that helps us to grow in our knowledge of one another.

Some times I'm disappointed that the social networking has seemed to cost me more "friends" that it has gained readers, but then again--we all get to choose what we read, who we like, who we don't like and who we want to hate. Whatever!

Today I could have written about any number of world events. I could have written about on political party's latest scandal or about a great injustice taking place in one corner of the world or another. I could have written something uplifting and inspiring or I could have gone on another rant about something that is ticking me off.

But , no...
Today I choose a little shameless self-indulgence.
Happy Blogoversary, Out of My Hat!

John <><


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Posted in Getting started, writing | No comments

Thursday, 6 June 2013

Too Busy to Write

Posted on 14:57 by Unknown
In spite of my desire to write each day, I find that I'm too busy to write here. Of course that doesn't necessarily mean that I'm not writing; just that you're not seeing it.

On the blog list for next week: Dad's Honor Flight, children's camp (both pre-camp and camp stuff), fitness goals (again), and of course any other random thought that comes to mind.

Camp starts tomorrow.

John <><
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Posted in writing | No comments

Sunday, 2 June 2013

June 2

Posted on 06:32 by Unknown
Sunday mornings always provide a few quiet moments to read my favorite blogs and make a check on Facebook. I'm usually able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, review my Sunday School lesson and keep up with my daily Bible reading.

This morning I'm also taking a little time to force myself to to write--even if it's only for a brief moment.

After returning from a vacation in Mexico, I shaved off my beard and mustache. I was going to shave it before we left, but opted to wait since my passport photo (and every other photo for the past decade+) has facial hair and I already seem to get "randomized" more than usual by TSA.

I've been asked why I decided to go clean shaven and have avoided sharing the vanity of the truthful answer. A month ago I had an encounter with an old family friend that I hadn't seen in quite some time. The comment was made about how much white was in my beard.

I've always known that the white was there, and that it did make me look older than I feel. I've thought about shaving it off before but always hesitated because I felt like the beard tended to hide an otherwise fat face. So now the facial hair is gone, the fat face looks back at me from the mirror and I have an added incentive to  get a little exercise and eat a little less to drop some of this weight.

So, along with writing more often, I'm also going to make the time to get a little bit of exercise everyday--a walk, the stairs, the exercise bike, something. I even bought a new pair of walking/running shoes even though it appears that the running part will be somewhat down the road (so to speak).

Have a great Sunday!
I'm off to meet with my church family at Hopedale. You're invited to come and worship with us!

John <><


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Posted in personal stuff, writing | No comments

Saturday, 1 June 2013

June 1

Posted on 07:10 by Unknown
June first seems like as a good a day as any to get back to blogging.
Truthfully, I think about writing often, but usually just don't feel like taking the time to think out a good post. I need to get back to my original intent of this blog and just write to write. It's much easier to write for self and share than to try to write what others might want to read.

Since Out of My Hat began about seven years ago, I've followed a number of blogs that have faded into oblivion. I know how life circumstance, desires and demands change and alter our daily habits. I've never been a regular writer that sticks to a disciplined schedule of time at the keyboard, but I'm not ready to give it up yet, either.

Maybe it's time to be more disciplined about writing. I have to admit that I've tried that from time to time and only stick to it for a short time. I'm not really a very disciplined person.

While I'm not ready to quit blogging, neither am I ready to commit to a daily habit of posting. Over the past few weeks, even my daily reading of the blogs I follow has become irregular. I think I need to re-evaluate some of the many blogs that find their way into my reader. There are a few that I no longer read even when they post; I just skip ahead to the ones that I look forward to reading as often as they might post.

Somehow, I think that the step up to a smart phone has played a part in my blogging less. I am easily able to access and read the blogs I follow by phone, yet I don't really care to write and post via phone. That translates into not using my computer as often as I used to and less time on the computer equals less time for blogging.

I'll apologize in advance if this turns into more of a diary of life events and less of what you are used to seeing here. That may not be much of a change, but it may be enough to push a few readers to move Out of My Hat from their regular blog feed. So be it.

John <><
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Posted in personal stuff, writing | No comments

Monday, 25 March 2013

Note to readers

Posted on 09:38 by Unknown
Sorry to say that I have re-installed the word verification feature on the comment section of this blog. I removed it a while ago because I know that it can be a bit of a pain and I figured that I've been moderating comments since I first started blogging several years ago.

However, I've been getting quite a bit of spam comments. It's odd that they all seem to target a few select posts, some of them from years ago. Never-the-less, it is several per day and more than enough to convince me to put the filter back on.

Please comment just the same and I apologize for the inconvenience of doing so.

John<><
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Posted in writing | No comments

Friday, 8 February 2013

Writing Critique Group

Posted on 21:41 by Unknown
It is late on Friday night and tomorrow morning is our monthly meeting for the OCACW.

After each monthly meeting, there is a critique session for those that are writing and looking to improve their writing. I went to the after meeting critique session once, but since I really don't do any writing other than my blog and the occasional sermon, I haven't been back. I suppose that is a bit selfish on my part. I imagine that I could still participate; offering constructive critique or learning from the works of real writers.

All that being said, I'm going to attend tomorrow's critique session and share a project that I've started. It's just in its beginning phase--really not much more than an idea--but I wanted to get some input as I get started. Perhaps I'll share it here in a few weeks; perhaps not. It might be something that I'd like to develop more fully before "going public" with it.

In any case, I always look forward to our meetings and am amazed by the talented writers that choose to share their time and talent with wannabe hacks like me.

Enjoy the weekend.
Invite a friend to church.
If you need a place to worship in the Ozark area, give me shout. I'd be pleased to introduce you to my friends at Hopedale.

John <><
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Friday, 18 January 2013

Out of My Hat(s)!

Posted on 13:47 by Unknown
In an internet meme that was going around my blogging circle four years ago calling for Ten Honest Things About John, I wrote that I like hats--not caps, hats.

For post number 800, I thought I would write about my hat--my favorite hat. The idea for a post about my hat came to me last Saturday at our Writers' meeting.

I stopped for a coffee at Starbucks on the way and the girl at the drive-up window made a comment about how she liked my hat. When I arrived at the meeting, one of the members also made a comment about it. Of course, I like getting compliments on my hat--especially from strangers, and I get them pretty often. Maybe the compliments are extra nice since Chris doesn't really care for my hat.

It is unusual in that it is a whole-hide leather cowboy hat. I bought it in Mexico over a decade ago and I have never seen another hat like it--even on subsequent trips to Mexico.



It is not a summer hat. One of the few things that I look forward to as fall approaches each year, is breaking out the "awesome hat" (a name given to it by one of Hannah's friends).

I have a variety of summer hats, too. They range from the rough, wear to the lake (and in the lake!) hat...



...to the everyday keep the sun off my face...



...to a little nicer straw.



I also have a winter felt dress hat.



And of course, the show prop wool top hat!



As always, thanks for stopping by at Out of My Hat.
And now you know what my hats look like!

John <><


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Saturday, 12 January 2013

Writers and Writing ... and Wow!

Posted on 14:15 by Unknown
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, today was our monthly writers' club meeting and it was our "Lightning Writing" challenge.

After listening to many of members and a few of our guests read what they had written in the short time that was given to us, I am forced to ask myself, "What am I doing here?"

As impressive as the fiction stories were, even  more impressive were the stories that came from personal experiences. I hope to be able to publish a few of them here in the future. We also have several members with newly published or about to be published books and recently magazine articles. As I have the opportunity to read them, I'll be sure to write about them here and let you know where you can purchase them. Getting to be a part of this fellowship of believers in Jesus is inspiring.

I wanted to share an upcoming event for any local writers that have published books they are wanting to promote. The Kimberling Area Library is having an Authors Book Signing Day. My understanding is that you can contact the library to reserve a table. There is no participation fee, but the library will accept donations. It sounds like a great opportunity for you to promote your book!

I guess I need to get back to some real writing...

John <><


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Friday, 11 January 2013

It's Friday (that's the day before Saturday)!

Posted on 01:44 by Unknown
I'm reminding you that it's the day before Saturday so that you can be planning for our Be Nice to a Stranger Day. I do hope that you will participate and maybe even share your experience. I've made a couple of plans that involve people that aren't exactly strangers (and that's okay--you can, too), but I also plan on targeting a random stranger or two for an encouraging word or act of kindness. Let's have a great Saturday and make a few people smile!
If you haven't already shared this post with your friends, please do! The more people being nice, the better our world will be -- for a day, anyway!

____________________________

Saturday is also the day for our Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers' meeting. This is our "Lightning Writing" meeting which will challenge your creativity. If you are up for the writing challenge and live in the Springfield MO area, please consider coming to the meeting. You'll get a few starting sentences to choose from and about 45 minutes to write. This is always a fun meeting! Please come and join us.

____________________________

Wow! I had a voice mail today from my Congressman's office! I sent an e-mail with some suggestions for budget cuts and they actually called to talk about them. I'll call them back today. I encourage you to share your reasonable ideas with your reprehensatives, as well. Who knows? Maybe they're to the point of actually listening to their constituents!

Have a grand weekend!

John <><
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Posted in fun stuff, politics, writing | No comments

Wednesday, 2 January 2013

Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult

Posted on 08:39 by Unknown
Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult by Ada Brownell is a soon to be released book that is written by one of the leaders in our Christian Writer's club.

Even though it is a teen novel, I'm looking forward to its release.

Today's post just takes you over to Ms. Brownell's blog for an early look at Joe the Dreamer.
More on the book after its release!

John <><
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Posted in writing | No comments

Tuesday, 1 January 2013

And the Streak Continues...

Posted on 09:14 by Unknown
It was after having posted for the first week in November and attending our monthly meeting of the Ozark Chapter of American Christian Writers' (OCACW) meeting that I felt challenged to write more often. I started by setting a goal to write something every day.

I did a little free writing and stored it in my Google Documents (now Google Drive). I also started something that may work itself into that elusive book. At first, I thought that setting daily writing time aside would mean that I would be blogging less. As it turned out, I decided that this is as good a forum as any to write if I am going to be writing a little bit every day.

...And after having posted something for the past 62 straight days, it's a little bit difficult to just not post something.

January 1 offers the opportunity to post about the grand plans for the coming year. I imagine that many are making their annual resolutions and even resolving not to have any New Year's resolutions. I'll make a later post about some of my personal decisions for the coming year--writing will be a part of them.

I know that at some point a day will pass that I won't post something here at Out of My Hat. When that happens (and it could be tomorrow), it won't be a big deal--not to me or to anybody else. But until then...

I am enjoying some subtle encouragement by receiving an invitation to join a writer's circle on Google +.
I am planning on bringing some of my writing to the OCACW critique group following the January meeting.
I am planning on writing better notes during my personal Bible study time so that I can develop sermons from them as the opportunities are presented this year.

I think that reading is a big part of being a good writer, so I really want to be more purposeful about reading this year. I read a lot. But in 2012 I found myself reading more of the daily articles, blogs and news stories on the internet than books of fiction or non-fiction. I rarely enjoy a book of fiction anymore; I need to do that once in a while this year.

I hope that you find enough interesting material at Out of My Hat that you will continue to read during the coming year. Hopefully there will be the occasional inspiration to share this post with your friends or leave a comment here or at on of the other forums where you might find Out of My Hat, like Facebook, Google +, LinkedIn or Twitter.

For now, duty calls and it's time to set this aside and get ready for work. I hope that you have a relaxing holiday recovering from your New Year's Eve celebrations.

I wish each of you a joyous and prosperous 2013!

John <><
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Posted in personal stuff, writing | No comments

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Favorite Posts...again

Posted on 22:29 by Unknown
As we enter into the final days of 2012, I return to looking back at my favorite posts. I've already covered some favorites from early in the year and a couple of favorites from all of my posts. Looking back on 2012 I see that I didn't post very much during late spring and early summer. After that it was election politics in full swing and we really don't need to re-live any of that, do we?

If I had to pick a couple of posts from 2012, I go with these two that were widely read and are more about explaining my positions. Even though they received few comments here and only a few more on Facebook or by private message, they were shared by others and among the most read posts of the year.

They were For the Record from August (which was in response to comments about my negativity towards Christianity) and Why Pro-life/Pro-choice Doesn't Factor Into My Vote from October. If you didn't read them the first time or want to read them again just click on the link to take you there.

A better choice would be to go back to July 2011 and read this post about Unsung Heroes. It's a post about people that have quietly encouraged me by doing nothing more than being true to themselves and true to our God.

Yeah, that's a way better choice.
...And still a good reminder to look back at influential people in our lives and to examine how we may unknowingly influence those that are around us, each and every day.

John <><
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Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Favorite Posts

Posted on 20:30 by Unknown
In the past few weeks, several of my blogging friends have shared some of their favorite posts. I thought that I would do the same at some point, but it is pretty difficult to decide between my favorites and reader favorites. Some of the ones that I like have few hits or comments and others have many hits and comments even though they are perhaps more controversial than good posts.

In the end, I'm just going to look through 2012 (for now) and pick a favorite from each month.

For January
      February
      March
(click the month to read the post)

I'll post my favorites for April, May and June in a couple of days. If you have favorites from those months, feel free to leave a comment with your favorite post.

John <><
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Saturday, 8 December 2012

Christmas Readings Meeting

Posted on 12:53 by Unknown
The December meeting of the Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers (OCACW) is our annual Christmas reading meeting. Member write and read about Christmas or winter.

WOW! We have some great writers.

The readings included poetry, prose, some fictional stories and many stories that were recollections of Christmases past. These stories reminded me of Christmases from my childhood and also of Christmases from when my kids were little. As you would expect from a group of Christian writers, the story of the birth of Jesus was included in many of the stories.

Listening to members share their stories reminds me that we are all living out our own stories. Whether we chose to write them down, share them by the telling of our experiences or just live them out so that others will tell our stories for us; we need to remember that we are called to tell His story as we live our own.

Thank you to all of my writing friends for sharing your stories and for always encouraging me to share my stories. Thank you for encouraging me to share His story.

John <><
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Friday, 30 November 2012

November in Review

Posted on 01:07 by Unknown
The end of November is finally here!

At the beginning of the month, I decided that I would post everyday at Out of My Hat. I've managed to do that--sort of. On the fourth and again on the seventh, I actually posted twice--once in the morning and then again late at night. I could have scheduled the posts for early the following morning, but opted to just publish them as I finished them. One day (the second) I did post twice. 

That makes this my 31st post for the month.

Reviewing the posts from November and late October, it is easy to see that political posts or posts on controversial social issues generate the most hits. Post that have to do with religion or faith generate the fewest. Although in the early part of the year, religious posts did very well. 
A few people comment on Out of My Hat. A few more on Facebook. Occasionally, somebody will share a post via Facebook or Twitter; rarely via LinkedIn or Google+.

I still find the diversity of my reader group to be pretty amazing. Admittedly, readership has seemed to drop from the beginning of the year. Apparently some have decided that they are no longer interested in the rantings or opinions of an evolving curmudgeon, or those that once read the religious posts have decided that they no longer care for my "religion."

For those of you that are still here and still reading, Thank you!
And thanks for sharing the occasional post or leaving an occasional comment.

I wish that I could promise you that posts that wrap up 2012 and continue into 2013 would be less offensive, less controversial and less opinionated; but that would require me to get somebody else to write Out of My Hat. I will promise to write more often than I did for most of 2012. And perhaps, more frequent posts will generate more varied topics and a greater readership...or maybe not. 

After posting for 31 consecutive days (32 posts), I may just take tomorrow off.
But then again, I may have something to say...

John <><


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Sunday, 11 November 2012

Lazy, Dreary Sunday Afternoon

Posted on 15:13 by Unknown
It's raining in the Ozarks this afternoon.

It feels like a good day to do ... well, nothing.

I've sent Veterans' Day texts to my Navy brother and Army National Guard (retired) sister and called my dad (Navy). Thanks to any of you readers that have also served in our country's military forces.

Now I'm just putting off working on rearranging the garage clutter so that I can actually get my car into it before the winter sets in. I also have the continuing project of getting all of my magic stuff into place in my room in the basement.

I have also been inspired to make a deliberate effort and regular writing--not just blogging, but writing articles, short stories, devotionals, maybe even a start towards that book that is fighting its way out my head. I always come away from our monthly writers' meetings thinking that I need to write more. This month it's a little bit different, though.

Our guest speaker Ethan Bryan, author of Run Home and Take a Bow, really managed to paint a different picture about writing. For him, writing isn't something that he likes to do as much as it is something that he has to do. It is his calling. I think that I've been ignoring the fact that there is a God given need to write that also resides in me. It's been buried under the things of what I want to do and what I have to do. You have those things, don't you? Things that you are putting off for the day when you have the time for them? Maybe it's time to make the time for writing. I guess that means less time on Facebook and Twitter. I guess it means less time watching mindless entertainment on TV. I guess it means that I need to make good use of the time that I no longer spend watching baseball (only 140 days until Opening Day 2013)!

So in addition to publishing daily (at least for Nov.) here at Out of My Hat, I'm going to work on just writing. We'll see where that takes me.

What is your calling?
Have you been putting off the thing that is inside of you and is struggling to get out?
Have you been telling God, "I don't want that gift. I'm not going to use it?"

"I guess it comes down to a simple choice really -- get busy living, or get busy dying." Shawshank Redemption 

John <><



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Saturday, 10 November 2012

Writing

Posted on 01:52 by Unknown
Today is our monthly meeting for the Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers.

These monthly gatherings of committed writers always inspire me to write. I've been trying to force myself to publish something every day this month here at Out of My Hat. It may not look like I'm actually writing every day since I sometimes write in the morning one day and then late at night the same day for the following day's post. I know that I can schedule each post to appear at a set time, but I usually just hit "publish" when I'm finished writing.

Today is a cheap post.
I'm just taking the day off from the post election rantings as I join the rest of the country in a collective head shake and sigh as we watch the posturing begin anew in our nation's capital.

I'm sure that readers of Out of My Hat are also readers of various other blogs or internet news sources so you have probably read countless articles analyzing the successes and failures of the various campaigns, as well as the breakdowns of the voters and the effects of the billions of dollars that were spent on advertising.

In any case, we can rejoice that the political ads are history, until the next time...

Moving on to more pressing matters: the holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. It is a festive time of year and we ought to set aside the things that divide us and enjoy the food and festivities of the season.

Deer hunters are in the Missouri woods this weekend. I wish you all success in thinning the population so that I don't have to make a personal contribution to the effort by hitting one with my car. Be safe, friends.

I'll leave you with a link to a song from the latest CD from my friends at Calling Glory. (I've been listening to them as I write.)
John <><

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Monday, 15 October 2012

Why Do I Write?

Posted on 10:33 by Unknown
It has been nearly four weeks since I've posted anything at Out of My Hat.

I can't say that it's been because I've been too busy, although it has been a full month. Neither can I say that it's been because I haven't had anything to write about; there are always things to write about. I would use convenience as a part of my excuse as I generally carry a tablet with me now instead of my laptop and while I like the tablet for its size and convenience, I really don't care to write on it.

In the end, I guess it comes down to just not being committed to writing.

Last weekend was our monthly meeting of the Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers (OCACW). I took notes during the workshop portion and also while our guest was making her presentation. Not only did I get some ideas for future posts, but I was encouraged to look at why I write.

Although I have never written a book (and have only modest desires to do so), nor have I had any great experiences that the world must read about, I do have the occasional urge just to write. In a small way, writing is for me. I write as a way of ranting without getting into too much trouble. As my readership has grown, I'm less able to go on those unchecked rants and have to consider the effects of those rants on my readers and deal with the personal consequences as well.

However, I also write because I occasionally have something to say. I'm not certain that anybody wants to hear it, but there are many people that need to hear, none the less.

So what's the simple answer to the question -- Why do I write?
The answer I came up with at the meeting is -- Because my voice is too small.

Even with voice amplification (and many would say that's not necessary), the sound of my voice can only reach so many. Through blogging, writing books or brochures, or posting on other forums many people from around the globe can read both the meaningful and meaningless rants of a simple man in the Midwest of the US of A.

Perhaps it is time to be more purposeful about writing. I know that I've said that before, but I need the occasional kick in the shorts.

Here is one of the things that I need to address in blogging:
Writing from the Heart vs. Writing for the Market
Our guest speaker, author Tracey Bateman, spoke on this topic.

Okay, so maybe I'm not dealing with a "market" and I don't have anything to sell. But I do know that I have already cost myself opportunities to preach at churches because of some of the things that I believe and have written. Do I write from the heart and accept the consequences or do I bridle the pen (so to speak) and not risk offending the pastors and decision makers of both past and future speaking/preaching/performing opportunities?

I think it's rather funny (funny in the weird, sad sort of way not the ha ha sort of way) that I can always preach salvation in Jesus and Jesus alone and be unwelcome because we disagree in other areas of life. I suppose that a pastor is well within his authority to not invite me because he is a misguided Royals' fan and I am a Cardinal fan, but most people would view that as petty and question how that might affect my preached message. You could argue that politics may have a greater influence over one's biblical views and not invite a member of the "other" party to come to your church. But if they never preach politics and stick to the bible, does it matter?

Sometimes I wonder if our "religious" leaders ever realize how many people they disqualify from the kingdom because of their legalistic views. I suppose that many of you already know that you don't have to be an alcoholic to be looked down on (or even condemned) in most Southern Baptist churches; you just have to have an occasional alcoholic beverage. Being a Democrat is even worse. It's almost as if an eleventh commandment was inserted without my knowledge -- Thou shalt not vote for a  Democrat!

There are plenty of controversial social issues and world views that can be covered in a blog or a sermon and I suppose that it is fair that we are judged for our personal opinions.

So if you are in a judgmental mood, here are just a few of my personal opinions (beliefs):

When Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," I believe that He meant exactly that.

I believe that you can have a beer and still be a follower of Jesus.

I believe that you can be a Democrat and still be a follower of Jesus.

I believe that you can be an "American Christian" and not be a follower of Jesus.

I believe that there are as many Republican liars as there are Democratic liars.

I believe that a part of not having the religious beliefs of others imposed on me is that I can't impose my religious beliefs on them.

I believe that you cannot hate others in the name of Jesus.

I believe that we have all sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. (Rom 3:23)

I believe that even though we are sinners, God loves us. (Rom 5:8)

I believe that the price we pay for our sin is eternal separation from God--spiritual death.
I believe that God has given us a great gift in allowing His Son, Jesus to pay our sin debt. (Rom 6:23)

I believe that we can know that we have salvation in Jesus. (Rom 10:9-10)

Any questions?
John <><


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Posted in rant, religion, writing | No comments

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

Book topic ... ?

Posted on 10:56 by Unknown
Every now and then I begin reconsidering the subject of book writing. As a matter of fact, I have a couple of collections of random thoughts assembled and stored "in the cloud" in case I should ever get really motivated to "write a book" and need a topic.

Recently, I've given thought to writing about being a follower of Jesus (Christian in the specific sense, not the generic sense) and being a social liberal. I choose to specify 'social' liberal because I don't consider myself to be a fiscal liberal, nor a moral liberal (although, I know plenty of people that would argue over that). When it comes right down to it, most liberals would consider me to be a conservative. Like most moderates, we are often shunned by the extremes of our party of choice as not being a true Republican or Democrat and naturally opposed by the 'other' party as being ... well, the other party.

The antiquated term 'half-breed' comes to mind. It seems that a reasonable amount of commonality or agreement with both sides also makes you an enemy of both sides.

While such a book might be an encouragement to those that find themselves derided by the Christian brotherhood that is supposed to show love for one another, I seriously doubt that it would ever stand a chance of being a popular topic, much less a best seller. For one thing, I have no credentials as a follower of Jesus. I have no biblical degrees and pastor no churches. As a matter of fact, I have no degrees whatsoever. I am a college drop out. I have no credentials as a writer and I still struggle with proper grammar and punctuation.

I don't know if I'm just trying to talk myself out of the work it would take or making an honest assessment of the likelihood of finding a publisher. As a preacher, I'm not really interested in preaching a social gospel. As a preacher, the only gospel I'm interested in sharing is the soul saving gospel of eternal salvation by grace through faith in Jesus.

I guess it comes down to this question:
Would such a book be beneficial in helping Christian people reconcile social differences of opinion while encouraging continued fellowship and harmony in spreading the Good News of the Kingdom of God?

Any thought?
I'm interested.

John <><
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Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Let's get creative!

Posted on 08:48 by Unknown
Recently, a writer friend of mine posted a picture on Facebook with an encouragement for people to write a one paragraph story based on the picture. There were some great stories.

My friend, Tom Blubaugh, is the author of Night of the Cossack as well as several other devotions and Bible studies. (You can read my interview of Tom and his publisher here.)  I would imagine that he has more writer friends than I do, but I know that many of my readers are also pretty creative. I thought that it would be interesting to post a similar challenge.

Here's the picture I've chosen:



Your challenge, a one paragraph story to go with the picture. You can leave it as a comment here, on Out of My Hat, or as a comment on the Facebook link.

I am looking forward to reading your stories!

John <><
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Posted in fun stuff, writing | No comments
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