Ramblings Of A Middle Aged Christian

This book is a collection of experiences, thoughts, teachings and humor of a middle-aged father who came to Christianity during his adult years. It can be enjoyed by Christians and seekers of any race or gender. Larry was born, raised and educated in the central Illinois town of Champaign. After graduating from the University of Illinois (1980) with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, he spent 17 years in the suburbs of Chicago before seeking the warmer climes of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he still resides. Professionally, Larry has been a software developer since graduating college. He married his wife Julie in 1980 and has two children, Samantha (1987) and Daniel (1990) who still live nearby. In addition to writing, Larry spends his free time in several volunteer areas of Christian education, including working and playing with youth, leading Disciple Bible Study classes and teaching Sunday School.

As a family medicine physician, with 29 years of medical experiences, and 55 years of life experiences, this book is a compilation of values, ideas, and journeys. The purpose being to help enrich and balance out one's mind, body, and soul. The words written are intended for all adolescent and adult age groups crossing all spectrums. You love traveling, hobbies, activities, family time, philosophical ideals? It's all here wrapped up in one book.

Being a Christian means that there is a difference between how you live and how someone who has not yet found God lives. How Christians live their lives on Sunday mornings is how they are challenged to live their lives throughout the rest of the week. How Christians behave in every situation reflects not only who they are, but whose they are. Living a Christian lifestyle on a daily basis might seem like a difficult task at times. This book provides guidance and support for young Christians and reassurance and understanding for more experienced Christians. Through personal stories and insights, you’ll find encouragement for your own faith journey, no matter where you are right now. Prayer, faith, church life, and scripture are just some of the topics to explore and take to heart. With passion, humor, and grace, The Ramblings of an Unqualified Christian provides inspiration and encouragement to live the Christian life in all circumstances. Whether you are a new Christian or have been following Christ for most of your life, you will find a companion for your journey in these pages.

The nature of Ramblings of the Brethren allows men to join in on good wholesome discussions and feel apart of the actual fellowship. Week by week different perspectives are shared on any given topic, creating an atmosphere of not only encouragement but diverse learning as well. At the close of each week there is a "Brethren's Challenge" intended to encourage us to apply that week's discussion to everyday life. Sometimes we need an outlet through which we can express what's happening in our lives, or share what we've learned through our own personal walk with Jesus. Ramblings of the Brethren provides that outlet.

If you have ever asked questions like What is reality? What do we actually know for sure? What is the truth? What is life?(other than just the name of a magazine that was published for many years), then these ramblings will be of interest. These ramblings offer a unique personal view of human life that engages the reader in an eclectic mix of four diverse points of view. Using a stream of consciousness-type style, the author draws on his reflection about his need for human connection; his passion for the creative arts, including music, literature, and painting; his understanding of human physiology, mental health, philosophy, science, and Buddhist thinking; and his experiences with sailing, individual competitive sports, and coaching. The work is divided into two sections. The first simply leads the reader through a labyrinth of symbols, facts, and perceptions that led to an essential beginning and end, where all is one and one is all. The second section offers some strategies for developing self-awareness and experiencing life differently. The object of the exercise of reading, thinking, reflecting, and possibly making notes to become more connected by being disconnected, by being the same but different, and by fitting by not fitting.

Certainly the quickest way to get from the cold waters of Maine to the warmer southern waters is to sail for Bermuda and continue south from there. In the fall, theres a good chance of taking a beating though. On the other hand, the coastal and intercoastal routes provide an opportunity for a broad contrast of scenery and an interesting assortment of bays, rivers, sounds and harbors. It is also the route of preference for those of us who desire to meet interesting people and boats. This is the route the narrator chose.

After a century or more of convincing ourselves that intelligent people should be 'secular', it is now trendy to be 'spiritual.' Why the sudden change? And what do we mean by being 'spiritual'? John Drane presents a whirlwind tour of the phenomenon of cultural change as it is being experienced in the West, identifying the challenges and opportunities this presents to the Christian church. He examines the question of whether human beings are intrinsically programmed to be 'spiritual,' offers theological reflection on the 'New Age' phenomenon, and focuses on how the Christian community can connect with spiritual seekers in today's world.

"You'll understand when you grow up." "Just wait until you have kids." "Well, when I was a kid..." "Just do as I say." "You're going to thank me for this someday." Gap: a space between two people or things; a hole or space where something is missing. (Merriam-Webster) Generation Gap: the difference in opinions, values, etc. between young and older people. (Merriam-Webster) Generation gaps are timeless. The first one was probably between Adam and Eve and their sons Cain and Abel. Occasionally, this gap is used to transmit wisdom from one generation to the next as it was intended. Solomon, possibly the wisest man who ever lived, gave us a whole book of the Bible called Proverbs for the purpose of bridging the wisdom gap between his generation and the next. But even after writing 9,921 profound words, the next generation ended up a divided nation and eventually were conquered. So apparently, a lot of wise words from a really smart guy is no guarantee that one generation will listen and learn from their predecessors. But that didn't stop this author from trying. Instead of just shaking his head and saying, "Kids today!" Larry has consolidated his thoughts and observations of life into a set of "ramblings," sometimes "tongue in cheek," often humorously, but always with the intent to "pass on" practical insights and attitudes to his offspring. Larry admits his error in realizing his duty to "pass on" vital life or death truths came late in his life, but better late than never. This plain, ordinary old dad extols readers to learn from him and to determine to begin their own set of "ramblings." Our original Father even commands us to "pass it on" in Deuteronomy 6:6. Who knows, there may be some people still willing to listen to "an old codger."