Books, Seminars, Classes, Books again!

There is a stack of them by my bed, shelves of them in my office, and more upstairs in the bonus room. And there is an unread pile which I am eager to delve into their pages. On the finished stack are a couple of recent books that I do recommend:

• Antony Flew's There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind
• Donald Spoto's The Hidden Jesus: A New Life

Besides all this reading, this week has been a time (post Easter & post Confirmation) for me to look ahead at my continuing education plans for the year. Part of planning was a result from attending a seminar on Tuesday for all the Indiana clergy folks. (Got even more reading ideas there.) Part of it is that I better get some things scheduled ASAP or else.

So, I am playful with my picks this year. You might notice a theme when I tell you what is on the agenda. Last Spring I had such fun in a writing course that I am going back for seconds this spring/early summer. Not sure how much the writing has improved... Writing for Children will be the focus of my efforts this year. Stories for kids keep floating around in my head.

Then, in July I am eager to attend a wonderful conference sponsored by the UMC's General Board of Global Ministries- Focus 2009: "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" A Quadrinneial Conference for all People in Ministry with Children. Indianapolis is the host city which is very appealing!

As I sign up for workshops, my stack of books beg me to read them (like my dog looks at me for a scratch, or a treat, or a walk)... these titles are a bit more eclectic than my workshops/classes. I'll let you know how they go.

• Listening to God: Spiritual Formation In Congregations by John Ackerman
• QBQ: The Question behind the Question by John G. Miller
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
• Do the Right Thing by Mike Huckabee

So, the only question remains, as my plans are set and I open another book today, how are you growing your self this Spring/Summer?