Been out of town for a few days — without cell phone reception or internet connection. It was like a return to the dark ages (10 years ago). And . . . it was wonderful. Of course, there are the 155 messages waiting for me. Ughh.
Is e-mail a way to SAVE TIME?
One thing hit me as I was away in solitude: there are books inside me that want out. I don’t know what to do about that. I don’t know how to be a husband, dad, preacher, teacher, editor, and visiting speaker — and let these books out. I don’t want to crank them out sloppily.
I’m so glad you’re back! Your blog buddies have missed you! Get some rest and let us know about those books… our ladies are almost through “Righteousness Inside Out”. It’s my turn to lead the discussion on Sunday, do you have any additional thoughts on Chap. 8, Love of Another Kind?
Welcome back — though I understand the allure of the Luddite way.
As a reader of your books I implore you to find a way to get them out. I LOVE your books. I echo the fact that we have missed you. Welcome home.
Let the books out! (Especially if one of them is that one I mentioned in a comment awhile back!)Do it slowly or in a concentrated block. Even if it means pausing some other activity.
Glad your back. Hope you are rested and non-prickly! I’ll be in Abilene Friday for a funeral…I may try to swing by!
It’s amazing to me just how different people can be at different stages in their lives. Here I am, pushing all of 26, and there’s Mike, pulling a slightly larger number. Here he is with all of these books wanting to get OUT of him, and here I am, with a list of books I am dying to get INTO me.
A professor once told me that as a college student you are basically downloading information, being instructed and filled. You are learning how to think. As a graduate student, you are collecting all of the thoughts of others, and beginning to think for yourself. As a doctoral student, you get to come up with all the new stuff that people are supposed to think. If he’s accurate, then I am dead on in my timing. Unfortunately, all the books I WANT to read are not the ones on my professor’s syllabi!
By the way, Mike, I’m not mad at you for ratting me out to Monte during summer school…anymore
Mike,
I like your books, too. Have you thought about cloning?
??? Blog a few pages a day — and this group will compile it for the publisher ???
Write your books if you must…but don’t even think about cutting little league out of your schedule. I didn’t see “Coach” on your list of roles and I got a bit worried. In fact, that could be one of your books.
“Salt in the Dugout”-How One Preacher Actually Leaves His Office And Interacts With The Community
Write away buddy, just keep your priorities straight. God, Family, Baseball, Church, Gaucamole, Teaching, etc…
I agree w/ all, esp. SG!
You put your inspired thoughts onto the blog, we give our incredibly funny, moving, emotional reactions. All goes to publishing, we’re recognized and alost famous (no wait, forget that part), but we could teach a very informed class on said book at church,AND since it’s not exactly a ‘new’ role, you can keep on keepin’ on! Almost like group therapy, having a larger resource pool, living viacriously through fellow bloggers, a support system, it just can’t go wrong.
Glad you’re back and hopefully rested. Get the books out, just let us know when you need uplifting, ‘cuz we’re all here for you!
Mike,
You may be way ahead of me, but I would suggest that you read “Ordering Your Private World” by Gordon MacDonald first. Then all those books might find their proper place. Remember that it is a marathon not a sprint. May God bless and keep you.
I’m glad your back also eventho I did not know you were gone!!! I been out of town also. I will be here this weekend but you aren’t preaching so I guess I just won’t go to church. I’m just kidding. I pray your time was well spent and you are refreshed and rejuvinated
I sure did enjoy the all star games. I loved watching you and Steve with those kids. What a blessing. I love you Mike, Squeaky
Gary -
I just got an e-mail from a guy who’s about 35 whom I “discipled” 15 years ago. The text I always used with those little groups during the late 80s was ORDERING YOUR PRIVATE WORLD. Nice to know someone is still reading it!!
Mike
Mike - I agree - the books HAVE to come out.
There is a book-writing model out there, ya’ know
- utilized by a busy author with similar responsibilities to yours: use the chapters of the proposed book as a series in a small group venue, then as a sermon series, then use some select chapters in speaking engagements, and finally, edit the ’spoken’ chapters into written format.
How about that for a solution?
Not original but may be useful. 
It’s good to take a break.
Don’t think too hard. Schedule bits of time and let God take over. The books will come out. You can edit and refine sloppy, but nothing is just that. Your work is authentic and necessary. We’re waiting!
Madeline L’Engle and Annie Dillard believe books emerge. Books have an entity that takes shape in the process. So if they are there waiting to come out–shape your life to write. You are a writer too.
By referencing two of my favorite authors, I think that you (Bev) have just secured your place on my list of all-time favorite people. ^_~ But I’d proably add Kathleen Norris (more for Amazing Grace than for Cloister Walk, though).
What a great visual, Mike! I can’t wait to share with the kids at school the idea of a book waiting to come out from each of them. Each person has an important story to tell. May your books be Spirit led!