tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11183781797148591782024-03-14T03:15:39.202-05:00The New ParablesKylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-5236375926333817342010-01-30T07:55:00.002-06:002010-01-30T07:56:55.882-06:00Cover Story in The Kansas City Star's Faith Section TodayVery cool! Check the article out. Really interesting that there's another guy from KC who wrote The Gospels in Rhyme. I'm going to have to meet him.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/255/story/1716567.html">http://www.kansascity.com/255/story/1716567.html</a></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-20536337177885736772009-11-18T17:15:00.002-06:002009-11-18T17:17:40.682-06:00TwitterQuick post today. I don't think I've posted anything about my Twitter account on here. If you want to follow The Bible in Rhyme on Twitter, I'm at <a href="http://twitter.com/bibleinrhyme">http://twitter.com/bibleinrhyme</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Tweet tweet...I guess.</div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-73535577901253153802009-11-17T16:17:00.004-06:002009-11-17T16:46:47.110-06:00The Bible in Rhyme is on The Index of Perversions!I haven't posted a blog in two weeks. I've been so busy, and haven't even had time to give TBIR, my blog, or my website the time it deserves. But today was a busy day.<div><br /></div><div><b>First</b>, it snowed. So that was fun to share with my boys. The first snow is always pretty cool (as is the LAST snow of the year!).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Second</b>, I had a great review from an excellent blog: <a href="http://tarasviewonbooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/bible-in-rhyme.html">http://tara sviewonbooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/bible-in-rhyme.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Third</b>, I found out that The Bible in Rhyme made the top of <a href="http://www.amazinggracebaptistchurchkjv.com/gpage34.html">Amazing Grace Baptist Church's "Index of Perversions."</a> (Given, the list is in alphabetical order...but I'm still claiming top spot!)</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the church that I most recently posted on about the book burning. It's amazing...and by amazing, I mean CRAZY...that my book was destroyed along with the NIV, The Message, texts written by Billy Graham and Mother Teresa, etc., etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their beef with all of these texts is that it's not the King James Version. Forget the fact that the KJV is not the original text. The thing that really blows my mind is that they're burning documents that support and encourage people to believe in God and Jesus Christ. Why? Because it's not the KJV. But by that rationale, anything that a pastor or priest says should not be used because it's not the KJV. So does their pastor just get up and read the KJV? If he gives a sermon, should he be thrown on the fire too?</div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to religion, we all want to fight about something. Is or isn't Jesus the actual son of God. Creationists versus those who believe evolution fits into the Biblical picture. Is Revelation about ancient Rome or future apocalypse. How long did Samson's hair have to get before he could knock down those pillars?</div><div><br /></div><div>Lo<span><span>st in all of this is the message of the Holy Scriptures, which is best summed up in:</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><span>"Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said unto him, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>- Matthew 22:36-40 (King James Version...for my new friends, and because I have no qualms with the KJV, just Bible burners)</div><div><br /></div><div><span><span>Well, gotta go print this blog post, s</span></span><span><span>ubmit it to The Index of Perversions, and then burn it. I guess I'll have to burn my computer too...</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><div></div></span>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-31832649742581531632009-10-27T17:04:00.002-05:002009-10-27T17:09:25.191-05:00Burn This Book!I recently read about a really terrible idea - the Amazing Grace Baptist Church is sponsoring a <a href="http://amazinggracebaptistchurchkjv.com/Download99.html">burning of religious books and Christian music, including all versions of the bible except for the King James Version</a>. (Here's an <a href="http://rawstory.com/2009/10/n-c-church-to-burn-satans-books-including-works-of-mother-theresa/">article about this event</a>.)<div><br /></div><div>Well, don't leave me out! I sent a copy to the Amazing Grace Baptist Church along with the following letter:</div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Dear Pastor Marc,</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>I heard about your book burning, and figured mine should be right there with all of the others. To destroy so much of what God has commissioned by setting people out as evangelists is contrarian to everything that the Bible says. I really think this is a foolish publicity stunt you’re doing, but if you’re going to, burn mine too.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>I’m saying a prayer for you and anyone who feels that what you’re doing is a good idea.</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Sincerely,</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Kyle Holt<br />The Bible in Rhyme</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">I don't think my letter or any letter will change their minds. Let the burning begin!</p></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-46505252369463987372009-10-21T14:53:00.002-05:002009-10-21T15:05:08.604-05:00Making RainI was talking to some of the sales staff at our company today, and one said, "Do you want me to help with the admin stuff? I'm happy to do it, but..."<div><br /></div><div>"If you help, you're not selling," I finished. "Sales people need to go out there and make rain. The rest of the staff is here to help you harvest it, but YOU have to make rain. So no, I do not want you to handle the admin piece."</div><div><br /></div><div>Although it was a business conversation, this is so true related to the kingdom of God. Jesus sent out 72 disciples, in pairs, to go to the towns and share the good news. They were to go out there and make rain. They were to go out and sell what could not be bought and paid for.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's a hard gig. Not everybody receives the gift of evangelism. But those who have it, need to use it. We have a society in which it's uncool to be a Christian. It's sketchy to have faith. It's weird to believe in the Lord almighty and Jesus Christ's resurrection.</div><div><br /></div><div>I sometimes struggle to talk about my own faith because I'm worried about what someone might think. I need to reverse that. I need to worry about what God might think if I <i>don't </i>share His word.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some have the gifts of administration and can harvest the crop. But for those of you who have the gift of evangelism, the ability to connect to people, and the thrill of closing that "sale" by sharing the good news, PLEASE USE IT!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm committing to using my tongue, my talents, and my time to better reach those who need God and the hope He has to offer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's make some rain!</div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-16775156321675363992009-10-18T17:18:00.002-05:002009-10-18T17:21:34.297-05:00Advent ConspiracyI had not heard about Advent Conspiracy until today. I might not have known the name, but I've been a believer of it for some time now. I don't need gifts. I would rather we help those who need help.<div><br /></div><div>Check out this video that was done by the multimedia guys at my church. If this doesn't get you fired up for the season of GIVING...I don't know what will.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=153581562758&ref=ss">http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=153581562758&ref=ss</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Joy to the world! The Lord has come.</div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-86759365787691027822009-10-17T10:20:00.003-05:002009-10-17T11:05:58.671-05:00Revelation 22: 18-19<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "></span></div><div><span><span>Because of The Bible in Rhyme, in the past week I have been called an apostate and miraculous. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><span>I'm neither.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>But the "apostate" label really bothered me, because that's not a word I think you throw around lightly. Why was this title was thrown my way? Because of Revelation 22:18-19.</div><div><br /></div><div><span><span>I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.</span></span><div><span><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>-Revelation 22:18-19</span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Many believe that this applies to the entire Bible. At the time John wrote the book of Revelation, the Bible was not assembled as we know it today. He was only talking about the book he had written. But even so, if someone changed the words around in any book with the intent to change the meaning, I too would be upset.</div><div><br /></div><div>But here's the catch. In order for us to read any book of the Bible, the translator has to change the words around. There are words in the ancient Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew that don't perfectly translate into English, Italian, French, Swahili, Mandarin, Tamil, Portuguese, etc., etc., etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we want to read the words EXACTLY as John or any other biblical author wrote them, we have to do so in the ancient dialect in which they were written. Very few of us can do that. I know I can't.</div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, if we are to read an English-language Bible at all, we are immediately in violation of John's warning. What a pickle, huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'd like to toast other "apostates" who have given us the ability to read the ancient texts, the word of God, the sayings of Jesus, and the letters of the apostles. I'm not even close to their league, but if I'm being called an apostate, then maybe I'm getting closer!</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>To every translator who poured his soul into converting the Greek and Aramaic into Latin so that the Catholic Church could spread the word.<br /><br /></li><li>To Martin Luther for translating the Bible into German so that the common man could read it.<br /><br /></li><li>King James and William Tyndale for their efforts to create an English translation of the Bible.<br /><br /></li><li>To Kenneth Taylor for The Living Bible and Eugene Peterson for The Message - two beautiful paraphrases that help millions better understand what the Bible says.<br /><br /></li><li>And to the O.A. (the Original Apostate) - Jesus Christ, who was shunned by the leaders of Judaism for making the law "too easy".</li></ul></div><div></div><span><span><br />"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."</span></span><div><span><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>-Mark 12: 29-31</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-21309586622209323732009-10-14T07:40:00.002-05:002009-10-14T07:57:59.502-05:00The Bible...in Rap?So The Bible in Rhyme was posted on a few blogs and tweets yesterday which was pretty cool. Except they all seemed to be relating back to a post about how The Bible in Rhyme was doggerel garbage. Ouch. <div><br /></div><div>And the headline was "<a href="http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/10/12/a-rhyming-bible-can-the-rap-version-be-far-behind/">A Rhyming Bible. Can the Rap Version Be Far Behind?</a>"</div><div><br /></div><div>It hurt my feelings for about 10 minutes, and then I realized, "Wait...this is the goal! To get people talking about, thinking about, and opening their Bibles!"</div><div><br /></div><div>So I read Mr. Gibson's post again, and I enjoyed it much more. It got me thinking about the possibility of a rap version...again. This is not the first time. In fact, I had two people in different areas of the publishing industry recommend that I change the title of the book to "The Bible in Rap" before publication. Of course, I did not. But they thought it would make for quite the publicity.</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't want it to be The Bible in Rap. Mainly because I can't rap. But also because even though there is Christian rap, the genre is generally regarded as violent and misogynistic. Now that I think about it, the Bible can actually come across that way too.</div><div><br /></div><div>But let's pretend somebody does come out with a rap version of the Bible. So what? If it reaches people where they are, gets them interested enough to open up the real Bible, and learn what the holy scriptures say, how is that a bad thing?</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus went to Samaria and converted the sworn enemies of the Jews. He healed and comforted the Romans who ruled over and oppressed them. Why on earth would we not want ANYTHING that reaches those who need it most? Just because they don't look like us, don't talk like us, and don't listen to the same music as us, should we excommunicate them? If we do so, aren't we really excommunicating ourselves from what Jesus called us to do?</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether we rhyme, rap, rock, yodel, dance, sign, sing, sneeze, cough, or lip sync something that helps bring people to a place of hope and faith doesn't matter. What matters is that we pour out our hearts to help expand the kingdom of heaven on earth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Somebody else can take rap. I call dibs on The Bible in Yodel.</div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-11385717806036103432009-10-13T15:22:00.002-05:002009-10-13T15:50:29.211-05:00Three Versions of Psalm 23I was at a funeral today for a woman who truly lived a full and wonderful life. During the funeral, as it seems in all funerals, Psalm 23 was read. And the power of it hit me more than usual (which I guess is why it is always read at funerals). It made me think about how Psalm 23 reads in The Bible, in The Bible in Rhyme, and in one of my favorite books ever, Stephen King's The Stand. So here are three versions of Psalm 23.<div><br /></div><div><b>From </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Rhyme-Kyle-Holt/dp/0984092005/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1"><b>The Bible in Rhyme</b></a><b>:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The Lord is my shepherd, and I want for naught.</div><div>He leads me beside quiet waters in thought.</div><div>He leads me in ways in which my soul’s restored.</div><div>He shows me the righteous way. He is my Lord.</div><div>I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,</div><div>and I fear no evil, as God’s in each breath.</div><div>I am protected by His staff and rod,</div><div>for He is my savior as He is my God.</div><div>My table is set in the presence of foes.</div><div>I’m anointed by God. My cup overflows.</div><div>Goodness and love follow me where I roam.</div><div>Forever I’ll dwell in the Lord’s holy home. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>From </b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&version=KJV"><b>The King James Version</b></a><b>:</b></div><div></div><span><span><br />The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. </span></span></div><div><span><span>He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: </span></span></div><div><span><span>he leadeth me beside the still waters. </span></span></div><div><span><span>He restoreth my soul: </span></span></div><div><span><span>he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. </span></span></div><div><span><span>Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: </span></span></div><div><span><span>for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. </span></span></div><div><span><span>Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: </span></span></div><div><span><span>thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. </span></span></div><div><span><span>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: </span></span></div><div><span><span>and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"></span></p></span></div></div><div><b>From Stephen King's </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stand-Expanded-First-Complete-Signet/dp/0451169530/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255466239&sr=1-1"><b>The Stand</b></a><b>:</b></div><div>(This is a quote from the character Tom Cullen, who is </div><span><span>mentally handicapped)<br /><br /></span></span><div><span><span>The lord is my shepherd</span></span></div><div><span><span>I shall not want for nothing. </span></span></div><div><span><span>He makes me lie down in the green pastures. </span></span></div><div><span><span>He greases up my head with oil. </span></span></div><div><span><span>He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. </span></span></div><div><span><span>Amen</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><span></span></span>If you haven't read The Stand, you should. If you have, then you know that Tom Cullen is probably the most likable character ever (M-O-O-N...that spells Tom Cullen). And when I read his version of the 23rd Psalm, I can't help but feel that King got closer to the real fervor of that prayer than even the original. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the Cullen prayer, there's nothing but fear of the unknown and faith that God will see him through. And that in the end, there's nothing to fear at all, because that kung fu is going to come out of nowhere and save him. That's faith. That's the kind of faith I want to have! I can rally behind that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Go ahead, Lord, grease up my head with oil. And give me the simple faith to know that You are my shepherd and that Your kung fu is unstoppable!<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; "></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-72662232262075485312009-10-12T11:00:00.003-05:002009-10-12T12:07:40.021-05:00Keeping ScoreSince The Bible in Rhyme was published, it's been really interesting as we try to keep score on how it's doing. We've kept track of downloads, sales, site visits, blog views, Amazon rank, Barnesandnoble.com rank, etc.<div><br /></div><div>But I was reminded of John Ortburg's book <i>It All Goes Back in the Box</i>. He makes a great point that all the ways that we keep score - money, houses, cars, status...and yes, Amazon Rankings - don't count in God's eyes. He wants to see how we have worked for the betterment of those around us, and for our communities as a whole.</div><div><br /></div><div>My hope with The Bible in Rhyme is that it will open up the scriptures to someone who needed it, who would not have otherwise read the Bible, and to people who were looking for another way to worship God.</div><div><br /></div><div>I won't stop looking at my Amazon ranking. I won't stop keeping track of how many books I have sold or given away. I can't. Because no matter what, that <i>IS</i> a way that we keep score, and a game with no score is no fun. But I am going to commit myself to look at the score in a different way. I need to remember that it's not how fast the score can be run up. It's how many people can I reach with God's word.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are not to put our lamp under a bowl and hide it. We are to shine it to the world. And when we do, we are supposed to remember how to keep score the right way. If I falter, I hope God helps me remember why it is that I'm doing this...for God's glorification, not my own.</div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-65622472738076803122009-10-07T10:00:00.002-05:002009-10-09T09:54:41.250-05:00Officially LaunchedSo October 6th marked the "Official" launch day for <a href="http://www.kyleholt.com/book">The Bible In Rhyme</a>. It was pretty uneventful, actually, as the book has already been on Amazon for almost a month. And we have a PR campaign that is scheduled (how cool is that?!), but it just needs to get going.<div><br /></div><div>What's also exciting is that my brother's website is up, <a href="http://www.bryceholt.com">www.bryceholt.com</a>, and his book also hit Amazon & BN.com. Hooray! What a great day!</div><div><br /></div><div>As an aside, I've been doing a lot of book signing lately, and I try to put in a passage that I think can resonate with someone. I've got 2 in particular that I really like. I figured I'd share them.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Isaiah 9:1 - 9:7</b></div><div>The gloom shall be lifted. Believers shall see.</div><div>In the future God’s glory comes from Galilee.</div><div>For those who have lived in the shadow of death,</div><div>the yoke shall be lifted. I shout with each breath,</div><div>unto the world a child is born!</div><div>A son shall be given. Great titles adorn:</div><div>Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace.</div><div>His greatness increases. His love shall not cease.</div><div>On David’s throne he shall reign and uphold</div><div>a righteousness that is both honest and bold,</div><div>and justice that no man upon Earth may sever.</div><div>And so he shall reign forever and ever.</div><div>(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%209:1%20-%209:7&version=NIV">Read this section from the Bible</a>)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Matthew 9:9 - 9:13</b></div><div>Jesus left and as he passed a tax booth,</div><div>he told the man there, “I tell you the truth,</div><div>follow me and you’ll gain much more than here.”</div><div>And so Matthew gave up his taxing career.</div><div>Then Matthew asked Jesus to come in and eat</div><div>with him so his friends could come there and meet</div><div>the Messiah. But when all the Pharisees saw,</div><div>they said, “Jesus scoffs and curses the law.</div><div>Look at this man who dines amongst sin.”</div><div>On hearing this, Jesus said, “Doctors treat men</div><div>who are sick, not the healthy. So let me be clear.</div><div>I want mercy, not sacrifice. That’s why I’m here.”</div><div>(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209:9%20-%209:13&version=NIV">Read this section from the Bible</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so excited for what's to come - and I hope these passages speak to you like they do to me. </div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-12820731146212646732009-06-25T13:24:00.002-05:002009-06-25T13:29:46.198-05:00What a response!I'm amazed. About 24 hours ago we posted the link so that people can download The Bible in Rhyme, and I've already had more than 75 downloads! I've had people download it from across the U.S., South America, and Asia already.<br /><br />Thanks for all the thoughts and comments. You guys are amazing! It's awesome to see the spiritual power that this is causing just by making it available. I hope that people feel God speaking to them in new and powerful ways as they read it.<br /><br />Today I took the list and prayed for each person individually that God would speak to them in a new way that touches their heart.<br /><br />God bless you all!Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-8757069440657696232009-06-24T12:56:00.002-05:002009-06-24T13:02:34.200-05:00Download The Bible in RhymeI just posted a link on <a href="http://thebibleinrhyme.com">www.thebibleinrhyme.com</a> so that anyone can register to be emailed the download link for the PDF files. Go to <a href="http://thebibleinrhyme.com">www.thebibleinrhyme.com</a> or <a href="https://www.poweredbyu.com/fucius/respondent/rsvp.php?event_code=UILCHN6JXW">go here to register and download The Bible in Rhyme</a>.<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing what you guys think!Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-34001286293728199282009-01-31T23:34:00.003-06:002009-01-31T23:39:44.457-06:00The Bible In Rhyme UpdateI apologize for my delay, but I am nearing the finish of all the development of the Bible in Rhyme. Please email me at <a href="mailto:kyle.holt@poweredbyu.com">kyle.holt@poweredbyu.com</a> if you want a copy of it emailed to you. I want all to who love the Lord to have access to it. Email me if you're interested at all!!!Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-53906996025380287912008-06-10T22:02:00.002-05:002008-06-10T22:06:31.214-05:00A Response to the 3 Year PlanMy last post was originally for a guest post at <a href="http://thoughtsofresurrection.wordpress.com/">http://thoughtsofresurrection.wordpress.com/</a>. A question was asked after the post went up:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">"</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I really enjoyed your article on making a three year plan. Do you have a template or any type of tool to help with making a three year plan?"</span></span><br /><br />What an excellent question! Ha! I guess I ought to come up with a solution, not just a suggestion!<br /><br />As I think about how to best answer this, I would think of it more as a process and less as a template:<br /><br />Maybe something like this:<br /><br /><ul><li>Take the Spiritual Gifts self assessment (see <a href="http://thewell.cor.org/detail.aspx?ID=44">http://thewell.cor.org/detail.aspx?ID=44</a>)<br /> </li><li>Write down what you are doing today that you are good at</li><li>Write down what you are doing today that you enjoy (not always the same thing)</li><li>Write down your job</li><li>Write down your talents</li><li>Write down your interests</li><li>Write down any goals you have<br /> </li><li>Write down what you are NOT doing that you wish you were</li><li>Write down the answer to this question: "If Jesus showed up and had a special job just for you, what would it be?"<br /> </li><li>Write down anything you feel that God is calling you to (obviously this is extremely important, but also the most difficult)</li></ul> It is very important to WRITE the answer to all of these things down. Don't just do it in your head. When things are visualized, they are also easier to accomplish. <br /><br />Now start looking for overlaps. For some it may jump out at them right away. For others it may take several times through the process.<br /><br />I haven't done a lot of studying on this. I just came up with this on the fly. Any suggestions or tweaks? What would you do if you had to put your 3 year plan together. By the way...now that I suggested the 3 year plan, I've got to go do mine!Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-15943331910779841812008-06-10T21:46:00.001-05:002008-06-10T21:55:17.556-05:00A 3-Year Plan<p>I turned 30 years old in January, and it’s an age that should make any Christian pause and think. Jesus started his ministry when he was 30 and it ended 3 years later upon his death, but what he did during those three years has influenced billions of people over the last 2,000 years.</p> <p>So what am I going to do in the next three years?</p> <p>This is a question that we ought to be asking ourselves every day of our lives, but we get caught up in our own routines and forget this very important question.</p> <p>I have a two-year old son, and I want to see him grow up. But if my death at thirty-three would bring billions (or even thousands) to God, wouldn’t it be worth it? It’s a scary thought, but Christ tells us that those who love their lives will lose them, and those who give up their lives for him will gain everlasting life. We’re not to martyr ourselves, but it is a call to be in the world, not of it.</p> <p>Businesses and individuals often make 5 or 10-year plans. In the same vein, I would lobby that Christians should set forth a 3-year plan. The messiah completely redefined the world in three years. He was setting an example for us. As if to say, “I did it, and so can you.” Given, we are not the perfection that Jesus was, but if we strive to be, then we can reshape life as we know it.</p> <p>If I live to be 75 years old, I have the opportunity to develop fifteen 3-year plans during the remainder of my life. What an opportunity! But in order to maximize that opportunity, I have to start now.</p> <p>In 2006, I felt called to start working on my Bible in Rhyme project. It is my hope and prayer that God intends this to be a part of my 3-year plan. I pray that it is something that can work in the hearts, minds, and spirits of Christians and non-Christians alike. I don’t know what will happen, but I trust that God will guide me the way He wants me to go. And I know that it will require a lot of hard work on my part.</p> <p>Besides, isn’t hard work what God asks from all of us? We are called to love and to believe, but that’s just the beginning. To really make something happen, we have to be ready to get our hands in the dirt and work for Him. To give up our worldly lives do His will here on earth.</p> <p>So today, tomorrow, and definitely at each birthday, I recommend you ask yourself, “What is my 3-year plan?” Leave 5-year plans and 10-year plans to businesses. Make the 3-year plan God’s.</p>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-46986753266929236702008-05-20T10:11:00.001-05:002008-05-20T10:12:49.059-05:00Praying for a Better Prayer Life<p>I fall short in my prayer life. My wife says the same, as do a lot of my friends. Despite the fact that we are called to be in prayer constantly, it is a struggle setting aside time to speak to and listen to God. I feel like a poor example of a good prayer life. But I have a great mentor.</p> <p>He’s not prideful. He is not vain. He is probably the happiest and most faithful person I know. However, he can be really, really selfish. But that can be excused, as he is only two years old. He is my son, Noah. One of the most beautiful and inspiring things about my son is that he reminds my wife and I to pray. At every mealtime he holds his little hands out to each side and says, “Prayers?” And he wants to make sure we say the right prayer, the one he is familiar with:</p> <p>“God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food.”</p> <p>We had Pastors Andrew and Nicole Conard over for dinner one night, and I began saying a different prayer. Noah was having none of that. He started trying to interrupt me so that we made sure we said his prayer. It was important to him that he participate. And it was wonderful to see that prayer was important to my son so early in life.</p> <p>At nap time and bedtime, Noah knows that after we read our third story, it’s time for prayers. So he stretches out his hands again, and we say a different prayer. It’s a modification of a prayer my parents taught me as a little boy.</p> <p>“Dear God, we love You. Protect us. God bless Mommy and Daddy, little Noah, grandmas and grandpas, Uncle Bryce and Aunt Amanda, cousins and friends, and everyone in the whole wide world. And all the puppies. Amen!”</p> <p>The ‘puppies’ part was imperative to him, and the Amen is always emphatic.</p> <p>Christ tells us that we must be like little children when we come to him, and in my son I see how true this is. His faith is unwavering, unquestioning, unintentional, unrelenting, unshakable, and undeniable.</p> <p>If my faith were but a mustard seed, I know I could move mountains. My son’s faith shakes the ground I walk on. If each adult I knew prayed with the fervent intensity that I see in my son, his little friend, or the masses of children I see at church, I guarantee this world would be a better place.</p> <p>God, I ask that You help me pray like my son. That You forgive me for not giving You the time You deserve. And God, help me not forget those puppies too.</p> <p>AMEN!</p>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-75542148085958630092008-05-14T14:02:00.002-05:002008-05-14T14:10:00.963-05:00The Penny and the FeatherA penny and a feather were resting on the sidewalk. The penny asked the feather, "What do you want in life?"<br /><br />"I want to float through life, experiencing anything and everything," said the feather. "What do you want in life?"<br /><br />"I want to be someone's wish and end up in that fountain over there," the penny replied.<br /><br />"That is a boring existence," the feather replied.<br /><br />"It's what I want to be," said the penny.<br /><br />Just then a breeze lifted the feather into the air. It sailed through the city, seeing all sorts of things. But soon it came to rest in a gutter where it was swept up and placed in the garbage, then taken to the dump. The feather was very unhappy with the way things had turned out.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the penny lay on the sidewalk until a little boy came upon it. He picked the penny up and threw it into the fountain, making a wish as he did. The penny was overjoyed at having achieved its one goal.<br /><br />For those who know what they want and what they were made for, it is very probable that they will achieve their goals. But the aimless are often disappointed, because they did not know what they wanted before they set out.Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-13737287701313385152008-05-13T07:28:00.003-05:002008-05-13T07:42:18.613-05:00Psalm 68 in Rhyme<p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">I was recently approached by a publishing house that is interested in publishing <a href="http://www.thebibleinrhyme.com/">The Bible in Rhyme</a>. This is very exciting, but also a bit nerve racking as I did not have an agent, and was not sure how to navigate the negotiations of a publishing contract.</span></strong></p><p>So since my last post (about KU winning the championship), I have searched for an agent, found an agent, signed with an agent, been reviewing and discussing the publishing contract in hand, and editing furiously to get the manuscript into good shape. Right now my head is above water, but I don't know how long that will last.</p>Anyway, I thought I would post Psalm 68 from The Bible in Rhyme for today's post (and since Pastor Conard posted it on his blog <a href="http://thoughtsofresurrection.wordpress.com/">Thoughts of Resurrection</a>).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Psalm 68</span><br /><br />May God arise and scatter his foes.<br />The wicked will perish as everyone knows.<br />Sing to the Lord who rides on a cloud.<br />Extol your praises, crying aloud.<br />A father to orphans, the widow’s defender;<br />He honors believers and cuts down pretenders.<br />We marched through the desert with You as our guide<br />and gained our inheritance, though we were tried.<br />Great was the glory of those who announced<br />God and His name, but those who denounced<br />His honor were struck down, peasant and king.<br />But all who have seen His power now sing.<br />God sends one thousand chariots out<br />and crushes His enemies. Now who will doubt?!<br />The twelve tribes have come proclaiming a song.<br />Egypt and Cush will submit to the throng.<br />Announce that He’s come across all the earth.<br />All who know Him know what He is worth.<br />Wherever we tread and wherever we trod,<br />He will be with us. Praise be to God!Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-3563771826628672112008-05-13T07:26:00.002-05:002008-05-13T07:28:42.231-05:00Being Lazy is No GoodIt has been forever since I've posted...and I've even had guest blogs go up on Pastor Andrew Conard's blog since my last post. So I'm going to start by getting those posts up and trying to get going again.<br /><br />My humble apologies...Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-26666203312769087772008-04-08T09:46:00.005-05:002008-04-08T09:58:06.224-05:00Rock Chalk Jayhawk!It is with great humility and an obnoxiously loud "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!" that Kyle Holt accepts the championship of the Methodist Bloggers bracket challenge.<br /><br />"It was tough going, but when Mario Chalmers put that shot in the air, I knew I had done it," said a contrite Holt as he took credit where credit was not due. Holt has been saying for weeks that this was his year to win this award. Since it was the first time the Methodist Bloggers had put a bracket challenge together, few understood what he was talking about.<br /><br />"I had a lot riding on the line. Well, not a lot. I mean, just this award. Don't I get any money for this?" Holt asked into a Playskool microphone he set up on his couch to conduct a press conference. The press conference was attended by only Holt's two year old son who was crying and asking for his microphone back.<br /><br />Said Holt, "It's all about heart. Heart and rooting for my 'Hawks. When the game is on the line, and by on the line, I mean on the TV, I'm the guy everyone turns to."<br /><br />Disgusted Methodist Bloggers commissioner, <a href="http://thoughtsofresurrection.wordpress.com">Andrew Conard</a>, voiced his opinion about the whole affair. "It's really kind of sad," he said of Holt. "I think he truly believes he did something. You know what he should be doing is posting blogs. I mean, the guy hasn't done a single thing since March 24th. I know as a Christian I should really care for him. But it's hard when he's acting like such a loser. Just watch, he'll probably post on his blog about winning. Get a life, Kyle."Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-13025185965418112302008-03-24T13:57:00.002-05:002008-03-24T14:29:38.168-05:00In the World, Not of ItThe concept of being "in the world, not of it" is one that many Christians strive to do. It is impossible for most of us, yet we try.<br /><br />Today I am editing a course that my company has put together for the Joshua Center (<a href="http://www.joshuacenter.com">www.joshuacenter.com</a>). The Joshua Center focuses on helping the children who suffer from Tourette syndrome and Asperger syndrome, as well as their families and others who interact with the children. They're an amazing non-profit, and they do a ton of great work on a very limited budget. It's a true labor of love!<br /><br />As I read the course, it talks about how children with Asperger syndrome live "in their own world, but within ours." How similar that sounded to me!<br /><br />Since Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, I started thinking about whether we are called to be autistic related to the worldly, and it seems like a good comparison. I know that this is something I struggle with, because we're constantly bombarded with materialism, instant pleasure, and trying to keep up with the Joneses. But we're supposed to be autistic towards that, ignoring it as we live in the world that Jesus handed us.<br /><br />I probably should have made this into a parable (I probably will later on), but I just read it a second ago, and felt compelled to write something...which is good since I've been a slacker lately!Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-79472605539650345142008-03-17T14:12:00.002-05:002008-03-17T15:02:28.464-05:00St. Patrick's DaySt. Patrick's Day! An annual rite of drunken debauchery. In celebration of a...Christian holy leader? I know I'm not the first to be <br /><br />So what are we really celebrating? Irish culture. I don't have a problem with that. In fact, I've always enjoyed St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I think that in moderation it's all in good fun, but why do we have to do so in the name of a Christian saint? Why can't it be Irish Day?<br /><br />Of course, this isn't a first. We often have the same complaints about Easter and Christmas. That a rabbit and a fat man in a red suit take away from the true meaning. But in each of those cases, I would reverse my view. For those that treat Easter and Christmas as secular holidays, that's okay, because there are enough pageants, plays, songs, TV shows, etc. to remind even the most thick headed people what the holiday is really celebrating.<br /><br />But not St. Patty's. The word "saint" is the only reference at all to the fact that it's a Christian-based holiday.<br /><br />I'm not Catholic. I struggle mightily with the concepts of "sainthood." But that doesn't change the fact that I acknowledge Saints as the most influential men and women in the history of Christianity, except of course for Jesus himself.<br /><br />Does Judaism or Islam have a day in which they venerate one of the great historical leaders with massive amounts of alcohol, a parade, and some people vomiting late in the evening? Not that I am aware of. <br /><br />So can we take some time...even just a few minutes, and remember what we are really celebrating. Maybe we can be a bit more respectful of those great men and women who have come before us and laid the groundwork for our faith and our relationship with God and Christ.Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-57634573325188776422008-03-04T21:58:00.002-06:002008-03-05T20:55:49.435-06:00The Two ShepherdsTwo shepherds were watching over a flock together. When they woke up one morning, one of the sheep was missing.<br /><br />"We should go searching for it," the first shepherd said, but his friend said, "Who knows what happened? We can do nothing."<br /><br />The next morning the two shepherds realized another sheep was missing.<br /><br />"Two nights in a row! Now we have go look for the sheep," the first shepherd said, but his friend said, "Who knows what happened? We can do nothing."<br /><br />When night came the first shepherd stayed awake to keep watch on the flock, while the second shepherd fell asleep. In the very early hours of the morning the shepherd caught a poor man sneaking in amongst the flock. Having captured the thief he yelled to the second shepherd, "Wake up! I told you we should have gone in search. Look! I have caught the thief!"<br /><br />"Please," the poor man said, "I stole your two sheep, but I had to feed my family."<br /><br />"Silence!" the second shepherd said, now fully awake. "You are a thief. You will be punished severely for this."<br /><br />The first shepherd stepped forward and said to his friend, "What right do you have to judge this man? You chose to sleep while I kept watch. You have no authority over what becomes of him. You care so little for this flock, you no longer have a place watching over these sheep."<br /><br />Having dismissed the second shepherd, the first turned to the poor man and said, "If you are willing to take this man's role, not only will I forgive you, but you will also be able to feed your family."Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1118378179714859178.post-64902837243150176472008-03-02T20:01:00.002-06:002008-03-02T20:30:30.460-06:00The Ungrateful WomanTonight I read a story that is apparently a Zen parable. I was just sure I knew what the end was going to be, but when we got to the end, I was sorely disappointed. I felt it was absolutely the wrong message to send. So tonight, I'm changing that parable around into something that I feel is still applicable to Zen teaching, but more Christian in the ultimate moral.<br /><br />A rich woman took two attendants with her when she went shopping. The rain poured down while she was shopping. When she exited the store, the sidewalks were flooded. <br /><br />"Help me!" she yelled at her attendants, but both of their hands were full of sacks and boxes. "You worthless servants," she yelled, slapping at them.<br /><br />Two men were walking by. The first one saw this woman and was disgusted by the way she was acting. The second walked over to her, lifted her onto his back and carried her to her vehicle. The woman refused to thank the man as she left.<br /><br />As the two men walked on, the first said to his friend, "Why did you help that woman? Not only was she rude to you, but her behavior was despicable!"<br /><br />"Why are you so upset by her?" the second man said. "Didn't you realize I did not do that to help the rich woman, I did it to relieve the suffering of her attendants. The rich have the power to help themselves, but the poor need others to help them."Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14300405732065116118noreply@blogger.com0