I just finished Henri Nouwen’s book, In The Name of Jesus, and once again a Nouwen book that doesn’t disappoint. It is an insightful and soul (not just thought) provoking and inspiring book. As I read, I found myself convicted and inspired. I often wonder how much of my drive, passion and ministry comes from a place other than my call from God. This book has helped to make me reflect on that reality and start chiseling alway some of my misunderstandings and begin seeing my life and ministry through the loving and freeing call of God.

I read this book in the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Banff while I was at Pastor’s Prayer retreat and the beautiful setting dovetailed with what God was teaching me: the limits I have are not something to begrudge but are a gift from God – what a tough and freeing reality to grasp.

I recently read Rob Brendle’s book, In the Meantime: the practice of proactive waiting. This was one of those risky books that I found in the clearance box. It was a risk that was interesting in ways I would have never expected.

In terms of the content of the book compared to the title, the first several chapters were interesting and there is no doubt that Rob is a gifted author and communicator. But as the book wore on, I found it losing focus and changing directions.

What I found most interesting about this book had nothing to do with the book itself. When I was half way through the reading of the book the news about Ted Haggard’s deception, drug use, and sexual history came out. I then, it Da Vinci Code like fashion, began putting the pieces together. Rob Brendle is one of the pastors at Haggard’s Church and I began to get an insight into the ministry and ethos of New Life Fellowship. Take this quote for example from the book as Rob refers to his call:

“This is what I am called to do. God had shown me only this: that I was to serve Ted Haggard. And serving Ted meant doing what Ted wanted done. It was my calling-to serve Ted-and in a way, it was my salvation.”

Rob Brendle’s book, especially the first half, was interesting, but I have to say that with the news headlines of late, the brief glimpse into the ethos of New Life Fellowship was most interesting. There is little doubt that after the news this book will be reduced even further in price.