Bullet Points to Booklet…
It began as a suggestion from Eric, our Children’s Pastor. When we talked about how to add value to the Family, Imperfect series and how offer people something who came to hear Michael Smalley, he suggested we give them something to help them as a family. The thought hit me - I could jot down a few bullet points related to each message, we could compile them, and then we could offer them to people who come on October 7. The pastors thought it was a good idea and I liked it too, so we committed to that.
As I prepared for each message, however, I was overwhelmed by the amount of material out there that could be of help to families. There was no way I could preach it all without sermons running two or three hours. I wasn’t sure I could get anyone to go along with that. But, I thought, this wouldn’t be a problem - I would just expand my bullet points a little.
When I started dictating the first chapter, I wound up with 45 minutes of material. Each chapter went longer and longer. What started out to be a few pages of extra thoughts began something much more.
For the past two days I have been trying to finish the first draft. To be honest, I was surprised that I had that much to say. I’m pretty excited about it because I think the material will benefit families. I think couples will be helped and parents encouraged. Of course I still have to edit what I’ve written - so I don’t yet really know how it will all look when it is put together. To be honest, I think I will appreciate it as a handy review of things I need to remember as a husband and a father.
We’re going to print 600 of these and have available for anyone who wants one on Sunday. I hope you will invite your friends to join us. Michael Smalley promises to be great. I believe God can use the truths we’ve shared not just to help families, but to change lives and open heaven for people who need to know Jesus.
I can’t wait for Sunday - I think God will do something great!
