The Naked Truth

Stemming from my involvement in church planting, I have seen a lot of direct-mail postcards over the last six years. Heck, I've even helped design a couple. Lately, some people have begun to question the effectiveness of direct mail, since so many different kinds of organizations use it. The biggest problem is finding a way to get your card noticed- you know, something that would make an individual want to save it instead of just throwing it away.

I must admit, if I had received the card above, I'd have kept it. AND, it would have made me curious about the church that sent it. Still, I just don't think you'll ever be getting a postcard like this from me, inviting you to visit Convergence Christian Church, even though we will be a church that invites you to "come as you are."

Plus, I just don't have that kind of chest hair...

Hot Wings addendum

Ah, I love it when an entry helps to generate synergy. The "Convergence" site is really all about community, and I think it's great when anyone wants to contribute to something I've written about.

In the spirit of that very notion, Fred posted a comment last night on my "Hot Wings" entry that included the suggestion that, "there ought to be a rule that wing prep should be done while wearing an apron with a witty phrase on the front. this allows everyone at the party to know who's in charge. (i.e. "Fred be doin' the BBQ-in')."

Then he sent me a picture.

So, as a helpful addition to my thoughts on the perfect hot wing, here the mighty Fred-O demonstrates his readiness for the big game. However, his wife was too embarrassed to be seen with him, so he had to snap this shot of himself in the mirror. Enjoy!

Jeff

See the Shrimp!

The picture I used for my "Jumbo Shrimp" entry is actually from a restaurant in Galveston, TX. Gaido's Restaurant is located at 3900 Seawall Blvd, and also sports a dandy giant Crab out front(It's just to the right of the lower picture). I'm not sure if the restaurant is still open, and if it is, I honestly have no idea what the food is like. But hey, they've got a giant shrimp, and that's not something you see just everyday!

If any of you Houstonians get down to Galveston, check out Gaido's and tell me if the shrimp is still there.

Jeff

A Severe Mercy

I just finished a book called "A Severe Mercy," by Sheldon Vanauken. It's a bit hard for me to sum up, as any synopsis seems trite in the case of this book. It is autobiographical- the story of Sheldon and the life he shared with his wife Jean, (who is nicknamed "Davy" after her maiden name, Davis) and their journey to faith in Christ. Their lives collectively spanned much of the 20th century, and he is an amazing story teller, which makes it a great read for people who enjoy history. They also knew the scholar and author C.S. Lewis, and the book contains 18 letters from him to them, which gives an interesting side profile for Lewis fans.

But none of these things by themselves made the book great; the whole is so much greater than the sum of its parts that it was more of an experience for me than a simple story. Vanauken is real and honest, and has a meticulous (and wonderful) knack for details that allows you to feel as if you are literally observing their lives with them.

The book was published in the 70's, so you can probably find it at a used book store or online at Amazon for a few dollars. If your experience is like mine, you'll be hard pressed to think of anything else you should have spent the cash on.