The best candy apple of my life

A coworker of mine went to a conference in Florida a few months back. He returned to work and a few days later received a package in the mail. It was from one of the vendors that was represented at the conference. The vendor took the liberty of shipping out candy apples to people who were at the conference.

So, my coworker took the apple and put it in the little fridge between our desks to enjoy later. It had been in there for a few weeks and today he opened the fridge to put something in it and I noticed the candy apple.

I said to him "When are you going to eat that apple?"

He replied "I don't know. Do you want it?"

We pulled the apple out of the box. We were amazed. It wasn't one of these kind that you'd pick up at the county fair. This thing was impressive. There was no way I was going to eat it all so I took a few bites and handed it back to him. It was the best candy apple I have ever put in my mouth.

I decided that I might buy one so I asked him where this vendor got the apples. He pointed me to Amy's Candy Kitchen in Wisconsin. Amy is serious about her apples. I began to drool over what she has to offer. Only...I don't think $15 for a candy apple is in my budget. Anyway, below is a picture of the apple I had. It was the Dunked Caramel Apple with Belgian Milk Chocolate. I'd love to try the dark chocolate one too.

Sing On Ye Joyful Pilgrims

I grew up in a small church of Christ in rural North Carolina. I can recall the size of the congregation being somewhere around 120 people, most of which were relatives. In fact, in many cases I never knew the difference between those who weren't actually relatives and those who were. Nonetheless, one of the things I remembered most about growing up in that little church was the fact that everyone loved to sing. Beyond any discussions of doctrine, theology, or worship practices, people there, simply found pride in singing together.

I remember many occasions when a family would host a "singing night". Someone would swing by the church building, pick up a stack of hymnals, a truck load of folding chairs, and after a delicious cookout, 20-30 people would begin singing together in four part harmony for hours.

I'll be the first to admit, I didn't always care to sing. I was much more fascinated with playing hide-n-seek, kickball, or jumping on the tramp-o-line with other kids. Still, those were nice moments in my past. I was happy. I felt safe and I knew other than my parents, there were 20-30 other people who loved me and cared for me too.

Looking back today, that was "church" at it's best. The singing may not have been anything impressive and maybe I wouldn't choose to sing the same old songs today, but every time I hear singing similar to those nights, I smile on the inside. It wasn't about the singing. It was about the time spent together. Those are memories I'll cherish forever.

Here's a song that reminds me of those days. It's done almost exactly the way I remember it as a child... "Sing On Ye Joyful Pilgrims."

Pet Peeving's pet peeve contest

All right Pet Peeving readers. This is your first opportunity to win a prize on Pet Peeving's first ever contest. Here's the scoop.

The Prize:
I am giving away 8 free copies of Andy Andrew's book, Mastering the Seven Decisions. The book goes on sale April 15, 2008. So, you could get a copy before anyone else!

How to Win:
Be one of the first 8 people to answer the question below by commenting on this post.

What is your biggest pet peeve and why?


It's that simple - good luck! Oh, if you are one of the first 8 and it's likely that I don't know how to reach you, please email me at ben4rest [at] gmail.com.

The Way of Jesus

The last four books I have read in the Christian genre have all been recommendations. Three of the last four have dealt mostly with the issue of "institutional church". I have to say that what I have read in the past few months has shaken the very ground from which I was introduced to my faith...but I like it.

I just finished a book by Jonathan & Jennifer Campbell entitled The Way of Jesus. The authors share a little about their journey and frustrations with "church" and reveal the path they took to discovering Jesus in a more personal way. It's a path rarely found in organized religion. The book alone is worth the quotes that are pulled out in each chapter. Still, I would place the impact this book had on me behind So, You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore? (a fable) and Pagan Christianity. I've enjoyed all three and here is where I'm left.

I'm left with purposefully redefining what "church" is and living life that way. I've finally begun to embrace the church in it's broadest since where it is more inclusive rather than exclusive. I'm still not convinced that a gathering of people at a large building doesn't have advantages over an organic house church. However, I clearly see where the disadvantages are as well. If you are at point where you feel good about "church", then take off on this study. It will rock your world.

You tell the story

I was stumbling around a little this morning and happened across this photo at Hey Okay. It made me laugh. I once heard that a good photo is made by the story behind it and this one looks like it certainly has a story.

I don't know what the story is, but I sure would love to hear what you think it is. Do you care to share? Be creative. Keep it clean.