Monthly Archive for October, 2010

Book 11: The Mockingbird Parables

Published on October 21, 2010 by Chris Bean in Campus Ministry, Faith and Literature.

I just posted this review on Amazon.com for my buddy, the author…Matt Litton. You’ll want to visit Amazon and purchase a copy for yourself very soon.

As someone who interacts with college students on a daily basis, I am often looking for great resources which would help students engage their faith. Literature in general, but especially classic works of literature filled with timeless characters and story provide a great context for conversation about life and faith. That is what I found to be most useful about Litton’s collection of parables based on Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Whether one agrees with all the author’s conclusions or not, each chapter deals with a significant theme. These themes of courage, community, compassion, environmental stewardship, etc all stir up interesting perspectives on Kingdom living from a Christian perspective as well as cultural implications outside of the faith arena. Having just finished a fresh reading of “To Kill a Mockingbird” this summer, I was particularly poised to enjoy “The Mockingbird Parables.”

Weaving together scenarios and observations from the novel, his own personal stories, a variety of relevant and inspirational nuggets, as well as theological commentary and interpretation from Biblical sources, Matt has contributed an enjoyable and challenging tribute to the familiar characters from Maycomb, Alabama. These reflections on several meaningful topics could serve a variety of reading interests. For those who are simply enamored by this classic piece of American literature, you’ll be sure to find some new reasons to fall in love with Scout, Jem, Atticus, and many other characters. For those who enjoy thinking of the impact of story on life, Litton draws you into several great multi-faceted conversations. TMB certainly has the potential to increase awareness around these great themes and even hints at a few provocative ways to move from awareness to application.

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Tipping A Barista

Published on October 19, 2010 by Chris Bean in Coffee and Third Place, Finances and Personal.

Someone recently asked me what the expectation is for tipping at a coffee shop.

Unlike many in the food service industry, baristas are paid at least minimum wage. So there’s usually not an “expectation” to tip. However, having worked at a few coffee shops (Starbucks and otherwise), I know that baristas count on and hope for an additional $1 or $2 per hour in tips.

I usually try to tip baristas around 10% personally. On my $2 coffee though, that only amounts to 20 cents, so I usually throw in anywhere from a quarter to .50.

If I get exceptional service and customer interaction from the barista (and the register employee) I’ll tip up to $1 per beverage.

There’s my $.02 worth on the subject. Anyone else have any tips on the subject?
;-)

Here’s a helpful article I found on the subject if you want a more thorough guide to coffee shop tipping etiquett.

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Views the World Biblically

Published on October 15, 2010 by Chris Bean in Calling, Campus Ministry, discipleship and worldview.

Within the context of campus ministry with the CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach), we discuss various “marks of transformation.” Since the mission of the CCO is “transforming students to transform the world” it becomes quite important to understand what a “transformed” student looks like. One of these marks is described by the phrase “Views the World Biblically” and is fleshed out a bit in the following paragraph:

“The transformed student has a coherent and consistent set of beliefs, attitudes and values rooted in Biblical truth that colors the way he/she sees the world.  This Biblical worldview enables the student to engage every aspect of life with a thinking and active faith.  This worldview is under-girded with truth, because the transformed student takes seriously the study of the Bible and its integration into everyday life.”

During some one-on-one time with a student and also in a small group bible study with three students this week, I was able to engage with a few students who are taking steps towards gaining a worldview which is more deeply impacted by God’s word. They recognize that there’s a miss…a disconnect within the average brand of Christianity experienced by most who simply attend church semi-occasionally and call themselves Christian. The want more and I certainly want more for them.

These words of the Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2 captured the essence of my calling with college students earlier this week:

11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

It’s often easy to become discouraged when the quantity of students I engage weekly is less than I hope for…but I am constantly reminded and encouraged that the quality of those conversations and relationships are exactly what I’m hoping for.

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