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The fpKids ministry team is reading the book, Inside the Magic Kingdom.  A book that hits the top of my “Must Read” list.  In fact, I wrote a series on the book back in 2007.  You can read that here.

I’ve led a book discussion on this book 5 times and every time I walk away with something new.  Much like Lencioni books, this is a fable of a group of people getting an insiders look at the world of Disney.  The main takeaways of the book are 6 common things that create the magical DNA of Disney.  Number 2 is the one that sits with me right now.

Pay fantastic attention to detail

In the book, you’ll read about how an extreme attention to detail sets Disney apart from the rest.  As we’ve applied this principle in kids ministry over the years there is proven value in a high attention to detail.  Yet I’ve primarily focused this principle to physical space, print documents and things like that.  Mostly tangible items that someone could physically pick apart.

Yet this time around my lens has changed.  Digesting this principle today I ask myself how this applies to shepherding relationships in my ministry.  How would relationship building look if I paid fantastic attention to these details?

What would my follow up look like?

How frequently would I write notes?  Follow up on a prayer request?  Check in on sick volunteers?

Do I know the names of all the kids in the family when I contact a parent?  Do I have a brief history of their participation in the church?  Am I looking to address any need and not just kidmin needs?

Paying fantastic attention to detail in relationships is unexpected… and remarkable… and Seth Godin would love that.

What could be better than another book written by John Eldredge?

One written by John & his wife, Stasi.

It seems every time the Eldredge’s unite and put pen to paper the product is outstanding. In their latest work, Love & War, John and Stasi are more than candid about the challenges of marriage.   A husband/wife duo authoring a book on marriage is not a new concept. You don’t have to look hard for some solid books on the challenges of marriage and the couple that survived them.  But what makes this book unique is the entwining of past storms they’ve weathered and the challenges they faced even while writing this book.

What a testimony of faithfulness to push through the very obstacles that could have stopped them from completing this project.

Every couple should have a relationship building book on their reading list each year. Make this one your 2010 pick.

John & Stasi are touring the country talking to couples about their latest work.  The tickets are inexpensive and the time invested is priceless.  Click here to find out if they’ll be in your area.

Disclaimer: This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

I’m sorting through books today trying to lighten the load.  This is tough for me.

I love books.

And I’ve got loads of them.

But I’m tired of overflowing basket next to my bed that I keep adding to, but never taking away.  According to one of my favorite shows, Clean House… that’s a sin of “mayhem and foolishness”.

So I’m sorting through my books deciding which ones I can part with when I uncovered a book written by my friend, Natalie Witcher.  A woman I highly respect.  I worked with her husband at LifeChurch.tv for a few years and frankly his family is cool.  They’re the real deal.

Natalie published her book, The Devil In Your Garden, in 2007.  It’s a great read about healing from shame.  Here’s a snippet from the back cover…

Shame makes its way in our lives like a snake slithering its way in a garden.  It is vicious and no respecter of persons.  Where did it all come from?  Why is it such a cancer in our hearts, in our minds?  What’s the deal here?  Why are we paralyzed and afraid?  Our soul cries, “Something’s got to give!”  Something did.  Some One did.

I love the way Natalie frames a situation.  She has a unique way of laughing at herself and finding joy in the smallest of circumstances.  After reading the book I stuck it in my basket next to my bed.  Each time I come across it I’m tempted to toss it in the Salvation Army pile but can never bring myself to toss out a book written by a friend.  Coming across it today, I had the same sentimental thought.  But then, it occurred to me that if Natalie were standing there she’d say,

Toss it out, sister.  It’ll land in someone’s hands.  And they need to read it, that’s for dang sure.

I’m taking liberties with quoting Nat.  Who knows if that’s how she would phrase it.  Either way, she’d laugh at the idea of me hanging onto it for so long.

So I figure I’ll give it away here.  If you’d like a copy of Natalie’s book (and trust me… you do), you can buy it new here or leave me a comment below and maybe you can win my used copy.  I’ll be back tomorrow and announce the grand recipient.

Congratulations Kimberley!  Thanks for reading.  Enjoy the book.