Theological Bucket List

I have been doing well crossing off items on my bucket lists as opposed to a general life to-do list. I think it’s because the bucket lists have been seasonal and have fewer items. I don’t accomplish everything on my list, but I know that won’t happen when I dream up my lists.

So I decided to dream up a Theological Bucket List too. Not everything I want to do is on this list. This is the first layer. After I accomplish a significant number of items on the list, I will re-think and re-dream and see what’s next.

Here is my list . . . 

Books …

• All books by C.S. Lewis
• All my books on prayer and write one thing I learned from each
• Declutter my theology books (especially if I have them on Logos)
• Go through Case for Christ for Kids (with someone)
• Read all “religious” books I own
• Read or listen to The Hole in the Gospel
• Write or find a good first study book for kiddos who become Believers

Luci Swindoll

Hear a specific preacher/teacher in person …

• Henri Nouwen
• Luci Swindoll
• NT Wright
• JI Packer

Learn

• Greek – to read New Testament
• Hebrew – to read Old Testament
• Spanish – so I can use in ministry

“

Memorize Scripture …

• Assorted Scriptures according to topic
• John 15
• I Corinthians 13

Music …

• Learn 12 Hymns
• Learn 12 current praise songs
• Learn to play praise songs on guitar

Spiritual disciplines …

• Tithes/Special Offerings (Donate a paycheck)
• Fast and pray on a regular basis (determine what is my “regular basis”)
• Go  through spiritual disciplines book with a group
• Organize and be part of a mentorship/discipleship group or pairing (with/for ladies)

Topics to study …

• Attributes of God: http://www.allaboutgod.com/attributes-of-god.htm
• Grief
• Heaven
• Idols
• Prayer
• Stress/Worry

One place I’d like to visit is the Dome of the Rock.

Travel …

• Extended visit to Israel – do study ahead of time, plan photos
• Follow the journey of Paul’s travels
• Rome

 Reflection …    

• Take a life inventory, journal, pray, and fast. What changes, if any, do I need to make?
• Take spiritual gift inventory again and journal, pray, and fast. What changes do I need to make, if any, regarding doing His Will about my gifting(s)?
• What is the “impossible” that God is wanting to do through me?
• What things are holding me back from fully engaging in the life God has planned for me? (Ie. weight, stuff)

I’d like to help people who are hit by a natural disaster. I want show help in a practical way and let them know that God loves them and is working on their behalf.

Volunteer … 

• Short-term Missions trip – How can I be a long-term encourager after I get home?
• Visit/Help Astrid (Asia) or Kelly (Africa)
• Volunteer after a disaster
• Volunteer for 3 months overseas

Your Turn . . . What would you put on your theological bucket list?

Related Posts . . . 

• Summer Bucket List 2011
• Fall Bucket List 2011
• Winter Bucket 2011-2012
• Spring Bucket List 2012
• 35 Spiritual Goals for the New Year written by Kari Denker. She writes at StoneSoupForFive.com
• Spiritual Action List written by Kimberly Job. She writes at Sublime Reflection.

5 Blessings From My Week

Time to share the week’s blessings with a Friday’s Fave Five (FFF) post. Why don’t you write your own list and link up at Living to Tell the Story? My list is below.

Small warning: I am chatty today.

1. Unexpected date. My daughter, Elizabeth, and other students from her junior college were bussed to the our state’s capital to protest the education budget cuts. Their part of the rally was done early so, Elizabeth called to see if I was available. Of course! We spent a lovely hour together.

[My daughter was prepared for the worst (pepper spray to the face) by bringing 2 bandanas soaked in apple cider vinegar. One for her and one for whoever was next to her. Isn’t Google so helpful? Thankfully it was peaceful where she was. ]

This swing is a chair (yes, with a back). My how swings have changed since my kiddos were little.

 We went to a Cool Playground. Around W&8th street near downtown Sacramento is a big park with a cool playground. There are swings with the traditional seats and red chairs with chains, lots of structures to climb on, slide down, twirl around, and teeter back and forth. Plenty of free parking.

If an old lady like me enjoyed this playtime, just imagine what your kiddos will think of the place. Seriously, if you are looking for a great park to play in, get yourself there today! 

 We had Delish Iced Chai Latte. This is my new drink of choice. I need to Google this drink and see if I can make it at home.

Elizabeth and I walked to Insight Coffee Roasters (8th and S Street) for our chai drinks which were served in canning jars with handles. So cute. I hope to go back with my computer to do some work and then come home with a bag of fresh roasted coffee. Go here for more info about Insight.

2. Nursery Help. I am part of a team of folks who is building up the volunteer roster for CNC‘s nursery and children’s ministry. 3 folks have said yes to helping out in the nursery. I am very honoured and happy to work and worship with folks from CNC. They are generous, sensitive to the needs of others, and fun to be around.

Sammi is whizzing through the water.

3. Swim Meet. I like to attend my nieces’ events and for some reason this year, my schedule has been wonky and I’ve missed too many events. BUT I was able to attend Sammi’s swim meet.

I enjoyed time with my youngest niece and her mom (my sis), watching and cheering Sammi and other Lancers on to victory. We were able to stand right NEXT to the pool. My shoes were soaked. I was amazed. Another blessing was that the sun shone brightly.

4. Successful Garage Sale. Our church had a garage sale so folks could earn money for our upcoming all-church retreat (September 14-16). 18 spots were filled by individuals/families/couples in addition to a H-U-G-E spot for stuff donated to the church.

We also had a food area: home-made cookies, chilled bottled water, combination pizza, red licorice, and popcorn fresh from the popping machine. The smells, sights, and sounds were tantalizing and paired well with our blue-skyed, warmish day.

Pizza is always a popular food for our potlucks.

5. Potluck & Social Time. The food theme was anything green or Irish. I brought food with a California twist: combination pizza (plenty of green peppers on top) and baked sweet potato fries.

Our 2 women’s Wednesday night small groups get together the 1st Wednesday of the month for dinner and then we split for our study time. The room was packed and we had 3 new ladies. So we decided to forego the study (and that is not a decision I make lightly b/c I jealousy guard our study time).

We introduced ourselves with a colour that matched the first letter of our name. I am “Salmon Susan.” Then we shared what we’ve been getting out of the study. I am especially moved by how much all of us are growing in our relationship with God, the Bible, and each other. This sharing time was encouraging to me.

QUESTION THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH FFF: What would you put on your Theological Bucket List?  It could be anything from visiting a religious site … reading certain books … memorizing portions of Scripture … practising spiritual disciplines … hearing a specific preacher … etc.