Preachers need all the help they can get! That's what this blog is all about - help for preachers. Our time is valuable and we have to digest a lot of information in as an efficient manner as possible. On this blog you will find book reviews, productivity tips, links to bulletin articles, sermon outlines and presentations, and much more to help you in your work of preaching the gospel to save the souls of men.

RR: "Three Techniques to Avoid Being a Boring Writer"

Here's another "Recommended Reading" post from a great blog for writers, www.WriteToDone.com.

"Three Techniques to Avoid Being a Boring Writer" reviews Sol Stein's book, "Stein on Writing." I don't have the book but after reading this I'll be ordering it today!

When we write bulletin articles and/or blog posts we want people to pay attention to what we're saying. What we're saying is important because it is, or should be, instructing in God's word. But if our presentation is boring and hard to read people will put it down. They will move on to something else and our work will be for naught.

To avoid being a boring writer, Sol Stein's advice is to accelerate the pace. Here are his three tips for accelerated pace in writing:
  • Use short sentences.
  • Use frequent paragraphs.
  • Use jump cuts.
The article at WriteToDone gives some good examples of these techniques. Hope it helps!

Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategiesir

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New Book: 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family

Our congregations are only as strong as the families of which they are composed! That's why we, as ministers, have to preach God's upbuilding word on the value and importance of a strong and healthy family.

When I heard Rebecca Hagelin interviewed about her new book, "30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family," it sounded like a valuable resource on ascertaining the modern needs of our families. When we have a better knowledge of what our teens are facing, and the struggles of parents to deal with those problems, we are better enable to apply the timeless gospel of Christ to these modern needs.

In doing some further research on the book, I was even more intrigued and decided to order a copy. I'll be doing a full book review when I get it and read it. In the meantime, here's the table of contents to help you get an idea of what's inside.

  1. Commit To The Daily Battle
  2. Envision The Childhood You Want For Your Children, And The Adults You Want Them To Become
  3. Assess Your Home
  4. Understand How Marketers Target Your Children
  5. Make Your Home Inviting, Warm, And Fun!
  6. Create Family Time
  7. Discuss The Modern Challenges Of Friendship With Your Teens And Evaluate Your Own Friendships
  8. Know The Difference Between Your Principles And Your Preferences
  9. Write A Letter To Your Teen
  10. Battle The Culture, Not Your Child
  11. Direct Your Child's Education
  12. Learn How To Have Meaningful Discussions With Your Child
  13. Vow To Be The Parent (Not Your Child's Best Friend)
  14. Secure Allies In The Battle
  15. Develop And Follow Your "Mother's Intuition" And "Father Knows Best" Instincts
  16. Install Parental Controls On Your Televisions - And Be The Ultimate Control
  17. Be Your Family's Movie Critic
  18. Tell Your Children What Makes A True Hero, And Pledge To Be A Hero, Too
  19. Teach Your Children Every Day That They Have God-Given Value
  20. Establish A Family Tradition Of A Daily Quiet Time
  21. Set The Example
  22. Follow Ten Simple Steps With Your Teens To Foster Ongoing Support For Their Purity
  23. Set Clothing Standards For Your Daughter That Reflect She Is To Be Respected And Admired For Who She Truly Is
  24. Dress Your Son In Respect
  25. Obtain A Reliable Internet Filter
  26. Keep Your Kids Safe In Online Social Networking
  27. Let The Golden Rule, Rule Your Home
  28. Help Your Children to Connect Ownership Of Material Things And Privileges With Work
  29. Teach Your Children To Be Good Stewards
  30. Make Your Own List
From the table of contents, this looks like it will be a very insightful and helpful book. Look for the full review soon. If you read it before I do post your comments about it here.
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