I Feel A Laugh Coming

I Feel a Laugh Coming by Brian Culver is a recent book that I just finished reading. Below is listed a few of the statements from the book and my thoughts concerning his writings.

In the opening chapter, he begins with a GREAT STATEMENT:

Sometimes, we need to open our horizon a little bit and get the stuffiness out. God has a sense of humor. You don't possibly think that God is always having a frown on his face. We should never forget that God is love.

Absolutely, we need to open up our horizon and we need to get the "stuffiness" out of our life. Too often, we take things too seriously.

Later in the chapter, the chapter is on laughter, he gives the following statement:

As a pastor, God has given me the ability to make people smile and laugh. I want everyone to know that I am there for him or her. I also do not want them to leave this world without one last smile.

Now that, made me smile and laugh on the inside.

In chapter 6, he has a message that I think is very important for individuals to hear and understand. Here is the message:

One of the places that we hurt us through email letters. Someone might be trying to convey a message only to have it misunderstood by the person receiving it. I have sent emails to some very dear friends of mine and when you speak you change the tone of your voice when you are saying something. Sometimes the difference in how you change your voice changes the meaning of what you are saying. I have had times where I was saying something that was good only yo have it misunderstood by the other person. Communication is vital to any relationship. The internet can be a great and valuable part of our lives but it should never replace a true relationship with those we love. When we feel like our friends are attacking us it can really hurt.

Very interesting and maybe even a little paradoxical.

Law vs. Grace Take ?

In chapter 7, he shares another family story. His family stories are much better than the preacher illustrations one that he uses. But, he gives a message of "grace". There is less law in this story. Here it is (pg 48):

When Jesus died up there on the cross, He paid the final bill. All of your sins were wiped away with his precious blood. Every bad word you spoken. Jesus took care of it. Every lie, Jesus took care of it. You have been saved by the grace of God. It is not what you have done, it is what He has done for you. But now that he has paid the price we should remember that a repentant heart is essential. We must change the way we behave and turn to Jesus.

This is a very different take from the current view and this is a view that I believe a lot of people could/would grasp a hold of.

On Family

He once again has excellent words when he says, "Take time out of your busy schedule for your family. They will be gone before you know it. Love them and never be afraid to bring laughter into their lives. They will remember it for the rest of their lives."

Use Humor Not Lightbulbs

From page 71, "Use some humor if you are scared to start a conversation with someone when you are wanting to share the Good News of Christ with them."

I apologize for the "inside" humor.

Priorities ??

On page 81, he shares that it is time for us to get our priorities in line. Here are his priorities:

1. God
2. Family
3. Neighbors
4. Humor
5. Smile & Laugh

So, he gave his; what are yours ?

Humility for Grace

When you are able to totally humble yourself before God, you will be able to experience the full bounty of His grace (pg. 91)

Overall, the book was enjoyable. I rolled my eyes numerous times as his humor is lacking a little. I think the lacking is on intentional though as the stories are to make you roll the eyes and go, oohhhhh my.

He is right, we need to laugh.
We need to open ourselves up.
We need to humble ourselves to God's wonderful grace.