Redeeming the Time

We have made the decision at the Waggoner household to get rid of TV (read: cable). It's not that we've had trouble controlling what we're watching, it actually comes down to a growing realization that we waste way too much time watching TV. Many times we watch good (even great) programming. I mean, really, what beats ESPN Gameday or The O'Reilly Factor? But, getting back to my earlier point about zeroing in on what's best as opposed to what is simply good, I'm convinced that this is the direction that my family needs to go for the present time. Does that mean that I will never get cable again? No. I'm just doing what's best for our family right now. And, besides, I'm having trouble justifying paying for cable when we only watch about 11 channels. So, we'll see what happens. I survived without watching TV as a kid and I'm pretty sure my kids will make it, too. I am going to miss Fox News, though.

Lately, I've been reading quite a bit. Here are my current reads:


Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent is the memoir of Fred Burton, one of the founding agents of the Counterterrorism Division of the Diplomatic Security Service (an arm of the Department of State). This is a fascinating look into the dark world of terrorism and the personal sacrifices of the men and women who do their best to keep it from striking our country. Burton was part of some of the biggest terrorism investigations during the 1980s and early 90s. I had no clue how close we were to a nuclear meltdown after the Pakistani President Zia was assassinated. Great reading!


I have enjoyed getting acquainted with John Ortberg through his books. Ortberg, who pastors Menlo Park Presbyterian (one of Liberty Quartet's favorite California stops thanks to Senior Adult's Pastor Frank VanderZwan), has an engaging writing style that makes that reader feel as though the two are having a personal conversation. Full of personal anecdotes, many humorous, When the Game Is Over It All Goes Back in the Box drives home the point that the "stuff of earth" falls short of the importance of that which is eternal. When your life is over, what will have counted most? Ortberg proposes that the object of life (as Jesus said) is "to be rich toward God". At the end of our lives the only thing left is love. "Every human being you see if cleverly disguised receptacle of eternity. You can take the love with you." Another interesting contrast is God's scorekeeping (Phil. 2:5-7) vs. ours (comparing, competing, and climbing). I'm still reading the book, so I'm sure there's quite a bit yet to discover.


This is a great book for anyone who interacts with a customer, whether it be in business or ministry. In our increasingly connected world of blogs, websites, and mass email, the consumer now holds an unprecedented power over the perception of a business or church. Full of case studies and helpful critique and advice, this book will heighten our awareness of interacting in today's Internet-driven age. When a problem arises, there's only one way to respond: "by creating 100% credibility with consumers on every front". The six credibility drivers proposed by Blackshaw are trust, authenticity, transparency, active listening, responsiveness, and positive affirmation. Fantastic book!

OK, you're up-to-date with my life for now. Now, off to a Liberty concert.