Comments on: John Piper Ruined My Vacation

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:12:19 +0000

That’s right Allyson! May we all live as Piper calls a “God-entranced” vision for all things! Thanks for commenting.

By: Allyson

Allyson — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:38:46 +0000

fabulous.. i’ve read about this. and for that, i can’t look at a seashell without thinking about what piper defined as a tragedy. and wanting to pursue a life worth living for Christ and His glory.

By: Tuesday’s link of the day: ”I’ll tell you what a tragedy is.” «

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:48:48 +0000

[...] Piper. Well, today’s post is a reaction to writing by her husband John Piper. It is called John Piper ruined my vacation. It really made me think– what about [...]

By: 2007 Year in Review: Top 20-16 « Provocations & Pantings

2007 Year in Review: Top 20-16 « Provocations & Pantings — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:13:17 +0000

[...] 20. John Piper Ruined My Vacation [...]

By: Letitia Wong

Letitia Wong — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:11:56 +0000

Wow, that just floored me. Not that I didn’t know that was true already, but to put it into perspective like that is powerful.

I’m reminded of the pastor that was electrocuted in the baptistry at his church one Sunday because of touching a live microphone. He had a wife and three kids. It seems a tragedy, until you think that this man died doing exactly what he was supposed to do…baptizing people. Amazing!

*Letitia*

By: Jim Pemberton

Jim Pemberton — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:38:01 +0000

I just realized in reading this that I haven’t taken my family on a vacation in three years. I’m not joking – I honestly haven’t thought about it. We’ve been spending any vacation time in the mission field. No one has complained or mentioned vacation except to suggest a camping trip one weekend here before it gets too cool. It doesn’t seem to be a priority with any of the kids.

I need to ask my wife if she’s thought about it.

By: Mary Vanderkooi

Mary Vanderkooi — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 19:01:13 +0000

There is nothing so rewarding as investing one’s time in the next generation in a place where it really counts, where if you don’t do it, it won’t be done. In the States people crawl all over each other to minister to trivial needs and wants of people whose problems are largely their own fault. In my area, southern Ethiopia, it’s a matter of deciding which life one will save because it can’t be all of them. Sure, collecting shells isn’t wrong. Collecting grateful patients and adoring, enthusiastic students to welcome one into the kingdom on the other side is so much more fun.

By: tom ascol

tom ascol — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:56:48 +0000

Timmy:

I think that realization dawned slowly on us over the years–the playground is a battleground, but it is easy to forget that.

I got home with no difficulties. I switched my usual aisle seat for a window and had a stunning view of a nearly full moon reflecting off the Gulf waters. Psalm 8:3-4 came to mind. At 30,000 feet, no seashells were visible!

By: Timmy Brister

Timmy Brister — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:21:22 +0000

Tom,

I’m glad you guys realized that several decades ago!

It’s weird thinking about storming the gates of hell when you drive up to a plush, extravagant retirement community! Studd’s story of sacrificing wealth and riches for the sake of the gospel made a HUGE impact on me and missions early on in my spiritual formation. I also think of a book by Tozer called This World: Playground or Battleground that also spoke very pointedly about this as well.

I trust you had a safe flight back yesterday. The weather was quite stormy last night.

By: Keith

Keith — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:28:56 +0000

I’ve always found it interesting that:

1) God told man (Adam) that he would earn his keep from hard work and someday he would die

2) Americans spend and waste probably more time than any other culture trying to avoid both of those.