Book Review : Simplify

/ Steven Ruff / Leave a comment

simplifyOur lives are complicated and cluttered. Every day is a struggle to maintain healthy relationships, have meaningful interactions with our children, find time to exercise, carve out time for social activities, and connect with God in a real and life-changing way. As a result of this clutter and complication, we are unable to live out our intended purposes and find lasting satisfaction. How can we find the breathing room and margin that we desperately need? The answer to that question is that we need to make our lives simpler. In his new book, “Simplify; Then Practices to Unclutter Your Soul”, Willow Creek Community Church pastor Bill Hybels tackles the problem of cluttered and complicated lives. He identifies ten core issues that produce complication and rob us of peace and satisfaction.

Smartly, Hybels dedicates as entire chapter to each of the identified core issues. He identifies the issues leading to life complication and lists them in a “from – to” format. For example, he speaks of moving From Exhausted to Energized, Overscheduled to Organized, From Wounded to Whole, and From Isolated to Connected to name a few. Having exposed the negative, Hybels then offers the positive through what he calls “action steps” as how to simplify that particular area. Calling on years of pastoral experience, biblical narrative and principles, and good common sense Hybels demonstrates that simply because our lives may not be in perfect working order now, there is hope for a more rewarding life. I found the chapters on overscheduling and exhaustion especially helpful. I recommend this book without reservation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review : Dear Son

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dearsonI recently finished a book entitled “Dear Son; A Father’s Advice on Being a Man” written by Mars Hill Church’s Teaching Pastor Dave Bruskas. Bruskas lost his son at two months of age to a congenital heart defect. This book is a series of letters that Bruskas has written to his son saying the things he would have shared with him had he lived. These letters cover such as areas as Christian, Son, Brother, Young Man, Provider, Citizen, Member, Husband, Father, Vessel, and Mortal. After each letter, the author gives a picture as to what each of these areas look like when lived out practically. Through the application, Bruskas uses the letters of 1 and 2 Timothy as the basis for his application.

Dear Son is a tender book as you might imagine. The letters he writes to son are emotional, heart-felt, and sincere. You sense from the tone of his words the depth of the love for his son that he knew only a few short months. I encourage all fathers to read this book. I was challenged on what I might say to my son regarding these same areas. A good work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review : The Good Spy

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good spyThe depth of American diplomacy and espionage around the world is a closely guarded secret. The American public is afforded little detail and insight into the workings of our most essential intelligence gathering agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. This is for a reason. Often the work of clandestine agents within these agencies, although hidden from view, have led to improved relationships with allies, uncovered information that has stopped potential attacks, and helped bring world players to the table of diplomacy. In his new book, “The Good Spy; The Life and Death of Robert Ames”, author Kia Bird tells the story of one such clandestine CIA spy. Robert Ames was a spy for the CIA during the early 1960’s through the early 1980’s. Ames’ career with the CIA included involvement with many now famous individuals and operations. The most well-known event surrounding his life was the bombing of the American Embassy in Beirut on April 18, 1983 where sixty- three people including Ames were killed.

After attending La Salle University on a basketball scholarship, Ames joined the Army where he found himself stationed at a base that was run by the NSA. It was here that he was introduced to the importance of intelligence gathering. After leaving the Army, Ames began working with the CIA in 1960. It was here that Ames excelled. He became an expert in Arabic language and custom (called an Arabist throughout the book). At any early point in his career, Ames became interested and involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict. He would be involved with this conflict his entire life. Bird chronicles his work assignments and travels, as well as his efforts to maintain a normal family life. This book is as much about American foreign policy in the Middle East in the 1970’s and 80’s as it is about Ames. While Bird details and helps the reader navigate the private meetings, back room negotiations, and fragile relationships with “assets” and other political players, he tells the story of the volatile atmosphere in the Middle East and America’s involvement in it.

One of the things I really liked about this book was the introductions that were made. Bird tells of Ames’ work in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Iraq, the region of Palestine, Egypt, and others. Bird has done an excellent job of introducing the reader to figures such as Yasir Arafat, Ariel Sharon, Sadaam Hussein, and chronicles the rise of groups such as Israeli Mossad, Hezbollah, al-Qaeda, Osama bin laden, and the Taliban. “The Good Spy” is a great work. Intriguing. Informative. Prophetic. Honest. This is a book all Americans should read. It tells how arrived at where we are today and gives great lessons for moving forward into an uncertain future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday is for Missions : VBS, Pastorally Speaking

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AgencyAgencyD3_Badge-4color D3 is in the books. The investigation of the evidence surrounding the person of Jesus Christ has been completed. As I walked around the church building this past Sunday morning, I could not help but think that it looked as if Vacation Bible School had never happened. No more colorful decorations and screaming children. Vacation Bible School makes for a very long week around the church. If you take into account the weeks leading up to the actual teaching week, many long, long hours have been logged over the past three weeks. I heard one of our workers say this past week, “There is tired and then there is Vacation Bible School tired.” This is absolutely true. Although it is physically and emotionally draining, it is worth it. When it comes to Vacation Bible School, I’m all in. I’m sold on its ministry value. I fully understand how important this week is in the life and overall ministry of the church. Now that Vacation Bible School 2014 is over, allow me to make a few observations.

1. Attendance: For better or worse, this is often the marker by which Vacation Bible School is judged as a success or a failure. I am not completely sold on this. I am not exactly sure what our average attendance was for the week. I do know that is was down from last year. Although lower, I was encouraged by our attendance. I know that may sound odd. My reason for being encouraged is not so much about how many, but who was here. It is obvious that our people were active in inviting others this week. I know this because as the kids passed through the Missions Rotation that I was leading, they wanted me to meet their friends they had brought with them. Again this year our students met the same week as our children. I was encouraged to see the largest number in Youth VBS than I had seen in years, about 16 each night. This does not count the high school students who were assisting in other areas. We had the children who were members of other churches. That is perfectly fine. We are happy to have them for a week. We also had students who were unchurched and not affiliated with a local church. This is one of the markers by which I judge success. If I can answer the question “Were we able to have children with no church affiliation on campus with us for a week and be exposed to the gospel?” positively, then we were successful. Our Adult VBS was not only made up of our own church members. One of goals in Adult Vacation Bible School is to give parents who are not involved in a local church a place to go instead of dropping their children off and going home. We accomplished our goal here. Parents had the opportunity to interact and meet other people in a non-threatening manner and be exposed to the gospel message. I believe this was a success as well.

2. Volunteers: I am thankful to all of the volunteers who worked this week. As I mentioned earlier, it was a long week. It was also very hot. I am especially thankful and grateful to all of our teachers who worked full-time jobs who left work and came straight to church for five straight days. I want to especially mention and thank those who worked in the kitchen all week. During our Vacation Bible School, we skip the Snack Rotation. Instead, we choose to provide a meal for parents, children, and workers every night. Our kitchen workers came out early, set everything up, served the kids, and stayed until all was cleaned up. This year we had many new faces working in Vacation Bible School. This is always a good thing. I say to all of our 30 plus workers, thank you. I also want to thank the summer student missionaries who are a part of the Savannah River Baptist Association Low Country Ministries who came out and helped with our big kick-off event. To all those who worked so hard, your pastor wants you to know that you are appreciated.

3. Ministry: Any time you have kids on campus you have an opportunity to be engaged in real, one-on-one, life-changing ministry. It was good to be able to spend some time with these kids one on one. During our Worship Rally, our students take up an offering each night. There is anticipated and spirit-filled battle between boys and girls to see who can raise the most money for our designate ministry cause. This gives us an opportunity to further educate our students on the importance of missions. I am excited to report that this year we raised almost $300 for M28 Church in Atlanta, a North American Mission Board church plant that we have the pleasure to partner with. To the best of my knowledge we did not have any public professions of faith. I can’t explain it in human reasoning. For many who read this, you might say we failed as a church in Vacation Bible School. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are here to share a message and plant a seed, understanding that it is God who gives the increase. We trust God’s Word knowing that it will not return unto Him void. Real ministry takes place when you take time to listen, talk to, and show love toward a child in the name of Christ. This is what we did this week. If down the road a year or two or five, in God’s timing, a gospel presentation is given and a child responds because of something that was planted in their heart this week, then we were faithful to have done our part.

Overall, we had a great week and look forward to what comes out of the efforts of this week. Again I want to thank every teacher, worker, and parent who allowed their child to be a part of our Vacation Bible School. We are eagerly looking forward to Lifeway’s VBS 2015; “Journey Off the Map” in only eleven short months.

Book Review : How to Pick Up a Stripper

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stripperWhen it comes to ministry carried out by the local church, the most important element is the people outside of it. While churches are careful and intentional in ministering to those who are in the local body, there must be an equal concern in reaching those not in the body of Christ. The key to reaching those outside the body is to communicate to them that they are loved and they matter. In their new book, “How to Pick Up a Stripper and Other Acts of Kindness” Todd and Erin Stevens have written about the importance of showing people the love of God instead of only telling them of God’s love.

Todd Stevens is the pastor of Friendship Community Church in Nashville, TN. His wife Erin is the founder of Nashville Strip Church, a ministry that reaches out to the employees of strip clubs (hence the name of the book). The premise of this book can be summed up in two words: be kind. Using the ministry of Friendship Community and their own personal generosity as a backdrop in kindness, the Stevens give numerous examples of how serving people with no expectation of return best demonstrate the love of God. Examples of lives changed are given throughout the book. Woven throughout the book is the ministry that Erin started after being led to reach out to the women in the local strip clubs. The Stevens not only highlight the importance of a servant lifestyle, they also deal with topics such as having a good reputation in the community, sacrificial service, being a generous giver, and praying for those you are attempting to reach.

“How to Pick Up a Stripper” is a good book. It is written in an easy-flowing conversational tone and is a very easy read. The Stevens do a good job of mixing personal stories and biblical admonition. The major problem with the book is that we have heard this before. As a pastor, I see nothing new in the overall message of the book. We know that we should be serving people. We know that we have been commanded to do so. The examples of service projects and ideas for outreach the authors gave include, but are not limited to gas buy-downs, block parties, easter egg hunts, and moms night outs are ideas already being employed, although maybe not as successfully as Friendship Community , by many other churches. “How to Pick Up a Stripper” gets lost in the crowd of other “serve your community” books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review : China’s Reforming Churches

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Chinas-Reforming-Churches“China’s Reforming Churches” is a collection of essays edited by Bruce Baugus, associate professor of Philosophy and Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. The book sets out to examine and survey the congregational system of rule known as Presbyterianism in the context of the Christian China. This book has four main sections: The History of Presbyterianism in China, Presbyterianism is China today, Challenges and Opportunities for Presbyterianism in China, and Appropriating a Tradition. Within each of these main sections are several subsections that deal with issues such as the history of the Chinese church, challenges facing Christians in China, social conditions and cultural nuances related to the gospel/church, Christina publishing and theological education in China, and why China needs Presbyterian churches.

This book falls apart from the beginning. I was expecting to find a clear definition/explanation of what he wanted the reader to understand Presbyterianism. This did not happen. He gives this vague definition, “By Presbyterianism we refer only to ‘the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed’ as they relate to the proper order of Christ’s church, and thus church development in China (WCF 1.6).” The editor always draws a distinction between Presbyterianism with a capital “P” and lowercase “p”. However, as the book goes on, these are used interchangeably which makes the narrative of the book murky and disjointed. Baugus also writes, “We do not mean anything more specific, such as a particular denomination of Reformed or Presbyterian churches”. I wish this had been true. On occasion, the editor alludes to Reformed Theology proper.

This work is typical of Reformed Theology proponents. Written in what I view as an arrogant overtone, Baugus advocated that the true biblical church must be a Presbyterian one. He writes, “I am mildly tempted to describe a triumphant future when China will become a global center of Reformed theology, church life, and mission. That kind of future seems quite possible today and would be very welcome.” This book does not live up to its billing. Don’t waste your time with this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from CrossFocused Reviews as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review : The NIV Integrated Study Bible

/ Steven Ruff / 1 Comment

nivIt seems that almost daily there is a new study Bible on the market. Each one offers something special and significant that the others do not. At times, many fail to deliver on the promise of something fresh and new. The NIV Integrated Study Bible edited by John R. Kohlenberger III is one such new study Bible. Kohlenberger has made major contributions in the area biblical reference/study, editing over four dozen reference works. The cover says that the NIVISB is “a new chronological approach for exploring scripture”. Is it really? This is certainly not the first chronological Bible ever produced. What makes it different?

Our modern English Bibles are arranged by content (their substance and message) rather than chronologically (as it relates to a historical timeline). We have become accustomed to opening our Bibles and having the same format, divisions, and structure. For example, our English Bibles break the Old Testament down into the Books of Law, History, Wisdom and Poetry, and the Prophets. The NIVISB gives a different approach; offering a running text the biblical narrative. For example, in the NIVISB you will find Genesis, Job, and then Exodus. There are seven major historical sections in the NIVISB. They are:

1. Creation Through the Patriarchs

2. Exodus to Conquest

3. Conquest Through United Kingdom

4. Divided Kingdom and Exile

5. Return to the Land

6. The Life of Jesus

7. The Early Church

A unique feature to the NIVISB is the parallel passages found throughout the book. The editor, desiring to maintain continuity of the overall biblical account, inserts passages that chronicle the same story or account. For example, when you arrive at Deuteronomy 16:1-8 (The Passover), you also have Exodus 12:14-20, Leviticus 23:48, and Numbers 28:16-25 alongside in grayed-out headings that let you know they correspond to the primary passage. Another interesting and helpful feature is the timeline at the bottom of every page. This timeline allows the reader to know where the biblical narrative falls on the timeline of history.

Although I am not a fan of the NIV version, I really like the NIVISB. This study Bible will appeal to a narrow audience. If you want to know how everything “fits in”, this chronological approach is for you. The NIVISB is not a Bible that you will use during a small group study or to follow along during a Sunday morning worship service. At times integration is a little tricky. The reader has to get comfortable with, while reading one passage, seeing the same passage in the book to come on the same page. Likewise, the reader will need to get comfortable with seeing the books that they have already read from on the same page. This is not the typical study Bible with exhaustive editorial notes at the bottom. There are however helpful charts along the way. Overall the NIVISB is a great study resource for those wanting more than a casual reading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program (with Zondervan). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review : HRC

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hrcSince the early 1990’s, there has been a Clinton in the news. It all began with Bill being elected as POTUS is 1992 and 1996. This was followed by Hillary’s election to the Senate. This was followed by a failed attempt by Hillary to defeat Barrack Obama for the presidency in 2008. Her defeat was followed by confirmation as Secretary of State, a cabinet office which she held well into 2012. Suffice to say that Americans have come to know the Clinton family very well through both scandal and service. In their new book, “HRC; State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Rodham Clinton” veteran Washington journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes have put together a snapshot of a very specific 4-5 year period of Hillary’s life. They chronicle her rise from the ashes of a failed presidential bid and subsequent work as Secretary of State in the Obama administration.

The opening of the books is reminiscent of a funeral service which lay to rest a failed political campaign. The authors reveal the thought process of Hillary’s camp, referred to as “Hillarylanders” as they attempt to determine what happened and who they need to blame. Allen and Parnes trace the steps and connect the dots as to how Hillary goes from defeated candidate and Obama’s most visible rival to Obama’s most trusted and influential cabinet member. The great majority of the book details the highs and lows of Hillary’s tenure as Secretary of State. The high points include the tracking and death of Osama bin Laden and the facilitation of the democratic efforts among nations involved in the Arab Spring. The lowest point of her tenure include the mishandling and leadership failure in protecting US personnel and American interests during the attacks in Benghazi, Libya where four American died. The authors dedicate an entire chapter to this tragedy, tragedy that will likely haunt Hillary the rest of her political life. The final part of this book deals with the possibility of Hillary’s presidential run in 2016.

There are two words that describe the Clinton political machine that comes through in HRC so very clear: loyalty and revenge. You need to look no further than the opening chapter, “Hillary’s Hit List”. One of the things that get in the way of the effectiveness of this book is the consistent muddying of the storyline through name-dropping. The authors seem to want the reader to know all of the people that personally know. This book is as much about Bill as it is Hillary. Although this book is intended to chronicle rebirth to the political landscape, the authors tell what Bill was to doing all along the way to facilitate that rebirth. This book proves a point that may have been unintended, but is still crystal clear. The point is that if it had not been for Barrack Obama and Bill Clinton, Hillary would likely have enjoyed a much smaller public stage.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

FIFS : Hosea 3:1-3

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1 Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans. ” 2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley. 3 And I said to her, “You shall stay with me many days; you shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man—so, too, will I be toward you.”

Often you will find powerful and challenging stories of God’s dealings with His people in the more obscure and skimmed-over books of the Bible. Such is the case with the book of Hosea. It is one of those books that rarely sees the light of day. It is one of those books where there are likely few, if any, hand-written notes in the margin. It is one of those books that you need the table of contents to find. That being said, the book of Hosea contains, in my opinion, one of the clearest portraits of God’s love to be found anywhere in the Bible. It is the story of God’s man Hosea and his prostitute wife Gomer. God directs Hosea to marry this woman with knowledge of her past and, what she will do in the future. Gomer continues in her ways and finds herself the property of another man who is not her husband. In the beginning of chapter three we find Hosea, again following the voice of God, off to take back his wife. Hosea finds his wife this time on an auction block, for sale, available to anyone with enough money. Imagine the shame in Hosea’s eyes and on his face as he sees his adulterous wife for sale. Imagine the anger swelling up inside of him as he looks upon her and sees what her sins have done. Imagine the whispers and finger pointing of those present at the auction that day. Imagine God demanding this much obedience. So, Hosea pays the price and buys back his wife. Most definitely a story of crazy love.

Hosea’s relationship with Gomer is a symbol of God’s love for the nation of Israel. Time and time again they left the faithful love of God and played the harlot to other gods. However, God remained true. This story is also about us. Hosea bought his wife off the auction block. The word for “bought” in verse three is the word ‘redeem’, which literally means “to purchase with a price”. There was a time in our lives what we were in a similar position to Gomer; enslaved, imprisoned, and held hostage to the power and control of sin. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of mankind was the ransom price that it took to free us. He has bought us back. He redeemed us. His blood was the purchase price. How do we respond? Do we seek constant communion with Him in prayer, or do we seek Him only when we can’t handle things ourselves. Do we share His wonderful love with others, or do we hope and count on someone else to do it? Do we follow his direction and guidance in our daily lives, regardless of where he leads, or do we just tell God that we know better?

Monday is for Missions : What Will You Do This Summer?

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mmMy favorite time of the year – summer, has arrived. Summers here are the best. Sure it’s hot, but we have the beautiful beaches. Sure it’s hot, but we have the soothing sea breeze. Summers are certainly a time for vacations and sun, for rest and relaxation. Summers are certainly not a time for taking a break from the ministry work of your church. In fact, there are many opportunities for service throughout the summer for the Port Royal Baptist Church family. I encourage you to find a place of service and give it everything you have. To volunteer for any of these opportunities, look for the sign-up sheets at the church or you can go to www.portroyalbaptist.org and click on the “volunteer” tab to sign up. As you find ways to cool off this summer, don’t allow your missional spirit to cool off. Here’s what’s available.

June 7th and 21st : Port Royal Farmers Market

What could be better than cold water on a hot day? How about free cold water? Please join us as we set up at the Port Royal Farmers Market (directly across the street from the church) and give away free cold water to our community as they visit and shop at the market. Times of ministry will be 8:00am-12:00pm. You may sign up for a little as an hour or you may spend as much time as you like.

June 16th : Migrant VBS at St. Helena Baptist Church

Each year, St. Helena Baptist Church and Baptist Church of Beaufort come together to provide a Vacation Bible School for the migrant workers / families on St Helena Island. Each night, churches volunteer to cook the evening meal. We will be cooking on Monday, June 16th beginning at 4:00pm.

June 21st : Vacation Bible School Kick-Off

Please join us on the front lawn of the church from 11:00am – 1:00pm as we host a community outreach event that kicks off our Vacation Bible School. There will be food, bouncers, popcorn, sno-cones, and other fun and games.

June 22nd – 26th : Vacation Bible School

The theme for this year’s VBS is “Agency D3 : Discover, Decide, Defend”. Kids will move through rotation sites such Bible Study, Crafts, Missions, and Music all the while discovering who Jesus Christ is. Times will be 6:00pm – 8:30pm nightly. Supper will be served at 5:15pm each night. Please join us and invite someone to come with you.

July 6th : Independence Day Celebration

Independence Day is a major family holiday. Please join us on Sunday afternoon for a time of fun and fellowship. Activities will begin at 3:00pm with a horseshoe tournament. There will also be games for the children. We will then have a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs at 5:00pm.

July 10th : Cookout at Hunting Island State Park

Each summer, in conjuction with the Savannah River Baptist Association, we choose a day and cook lunch for the all the staff at Hunting Island State Park. This is a simple way for us to simply say thank you for their service to the community. At 11:00am, we will be cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, along with all the trimmings for a noon lunch.

July 12th and 26th : Port Royal Farmers Market

What could be better than cold water on a hot day? How about free cold water? Please join us as we set up at the Port Royal Farmers Market (directly across the street from the church) and give away free cold water to our community as they visit and shop at the market. Times of ministry will be 8:00am-12:00pm. You may sign up for a little as an hour or you may spend as much time as you like.

August 5th : National Night Out at Stuart Towne Apartments

This is a relatively new ministry opportunity for us, only out third year. We are partnering with the national crime prevention program called National Night Out. Our church will be hosting a block party for the residents of our partner multi-housing unit, Stuart Towne. Along with the food, games, and bounce houses, we will have personal and family safety messages from local police and fire departments. Activities will begin at 6:00pm and conclude at 8:00pm.

August 16th and 30th : Port Royal Farmers Market

What could be better than cold water on a hot day? How about free cold water? Please join us as we set up at the Port Royal Farmers Market (directly across the street from the church) and give away free cold water to our community as they visit and shop at the market. Times of ministry will be 8:00am-12:00pm. You may sign up for a little as an hour or you may spend as much time as you like.