Transformation can begin with Crestline pastor's book '28 Days to Better You'

Giving five minutes a day to a book recently published by Crestline Church of the Nazarene's pastor could, possibly, lead to “28 Days to a Better You.”

Bob Weaver's book is a quick 116-page devotional read that can be finished in 28 days, spending fewer than five minutes a day at it.

“It is a fairly quick read,” said Weaver, who caught the writing bug when he was a young boy, but only began devoting more time to it when he moved to Crestline from Virginia in 2021. He now has published four books and is working on his next two.

The beginning of his most recent book focuses on what Weaver sees as the four core values in everyone’s lives – dissatisfaction, desire, discipline and delight. He said the chapters are intended to help readers determine what they want to improve in their lives and how to approach the desired change.

“It’s divided up into several areas of life, but begins with what I call the four Ds,” Weaver said. “Those are the stages that you go through to help determine what it is you’d like to make better in your life.”

The next chapters concentrate on relationships, finances and health. Weaver maintains if a person makes the right decisions repeatedly, the decisions eventually will lead to success in life.

“28 Days to a Better You” warns readers to not confuse activity and productivity at an age when the devil works through trying to “defeat and discourage mankind by what I call opportunity overload.”

“If the devil can’t get you to sin, he will get you to be busy,” Weaver quotes the old saying in his book.

Along with promoting calmer and more contemplative lifestyle, Weaver advocates for not being discouraged by slow progress, using as an example that 90% of an iceberg is below the surface of the water. He stresses the importance of perseverance and persistence, or as he puts it, tying a knot to hang onto when you are at the end of your rope.

Weaver’s previous three books

Weaver’s three previous books covered themes and genres from devotional text to autobiographical research on father-son relationships and a science fiction novel.

His first book, “A Word From the Weaver,” is a 50-day devotional with themes for each day, quotes from the Bible, tasks to evaluate progress and other assignments.

Weaver’s second book, “A Long Line of Messed Up Fathers and Sons,” examines the 120-year history of fathers in his family, beginning with his grandfather born in 1900, continuing through his father and stepfather, and ending with his son’s and grandson’s relationships.

“It talks mainly about the father and son relationship and the absence of fathers in the large amount of American households,” Weaver said.

"A Moment in Time” is a Christian science fiction novel, according to Weaver, who said the book is set in modern times, but examines looking into the future and evaluating the consequences present choices might have on it.

“It has a little bit of subterfuge, corporate espionage, murder, a bunch of different things,” Weaver said.

The book Weaver is working on now focuses on the Book of Philippians, as it is Weaver’s favorite book in the New Testament. Weaver said he is simultaneously working on his sixth book that will be titled “The Devil’s Best Sermons.”

A good review from a fellow pastor

Bucyrus Nazarene Church Pastor Ray LaSalle said Weaver's books are incredible. LaSalle, who wrote a book about 40 years ago titled "The Seven Wonders of Hell and Other Sermons," said it was not common for Nazarene ministers to write books.

Weaver pastored some great churches in the past, and he was able to incorporate that experience into his writing, LaSalle said, noting readers will be able to benefit from Weaver's experiences.

"He is very gifted," LaSalle said. "He has got a good insight."

Moving to Crestline from Virginia to be able to write

Weaver said although he only recently began to write books, he has enjoyed writing since he was a child, when he dreamed about writing science fiction.

After serving as a pastor for nearly 50 years Weaver decided to pursue his passion, and asked a friend who has written several dozens books how to do it. The friend suggested Weaver develop books based on his weekly sermons.

Since then Weaver, while still based in Virginia, started going to coffee houses, working on books over coffee and bagels. When he decided he wanted to focus more on writing, he found a small congregation in Crestline, compared to the Virginia parish where he pastored more than 200 people.

“I decided maybe to cut back and refocus my energy,” Weaver said. “I didn’t want to stop pastoring because I love doing this, and I was able to still preach, and teach, and be with people every week, but also allowed time to write, so it was a good combination.”

He said he was trying to keep his writings short and suitable for everyday use. He incorporated personal stories in most of his books. For example, his first book features a story of Weaver setting himself on fire during his honeymoon when he and his wife were camping.

“People really love that because there’s a lot of humor,” Weaver said. “It shows them that pastors are human, too. It’s kind of a combination of these firsthand experiences or experiences that I’ve seen other people go through, along with a lot of just practical learnings that I’ve had through the years.

Weaver's books are available on Amazon.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Crestline Nazarene Pastor Bob Weaver publishes fourth book