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On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow?
Synopsis: During his years pastoring an inner-city church, Wendell Mettey discovered that God uses even the most blemished vessels to bring beauty into the world. In On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow?, Pastor Mettey shares the humorous and touching stories of his diverse congregation— ordinary people whose lives were infused with an awareness of God's real and abundant grace.
On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow? is an excellent text for use in a small group or study class. The story-chapters provide a comprehensive, close-ended format for each session. Study guides are available to be used in conjunction with the book.
On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow? is an excellent text for use in a small group or study class. The story-chapters provide a comprehensive, close-ended format for each session. Study guides are available to be used in conjunction with the book.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
676 people are currently reading
1108 people want to read
About the author
Wendell E. Mettey
8 books11 followersWendell Mettey grew up in Cincinnati, OH and has a Master's Degree in Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reverend Mettey has served as Pastor for several churches in the Cincinnati area. In 1991, after visiting war-torn Nicaragua and witnessing the poverty and devastation, he felt called by God to resign from his church and begin Matthew 25: Ministries.
Reverend Mettey and his wife Mickey (Michelle) have three children; Tim, Clare and Aaron. Wendell and Mickey are also the proud grandparents of Ethan, Sydney, Olivia, Cora, Noel and Ashlyn.
Reverend Mettey is the author of numerous devotional & inspirational publications. These include "Are Not My People Worthy? The Story of Matthew 25: Ministries" (released in 2004); "What God Desires The Story of the Center for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief" (released in the 2008); "On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow?" (released in 2009), "Meet Those Who Met the Master" (released in 2012), and "Lost and Found, Stories of Christmas" (released in 2013). In addition to these books, Reverend Mettey has published several compilations of stories, sermons and reflections.
All books now available in audiobook format! Download your copies today!
Reverend Mettey and his wife Mickey (Michelle) have three children; Tim, Clare and Aaron. Wendell and Mickey are also the proud grandparents of Ethan, Sydney, Olivia, Cora, Noel and Ashlyn.
Reverend Mettey is the author of numerous devotional & inspirational publications. These include "Are Not My People Worthy? The Story of Matthew 25: Ministries" (released in 2004); "What God Desires The Story of the Center for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief" (released in the 2008); "On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow?" (released in 2009), "Meet Those Who Met the Master" (released in 2012), and "Lost and Found, Stories of Christmas" (released in 2013). In addition to these books, Reverend Mettey has published several compilations of stories, sermons and reflections.
All books now available in audiobook format! Download your copies today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
November 21, 2024
There’s an ancient story that’s behind the nondescript, unassuming title of this book...
A simple village girl walks a long, slow distance each day with her dad’s old bucket to get water at the well of a neighboring village. And each day it is the same thing - up many a hill on the outward trip - then back home again more easily, on the nice side of the long path, on the down side for a change.
And you know WHAT? The side of the path she returns on is strewn with a gorgeous array of multi-colored flowers!
So one day she asks a village elder why the OTHER side of the road is so much more beautiful, with all its flowers. He looks at her and her bucket and smiles.
“Little girl, your dad’s old bucket has a leak in it... when you return with your water, you’re watering the soil over on that side!”
And so it is with each good deed, each sincere smile, each hearty greeting we offer our neighbors... Each of these nourishes the community - and people’s souls. And our own souls, too.
And they come from our own joy in life, which can’t contain itself and has to leak out of its containers - ourselves- into the greater community around us.
Hence the title of this book.
It tells the wonderful stories of some very ordinary people in a shrinking American church parish whose joy shines within them - and they have to share it with their community. Their forgotten names may well be written in the Book of Life.
When I was three, my parents moved into a fringe suburb of our Canadian town - you would say we lived in the sticks - before urban sprawl had paved the wildflowers out of existence!
We were surrounded by sprawling virgin fields, full of natural flora and fauna.
Here a little kid could wander - and after he turned five, back in those forgotten days, unsupervised - freely exploring with his pals the rocky, swampy natural terrain within seconds of home!
But, you know, there are people who have that unspoiled beauty, too.
And they weren’t born that way!
But they’ve come to SEE the Kingdom is Coming.
Wuzzat, you say? Run that one by me again?
Well, some folks around you, though you wouldn’t know it to see their little nondescript lives, have seen evidence in their own, and others’ hidden lives of something unexpected.
Something BIG.
No, the people I’m talking about have been put to the test, over and over again, like gold refined in fire.
They know well the old maxim... No pain, no gain. And their doubts? The absence of God is only the hidden, reverse side of His continual presence.
The folks in this wonderful little book are just like that. No unassailable mountain of the heart is too high for them to climb!
And like Dante as he climbs through the upper regions of Mount Purgatory, their lives, and the lives of those around them, are being transformed into Tangible Technicolor.
Their demeanours and attitudes have made them Radiant!
Simple, unassuming people who are just trying to keep the heart of a struggling faith, in an equally struggling church, alive....
In these uncaring modern times.
Rebuilding a forgotten little place of worship - brick by very human brick. Until it becomes a Heavenly Cathedral.
Oh, they have their heartaches too - don’t kid yourself!
But they just keep going on, led by the peace and joy of the Spirit!
If you have an eye for little miracles effected by your nondescript friends and neighbours...
If you are at times astonished by a peek at what just may be a hidden magnum opus in a complete stranger...
If, in other words, at rare moments you think you can maybe see the whole Universe in a grain of sand...
Then this one's for you.
And you know what kingdom power means.
A book for and about REAL people who care.
A simple village girl walks a long, slow distance each day with her dad’s old bucket to get water at the well of a neighboring village. And each day it is the same thing - up many a hill on the outward trip - then back home again more easily, on the nice side of the long path, on the down side for a change.
And you know WHAT? The side of the path she returns on is strewn with a gorgeous array of multi-colored flowers!
So one day she asks a village elder why the OTHER side of the road is so much more beautiful, with all its flowers. He looks at her and her bucket and smiles.
“Little girl, your dad’s old bucket has a leak in it... when you return with your water, you’re watering the soil over on that side!”
And so it is with each good deed, each sincere smile, each hearty greeting we offer our neighbors... Each of these nourishes the community - and people’s souls. And our own souls, too.
And they come from our own joy in life, which can’t contain itself and has to leak out of its containers - ourselves- into the greater community around us.
Hence the title of this book.
It tells the wonderful stories of some very ordinary people in a shrinking American church parish whose joy shines within them - and they have to share it with their community. Their forgotten names may well be written in the Book of Life.
When I was three, my parents moved into a fringe suburb of our Canadian town - you would say we lived in the sticks - before urban sprawl had paved the wildflowers out of existence!
We were surrounded by sprawling virgin fields, full of natural flora and fauna.
Here a little kid could wander - and after he turned five, back in those forgotten days, unsupervised - freely exploring with his pals the rocky, swampy natural terrain within seconds of home!
But, you know, there are people who have that unspoiled beauty, too.
And they weren’t born that way!
But they’ve come to SEE the Kingdom is Coming.
Wuzzat, you say? Run that one by me again?
Well, some folks around you, though you wouldn’t know it to see their little nondescript lives, have seen evidence in their own, and others’ hidden lives of something unexpected.
Something BIG.
No, the people I’m talking about have been put to the test, over and over again, like gold refined in fire.
They know well the old maxim... No pain, no gain. And their doubts? The absence of God is only the hidden, reverse side of His continual presence.
The folks in this wonderful little book are just like that. No unassailable mountain of the heart is too high for them to climb!
And like Dante as he climbs through the upper regions of Mount Purgatory, their lives, and the lives of those around them, are being transformed into Tangible Technicolor.
Their demeanours and attitudes have made them Radiant!
Simple, unassuming people who are just trying to keep the heart of a struggling faith, in an equally struggling church, alive....
In these uncaring modern times.
Rebuilding a forgotten little place of worship - brick by very human brick. Until it becomes a Heavenly Cathedral.
Oh, they have their heartaches too - don’t kid yourself!
But they just keep going on, led by the peace and joy of the Spirit!
If you have an eye for little miracles effected by your nondescript friends and neighbours...
If you are at times astonished by a peek at what just may be a hidden magnum opus in a complete stranger...
If, in other words, at rare moments you think you can maybe see the whole Universe in a grain of sand...
Then this one's for you.
And you know what kingdom power means.
A book for and about REAL people who care.
January 28, 2019
The title of this book comes from the opening tale of a reluctant water carrier who comes to the determination that instead of being bitter because of his unfulfilling and demeaning career, would do his work with joy, looking for opportunities to bless the people he met while traveling to and from the well. He also intentionally carried a jar that was cracked. At the end of his life, the path he traveled was marked by beautiful flowers....but on one side of the path only.
This was a sweet, poignant book about a man who pastors what he first considers to be a dying, shrinking congregation. But after getting to know the stories of the individuals that make up this church, he realizes that their lives are full and rich and not what they appear to be on the surface. More importantly, he finds that his "watering" in their lives brings beauty to not just him, but the others around him. This book was a well written reminder to look past first impressions, to see that even ugly, barren soil can be cultivated with love, and that all people have potential....a good reminder for all of us.
This was a sweet, poignant book about a man who pastors what he first considers to be a dying, shrinking congregation. But after getting to know the stories of the individuals that make up this church, he realizes that their lives are full and rich and not what they appear to be on the surface. More importantly, he finds that his "watering" in their lives brings beauty to not just him, but the others around him. This book was a well written reminder to look past first impressions, to see that even ugly, barren soil can be cultivated with love, and that all people have potential....a good reminder for all of us.
September 7, 2013
Great inspirational stories and the carrier of the water with cracks and blemishes causing the flowers to grow
July 30, 2017
This book was extremely important in discovering on which side of the road the flowers grow.
It was a quick and informative look at the many good things that God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and God's Helpers here on Earth have done here on Earth for various reasons, at various times, and for various types of people. One is never too old, infirm, or too stubborn and reluctant to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Savior, in their lives, and make the change for the better. There are different ways to bring people to Christ, but no one method is better than another. The love, and connection between true believers can move mountains, alleviate loneliness, torment, and pain, and bring all people of like minds to God. This wasn't a "preachy" book meteing out Hell and Damnation to non-believers, but rather an opening of the whole body-- heart, soul, and mind. The stories are precious anecdotes, lovingly told by someone who legitimately cared for them, and often went out of his way to lead them to the side of the road with the flowers. Perhaps if wall preachers approached saving souls and and loving their "flock" of parishioners as this man obviously has, then the world would be a family of followers of God, as well as being a happier, more loving place to be. Thank you Wendell E. Mettey, for putting these stories together in such a way that everyone who reads them should understand them easily, and will hopefully be better people for it. Jesus Christ is the key to God, and Mary is the key to Jesus Christ. And God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit aware the key to Heaven and everlasting life. I especially found it interesting that you portrayed even Holy Mary, as having doubts that Jesus was the Son of God. I have my own doubts about the depth and extent of doubt that His own earthly family members had. But that's just my opinion, since as a child, Jesus Christ was reported as being found in the Holy Temple, surrounded by learned men, and preaching the truths of God to the Holy Men, and holding his own, so to speak! Beautiful book, I heartily recommend reading it! I thank God for guiding your hand in penning this book. May God bless and protect you and yours.--Amen
It was a quick and informative look at the many good things that God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and God's Helpers here on Earth have done here on Earth for various reasons, at various times, and for various types of people. One is never too old, infirm, or too stubborn and reluctant to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Savior, in their lives, and make the change for the better. There are different ways to bring people to Christ, but no one method is better than another. The love, and connection between true believers can move mountains, alleviate loneliness, torment, and pain, and bring all people of like minds to God. This wasn't a "preachy" book meteing out Hell and Damnation to non-believers, but rather an opening of the whole body-- heart, soul, and mind. The stories are precious anecdotes, lovingly told by someone who legitimately cared for them, and often went out of his way to lead them to the side of the road with the flowers. Perhaps if wall preachers approached saving souls and and loving their "flock" of parishioners as this man obviously has, then the world would be a family of followers of God, as well as being a happier, more loving place to be. Thank you Wendell E. Mettey, for putting these stories together in such a way that everyone who reads them should understand them easily, and will hopefully be better people for it. Jesus Christ is the key to God, and Mary is the key to Jesus Christ. And God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit aware the key to Heaven and everlasting life. I especially found it interesting that you portrayed even Holy Mary, as having doubts that Jesus was the Son of God. I have my own doubts about the depth and extent of doubt that His own earthly family members had. But that's just my opinion, since as a child, Jesus Christ was reported as being found in the Holy Temple, surrounded by learned men, and preaching the truths of God to the Holy Men, and holding his own, so to speak! Beautiful book, I heartily recommend reading it! I thank God for guiding your hand in penning this book. May God bless and protect you and yours.--Amen
March 2, 2020
This was a heartwarming and nostalgic book. The stories of the different members of the church showed that there can be good in (almost) everyone. I liked how the Reverend ended the book with a story about his own parents. The book shows that no matter how broken or flawed a person is, they can make a positive contribution. People can be miracles too. If there is a need for a positive contribution, you can be that miracle! The only drawback to the book, and the reason I didn't give it 5 stars, was that it needed a professional editor. The narrative didn't flow very well in many sections. For example, in one paragraph the Reverend would be talking about one person, and then all of a sudden in the next, without any transition, he would talk about another person. Finally, I don't know if it was because I was reading a Kindle version, but the formatting was off in many places. Words would run into one another. In one section, when there should have been separate paragraphs, all the sentences were mashed together, making the book hard to read.
May 8, 2020
Synopsis: During his years pastoring an inner-city church, Wendell Mettey discovered that God uses even the most blemished vessels to bring beauty into the world. In On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow?, Pastor Mettey shares the humorous and touching stories of his diverse congregation— ordinary people whose lives were infused with an awareness of God's real and abundant grace.
On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow? is an excellent text for use in a small group or study class. The story-chapters provide a comprehensive, close-ended format for each session. Study guides are available to be used in conjunction with the book.
Heather's Notes
This book was sweet and very feel good. I picked it up despite the cover (which isn't really pretty) and I am glad I did. I enjoyed the stories and the fact that they were all uplifting. It was nice to read something that didn't require any heavy emotions. Just a nice enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone that wants to relax and smile.
On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow? is an excellent text for use in a small group or study class. The story-chapters provide a comprehensive, close-ended format for each session. Study guides are available to be used in conjunction with the book.
Heather's Notes
This book was sweet and very feel good. I picked it up despite the cover (which isn't really pretty) and I am glad I did. I enjoyed the stories and the fact that they were all uplifting. It was nice to read something that didn't require any heavy emotions. Just a nice enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone that wants to relax and smile.
July 2, 2016
The chapters are really more collections of small vignettes about members of the pastor's congregation. While his love for them is clear, I found myself wishing that he had instead chosen only a small handful and focused on those individuals more deeply. Reading about three individuals per chapter got to be occasionally confusing for me, as the author spends a page or so on each person, then wanders among them with his theme for the chapter.
August 1, 2021
Touching, heartfelt and eye-opening
This book found me at a time of need. The stories of these people reached deep inside of me and opened my eyes in a way that they had never been opened before.
Reverend Mettey definitely brought each person to life and made me feel how special they were in life. God blessed each of these people and many others through their lives and actions.
This is a must read for anyone interested in knowing what God can do through everyday people.
This book found me at a time of need. The stories of these people reached deep inside of me and opened my eyes in a way that they had never been opened before.
Reverend Mettey definitely brought each person to life and made me feel how special they were in life. God blessed each of these people and many others through their lives and actions.
This is a must read for anyone interested in knowing what God can do through everyday people.
June 23, 2017
Uplifting
A well written story of those you may see only weekly, but become as close as family. This book brings you smiles of joy, even when you are reading of a person's personal struggles. To them having a higher power brought peace, happiness and fellowship into their lives. Don't judge people to hastily, maybe you are their water which they need to bloom.
A well written story of those you may see only weekly, but become as close as family. This book brings you smiles of joy, even when you are reading of a person's personal struggles. To them having a higher power brought peace, happiness and fellowship into their lives. Don't judge people to hastily, maybe you are their water which they need to bloom.
June 24, 2019
Loved it
This book offers many things, it made me laugh, cry and makes me want to be more patient with other's and less judgemental. I think other's should read this book if they are trying to be a better human being, in this world that we live in today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This book offers many things, it made me laugh, cry and makes me want to be more patient with other's and less judgemental. I think other's should read this book if they are trying to be a better human being, in this world that we live in today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
April 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I like the idea of Wendell memorializing a few of his parishioners and letting their lives & stories not be forgotten to time. If only all people could be remembered in this touching way.
November 30, 2017
I give this 5 stars
What a wonderful book. So many wonderful people who walked through this author's life. I would have loved to know any one of them and would have considered myself blessed.
What a wonderful book. So many wonderful people who walked through this author's life. I would have loved to know any one of them and would have considered myself blessed.
February 5, 2018
Enjoyable
Many valuable lessons to be learned in reading these real life stories of real people trying to live for Jesus. It made me want to reach out and love more, like Jesus did and does.
Many valuable lessons to be learned in reading these real life stories of real people trying to live for Jesus. It made me want to reach out and love more, like Jesus did and does.
February 26, 2018
Spiritual and Inspirational
On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow is spiritually uplifting book I will be coming back to time and time again. Pastor Wendell E. Mettey and his congregation are an inspiration to me.
On Which Side of the Road Do the Flowers Grow is spiritually uplifting book I will be coming back to time and time again. Pastor Wendell E. Mettey and his congregation are an inspiration to me.
March 8, 2019
This book was so good. Very inspirational. I'm so thankful that Wendell took the time to write this. It blessed me more than I can tell. If you are thinking "I am so broken and have sinned so much that there is no way God can use me." This is the book for you.
September 6, 2019
True stories of life
Easy and touching read. Each story is about people with flaws, and needs who give hope, joy and love to others. You don't have to a believer to enjoy this book as I believe we can all recognise the characters from within our own lifetime.
Easy and touching read. Each story is about people with flaws, and needs who give hope, joy and love to others. You don't have to a believer to enjoy this book as I believe we can all recognise the characters from within our own lifetime.
March 8, 2015
it was very uplifting.
July 31, 2016
Really enjoyed the various stories. A collection similar to the 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books. Central theme of accepting and even embracing the flaws in each of us.
January 6, 2017
Heart warming
Wonderful short stories from a Pastor about unassuming uncelebrated people who influenced his life for good. Very easy to read.
Wonderful short stories from a Pastor about unassuming uncelebrated people who influenced his life for good. Very easy to read.
March 15, 2017
Great reminder how God uses us in spite of us by His enabling if we are simply willing and obedient.
March 17, 2017
This book can be titled practical Christianity. After reading it you will leave inspired to love people fiercely and intentionally. I love it
April 14, 2017
Always look at the bright side of life, this is how our life journey defines our character.
May 9, 2017
A book to be savoured one chapter at a time.
March 4, 2018
I found this book to be pretty good. It's very eye-opening and very interesting
Read
August 23, 2017I enjoyed how the book was written and reading all the stories of peopke's journey in one Church! I would recommend reading this book.
November 18, 2017
A beautiful reminder by Pastor Mettey that God gave us all a purpose in this life and He can use us, cracks, blemishes and all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well done!
December 4, 2017
Inspirational! Shows how we touch other people's lives.
December 30, 2017
This is one of those books that you can walk away from feeling good. Each of us are created with flaws, but this book helps you see how God chooses to use them for His glory.
January 25, 2018
Nice!
Much like the chicken soup books. Nice, pleasant reading, good for anyone who wants a little inspiration. Sounds like a very nice man, who really appreciated people.
Much like the chicken soup books. Nice, pleasant reading, good for anyone who wants a little inspiration. Sounds like a very nice man, who really appreciated people.
February 20, 2018
Well written
A unique style of writing but very well done. The stories held my attention and each taught an important lesson.
A unique style of writing but very well done. The stories held my attention and each taught an important lesson.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews