Introverts in the Church Review by Adam McHugh
Adam McHugh has written a comprehensive review of introversion in the Church. Starting with a discussion about the dominance of extroversion in our culture and most particularly in the Church around us, McHugh then moves the reader through how introverts can find healing in the church, what introverts can offer the church as introverts, and how introverts can lead effectively without pretending to be extroverts.
I said this book was comprehensive – and it is. It is well written, and McHugh (an introvert himself) leaves no stones unturned. In particular, the opening chapter, in which McHugh explains how the Church is primarily extroverted., can be an eye opening experience – for an extrovert like me. It’s easy to look past how church is done and assume that the way I feel comfortable with is the correct way – and that’s not always true.
In fact, my only concern after reading this book is that it is written to introverts. As I was reading as an extrovert, if I read too much at once, I could walk away almost… depressed, for lack of a better term. It was overwhelming to see how little the Church does for introverts and how much it does do for extroverts. Seeing as how I believe this book is bringing some balance to an extremely unbalanced aspect of Church (and culture), I almost wish McHugh would write a companion book, to extroverts.
Even so, this book is a very important read. McHugh has explained so much that it helps me understand my introverted wife better – as well as other introverts I have relationships with. I recommend it as a read for anyone with introverts in their social circles (everyone) and anyone who interacts in large group settings (Church!). 4/5.
This review posted on Amazon.com and andyszymas.blogspot.com; I would like to thank Intervarsity Press for the review copy.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Avatar Review
Avatar is an immersive film. No other way to describe it. What James Cameron has done is to create a world that is real and I have no other way to describe it. I was seriously enthralled looking at the fauna and flora of Pandora, the first digital world that I seriously believed in.
It's hard to review this film. Most films you review based on story and scripting and acting, but those are all secondary to the world of Avatar. The story has been told before (think Dances With Wolves or Pocahontas); the scripting is tight, but ultimately nothing special, and the acting is well done and believable, without anything being knocked out of the ballpark. So overall, it's a smooth film... but the experience of Pandora makes it amazing.
Some of the creatures are breathtaking - and I'm not talking about the massive terrifying beasties. The dragons are cool and all - but they're dragons, which are always cool. My favorite were the 'helicopter lizards' - which aren't a plot point, but a little beautiful creature that serves as nothing but eye candy for that scene.
If you get the chance, see it in 3D. It's a wonderful experience. (And it's not a 3D "coming at you!" movie, but a movie which uses the 3D to create the world).
Great movie. 5/5.
It's hard to review this film. Most films you review based on story and scripting and acting, but those are all secondary to the world of Avatar. The story has been told before (think Dances With Wolves or Pocahontas); the scripting is tight, but ultimately nothing special, and the acting is well done and believable, without anything being knocked out of the ballpark. So overall, it's a smooth film... but the experience of Pandora makes it amazing.
Some of the creatures are breathtaking - and I'm not talking about the massive terrifying beasties. The dragons are cool and all - but they're dragons, which are always cool. My favorite were the 'helicopter lizards' - which aren't a plot point, but a little beautiful creature that serves as nothing but eye candy for that scene.
If you get the chance, see it in 3D. It's a wonderful experience. (And it's not a 3D "coming at you!" movie, but a movie which uses the 3D to create the world).
Great movie. 5/5.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
20.10
20 Memories of the Decade
20. Climbing Mount Gerard
19. High School Open House
18. Hamster Fighting Machine
17. Finishing a first draft of Ashram
16. Getting a car.
15. Catching a Shark
14. Every Tuesday Finale
13. Fusion - "Welcome, to Jurassic Park."
12. Baptizing Steve
11. Red Wings Spanking Patrick Roy 7-0
10. India
09. "I love you."
08. The Black Fork Club
07. Friday Nights at the Muffins
06. Singing at my Wedding
05. 22nd Birthday Party
04. Monday Midnight Prayer
03. The Man House
02. My First Kiss
01. Watching my Beautiful Bride Come Down the Aisle
10 Movies/Books/CD's of the Decade:
10. Tropic Thunder
09. The Dark Knight
08. Miracle
07. The Irresistable Revolution by Shane Claiborne
06. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
05. Mmhmm by Relient K
04. Wall-E
03. Signs
02. Lost Seasons 1,3,4,5
01. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
20. Climbing Mount Gerard
19. High School Open House
18. Hamster Fighting Machine
17. Finishing a first draft of Ashram
16. Getting a car.
15. Catching a Shark
14. Every Tuesday Finale
13. Fusion - "Welcome, to Jurassic Park."
12. Baptizing Steve
11. Red Wings Spanking Patrick Roy 7-0
10. India
09. "I love you."
08. The Black Fork Club
07. Friday Nights at the Muffins
06. Singing at my Wedding
05. 22nd Birthday Party
04. Monday Midnight Prayer
03. The Man House
02. My First Kiss
01. Watching my Beautiful Bride Come Down the Aisle
10 Movies/Books/CD's of the Decade:
10. Tropic Thunder
09. The Dark Knight
08. Miracle
07. The Irresistable Revolution by Shane Claiborne
06. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
05. Mmhmm by Relient K
04. Wall-E
03. Signs
02. Lost Seasons 1,3,4,5
01. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Silly Christianity - 2
Do you remember the first time you read Wild At Heart (if you're a woman, Captivating)?
One of the main things that the book (a good read, very helpful, even though I'm about to make fun of it) harps on is that the things that we desire, our deepest innermost longings, are a reflection of who God made us to be.
In Wild At Heart, that meant the reason men like to play wargames and be brutal is because God made us to be warriors. Women, if you read captivating, like to read Vogue or whatever it is that women read because God made them to be beautiful.
It's an interesting premise, and one that is getting more and more play in christian circles and books. I just read about it in a book for introverts (review forthcoming) - the idea that if we're not sure what to do, to listen deep down to what our desire is - that God planted that desire in our heart.
Does anyone have scriptures to back this whole premise up? Because it sounds silly to me. Here's the argument in different wording: "I should do what I want because that's what God wants me to."
Anyone else sensing a self serving christianity here? Maybe my desire to pickpocket is a God-planted desire. Or my desire to see the Red Wings destroy everyone else in the NHL is God-planted - because that desire is as real as any I've known.
It's a seriously silly question.
One of the main things that the book (a good read, very helpful, even though I'm about to make fun of it) harps on is that the things that we desire, our deepest innermost longings, are a reflection of who God made us to be.
In Wild At Heart, that meant the reason men like to play wargames and be brutal is because God made us to be warriors. Women, if you read captivating, like to read Vogue or whatever it is that women read because God made them to be beautiful.
It's an interesting premise, and one that is getting more and more play in christian circles and books. I just read about it in a book for introverts (review forthcoming) - the idea that if we're not sure what to do, to listen deep down to what our desire is - that God planted that desire in our heart.
Does anyone have scriptures to back this whole premise up? Because it sounds silly to me. Here's the argument in different wording: "I should do what I want because that's what God wants me to."
Anyone else sensing a self serving christianity here? Maybe my desire to pickpocket is a God-planted desire. Or my desire to see the Red Wings destroy everyone else in the NHL is God-planted - because that desire is as real as any I've known.
It's a seriously silly question.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Fearless Review
Fearless by Max Lucado
The subject of Fear is one that dominates our society. Books, movies, entire industries are based in fear. Our culture seems to love to live in and around fear.
But how are we as Christians supposed to respond? The Scriptures tell us that we are to fear God only, and that any other fear has no place in our lives as Christians, called by God.
That’s the subject of Max Lucado’s latest book – appropriately titled Fearless. Lucado has long been a force in the Christian writing circles, and his latest work takes head – on one of the scariest subjects out there, and Lucado does it with all the grace and skill we’ve come to expect.
Lucado starts with “Why Are We Afraid” and turns the question on it’s head, and gently provokes thoughts and ideas on the subject. Lucado stays to his tried and tested formula of dispensing deep truth along with humor and sensible practical ideas, and has written another great book. 4/5.
This review posted on barnesandnoble.com and andyszymas.blogspot.com; thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing a review copy.
The subject of Fear is one that dominates our society. Books, movies, entire industries are based in fear. Our culture seems to love to live in and around fear.
But how are we as Christians supposed to respond? The Scriptures tell us that we are to fear God only, and that any other fear has no place in our lives as Christians, called by God.
That’s the subject of Max Lucado’s latest book – appropriately titled Fearless. Lucado has long been a force in the Christian writing circles, and his latest work takes head – on one of the scariest subjects out there, and Lucado does it with all the grace and skill we’ve come to expect.
Lucado starts with “Why Are We Afraid” and turns the question on it’s head, and gently provokes thoughts and ideas on the subject. Lucado stays to his tried and tested formula of dispensing deep truth along with humor and sensible practical ideas, and has written another great book. 4/5.
This review posted on barnesandnoble.com and andyszymas.blogspot.com; thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing a review copy.
Give This Christmas Away Review
101 Simple & Thoughtful Ways to Give This Christmas Away by Matthew West
This was an interesting little book. I picked it up having low expectations, at best. Thoughtful little Christmas books tend to be just that - thoughtful, not practical. I hoped that this book by singer Matthew West might be more practical than most other little Christian "stocking stuffer" books.
Thankfully, "Give This Christmas Away" met me halfway. The book is just what it says - 101 simple ways to make someone else's Christmas. It's an extraordinarily quick book to read through, because each idea takes one page (and is sometimes a single paragraph).
West balances out thoughtful (if generally vague) suggestions (for example - #21 Comfort the Brokenhearted") with the practical ideas. #83, Donating to the Salvation Army Angel Tree, and #38, pick up random trash, are examples of some of the more thoroughly practical ideas.
All in all, it's a nice stocking stuffer. This would probably be a great thing to give to kids in whom you're trying to instill a spirit of giving during this Christmas Season. I give it a 4/5 - neat little stocking stuffer.
This review has been posted on andyszymas.blogspot.com and barnesannoble.com; thanks to Tyndale House for providing a review copy.
This was an interesting little book. I picked it up having low expectations, at best. Thoughtful little Christmas books tend to be just that - thoughtful, not practical. I hoped that this book by singer Matthew West might be more practical than most other little Christian "stocking stuffer" books.
Thankfully, "Give This Christmas Away" met me halfway. The book is just what it says - 101 simple ways to make someone else's Christmas. It's an extraordinarily quick book to read through, because each idea takes one page (and is sometimes a single paragraph).
West balances out thoughtful (if generally vague) suggestions (for example - #21 Comfort the Brokenhearted") with the practical ideas. #83, Donating to the Salvation Army Angel Tree, and #38, pick up random trash, are examples of some of the more thoroughly practical ideas.
All in all, it's a nice stocking stuffer. This would probably be a great thing to give to kids in whom you're trying to instill a spirit of giving during this Christmas Season. I give it a 4/5 - neat little stocking stuffer.
This review has been posted on andyszymas.blogspot.com and barnesannoble.com; thanks to Tyndale House for providing a review copy.
Evil and the Justice of God Review
Evil and the Justice of God by NT Wright
I suppose I find it hard to believe that I've never actually read a book by N.T. Wright. I've been aware of him for a long time, but I've never actually sat down to read any of his works. I've heard him quoted in books, in classes, in conversations, but until now, I didn't really know whether he was a good theologian or a good writer or both.
Now, I feel confident in saying that Wright is both. His theology (at least in Evil and the Justice of God) is quite strong, and it is clear he puts a lot of thought and research into his work. Yet Wright also manages to be understandable, which is something that many other theologians seem to lack. I felt comfortable reading his book without the Bible in one hand and a dictionary in the other, to say it in better words.
As for this book itself, I found it to be a great treatise on the problem of evil. It moves and flows in a very natural progression; from examining (that there is) the problem of evil, and moving towards solutions on personal and communal levels. I particularly liked Wrights conclusions about how Evil exhausted itself on the cross - that it spent everything it had in an still desperate attempt to tempt Jesus and failed.
All in all, an excellent book. I would give a book a good review for managing to make theology readable, and this book goes above and beyond that. Truely excellent, and I give it 5/5.
This review posted on andyszymas.blogspot.com and amazon.com; I wish to thank IVP for the review copy.
I suppose I find it hard to believe that I've never actually read a book by N.T. Wright. I've been aware of him for a long time, but I've never actually sat down to read any of his works. I've heard him quoted in books, in classes, in conversations, but until now, I didn't really know whether he was a good theologian or a good writer or both.
Now, I feel confident in saying that Wright is both. His theology (at least in Evil and the Justice of God) is quite strong, and it is clear he puts a lot of thought and research into his work. Yet Wright also manages to be understandable, which is something that many other theologians seem to lack. I felt comfortable reading his book without the Bible in one hand and a dictionary in the other, to say it in better words.
As for this book itself, I found it to be a great treatise on the problem of evil. It moves and flows in a very natural progression; from examining (that there is) the problem of evil, and moving towards solutions on personal and communal levels. I particularly liked Wrights conclusions about how Evil exhausted itself on the cross - that it spent everything it had in an still desperate attempt to tempt Jesus and failed.
All in all, an excellent book. I would give a book a good review for managing to make theology readable, and this book goes above and beyond that. Truely excellent, and I give it 5/5.
This review posted on andyszymas.blogspot.com and amazon.com; I wish to thank IVP for the review copy.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Nerd Files - 5
A short essay on why Diablo and Diablo II made me a better employee:
Efficiency. It's the key to being a good employee. If I can do everything at the same level of quality as anyone else, but I can do it twice as fast, I am getting twice more work done. Stupid math, right?
Diablo was a hack'n'slash RPG from the nineties. You chose a character class, and you journeyed into a randomly created dungeon to fight Diablo - the Lord of Terror. The randomly created map was a first of its kind - and meant there was no best way through the maze. You had to figure out the best way for each and every game.
And since the single player game had a finite amount of levels, it was in your best interest to complete each dungeon before taking on Diablo himself. When you're talking 16 major dungeons, this takes quite a bit of time. And so I started figuring out the most efficient way to get through each - and all of - a dungeon.
Now I use the same ideas to make work more convenient. I get all of my admits done faster than anyone else - because I'm not wasting time and doubling back. It's like a metaphysical dungeon - and I can navigate it faster than anyone else.
Now to slay some demons.
Efficiency. It's the key to being a good employee. If I can do everything at the same level of quality as anyone else, but I can do it twice as fast, I am getting twice more work done. Stupid math, right?
Diablo was a hack'n'slash RPG from the nineties. You chose a character class, and you journeyed into a randomly created dungeon to fight Diablo - the Lord of Terror. The randomly created map was a first of its kind - and meant there was no best way through the maze. You had to figure out the best way for each and every game.
And since the single player game had a finite amount of levels, it was in your best interest to complete each dungeon before taking on Diablo himself. When you're talking 16 major dungeons, this takes quite a bit of time. And so I started figuring out the most efficient way to get through each - and all of - a dungeon.
Now I use the same ideas to make work more convenient. I get all of my admits done faster than anyone else - because I'm not wasting time and doubling back. It's like a metaphysical dungeon - and I can navigate it faster than anyone else.
Now to slay some demons.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Turkey Update
I kicked that turkey's butt.
Juiciest, tastiest, turkey ever to live.
Boo ya.
Quote of the day:
"It's probably north of the breast, where you've been for the last twenty minutes."
Juiciest, tastiest, turkey ever to live.
Boo ya.
Quote of the day:
"It's probably north of the breast, where you've been for the last twenty minutes."
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
101 Things I'm Thankful For
1. My beautiful wife.
2. Mountain Dew.
3. Jesus (I feel a responsibility to say that these are not in order).
4. A good job.
5. Dave Morgan Haikus.
6. The color blue.
7. Comfortable shoes.
8. Minesweeper.
9. A beautiful apartment.
10. Clean socks.
11. My freaking awesome wife
12. Letter openers that really work.
13. Stand up comedians.
14. Family.
15. Friends across the country.
16. My time in the "man house."
17. Contact lens.
18. Uncertainty of the plural spelling of lens.
19. Coffee.
20. Cool coffee cups.
21. Lost.
22. The Office.
23. An ability to grow facial hair.
24. Naps.
25. Raspberries. The fruit, not the tongue thing.
26. Raspberries. The tongue thing, not the fruit.
27. Kisses.
28. A good pen.
29. A sense of accomplishment.
30. That I don't go to High School anymore.
31. Rewriting stories to make myself look good.
32. A good shave.
33. The letter "A."
34. A nameplate that looks different than everyone elses.
35. Legos.
35. Eggo waffles.
36. Thanksgiving.
37. The Ballance's opening their home to us.
39. God providing in amazing ways as we moved out west.
40. Staple removers.
41. Zombies, in fiction and in real life.
42. The numbers!!! 4 8 15 16 23 42
43. When people write on my facebook.
44. Scratching a good itch.
45. Sleeping in.
46. Any day I don't receive a stupid text message forward.
47. Stanley cup victories for the Detroit Red Wings.
48. A good hockey fight.
49. Youtube clips of Patrick Roy getting humiliated.
50. The grin I get when noone realizes until now that I skipped #38.
51. Remembering serenading my wedding, and Geoff's wedding.
52. Hitting John Lotterhos's car that one time.
53. Crazy Trinidadians going the wrong way in go-karts.
54. Winning free stuff.
55. John Jurries proclaiming my post = win.
56. Jessica Notenbaum yelling at me for not posting.
57. When I beat the Fantasy Guru's predicted score by 60 points.
58. Spring.
59. Flip flops.
60. Bonfires.
61. New groups of friends who haven't heard my jokes 30 times.
62. Friends that don't know I stole a joke from someone else.
63. Moes Burritos.
64. A good yawn.
65. Coffee. Again.
66. Monday Midnight Prayer.
67. Trendy glasses.
68. Small groups.
69. Not using the word "moist."
70. Ipods.
71. My stunning wife.
72. The Sports Guy.
73. Tuesday Morning Quarterback.
74. Sunflower Seeds.
75. Cholula Sauce.
76. Wolfgangs.
77. DVD's.
78. Youth group memories.
79. Power tools.
80. Growing up.
81. Black olives.
82. Digiornios pizza.
83. Scott Adams.
84. An empty inbox.
85. Days off.
86. Presents.
87. Automatic doors that make me feel like a Jedi.
88. Lord of the Rings being better than Star Wars.
89. Surprises.
90. The time I put jolly ranchers in Jamison's shower.
91. The time I drunk wrestled Steve and won.
92. Proposing.
93. Making our wedding our wedding.
94. My groomsmen.
95. Hookahs.
96. My gorgeous wife.
97. That this list is almost over.
98. That 101 is more catchy than 201.
99. That M&M's melt in your mouth, not in your hand.
100. That's what she said.
101. Your name here!
2. Mountain Dew.
3. Jesus (I feel a responsibility to say that these are not in order).
4. A good job.
5. Dave Morgan Haikus.
6. The color blue.
7. Comfortable shoes.
8. Minesweeper.
9. A beautiful apartment.
10. Clean socks.
11. My freaking awesome wife
12. Letter openers that really work.
13. Stand up comedians.
14. Family.
15. Friends across the country.
16. My time in the "man house."
17. Contact lens.
18. Uncertainty of the plural spelling of lens.
19. Coffee.
20. Cool coffee cups.
21. Lost.
22. The Office.
23. An ability to grow facial hair.
24. Naps.
25. Raspberries. The fruit, not the tongue thing.
26. Raspberries. The tongue thing, not the fruit.
27. Kisses.
28. A good pen.
29. A sense of accomplishment.
30. That I don't go to High School anymore.
31. Rewriting stories to make myself look good.
32. A good shave.
33. The letter "A."
34. A nameplate that looks different than everyone elses.
35. Legos.
35. Eggo waffles.
36. Thanksgiving.
37. The Ballance's opening their home to us.
39. God providing in amazing ways as we moved out west.
40. Staple removers.
41. Zombies, in fiction and in real life.
42. The numbers!!! 4 8 15 16 23 42
43. When people write on my facebook.
44. Scratching a good itch.
45. Sleeping in.
46. Any day I don't receive a stupid text message forward.
47. Stanley cup victories for the Detroit Red Wings.
48. A good hockey fight.
49. Youtube clips of Patrick Roy getting humiliated.
50. The grin I get when noone realizes until now that I skipped #38.
51. Remembering serenading my wedding, and Geoff's wedding.
52. Hitting John Lotterhos's car that one time.
53. Crazy Trinidadians going the wrong way in go-karts.
54. Winning free stuff.
55. John Jurries proclaiming my post = win.
56. Jessica Notenbaum yelling at me for not posting.
57. When I beat the Fantasy Guru's predicted score by 60 points.
58. Spring.
59. Flip flops.
60. Bonfires.
61. New groups of friends who haven't heard my jokes 30 times.
62. Friends that don't know I stole a joke from someone else.
63. Moes Burritos.
64. A good yawn.
65. Coffee. Again.
66. Monday Midnight Prayer.
67. Trendy glasses.
68. Small groups.
69. Not using the word "moist."
70. Ipods.
71. My stunning wife.
72. The Sports Guy.
73. Tuesday Morning Quarterback.
74. Sunflower Seeds.
75. Cholula Sauce.
76. Wolfgangs.
77. DVD's.
78. Youth group memories.
79. Power tools.
80. Growing up.
81. Black olives.
82. Digiornios pizza.
83. Scott Adams.
84. An empty inbox.
85. Days off.
86. Presents.
87. Automatic doors that make me feel like a Jedi.
88. Lord of the Rings being better than Star Wars.
89. Surprises.
90. The time I put jolly ranchers in Jamison's shower.
91. The time I drunk wrestled Steve and won.
92. Proposing.
93. Making our wedding our wedding.
94. My groomsmen.
95. Hookahs.
96. My gorgeous wife.
97. That this list is almost over.
98. That 101 is more catchy than 201.
99. That M&M's melt in your mouth, not in your hand.
100. That's what she said.
101. Your name here!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Random Thoughts - 14
Maybe growing up has to do with learning how to cook your own turkey.
(THATS WHAT SHE SAID)
Carrying on, I'm cooking a 20 pound turkey this week. 20 pounds of turkey, according to the USDA, should feed about 20 people. That means, according to my calculation, that me, my wife, and my wifes friend must eat 7 shares of turkey a piece.
But I'm thinking about how strange it is that I'm cooking a turkey. After all, my dad does that. And here I am, about to cook it in four days.
And here's the crazy thing - I sort of know how to. And I don't mean just "throw it in the oven," but real tips - like rubbing herbs between the skin and the meat, and cooking the turkey upside down, and in a bag.
I think I picked it up by osmosis from my dad. I used to watch him and help him on Thanksgiving, and now I know how to cook a turkey.
So here's the takeaway - I picked up information/facts/truth from a relationship, not in the context of a lesson or teaching.
Maybe the best way to learn about God is the same way - in the context of a relationship, being close and watching Him. I grow more and more doubts about learning about God in a classroom setting where God doesn't seem to be moving very much.
Now watch me set the turkey on fire and invalidate this whole post.
(THATS WHAT SHE SAID)
Carrying on, I'm cooking a 20 pound turkey this week. 20 pounds of turkey, according to the USDA, should feed about 20 people. That means, according to my calculation, that me, my wife, and my wifes friend must eat 7 shares of turkey a piece.
But I'm thinking about how strange it is that I'm cooking a turkey. After all, my dad does that. And here I am, about to cook it in four days.
And here's the crazy thing - I sort of know how to. And I don't mean just "throw it in the oven," but real tips - like rubbing herbs between the skin and the meat, and cooking the turkey upside down, and in a bag.
I think I picked it up by osmosis from my dad. I used to watch him and help him on Thanksgiving, and now I know how to cook a turkey.
So here's the takeaway - I picked up information/facts/truth from a relationship, not in the context of a lesson or teaching.
Maybe the best way to learn about God is the same way - in the context of a relationship, being close and watching Him. I grow more and more doubts about learning about God in a classroom setting where God doesn't seem to be moving very much.
Now watch me set the turkey on fire and invalidate this whole post.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Somebody Smarter Said - 22
"The greatest thing about Facebook, is that you can quote something and totally make up the source.” - George Washington
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Random Thoughts - 13
Here's a curious question:
Why do I seem to do fine with new posts on this blog when I'm not expecting to do any,
But when I write out a plan or an idea, my posts immediately drop in content/quality?
For your review:
September: 31 posts.
October 01: Post reviewing 31 posts, promising even more for October
October: 10 posts.
Same pattern in 2008.
It's weird. Maybe it has to do with this idea that I recently read - our brains need spontaneity, in order to stimulate the correct brain side. The book (Intuitive Leadership, review coming soon?) talked about how in any creative endeavor, more time and more effort do not equal more of a succesful endeavor. You can't force creativity, you can only nurture it.
If you can't "solve" your creative puzzle, go read a book / play football / watch simpsons. Then come back and be amazed.
Why do I seem to do fine with new posts on this blog when I'm not expecting to do any,
But when I write out a plan or an idea, my posts immediately drop in content/quality?
For your review:
September: 31 posts.
October 01: Post reviewing 31 posts, promising even more for October
October: 10 posts.
Same pattern in 2008.
It's weird. Maybe it has to do with this idea that I recently read - our brains need spontaneity, in order to stimulate the correct brain side. The book (Intuitive Leadership, review coming soon?) talked about how in any creative endeavor, more time and more effort do not equal more of a succesful endeavor. You can't force creativity, you can only nurture it.
If you can't "solve" your creative puzzle, go read a book / play football / watch simpsons. Then come back and be amazed.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Silly Christianity - 1
Christians have several terms for people who aren't christians: lost, damned, pagans, unholy, etc. The term "Unreached People Groups" covers all of these categories. When I was in college, I learned an acronym that helpfully puts all the UPG into one easy to remember term:
THUMB
THUMB acronymizes (word?) into Tribes, Hindus, Undeclared (agnostic or atheistic, but THUMB is easier to remember than THAMB), Muslims, Buddhists. It also helps us as christians strategize in our secret planning meetings - cries of "I've got U under control, someone else take B!" are not unheard of.
I think that this list is incomplete, lacking traditionally one of the most unreached people groups in the world.
I would modify it to THUMBZ - Tribes, Hindus, Undeclared, Muslims, Buddhists, and Zombies.
Based on my exhaustive research, there are currently ZERO christian ministries primarily focussed on saving zombies, and the zombie population remains at a 0% conversion rate.
For shame, christendom, for shame.
THUMB
THUMB acronymizes (word?) into Tribes, Hindus, Undeclared (agnostic or atheistic, but THUMB is easier to remember than THAMB), Muslims, Buddhists. It also helps us as christians strategize in our secret planning meetings - cries of "I've got U under control, someone else take B!" are not unheard of.
I think that this list is incomplete, lacking traditionally one of the most unreached people groups in the world.
I would modify it to THUMBZ - Tribes, Hindus, Undeclared, Muslims, Buddhists, and Zombies.
Based on my exhaustive research, there are currently ZERO christian ministries primarily focussed on saving zombies, and the zombie population remains at a 0% conversion rate.
For shame, christendom, for shame.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Paranormal Activity Review
There are two levels that movies work on, in my opinion.
One is on an artistic level. Movies like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Memento" come to mind - these are movies that are crafted so well as to be art.
Then theres a pure entertainment, a pure visceral level. These are your Transformers and your Cloverfields - a ton of fun to watch, but ultimately meaningless.
Paranormal Activity may have been the most visceral movie I've ever seen. It certainly has no artistic value - but as entertainment, it can't be beat. Assuming of course, that you count sheer terror as entertaiment.
The basic premise is this - Katie has been plagued by a spirit since she was 8, and it's been scary, but harmless. Her boyfriend, Micah, has decided to try and catch the spirit on film. So he sets up a camera to film them while they sleep.
And then the camera catches things happening.
I will say without a doubt that it was the scariest movie I've ever watched in theaters. My wife and I both did not sleep well after seeing it. It was sheer terror. And I loved it.
The difference between this and other ilk of the "found footage" genre (read: Cloverfield) is that I don't think this movie needs to be watched in a dark crowded theater. I think it could be even scarier in a quiet and dark living room.
I probably won't sleep well again tonight. 5/5
One is on an artistic level. Movies like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Memento" come to mind - these are movies that are crafted so well as to be art.
Then theres a pure entertainment, a pure visceral level. These are your Transformers and your Cloverfields - a ton of fun to watch, but ultimately meaningless.
Paranormal Activity may have been the most visceral movie I've ever seen. It certainly has no artistic value - but as entertainment, it can't be beat. Assuming of course, that you count sheer terror as entertaiment.
The basic premise is this - Katie has been plagued by a spirit since she was 8, and it's been scary, but harmless. Her boyfriend, Micah, has decided to try and catch the spirit on film. So he sets up a camera to film them while they sleep.
And then the camera catches things happening.
I will say without a doubt that it was the scariest movie I've ever watched in theaters. My wife and I both did not sleep well after seeing it. It was sheer terror. And I loved it.
The difference between this and other ilk of the "found footage" genre (read: Cloverfield) is that I don't think this movie needs to be watched in a dark crowded theater. I think it could be even scarier in a quiet and dark living room.
I probably won't sleep well again tonight. 5/5
Friday, October 16, 2009
Master Leader by George Barna
Master Leader by George Barna with Bill Dallas
Master Leader was a very interesting book. The basic premise is this – George Barna interviewed 30 leadership “experts” – names you will undoubtedly recognize from the realms of church, politics, sports, and the armed forces. Then George spliced these separate interviews into one organic conversation – allowing these interviews and personalities to meld and flow.
There are times where the flow feels forced or out of left field – but then you realize that even when the conversations don’t feel organic, they’re still amazingly worthwhile for the insights that these “master leaders” have. And don’t get me wrong – 90% of the book feels organic, like an actual conversation.
Overall, I truly enjoyed the book. The insights and anecdotes from leaders I know and respect and leaders I’ve never heard of are truly awesome, and it’s a resource and book I’ll know I’ll turn to when I have questions or want to stir some thoughts. 5/5.
Reviewed for Tyndale House.
Master Leader was a very interesting book. The basic premise is this – George Barna interviewed 30 leadership “experts” – names you will undoubtedly recognize from the realms of church, politics, sports, and the armed forces. Then George spliced these separate interviews into one organic conversation – allowing these interviews and personalities to meld and flow.
There are times where the flow feels forced or out of left field – but then you realize that even when the conversations don’t feel organic, they’re still amazingly worthwhile for the insights that these “master leaders” have. And don’t get me wrong – 90% of the book feels organic, like an actual conversation.
Overall, I truly enjoyed the book. The insights and anecdotes from leaders I know and respect and leaders I’ve never heard of are truly awesome, and it’s a resource and book I’ll know I’ll turn to when I have questions or want to stir some thoughts. 5/5.
Reviewed for Tyndale House.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Nerd Files - 4
I have an unhealthy fascination with minesweeper.
The game that comes on every windows computer.
It's so much fun to me. I used to hate it - because I didn't understand. I thought the numbers were random and meaningless. But they're not! The numbers have purpose!
(The numbers are cursed the numbers are bad 4 8 15 16 23 42!!!!!)
Sorry. I'm having Lost withdrawals. But yeah - the numbers tell the number of mines around that space. So using some logic and deduction, you can almost always solve the problem.
Until you get to the last mine. Where logic leaves you with two equal possibilities. A 50/50 shot after spending 346 seconds logically solving the rest.
Here's a secret - I fail approximately 90% of my 50/50 tests. Seriously. I've never won when it came down to that.
But that doesn't stop me from trying.
The game that comes on every windows computer.
It's so much fun to me. I used to hate it - because I didn't understand. I thought the numbers were random and meaningless. But they're not! The numbers have purpose!
(The numbers are cursed the numbers are bad 4 8 15 16 23 42!!!!!)
Sorry. I'm having Lost withdrawals. But yeah - the numbers tell the number of mines around that space. So using some logic and deduction, you can almost always solve the problem.
Until you get to the last mine. Where logic leaves you with two equal possibilities. A 50/50 shot after spending 346 seconds logically solving the rest.
Here's a secret - I fail approximately 90% of my 50/50 tests. Seriously. I've never won when it came down to that.
But that doesn't stop me from trying.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Writing Tips - 10
Have you ever tried free association writing?
How it works is this - take out a notepad, open up MS Word, do whatever you need to do to be ready to write.
And then write. Every single thought that you think you thought.
Don't bother with grammar / punctuation / capitalization / rules. Just write, like a train of thoughts and ideas spilling out of your head.
This is a wonderful way to journal, which can help clear your mind to write better, or give you ideas on what to write. If you notice themes in your free association, maybe you should explore those in more detail in a different type of work.
All in all, it's a wonderful thing to try.
How it works is this - take out a notepad, open up MS Word, do whatever you need to do to be ready to write.
And then write. Every single thought that you think you thought.
Don't bother with grammar / punctuation / capitalization / rules. Just write, like a train of thoughts and ideas spilling out of your head.
This is a wonderful way to journal, which can help clear your mind to write better, or give you ideas on what to write. If you notice themes in your free association, maybe you should explore those in more detail in a different type of work.
All in all, it's a wonderful thing to try.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Somebody Smarter Said - 21
"I think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown which always forces me to blow it at the most important moments." - Jim Morrison
Friday, October 9, 2009
Nerd Files - 3
I played my second game of Warhammer 40k last night.
Here's the basics of how the game works, and then I'll walk you through the game. You and your opponent decide on a point limit for your game. Points can be used to purchase certain units - more powerful units cost more, etc. Then you both deploy your army on the table and decide who goes first. You play 5-7 rounds each. Each player gets a turn in a round and the turns go Move - Shoot - Assault.
So last nights game... 1500 points. Space Marines vs... Space Marines!
I have a footslogging / heavy tactical squad army. He was playing an all drop pod army. So on his first turn, he drop pods in two dreadnoughts who... completely missed everything! That was great luck on my part. I turn around and blast him, immobilizing his dreadnoughts and destroying one drop pod. In close combat, his dreadnought immobilizes my dreadnought, rendering them both permanently stuck in close combat.
Then his terminators deep strike in. And the game switches from close with an edge to me to a decisive edge to him. His terminators spread out, and I pump endless bolter shots into them... to kill 3 out of 11. They charge a combat squad, my elite squad, and the immobilized dreadnought - destroying all of them in one assault phase.
At this point, my spirit is mostly broken. My best two units... Gone. I've also missed something like 8 lascannon shots... His assault squad deepstruck nearby, and I shot/flamed a couple down.
From here on out, his terminators just punched me in the face. It wasn't even close. The only other item of note was that my scouts got assaulted, and turned around and MURDERED four assault marines. It was truly awesome and brought a grin to everyones face.
Here's the basics of how the game works, and then I'll walk you through the game. You and your opponent decide on a point limit for your game. Points can be used to purchase certain units - more powerful units cost more, etc. Then you both deploy your army on the table and decide who goes first. You play 5-7 rounds each. Each player gets a turn in a round and the turns go Move - Shoot - Assault.
So last nights game... 1500 points. Space Marines vs... Space Marines!
I have a footslogging / heavy tactical squad army. He was playing an all drop pod army. So on his first turn, he drop pods in two dreadnoughts who... completely missed everything! That was great luck on my part. I turn around and blast him, immobilizing his dreadnoughts and destroying one drop pod. In close combat, his dreadnought immobilizes my dreadnought, rendering them both permanently stuck in close combat.
Then his terminators deep strike in. And the game switches from close with an edge to me to a decisive edge to him. His terminators spread out, and I pump endless bolter shots into them... to kill 3 out of 11. They charge a combat squad, my elite squad, and the immobilized dreadnought - destroying all of them in one assault phase.
At this point, my spirit is mostly broken. My best two units... Gone. I've also missed something like 8 lascannon shots... His assault squad deepstruck nearby, and I shot/flamed a couple down.
From here on out, his terminators just punched me in the face. It wasn't even close. The only other item of note was that my scouts got assaulted, and turned around and MURDERED four assault marines. It was truly awesome and brought a grin to everyones face.
What Difference Do It Make Review
What Difference Do It Make by Ron Hall
First a disclaimer - I picked this book up without realizing it was a sequel. The grammatically challenged title interested me, and even if the subtitle screamed "Goodwill Bargain Book" I thought it might be worth trying.
And it certainly was.
What Difference Do It Make is a thought provoking and inspiring little book; it's also a remarkably quick read! Full of heartwarming stories told either from Ron's educated and thoroughly biased lens and also from Denver's charming street speak, it's got a little something for everyone.
I particularly enjoyed some of the moments where the authors would 'step back' from themselves and look at some of the ripples that were a result of the power of the first book. I can't help but be moved when I read stories of children raising money to help bless the homeless, or of people's lives changed when they actually encounter the poor.
Really, that's the difference it does make. 4/5.
Reviewed for Thomas Nelson Publishers
First a disclaimer - I picked this book up without realizing it was a sequel. The grammatically challenged title interested me, and even if the subtitle screamed "Goodwill Bargain Book" I thought it might be worth trying.
And it certainly was.
What Difference Do It Make is a thought provoking and inspiring little book; it's also a remarkably quick read! Full of heartwarming stories told either from Ron's educated and thoroughly biased lens and also from Denver's charming street speak, it's got a little something for everyone.
I particularly enjoyed some of the moments where the authors would 'step back' from themselves and look at some of the ripples that were a result of the power of the first book. I can't help but be moved when I read stories of children raising money to help bless the homeless, or of people's lives changed when they actually encounter the poor.
Really, that's the difference it does make. 4/5.
Reviewed for Thomas Nelson Publishers
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Forget and Not Slow Down Review
Forget and Not Slow Down - Relient K
I've always said fondly that Relient K was my gateway band. My gateway into christian music... and then back out of christian music. The first song I ever heard was "Marilyn Manson Ate My Girlfriend" and I was hooked. Five albums and a ton of EP's later, they continue to surprise and delight.
Forget and Not Slow Down is, like every album before it, an evolution. This is not just Five Score with new lyrics. It is recognizably different but also still definitively Relient K. I particularly liked the experimentation on this album - several songs have 'intros' and 'outros' which help blend the songs into each other. It's very unique. Also, the last two tracks (not counting the Amazon bonus "Terminals") start off the same - and then take radically different roads.
Some thoughts on the individual songs:
Forget and Not Slow Down - classic Relient K, and sounds awesome. Very catchy.
Sahara - very hard, and grows on me each time it plays
If You Believe Me - Maybe my favorite song on the album so far... The chorus is great - "If you believe me \ we could stand the test of time \ like no one else"
Matt Thiessen's great lyrics are on full display here: "A lion on his side \ Was it the lying or his pride \ Which brought him down"
Overall... I loved it. Great step for one of my favorite bands. 5/5.
I've always said fondly that Relient K was my gateway band. My gateway into christian music... and then back out of christian music. The first song I ever heard was "Marilyn Manson Ate My Girlfriend" and I was hooked. Five albums and a ton of EP's later, they continue to surprise and delight.
Forget and Not Slow Down is, like every album before it, an evolution. This is not just Five Score with new lyrics. It is recognizably different but also still definitively Relient K. I particularly liked the experimentation on this album - several songs have 'intros' and 'outros' which help blend the songs into each other. It's very unique. Also, the last two tracks (not counting the Amazon bonus "Terminals") start off the same - and then take radically different roads.
Some thoughts on the individual songs:
Forget and Not Slow Down - classic Relient K, and sounds awesome. Very catchy.
Sahara - very hard, and grows on me each time it plays
If You Believe Me - Maybe my favorite song on the album so far... The chorus is great - "If you believe me \ we could stand the test of time \ like no one else"
Matt Thiessen's great lyrics are on full display here: "A lion on his side \ Was it the lying or his pride \ Which brought him down"
Overall... I loved it. Great step for one of my favorite bands. 5/5.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Somebody Smarter Said - 20
"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Writing Tips - 9
Aggrandize your individual phraseology.
Expand your own vocabulary.
And then put it away.
Seriously, just put it away.
Sure, sign up for a word of the day. It's important to continue to grow, even if that growth is with a word that you'll never use in everyday normal life.
And there may be a time when you need to know the word "bifurcate," which is today's Word of the Day.
But if you and the fourteen people who get word of the day are the only ones who know that word, what use is it? You can't communicate effectively - which is what writing is. This isn't High School English, where you were trying to take up page space. Say what you want in the best words - even if those words are short and simple and everyone knows them.
And if you can't find the write word to exactly describe what you are trying to get across, then use "bifurcate."
Expand your own vocabulary.
And then put it away.
Seriously, just put it away.
Sure, sign up for a word of the day. It's important to continue to grow, even if that growth is with a word that you'll never use in everyday normal life.
And there may be a time when you need to know the word "bifurcate," which is today's Word of the Day.
But if you and the fourteen people who get word of the day are the only ones who know that word, what use is it? You can't communicate effectively - which is what writing is. This isn't High School English, where you were trying to take up page space. Say what you want in the best words - even if those words are short and simple and everyone knows them.
And if you can't find the write word to exactly describe what you are trying to get across, then use "bifurcate."
Thursday, October 1, 2009
State of the Blog Address
I did it.
September has 30 days.
As of yesterday, Thoughts on Life had 31 posts for the month of September.
The major contribution to those posts were our running series, which will be shaking up this month. Some of those series will now be on a "when it comes to mind" basis - most notably "In Honor Of." Trying to think of something to honor each week is harder than it sounds. Writing Tips should still happen on a weekly basis. Somebody Smarter Said and Hey Neat-O should hopefully be just whenever I feel like it, or whenever I find something worth posting. I did have one "guest" series - One Step, which reached it's natural and always-purposed conclusion.
So to recap what to expect this month:
Writing Tips on a weekly basis
Somebody Smarter Said / Hey Neat-O on a regular basis
In Honor Of / Watch This on an infrequent basis
And a new "guest" series - "Jacob Workout," which will be about wrestling with some faith concepts.
Oh, and Nerd Files on a regular basis.
Also, a bevy (yes, that's right, a bevy) of Random Thoughts and Reviews.
September has 30 days.
As of yesterday, Thoughts on Life had 31 posts for the month of September.
The major contribution to those posts were our running series, which will be shaking up this month. Some of those series will now be on a "when it comes to mind" basis - most notably "In Honor Of." Trying to think of something to honor each week is harder than it sounds. Writing Tips should still happen on a weekly basis. Somebody Smarter Said and Hey Neat-O should hopefully be just whenever I feel like it, or whenever I find something worth posting. I did have one "guest" series - One Step, which reached it's natural and always-purposed conclusion.
So to recap what to expect this month:
Writing Tips on a weekly basis
Somebody Smarter Said / Hey Neat-O on a regular basis
In Honor Of / Watch This on an infrequent basis
And a new "guest" series - "Jacob Workout," which will be about wrestling with some faith concepts.
Oh, and Nerd Files on a regular basis.
Also, a bevy (yes, that's right, a bevy) of Random Thoughts and Reviews.
Somebody Smarter Said - 19
"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." - Douglas Adams
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Writing Tips - 8
Plot happens to characters. Plot is forced upon them. Plot is predictable and ultimately boring.
Story unfolds to characters. It happens with them. They impact it.
Plot is when a volcano blows up near the characters, forcing them to react.
Story is when the characters decide out of their own motivations to blow up the volcano.
It's a bit different.
Also, my last example was a poor one.
It's the difference between a Deus Ex Machina (read: unfulfilling) ending and a thrilling, multilayered, conclusion.
Story unfolds to characters. It happens with them. They impact it.
Plot is when a volcano blows up near the characters, forcing them to react.
Story is when the characters decide out of their own motivations to blow up the volcano.
It's a bit different.
Also, my last example was a poor one.
It's the difference between a Deus Ex Machina (read: unfulfilling) ending and a thrilling, multilayered, conclusion.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
one steP
"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." - Greg Anderson
Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.
The JOURNEY and not the destination.
Because here's the truth:
You can leave your friends and family behind, pack all of belongings in a decrepit old minivan, and drive 2300 miles accross the country.
You can cross 7 states, and every type of scenery and terrain.
You can stop and admire the mountains, the plains, the deserts, the fields.
You can even arrive.
But the story never ends there.
Because on arrival, you realize there's more. The JOURNEY wasn't just about the trip.
It was only the beginning.
Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.
The JOURNEY and not the destination.
Because here's the truth:
You can leave your friends and family behind, pack all of belongings in a decrepit old minivan, and drive 2300 miles accross the country.
You can cross 7 states, and every type of scenery and terrain.
You can stop and admire the mountains, the plains, the deserts, the fields.
You can even arrive.
But the story never ends there.
Because on arrival, you realize there's more. The JOURNEY wasn't just about the trip.
It was only the beginning.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Nerd Files - 2
One of my newer hobbies is tabletop wargaming. Which may be the nerdiest thing I've ever said. Here's how tabletop wargaming works:
You buy expensive and overpriced "miniatures" which resemble detailed army men.
You paint said miniatures in whatever way you would like.
You realize you do not have the correct miniatures for your army. You swear.
You get more expensive and overpriced miniatures.
You play a game which involves rolling dice and pretend shooting other armies.
You swear at the megaskilled 12 year old.
Rinse and repeat.
Right now, I'm playing an Ultramarines army. Comprised of battle-hardened space marines, I'm currently 0-1, having lost to a Chaos Marines army. I had sound tactics, but horrible dice rolling and bad luck in general.
Tune in soon for a philosophical discussion - to repaint or not to repaint...
Friday, September 25, 2009
one stEp
"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end." Ursula K. LeGuin
The end of the JOURNEY approaches. You can feel it in your soul.
This is the moment, the culmination.
And then your tire blows out.
Thirty miles from the end of the JOURNEY.
It's the most frustrating thing in the history of the western world. At least to you it is.
It seems that the closer we get to the end of the JOURNEY the more we get focused on the end of the JOURNEY. We forget that the JOURNEY is what's important, and not the destination.
So those problems and issues that seemed funny or humorous at one end seem life altering and scary at the other end of the JOURNEY.
We need to relax and realize that the JOURNEY is still worthwhile, even thirty miles from our destination.
There are still things to learn, even when we're only 30 miles away.
The end of the JOURNEY approaches. You can feel it in your soul.
This is the moment, the culmination.
And then your tire blows out.
Thirty miles from the end of the JOURNEY.
It's the most frustrating thing in the history of the western world. At least to you it is.
It seems that the closer we get to the end of the JOURNEY the more we get focused on the end of the JOURNEY. We forget that the JOURNEY is what's important, and not the destination.
So those problems and issues that seemed funny or humorous at one end seem life altering and scary at the other end of the JOURNEY.
We need to relax and realize that the JOURNEY is still worthwhile, even thirty miles from our destination.
There are still things to learn, even when we're only 30 miles away.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Somebody Smarter Said - 18
"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." - Toni Morrison
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Writing Tips - 7
Concept from Steven King's "On Writing"
Remember that no character sees his or her self as the sidekick, the romantic love interest, the Deus Ex Machina.
Every character sees themselves as the center of the story, the point, and there story is the one that is the grand scheme.
This is a much higher view of the concepts of motivation, something that inevitably frustrates me. I need a villain in my story to create tension for my protagonist. However, that character is always going to be one or two dimensional unless I stop to examine why they're doing what they're doing.
If I can't buy that I would do the same thing in a character's shoes with that particular characters background, then the character rings false - and so does the writing.
Remember that no character sees his or her self as the sidekick, the romantic love interest, the Deus Ex Machina.
Every character sees themselves as the center of the story, the point, and there story is the one that is the grand scheme.
This is a much higher view of the concepts of motivation, something that inevitably frustrates me. I need a villain in my story to create tension for my protagonist. However, that character is always going to be one or two dimensional unless I stop to examine why they're doing what they're doing.
If I can't buy that I would do the same thing in a character's shoes with that particular characters background, then the character rings false - and so does the writing.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Hey Neat-O - 12
I don't really enjoy when people say things I don't understand.
Sometimes I google them, with little or no success. Now, I use:
Phrases
And heck, it even creates a bibliography note for you, in case you want to use it on a research paper.
And if you do do that (use this in a research paper) please let me read your paper!
Sometimes I google them, with little or no success. Now, I use:
Phrases
And heck, it even creates a bibliography note for you, in case you want to use it on a research paper.
And if you do do that (use this in a research paper) please let me read your paper!
Jesus Nation Review
Jesus Nation by Joseph Stowell
Sometimes you have to ask who a book is written for. Frequently, the intended reader is not you.
But what do you do when you absolutely can't figure out who the intended reader is?
Such is the case with Joe Stowell's book, "Jesus Nation."
"Jesus Nation" is, at the heart, a book about belonging. A book about belonging to a nation, living and dying and breathing, with that nation, in much the same way as you follow your favorite sports team. Stowell is outlining what it means to have that same passion about following Jesus; about what life would look like if we looked up to Jesus even more than we look up to a Peyton Manning or a Steve Yzerman.
The main problem I had with this book was this: It didn't incite any sort of passion in me. I wondered if maybe I simply couldn't figure out who should be reading it, but all in all, it failed to make me dream about what the point was.
Please don't get me wrong. Stowell, by all accounts, is a great man, and is doing a wonderful job at Cornerstone University, my alma mater. And Stowell uses a few good analogies and metaphors throughout his book; ideas that were at least a little intrigueing, and deserved to be discussed and fleshed out.
But bottom line - I had to force myself to read it. It never captivated me, and thus I can only give it 2.5/5.
Reviewed for Tyndale House
Sometimes you have to ask who a book is written for. Frequently, the intended reader is not you.
But what do you do when you absolutely can't figure out who the intended reader is?
Such is the case with Joe Stowell's book, "Jesus Nation."
"Jesus Nation" is, at the heart, a book about belonging. A book about belonging to a nation, living and dying and breathing, with that nation, in much the same way as you follow your favorite sports team. Stowell is outlining what it means to have that same passion about following Jesus; about what life would look like if we looked up to Jesus even more than we look up to a Peyton Manning or a Steve Yzerman.
The main problem I had with this book was this: It didn't incite any sort of passion in me. I wondered if maybe I simply couldn't figure out who should be reading it, but all in all, it failed to make me dream about what the point was.
Please don't get me wrong. Stowell, by all accounts, is a great man, and is doing a wonderful job at Cornerstone University, my alma mater. And Stowell uses a few good analogies and metaphors throughout his book; ideas that were at least a little intrigueing, and deserved to be discussed and fleshed out.
But bottom line - I had to force myself to read it. It never captivated me, and thus I can only give it 2.5/5.
Reviewed for Tyndale House
Sunday, September 20, 2009
one sTep
"A journey is like a marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it." - John Steinbeck
One thing that Jess and I swore to each other about our JOURNEY to Seattle would be this - we would let the JOURNEY evolve. We didn't have a set destination each night. We didn't have particular food places to stop at (other than the ones that we had wedding gift cards from). We weren't committed to a certain type or caliber of motel. Most importantly?
We didn't have a time table.
It seems to me that it would be a terrible thing to drive 2300 miles across the country and not stop to see anything interesting. There are so many stops, so many sights, so many people, between Grand Rapids and Seattle. If we had simply rocketed past them, we would have missed so many opportunities we would probably never get again.
It's the same way with our life JOURNEY. I'm sure it's easy to just settle into a forty hour work week and live my life without ever really living it. Without experiencing the sights and sounds and smells of the people and places I'm in. Routine and habit become friends that we're comfortable with. It's so much easier, wherever we go, to order the same meal at that same chain restaurant. I know exactly what I'm getting.
But if you did that, you would miss out on the Corn Palace's of the world. Or the Charleston Cafe's. You would miss entire genre's of life.
So as strange and as hard as it may be sometimes, we need to slay the dragons of routine and habit. And live life experimentally.
One thing that Jess and I swore to each other about our JOURNEY to Seattle would be this - we would let the JOURNEY evolve. We didn't have a set destination each night. We didn't have particular food places to stop at (other than the ones that we had wedding gift cards from). We weren't committed to a certain type or caliber of motel. Most importantly?
We didn't have a time table.
It seems to me that it would be a terrible thing to drive 2300 miles across the country and not stop to see anything interesting. There are so many stops, so many sights, so many people, between Grand Rapids and Seattle. If we had simply rocketed past them, we would have missed so many opportunities we would probably never get again.
It's the same way with our life JOURNEY. I'm sure it's easy to just settle into a forty hour work week and live my life without ever really living it. Without experiencing the sights and sounds and smells of the people and places I'm in. Routine and habit become friends that we're comfortable with. It's so much easier, wherever we go, to order the same meal at that same chain restaurant. I know exactly what I'm getting.
But if you did that, you would miss out on the Corn Palace's of the world. Or the Charleston Cafe's. You would miss entire genre's of life.
So as strange and as hard as it may be sometimes, we need to slay the dragons of routine and habit. And live life experimentally.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
On Writing Review
On Writing by Stephen King
Stephen King is certainly one of, if not the, most famous authors of the current landscape. His works have sold, by estimate, 300-350 million copies.
Holy smokes. So when he has something to say about writing, or at least writing to people, I'll listen anyway.
And indeed, this half-autobiography half-creative writing text is very useful. His toolbox (the middle part of the book, full of writing tools), in particular, is of extreme interest to me.
Kings advice on characters, his advice on plot vs story, his advice on writing in general, is all useful advice. Indeed, his description of writing as telepathy is interesting and probably deserves a post of its own.
I give it 4/5, because I was less interested in the autobiographical first part of the book. Very useful book to pick up on writing though.
Stephen King is certainly one of, if not the, most famous authors of the current landscape. His works have sold, by estimate, 300-350 million copies.
Holy smokes. So when he has something to say about writing, or at least writing to people, I'll listen anyway.
And indeed, this half-autobiography half-creative writing text is very useful. His toolbox (the middle part of the book, full of writing tools), in particular, is of extreme interest to me.
Kings advice on characters, his advice on plot vs story, his advice on writing in general, is all useful advice. Indeed, his description of writing as telepathy is interesting and probably deserves a post of its own.
I give it 4/5, because I was less interested in the autobiographical first part of the book. Very useful book to pick up on writing though.
Friday, September 18, 2009
In Honor Of - 4
To the greatest collection of Men I know:
Suiteness
There is no group I know that embodies community in this way. I am honored to be counted amongst their "Friends and Associates."
May Suiteness live on in your hearts.
Suiteness
There is no group I know that embodies community in this way. I am honored to be counted amongst their "Friends and Associates."
May Suiteness live on in your hearts.
Nerd Files - 1
Welcome to a new series here on Andy's Thoughts. Nerd Files will be a place for me to explore and think about 'nerdy' topics. To define what I mean by 'nerdy' topics, let me quote my wife:
"Boys are stupid. I don't understand why you would.."
So anything that finishes that sentence is ripe for Nerd Files. This will probably focus on two things for awhile - Fantasy Football and Warhammer 40k. So this first week let's talk about Fantasy Football.
This is the first year I've ventured into fantasy football. For the last three years, I've wanted to be in a league, but was too... timid. Last year, I missed entry into the Morgan League by about three minutes. This year? I got into the prestigious Morgan League and was also invited into a league at my wife's graduate school. We're now heading into week 2, so let me talk about week 1.
Morgan League - I got crushed by Dave Morgan himself. All of my receivers sucked, and he had Adrian Peterson, who singlehandedly scored more points than half of my team. Ouch.
MHGS League - I doubled up on my poor opponent. Not much of a game.
So what changes did I make? Well, two big ones, actually. In both leagues, I ended up with Philip Rivers as my QB, with Joe Flacco backing him up. This week, I benched Rivers in both leagues. We'll see how that pays off. I also benched my Eagles Defense in my MHGS league and signed Indianapolis for the week; Eagles play drew Brees, and the Colts play dreadful Miami. I feel good about that.
So we'll see how these gambles pay off.
"Boys are stupid. I don't understand why you would.."
So anything that finishes that sentence is ripe for Nerd Files. This will probably focus on two things for awhile - Fantasy Football and Warhammer 40k. So this first week let's talk about Fantasy Football.
This is the first year I've ventured into fantasy football. For the last three years, I've wanted to be in a league, but was too... timid. Last year, I missed entry into the Morgan League by about three minutes. This year? I got into the prestigious Morgan League and was also invited into a league at my wife's graduate school. We're now heading into week 2, so let me talk about week 1.
Morgan League - I got crushed by Dave Morgan himself. All of my receivers sucked, and he had Adrian Peterson, who singlehandedly scored more points than half of my team. Ouch.
MHGS League - I doubled up on my poor opponent. Not much of a game.
So what changes did I make? Well, two big ones, actually. In both leagues, I ended up with Philip Rivers as my QB, with Joe Flacco backing him up. This week, I benched Rivers in both leagues. We'll see how that pays off. I also benched my Eagles Defense in my MHGS league and signed Indianapolis for the week; Eagles play drew Brees, and the Colts play dreadful Miami. I feel good about that.
So we'll see how these gambles pay off.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
There and Back Again Review
There and Back Again by Sean Astin, with Joe Layden
I'll be honest. I've always enjoyed seeing Sean Astin in films - even though I've never seen Rudy. So I saw this book chilling on a Goodwill shelf, and decided to pick it up. I really went Lord of the Rings Crazy when the trilogy came out, and I've always been interested in the backstory of the making of the film trilogy.
Second honest opinion. I've always enjoyed Sean Astin in films, but out of a film? He seems... like a guy that might annoy me in real life. And I think that's why he works so well as the underdog in his films; he has an earnestness that translates from real life to the screen. And that earnestness can sometimes bite him when he's not acting. Astin details a few of those stories in this book, and it helps make the book quite courageous - it's certainly a lot easier to tell funny anecdotes about Lord of the Rings, and much more difficult to talk about your character flaws.
There are quite a few funny anecdotes in this book. Reading about the hobbits cameraderie, is quite humorous. I walk away wishing I had been the fifth hobbit.
I recommend this book if you're interested in Lord of the Rings, or if you like Sean Astin. As a biography, it's not my favorite; it doesn't quite cover the range that someone like Michael J Fox's does. I give it 3.5/5 stars.
I'll be honest. I've always enjoyed seeing Sean Astin in films - even though I've never seen Rudy. So I saw this book chilling on a Goodwill shelf, and decided to pick it up. I really went Lord of the Rings Crazy when the trilogy came out, and I've always been interested in the backstory of the making of the film trilogy.
Second honest opinion. I've always enjoyed Sean Astin in films, but out of a film? He seems... like a guy that might annoy me in real life. And I think that's why he works so well as the underdog in his films; he has an earnestness that translates from real life to the screen. And that earnestness can sometimes bite him when he's not acting. Astin details a few of those stories in this book, and it helps make the book quite courageous - it's certainly a lot easier to tell funny anecdotes about Lord of the Rings, and much more difficult to talk about your character flaws.
There are quite a few funny anecdotes in this book. Reading about the hobbits cameraderie, is quite humorous. I walk away wishing I had been the fifth hobbit.
I recommend this book if you're interested in Lord of the Rings, or if you like Sean Astin. As a biography, it's not my favorite; it doesn't quite cover the range that someone like Michael J Fox's does. I give it 3.5/5 stars.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Somebody Smarter Said - 17
"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." - Mark Twain
flashBANG Review
flashBANG by Mark Steele
Sometimes someone writes a book and you wonder if they were reading your mind.
flashBANG did that for me. In many ways, Mark Steele felt like he was reaching into my mind and giving words to what I already knew. In so many ways, he was definitely writing somethings I needed to hear.
So that was how I reacted. What is the book? What's it about?
Well, the subtitle is "How I got over myself," so that's an interesting place to start. But it's more than that too. It's a journey, from a 'flashbang' (a type of bomb that does exactly what it says -flashes and bangs but leaves no damage behind) to a 'spittake' to 'slaphappy.'
It's told through the lens of stories; from an unfortunate incident with a parakeet and a pot of spaghetti sauce, to a clumsy german missionary, to a doomed attempt to sell cologne door to door.
The book is creative and innovative; I particularly enjoyed reading Mark's humorous, sometimes bizarre, and frequently meaningful arguements with himself.
I give this book a five out of five. It's got a great message and meaning and journey, but it's also just ridiculously funny. I've never laughed so much while reading a book, and I frequently read books that are from the 'humor' section of the bookstore.
Enjoy it.
Sometimes someone writes a book and you wonder if they were reading your mind.
flashBANG did that for me. In many ways, Mark Steele felt like he was reaching into my mind and giving words to what I already knew. In so many ways, he was definitely writing somethings I needed to hear.
So that was how I reacted. What is the book? What's it about?
Well, the subtitle is "How I got over myself," so that's an interesting place to start. But it's more than that too. It's a journey, from a 'flashbang' (a type of bomb that does exactly what it says -flashes and bangs but leaves no damage behind) to a 'spittake' to 'slaphappy.'
It's told through the lens of stories; from an unfortunate incident with a parakeet and a pot of spaghetti sauce, to a clumsy german missionary, to a doomed attempt to sell cologne door to door.
The book is creative and innovative; I particularly enjoyed reading Mark's humorous, sometimes bizarre, and frequently meaningful arguements with himself.
I give this book a five out of five. It's got a great message and meaning and journey, but it's also just ridiculously funny. I've never laughed so much while reading a book, and I frequently read books that are from the 'humor' section of the bookstore.
Enjoy it.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Writing Tips - 6
The difference between editing and revising:
Rough Draft:
"the ball struck bill on the forehed when he wasnt looking."
Editing, Final Draft:
"The ball struck Bill on his forehead when he was not looking."
Revising, Final Draft:
"Bill, looking the other way, turned in time to get smacked in the head by an errant baseball."
Editing takes something you have and refines it to the best it can possibly be. It's like upgrading from a McDonald's plain hamburger to a Big Mac. You're still eating at McDonald's. Revising is like heading to a nice five star restaurant and ordering a mouth-watering T-Bone steak.
Do more revising, and worry less about editing. Most likely, you're not famous, so the people reading your work are actual friends. And if you are famous, you have an editor anyway.
Rough Draft:
"the ball struck bill on the forehed when he wasnt looking."
Editing, Final Draft:
"The ball struck Bill on his forehead when he was not looking."
Revising, Final Draft:
"Bill, looking the other way, turned in time to get smacked in the head by an errant baseball."
Editing takes something you have and refines it to the best it can possibly be. It's like upgrading from a McDonald's plain hamburger to a Big Mac. You're still eating at McDonald's. Revising is like heading to a nice five star restaurant and ordering a mouth-watering T-Bone steak.
Do more revising, and worry less about editing. Most likely, you're not famous, so the people reading your work are actual friends. And if you are famous, you have an editor anyway.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Random Thoughts - 12
First, a disclaimer. These are not my thoughts, but my impressions and ideas from sitting in on one of Jess's grad classes.
On the categories of Faith, Hope, and Love:
Faith is primarily a category of the past; a category of memory. It is remembering the redemptive work that has been done in our past.
Hope is primarily a category of the future and the yin/yang of Faith. It is, in one sense, a memory of the future. Remembering the redemptive work that will be done in our future. (My brain hurts.)
And Love is a category of the present. If God is love, and God has no past nor future, then this makes sense to me. Love is choosing to be in this moment of suffering of heartbreak of loss of joy of peace of LOVE.
On the categories of Faith, Hope, and Love:
Faith is primarily a category of the past; a category of memory. It is remembering the redemptive work that has been done in our past.
Hope is primarily a category of the future and the yin/yang of Faith. It is, in one sense, a memory of the future. Remembering the redemptive work that will be done in our future. (My brain hurts.)
And Love is a category of the present. If God is love, and God has no past nor future, then this makes sense to me. Love is choosing to be in this moment of suffering of heartbreak of loss of joy of peace of LOVE.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Watch This - 3
And there are actually members on the right who wonder why my age group has flocked to U2.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
From Peanuts to the Pressbox Review
From Peanuts to the Pressbox, by Eli Gold and M.B. Roberts
I enjoy sports. I enjoy watching them on TV, but very rarely do I give much thought to the people who are, as Eli Gold would say, putting captions on the pictures. Until now, I never realized how much work and preparation goes into what they are doing. From Peanuts to the Pressbox is a well-written and intriguing book, detailing the literal journey from a young boy selling peanuts and dreaming about sports broadcasting into one of the more famed modern sports broadcasters, with experience in the NHL, NFL, Nascar, AFL, and of course, as the Voice of the Alabama Tide.
I enjoyed reading Eli Gold’s stories and tales. He truly has a tremendous amount of experience and has had the opportunity to meet many people throughout his career; Joe Namath, Dale Earnhardt, and Kenny “the snake” Stabler. Some of the stories he can tell about these sport legends are amazing and heartwarming. In addition, the amount of research that Eli must have done is thrilling – a chance to learn the history behind broadcasting, not just his personal story.
The bottom line is this – if you’re interested in learning a bit about one of the most unnoticed aspects of sports, then From Peanuts to the Pressbox is a great book to pick up. I give it 4/5 stars.
Reviewed for Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Friday, September 11, 2009
one Step
"Journeys end in lovers' meeting; every wise man's son doth know." - William Shakespeare
If the JOURNEY can result in problems, in difficulty, in conflict, then they also present an opportunity.
An opportunity for redemption, for reconciliation, for love.
So the greater the difficulty, the more hope for reconciliation.
Side note - isn't the phrase "hope for reconciliation" great? It sort of rolls off the tongue with meaning and power.
I think this has to do with life. Trials and tribulations stretch us and grow us; this is ancient wisdom, and goes beyond platitudes. Hard work results in strength, which makes the work easier.
This is not simply a physical idea. It's relational.
The more your relationship can bend without breaking, the stronger it is. So when my wife and I have difficulties on the JOURNEY (almost entirely from my own issues), that will make us stronger in the long run. I should still work on my stuff, but the tension and conflict is good for us. I should communicate more and be more sensitive. Not only should I, but I need to. I need to learn from my mistakes - otherwise the hope for reconciliation is wasted. It's a growth opportunity.
This helps to partly explain why some of the best friendships in the world are formed on the JOURNEY. Because they are tried and tested and proven to be true.
If the JOURNEY can result in problems, in difficulty, in conflict, then they also present an opportunity.
An opportunity for redemption, for reconciliation, for love.
So the greater the difficulty, the more hope for reconciliation.
Side note - isn't the phrase "hope for reconciliation" great? It sort of rolls off the tongue with meaning and power.
I think this has to do with life. Trials and tribulations stretch us and grow us; this is ancient wisdom, and goes beyond platitudes. Hard work results in strength, which makes the work easier.
This is not simply a physical idea. It's relational.
The more your relationship can bend without breaking, the stronger it is. So when my wife and I have difficulties on the JOURNEY (almost entirely from my own issues), that will make us stronger in the long run. I should still work on my stuff, but the tension and conflict is good for us. I should communicate more and be more sensitive. Not only should I, but I need to. I need to learn from my mistakes - otherwise the hope for reconciliation is wasted. It's a growth opportunity.
This helps to partly explain why some of the best friendships in the world are formed on the JOURNEY. Because they are tried and tested and proven to be true.
In Honor Of - 3
Quite simply the best captain ever in the NHL, and possibly the best leader in sports.
Steve Yzerman.
As gifted a scorer as he was a leader, Stevie Y (or The Captain) makes this list for so many reasons. He was my introduction to hockey and to the Detroit Red Wings. He set an example on the ice, by being one of the best and one of the fairest. He set an example off the ice, by giving his time and energy to charity organizations.
This is a man who hoisted the Stanley Cup three times, won an Olympic Gold Medal, and took home the Conn Smythe award, as well as numerous others.
This is a man who, in 2002, played through the pain of a mis-aligned knee, to bring his team to their third Stanley Cup.
I will never forget watching him, play after play, whistle after whistle, use his stick as crutch to get up off the ice. So that he could keep playing.
And keep winning.
Steve Yzerman.
As gifted a scorer as he was a leader, Stevie Y (or The Captain) makes this list for so many reasons. He was my introduction to hockey and to the Detroit Red Wings. He set an example on the ice, by being one of the best and one of the fairest. He set an example off the ice, by giving his time and energy to charity organizations.
This is a man who hoisted the Stanley Cup three times, won an Olympic Gold Medal, and took home the Conn Smythe award, as well as numerous others.
This is a man who, in 2002, played through the pain of a mis-aligned knee, to bring his team to their third Stanley Cup.
I will never forget watching him, play after play, whistle after whistle, use his stick as crutch to get up off the ice. So that he could keep playing.
And keep winning.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Somebody Smarter Said - 16
"There is something in every human being that is beyond our wildest comprehension in its capacity for both good and evil. I can do the utterly unexpected because the presence of eternity beats within me." - Dan Allender
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Writing Tips - 5
When I was in college, I started a little comedy website (so little, the only people who saw it were friends I made look at it). Part of the appeal was that I would write a weekly comedy article. After awhile, my (ex)girlfriends family started reading it. And they were appalled. Appalled probably because I laughed at things that were funny, and didn't spend the entire weekly newsletter trying to convert my already-christian friends.
I gave up on the newsletter. Because I wasn't doing what they wanted. I was writing to impress, instead of writing to be a better writer, or to communicate what I was thinking.
Don't write for others. Don't write to impress other people.
It's pretty simple really.
Don't write for an audience, to get published, or to be famous.
When you write for someone else, you have to ignore the inner voice that you have which should be guiding your writing. Writing is about an attempt to put the human soul on paper.
Your soul exists in community with other people. not simply for the benefit of other people.
I gave up on the newsletter. Because I wasn't doing what they wanted. I was writing to impress, instead of writing to be a better writer, or to communicate what I was thinking.
Don't write for others. Don't write to impress other people.
It's pretty simple really.
Don't write for an audience, to get published, or to be famous.
When you write for someone else, you have to ignore the inner voice that you have which should be guiding your writing. Writing is about an attempt to put the human soul on paper.
Your soul exists in community with other people. not simply for the benefit of other people.
Monday, September 7, 2009
onE step
"If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all." - Dan Rather
If a complication arises during a JOURNEY, it tends to fall into one of two categories. (Actually, just about nothing ever truly splits into two categories; these are just helpful ways of thinking).
There are logistical problems. And relational problems. And one problem can lead to an increase in another problem.
Logistical problems are problems with the JOURNEY itself. These are the passport issues, and the vehicle malfunctions, and the inability to remember to pack socks. They are usually fixed with very little long term repercussions.
Relational problems happen with the other people on the JOURNEY with us. These are born out of frustration, miscommunication, and poor expectations.
On the way to Seattle, we had several logistical problems. I'm going to highlight a couple of those, and you will start to see some of the foundation for some of the relational problems we experienced.
In the middle of a windy rainstorm, in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota, the wind caught my windshield wipers and broke them. I was going 75 miles an hour, and suddenly couldn't see. We managed to get to the nearest exit, where we were told that no mechanics in town were available; they would be busy for the next two days. So we put Rain - X on the windows and prayed.
Then, stopping at a scenic overlook, the passenger door broke. It won't close unless you press down hard on the door as you shut it. So we just don't use the door, afraid it will fall off. So Jess has to crawl across each time we get in and out of the van.
Logistically, not a great situation.
If a complication arises during a JOURNEY, it tends to fall into one of two categories. (Actually, just about nothing ever truly splits into two categories; these are just helpful ways of thinking).
There are logistical problems. And relational problems. And one problem can lead to an increase in another problem.
Logistical problems are problems with the JOURNEY itself. These are the passport issues, and the vehicle malfunctions, and the inability to remember to pack socks. They are usually fixed with very little long term repercussions.
Relational problems happen with the other people on the JOURNEY with us. These are born out of frustration, miscommunication, and poor expectations.
On the way to Seattle, we had several logistical problems. I'm going to highlight a couple of those, and you will start to see some of the foundation for some of the relational problems we experienced.
In the middle of a windy rainstorm, in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota, the wind caught my windshield wipers and broke them. I was going 75 miles an hour, and suddenly couldn't see. We managed to get to the nearest exit, where we were told that no mechanics in town were available; they would be busy for the next two days. So we put Rain - X on the windows and prayed.
Then, stopping at a scenic overlook, the passenger door broke. It won't close unless you press down hard on the door as you shut it. So we just don't use the door, afraid it will fall off. So Jess has to crawl across each time we get in and out of the van.
Logistically, not a great situation.
Hey Neat-O - 10
I like books. They are good.
I like free. It is good.
I like free books. They are doubly good.
So what do I say to agreeing to write a review of a book to receive it free?
Heck yes. So shortly, you will start to see more book reviews on this blog. Many thanks to Jean Ballance for pointing this out. She has (and I have as well) attempted to contact other publishers, so I will let you know if I find any.
But also, you can do it yourself - just check out these websites:
Thomas Nelson
Tyndale House
Waterbrook Press
I like free. It is good.
I like free books. They are doubly good.
So what do I say to agreeing to write a review of a book to receive it free?
Heck yes. So shortly, you will start to see more book reviews on this blog. Many thanks to Jean Ballance for pointing this out. She has (and I have as well) attempted to contact other publishers, so I will let you know if I find any.
But also, you can do it yourself - just check out these websites:
Thomas Nelson
Tyndale House
Waterbrook Press
Friday, September 4, 2009
In Honor Of - 2
"cause I'm clumsily dancing away this fear
I'm stumbling closer to you
and I am tumbling over my pride
I will be a fool for you "
"I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you"
"I've seen it all and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you"
It's rare that I like a band for several years. Usually my tastes change/evolve, or the band changes/evolves. It's even more unlikely that music that hits me in my soul at one time will still hit me in the soul years later.
One band has consistently done that. One band has consistently written songs that seem to be where I am.
Lifehouse.
When I was in high school, they hit it big with "Hanging by a Moment," which describes, in my opinion, a search for and yearning for God. I didn't actually discover who the band was until college - I heard it on the radio and loved it, but could never figure out the name of the band. In college, at a worship service, I heard the song "Everything," which was this plea for Jesus to be everything, to show up and be real. After college, the song "Fool," which details how I can try to give Jesus everything and fail miserably. And then, "You and Me" and "First Time" which detail in great fashion the amazingness and novelty of love.
Great stuff all around. I can't wait to see what they have next.
I'm stumbling closer to you
and I am tumbling over my pride
I will be a fool for you "
"I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you"
"I've seen it all and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you"
It's rare that I like a band for several years. Usually my tastes change/evolve, or the band changes/evolves. It's even more unlikely that music that hits me in my soul at one time will still hit me in the soul years later.
One band has consistently done that. One band has consistently written songs that seem to be where I am.
Lifehouse.
When I was in high school, they hit it big with "Hanging by a Moment," which describes, in my opinion, a search for and yearning for God. I didn't actually discover who the band was until college - I heard it on the radio and loved it, but could never figure out the name of the band. In college, at a worship service, I heard the song "Everything," which was this plea for Jesus to be everything, to show up and be real. After college, the song "Fool," which details how I can try to give Jesus everything and fail miserably. And then, "You and Me" and "First Time" which detail in great fashion the amazingness and novelty of love.
Great stuff all around. I can't wait to see what they have next.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Somebody Smarter Said - 15
"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived." - Captain Jean Luc Picard
oNe step
"A journey is best measured in friends rather than in miles." - Tim Cahill
JOURNEY is meant to be communal. How do I know this? Because all of life is meant to be communal.
We aren't created to be the Lone Ranger (who, afterall, wasn't 'lone'), Henry David Thoreau, or the Unabomber. These men discovered something about the inner self, something pure.
I'm not using the word pure in a good sense. You can have pure anthrax or pure arsenic. These men discovered, in my opinion, that the pure human soul, by itself, isn't enough. The Lone Ranger needed Tonto; Thoreau needed the beauty of nature (in itself a companion); and the Unabomber was insane.
JOURNEY's do two things to relationships. They cement them, and they try them.
There is nothing like a road trip to create good friends. A friend of mine (our friendship was cemented through a JOURNEY, to India!) spent two years doing amazing spring break road trips. The stories and the language that this friend can use, with his road trip buddies, is on a different level than the ones I use in everyday conversation with him. Those men have a special bond.
My wife and I met through the same trip to India. I would submit that India helped cement our JOURNEY (and tried it). We also did a road trip to South Carolina, which further cemented our relationship.
But JOURNEY's can also try relationships.
JOURNEY is meant to be communal. How do I know this? Because all of life is meant to be communal.
We aren't created to be the Lone Ranger (who, afterall, wasn't 'lone'), Henry David Thoreau, or the Unabomber. These men discovered something about the inner self, something pure.
I'm not using the word pure in a good sense. You can have pure anthrax or pure arsenic. These men discovered, in my opinion, that the pure human soul, by itself, isn't enough. The Lone Ranger needed Tonto; Thoreau needed the beauty of nature (in itself a companion); and the Unabomber was insane.
JOURNEY's do two things to relationships. They cement them, and they try them.
There is nothing like a road trip to create good friends. A friend of mine (our friendship was cemented through a JOURNEY, to India!) spent two years doing amazing spring break road trips. The stories and the language that this friend can use, with his road trip buddies, is on a different level than the ones I use in everyday conversation with him. Those men have a special bond.
My wife and I met through the same trip to India. I would submit that India helped cement our JOURNEY (and tried it). We also did a road trip to South Carolina, which further cemented our relationship.
But JOURNEY's can also try relationships.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Writing Tips - 4
Bird by Bird.
It's a book, by Anne Lamott. The whole book is about writing, and it's a great read. If I manage to purchase a copy anytime soon, I'll make sure to review it in depth, but it's the title that I want to focus on today.
Lamott tells a story about her brother, when he was still in school. He had a project which involved writing about a lot of birds - 50, if my memory serves me correct. Lamott's brother saved the project to the last night, and then broke down because it was too much to do at once.
Lamott's father took him, sat him down on his knee, and told him to take the project and do it bird by bird. One step at a time.
When I sit down and try to write an epic novel (note: I am not doing any such thing) or even a few chapters, it can seem immense. 100,000 words? I can't write that much. I can't even write 100 words right now.
But if I take it bird by bird, it seems much easier.
So take writing, bird by bird. Don't give up.
Also, don't wait until the night before.
It's a book, by Anne Lamott. The whole book is about writing, and it's a great read. If I manage to purchase a copy anytime soon, I'll make sure to review it in depth, but it's the title that I want to focus on today.
Lamott tells a story about her brother, when he was still in school. He had a project which involved writing about a lot of birds - 50, if my memory serves me correct. Lamott's brother saved the project to the last night, and then broke down because it was too much to do at once.
Lamott's father took him, sat him down on his knee, and told him to take the project and do it bird by bird. One step at a time.
When I sit down and try to write an epic novel (note: I am not doing any such thing) or even a few chapters, it can seem immense. 100,000 words? I can't write that much. I can't even write 100 words right now.
But if I take it bird by bird, it seems much easier.
So take writing, bird by bird. Don't give up.
Also, don't wait until the night before.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Hey Neat-O - 9
If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is an index card worth?
A creative way to show relationships:
Indexed
A creative way to show relationships:
Indexed
Sunday, August 30, 2009
One step
"The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - Lao Tzu
JOURNEY's have three distinct parts (and for general purposes, so does everything else). The part that most people are focused on is the endING. That, by definition, is the goal.
The arduous, time-consuming, back-breaking, attention-deficiting, part is the BEtweEN part. This is the part in Lord of the Rings where you start skimming, where you start losing your focus.
And there's the BEGInning. That first step. In some way, it seems that the first step sets the tone for the rest of the JOURNEY. Frodo leaves the Shire in attempted secrecy - and spends a majority of his time BEtweEN there and the endING attempting to move stealthily and in secret.
My wife and I started our JOURNEY eleven days ago. We packed my van full, to the roof, and started driving. We set out hopeful and unsure. We set out with all of our baggage, too. We set out, not wanting to leave what was comfortable, to leave our stuff, behind.
Usually, this is where I would fast forward eleven days and explain the meaning behind it. Today, I want it to be wrestled with. I want to stay in this moment, for now, hopeful, unsure, packed.
JOURNEY's have three distinct parts (and for general purposes, so does everything else). The part that most people are focused on is the endING. That, by definition, is the goal.
The arduous, time-consuming, back-breaking, attention-deficiting, part is the BEtweEN part. This is the part in Lord of the Rings where you start skimming, where you start losing your focus.
And there's the BEGInning. That first step. In some way, it seems that the first step sets the tone for the rest of the JOURNEY. Frodo leaves the Shire in attempted secrecy - and spends a majority of his time BEtweEN there and the endING attempting to move stealthily and in secret.
My wife and I started our JOURNEY eleven days ago. We packed my van full, to the roof, and started driving. We set out hopeful and unsure. We set out with all of our baggage, too. We set out, not wanting to leave what was comfortable, to leave our stuff, behind.
Usually, this is where I would fast forward eleven days and explain the meaning behind it. Today, I want it to be wrestled with. I want to stay in this moment, for now, hopeful, unsure, packed.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Return
Well, it's time.
Time to return to blogging, and eventually, writing. I've been away for 8 (!) months now, but I think I can plead extenuating circumstances.
In 8 months I've:
Got engaged.
Moved to Jenison (5 miles).
Quit at Dick's.
Hired at DFCU Financial.
Hired at Big Apple Bagels.
Got married.
Moved back to Grand Rapids (5 miles).
Quit my jobs.
Moved to Seattle (2300 miles).
And thus is my story.
For the next week, expect a couple of new features - journey reviews, to start. Also, a return to quotes is probably in order. I should also take stock of my writings.
Here's to another step in the journey.
Time to return to blogging, and eventually, writing. I've been away for 8 (!) months now, but I think I can plead extenuating circumstances.
In 8 months I've:
Got engaged.
Moved to Jenison (5 miles).
Quit at Dick's.
Hired at DFCU Financial.
Hired at Big Apple Bagels.
Got married.
Moved back to Grand Rapids (5 miles).
Quit my jobs.
Moved to Seattle (2300 miles).
And thus is my story.
For the next week, expect a couple of new features - journey reviews, to start. Also, a return to quotes is probably in order. I should also take stock of my writings.
Here's to another step in the journey.
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