Currently reading
Windfeather Saga - 1, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
by Andrew Peterson
The whole family scoured through the entire Windfeather Saga book series last year. In my spare moments I would catch a paragraph here and an exclamation of exasperation there, but in its entirety I remained oblivious to the entire story. But needing something to occupy my evening hours after the kids are in bed and I want to relax for 30 minutes I decided to get into the series for myself.
Reading other fantasy series helps sharpen my own writing, and it's just a fun read. I am halfway through the book, and while Petersons' writing techniques tends to be a little too whimsical I am enjoying seeing the story unfold. The series has been hyped up by the rest of the family, so we will see if it meets the expectations. If nothing else, it has made me conscious of the fact that my own story is worth telling, and with proper editing and crafting can provide a similar experience for readers. Stay tuned!
by Andrew Peterson
The whole family scoured through the entire Windfeather Saga book series last year. In my spare moments I would catch a paragraph here and an exclamation of exasperation there, but in its entirety I remained oblivious to the entire story. But needing something to occupy my evening hours after the kids are in bed and I want to relax for 30 minutes I decided to get into the series for myself.
Reading other fantasy series helps sharpen my own writing, and it's just a fun read. I am halfway through the book, and while Petersons' writing techniques tends to be a little too whimsical I am enjoying seeing the story unfold. The series has been hyped up by the rest of the family, so we will see if it meets the expectations. If nothing else, it has made me conscious of the fact that my own story is worth telling, and with proper editing and crafting can provide a similar experience for readers. Stay tuned!
Back on the shelf
Letters to the Church - by Francis Chan
There are times in my idealism that I cast a shadowing glance upon the church. The reality of what we often are seems afar from the promise and vision of Jesus. This inevitably leads me to turn my gaze upon myself and ask myself two simple questions - who art thou? are thou truly a disciple? Questions sound better in old English, so pardon my traditionalism.
In Francis Chan's book, Letters to the Church, it is affirming to read another author, one who has far more experience in church ministry echo the same thoughts, concerns and doubts that I feel and sense in my spirit. But beyond that, it has been awakening me to the true spiritual reality that we as Christians embark upon every time we claim to be a part of God's Church.
Is there dysfunction, mixed motives, and hypocrisy - there can be. But the Church - the redeemed people of God, not the institution, not the building, not the structural organization continues to be central to God's mission. Jesus came to redeem and make for Himself a chosen and Holy people, and the Church can rise anew into that calling, if in humility and grace we strive daily to exalt our God and Savior. The Church needs a wake up call, and this book serves as a good primer for us all to reconsider our calling and move beyond the quaint delicacies and traditions that we often amuse ourselves in.
There are times in my idealism that I cast a shadowing glance upon the church. The reality of what we often are seems afar from the promise and vision of Jesus. This inevitably leads me to turn my gaze upon myself and ask myself two simple questions - who art thou? are thou truly a disciple? Questions sound better in old English, so pardon my traditionalism.
In Francis Chan's book, Letters to the Church, it is affirming to read another author, one who has far more experience in church ministry echo the same thoughts, concerns and doubts that I feel and sense in my spirit. But beyond that, it has been awakening me to the true spiritual reality that we as Christians embark upon every time we claim to be a part of God's Church.
Is there dysfunction, mixed motives, and hypocrisy - there can be. But the Church - the redeemed people of God, not the institution, not the building, not the structural organization continues to be central to God's mission. Jesus came to redeem and make for Himself a chosen and Holy people, and the Church can rise anew into that calling, if in humility and grace we strive daily to exalt our God and Savior. The Church needs a wake up call, and this book serves as a good primer for us all to reconsider our calling and move beyond the quaint delicacies and traditions that we often amuse ourselves in.
Excerpt from The Tower of Light - by JD Freeman
"Goodnight," Lord Akin replied.
The guard walked away back towards the camp, while Sheldon stood still and quiet under the pervasive presence of Lord Akin. The dark night was cold around them as a wintry breeze blew hard against them, flowing down on wings from the nearby mountains.
"We are all pawns and pieces in a devils game." Lord Akin whispered under his breath.
"Sir?" Sheldon asked inquiringly, looking up at the great Lord.
As Sheldon stared into the face of the strong and noble Lord a sudden change seemed to have taken place. For a fleeting of a moment Lord Akin's face, which was usually fierce and alive now hung low, sagging under the tired weight of an invisible force held around him.
"Unfortunate business you have been caught up in now my boy," Lord Akin remarked.
"Goodnight," Lord Akin replied.
The guard walked away back towards the camp, while Sheldon stood still and quiet under the pervasive presence of Lord Akin. The dark night was cold around them as a wintry breeze blew hard against them, flowing down on wings from the nearby mountains.
"We are all pawns and pieces in a devils game." Lord Akin whispered under his breath.
"Sir?" Sheldon asked inquiringly, looking up at the great Lord.
As Sheldon stared into the face of the strong and noble Lord a sudden change seemed to have taken place. For a fleeting of a moment Lord Akin's face, which was usually fierce and alive now hung low, sagging under the tired weight of an invisible force held around him.
"Unfortunate business you have been caught up in now my boy," Lord Akin remarked.
Who Can Be Saved? Reassessing Salvation in Christ and World Religions - by Terrance L. Tiessen
This text was one of the heavier loads that I crunched through in college. With many more years of life experience and hopefully maturity within me I am cracking it back open to confront some of the important questions it raises. It is trite, and often too simple for us to say to everyone 'Jesus Saves.' What do we really mean by that? What really is salvation? How is salvation rooted in the nature of God? Who needs to be saved?Timeless questions tackled with integrity and scripture yet not sidestepping some challenging questions (can infants be saved, what about those who lived before Christ, how do other world religions fit within God's plan?)
This text was one of the heavier loads that I crunched through in college. With many more years of life experience and hopefully maturity within me I am cracking it back open to confront some of the important questions it raises. It is trite, and often too simple for us to say to everyone 'Jesus Saves.' What do we really mean by that? What really is salvation? How is salvation rooted in the nature of God? Who needs to be saved?Timeless questions tackled with integrity and scripture yet not sidestepping some challenging questions (can infants be saved, what about those who lived before Christ, how do other world religions fit within God's plan?)
A Severe Mercy - by Sheldon Vanauken
The winter season always brings with it the need to sit down by the fire, slow down and enjoy a good book. There are many that I have come back to year after year. The Giver by Lois Lowry, anything by Henri Nouwen and then there is A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. The book has been such a treasure that I almost named one of our boys Sheldon. Instead, the name Sheldon has been reserved for the leading character in my fictional writing. Before you read it, you have to know what you are getting yourself into. The book at times moves slowly and but it deepens with every page. Of course, the book is about love. Not just a romance, or falling in love, but of a deep and abiding love between two living characters. Along the way, C.S. Lewis (yes that C.S. Lewis) intertwines his story with Sheldon, and the two form a friendship that helps lead the main characters to faith. It is in finding faith that the two find a deeper meaning to love. Already I have said too much, but felt it is important for you to know in advance.
It is a book worth reading, and savoring slowly this season and I hope you can find the time to read it and dream anew of what life can be. When we get older and the idealistic visions of our youth seem to fade, it's books like this that can renew our sense of hope and longing to reach after that which we hold most dear in our hearts.
Enjoy!
References:
Vanauken, Sheldon (1977), A Severe Mercy, Harper Publishing.
A Severe Mercy - by Sheldon Vanauken
The winter season always brings with it the need to sit down by the fire, slow down and enjoy a good book. There are many that I have come back to year after year. The Giver by Lois Lowry, anything by Henri Nouwen and then there is A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. The book has been such a treasure that I almost named one of our boys Sheldon. Instead, the name Sheldon has been reserved for the leading character in my fictional writing. Before you read it, you have to know what you are getting yourself into. The book at times moves slowly and but it deepens with every page. Of course, the book is about love. Not just a romance, or falling in love, but of a deep and abiding love between two living characters. Along the way, C.S. Lewis (yes that C.S. Lewis) intertwines his story with Sheldon, and the two form a friendship that helps lead the main characters to faith. It is in finding faith that the two find a deeper meaning to love. Already I have said too much, but felt it is important for you to know in advance.
It is a book worth reading, and savoring slowly this season and I hope you can find the time to read it and dream anew of what life can be. When we get older and the idealistic visions of our youth seem to fade, it's books like this that can renew our sense of hope and longing to reach after that which we hold most dear in our hearts.
Enjoy!
References:
Vanauken, Sheldon (1977), A Severe Mercy, Harper Publishing.
Discussion as a Way of Teaching: Tools and Techniques for Democratic Classrooms - by Stephen Brookfield
This text which has been a centerpiece of my Teaching & Learning course this semester is a must have for anyone who works in the educational field, or who works in any form of work that requires facilitation and opportunities to create meaningful dialogue.
The approach is simple: there are things that make discussion thrive, and there are things that squelch positive discussion from ever getting started. As someone deeply appreciative of the art of facilitation there were so many takeaways from this book, and there is far more that I can dig into.
What I especially appreciated about the author's approach is how he sees discussion in its most accomplished form, something that takes a life of its own. In an educational institution,it is under the guidance of the teacher, yet it is unbound by restraints, and is open and free to move in courses that is both unexpected and surprising for the group as a whole.
This is a book I will revisit every year.
This text which has been a centerpiece of my Teaching & Learning course this semester is a must have for anyone who works in the educational field, or who works in any form of work that requires facilitation and opportunities to create meaningful dialogue.
The approach is simple: there are things that make discussion thrive, and there are things that squelch positive discussion from ever getting started. As someone deeply appreciative of the art of facilitation there were so many takeaways from this book, and there is far more that I can dig into.
What I especially appreciated about the author's approach is how he sees discussion in its most accomplished form, something that takes a life of its own. In an educational institution,it is under the guidance of the teacher, yet it is unbound by restraints, and is open and free to move in courses that is both unexpected and surprising for the group as a whole.
This is a book I will revisit every year.
All of a Kind Family - by Sidney Taylor
The latest book to read the kids to bed, this classic has been a treasure to enjoy. Depicting a poor immigrant family in New York the all of a kind's have 5 children and though they face challenges their affection and care for each other wins out in the end.
The latest book to read the kids to bed, this classic has been a treasure to enjoy. Depicting a poor immigrant family in New York the all of a kind's have 5 children and though they face challenges their affection and care for each other wins out in the end.
Your New Money Mindset - by Bradford L. Hewitt and James Moline
I have read my share of financial help books along the way. There is definitely sound advice in many of them that has helped Sarah and I navigate the waters of financial uncertainty and the many transitions that come from college to married life, to raising kids (okay honestly still working on that last one!). What is refreshing about this book (given to me as a birthday gift) is that its leading premise is that money will always have some bind on you until you release its power from your life by leading with generosity. The authors are not set on making you financially rich or free but to separate your satisfaction from your finances. Whether you make a lot, or like us a little, money does not need to control you if you live with a posture of generosity. Giving your time, energy, money and heart to others frees you to find satisfaction in life beyond what money can buy for you.
This has been a great accompanying read for me lately as I have been seeking in my life to pursue the things that ultimately give meaning to life and believe that the rewards of these choices far outweigh the perceived costs. There will never be a perfect time to invest my time in ministry, to study, to find quality experiences with my family. These choices however can be made every day and they reflect a heart that desires to make a difference in the lives of others not simply live a self-satisfied life. Our culture can so quickly lure us into an anxiety driven paralysis as we watch with dismay the days go by with our dreams and intentions floating away on the wind. I hope that this book can continue to inspire me to pursue with resolve the things I ultimately care for and believe in.
I have read my share of financial help books along the way. There is definitely sound advice in many of them that has helped Sarah and I navigate the waters of financial uncertainty and the many transitions that come from college to married life, to raising kids (okay honestly still working on that last one!). What is refreshing about this book (given to me as a birthday gift) is that its leading premise is that money will always have some bind on you until you release its power from your life by leading with generosity. The authors are not set on making you financially rich or free but to separate your satisfaction from your finances. Whether you make a lot, or like us a little, money does not need to control you if you live with a posture of generosity. Giving your time, energy, money and heart to others frees you to find satisfaction in life beyond what money can buy for you.
This has been a great accompanying read for me lately as I have been seeking in my life to pursue the things that ultimately give meaning to life and believe that the rewards of these choices far outweigh the perceived costs. There will never be a perfect time to invest my time in ministry, to study, to find quality experiences with my family. These choices however can be made every day and they reflect a heart that desires to make a difference in the lives of others not simply live a self-satisfied life. Our culture can so quickly lure us into an anxiety driven paralysis as we watch with dismay the days go by with our dreams and intentions floating away on the wind. I hope that this book can continue to inspire me to pursue with resolve the things I ultimately care for and believe in.
The Long Patrol - by Brian Jacques
It is my new years ambition to continue and hopefully finish writing my first book. There are always demands to be taken care of but I am making it a priority to at the very least take an evening to myself each week to make some progress. Sarah has been sweet in supporting this goal of mine by getting this book from the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. As she wrote on a note inside the book, "I hope this book sparks a love for adventure and for this series . Getting over the language barrier was the biggest challenge in getting into this book as there were a lot of "ayes" and "yurr" in the dialogue. Now that Tammo is off on adventures with other members of the Long Patrol it has drawn me in more as the setting and events have some semblance of what my book contains. To be a good writer it helps to read good books. This one has definitely been helpful for me to the point where I find myself reading most nights instead of doing the writing the book was intended to evoke. Am I overly hopeful to think that once the reading is done the writing will commence? Maybe. But like a good cup of coffee or tea, a good book belongs in your hands, not on the shelf.
It is my new years ambition to continue and hopefully finish writing my first book. There are always demands to be taken care of but I am making it a priority to at the very least take an evening to myself each week to make some progress. Sarah has been sweet in supporting this goal of mine by getting this book from the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. As she wrote on a note inside the book, "I hope this book sparks a love for adventure and for this series . Getting over the language barrier was the biggest challenge in getting into this book as there were a lot of "ayes" and "yurr" in the dialogue. Now that Tammo is off on adventures with other members of the Long Patrol it has drawn me in more as the setting and events have some semblance of what my book contains. To be a good writer it helps to read good books. This one has definitely been helpful for me to the point where I find myself reading most nights instead of doing the writing the book was intended to evoke. Am I overly hopeful to think that once the reading is done the writing will commence? Maybe. But like a good cup of coffee or tea, a good book belongs in your hands, not on the shelf.
Farmer Boy - by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harper & Row Publishers
My wife and I have been speedily making our way through the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. While I enjoyed her first book book a lot, I have found appreciation and wisdom in Farmer Boy that is inspiring me to continue to live and work according to the values that we have as a family. It is amazing to think how much practical knowledge has been lost in only the past 100 years. Who knew you could grow a healthier pumpkin from milk? Or that you can store ice through the summer by covering it in sawdust? While we will never come close to living and emulating the lifestyle depicted in her book, I am enjoying reading about the work, the sweat, the heartbreak and the satisfaction that comes from being a good, ordinary, honest, farmer boy.
My wife and I have been speedily making our way through the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. While I enjoyed her first book book a lot, I have found appreciation and wisdom in Farmer Boy that is inspiring me to continue to live and work according to the values that we have as a family. It is amazing to think how much practical knowledge has been lost in only the past 100 years. Who knew you could grow a healthier pumpkin from milk? Or that you can store ice through the summer by covering it in sawdust? While we will never come close to living and emulating the lifestyle depicted in her book, I am enjoying reading about the work, the sweat, the heartbreak and the satisfaction that comes from being a good, ordinary, honest, farmer boy.