This is the third year that I have committed to reading 50 books (you can view my completed books list on Goodreads here). With the perfect blend of curiosity, intentionality, and tenacity, you can join me in reading more. If you desire this, I have shared my personal tips and tricks on reading more. As I am continually shaped by what I read, I desire to share books worthy of your time and energy. These are my favorite books read in 2019 (not necessarily published this year). As you read through each section, I hope you will see the overlapping and recurring themes. This is one of the joys of reading more. Continue reading
On Reading More: Simple Tips and Tricks
In my youth, I was intellectually lazy and therefore incredibly averse to reading. I avoided books, reading assignments, and libraries like I avoided traffic and broccoli and black coffee. I even made fun of book-loving, book-smart people who read books (just ask my brother-in-law who majored in English). But now I LOVE to read. You will rarely find me without a book. I am not writing this as an expert or a novice, but as someone who has made some progress in my consumption of books over the last decade. Like you I am daily scraping for quiet, unhurried moments in the midst of my chaotic life to finish that chapter, and eventually that book. Like you I am on a journey toward becoming a better reader. So wherever you are on your journey, I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful.
My Top Ten Books Read in 2018
I love reading other people’s top ten lists and being exposed to great books so I decided I would write one this year. Doug Wilson once wrote, “You read widely to be shaped, not so that you may be prepared to regurgitate.” I found this astute observation so inspiring and have committed to reading more this past year. I am thankful for the Goodreads Reading Challenge which helps me set challenging goals and keep track of my progress. I utilized this tool for the first time this past year and found it to be so motivating. I highly recommend using it and setting a personal reading goal for the new year. Here are some of the books that have shaped me this past year (these are books I read this past year, not necessarily ones that were published this year). You can check out the results of my Reading Challenge here.
Ten Characteristics for Your Future Spouse
An essay from a twenty-year-old, Bible-college student from 1982—my mother, Peggy Sue. Continue reading
Directions For A Candidate Of The Ministry: A Review
Short yet brimming. Solemn yet warm. Seasoned yet insightful. Continue reading
My Adoption and My Identity
Here is a short list of some things you might not have known about me:
My precious mother passed away when I was 2 years old.
I grew up with seven brothers and sisters.
I am adopted.
The Fall and the Greatest Commandment
In 1954, as the connection between smoking and lung cancer was becoming more discernible through research, the tobacco companies provided “A Frank Statement” to counterattack the bad publicity they were receiving. Siddhartha Mukherjee, in his book The Emperor of All Maladies, points out that this statement was anything but frank: “By half revealing and half concealing the actual disagreements among scientists, the advertisement performed a complex dance of veils. Obfuscation of facts and the reflection of self-doubt—the proverbial combination of smoke and mirrors—would have sufficed for any ordinary public relations campaign. But the final ploy was unrivaled in its genius” . . . they proposed more research and even offered aid and assistance.[1]
8 Reasons Why I Am A Foster Parent
My family of five has had the privilege of being involved in foster care for the past year and a half. We have had the joy of having three different girls in our home and currently have one of them with us. Whether it’s the fact that we have a lot of kids or that one doesn’t look like us . . . people notice and people ask questions. Whether it is from a stranger at the park or a fellow member at church, the question I receive the most is, “Why?” or “What made you want to do this?” Here are my personal reasons for being a foster parent . . .
The Image of God and The Greatest Commandment, Part 2
The Shema, from which Jesus appropriated the greatest commandment, is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is a restatement of the Mosaic covenant, which was grounded in Israel’s redemption from Egypt (Ex 2:2). This redemption was grounded in God’s covenant with Abraham (Ex 3:15). This covenant was the result of God’s gracious choice (Gen 12:1) and his plan to redeem for himself people from all nations through Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:3). Further, this covenant was rooted in God’s promise in the garden to defeat Satan with the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15). In this unfolding of redemptive history, God is actively restoring creation to its original design—a world filled with image-bearers who reflect the glory of their Creator. This is precisely what Jesus came to do.
The Image of God and The Greatest Commandment, Part 1
What does it meant to be human? To err is human—yes, but even though the darkness pervades every corner of our being, sin is not essential to our humanity. Sin is a welcomed contaminant—something that has successfully baited us with high hopes of self-actualization and autonomy, but has in the end betrayed us and left us with self-afflicted adversity. Continue reading
Maximum Mandatum 