1.] Velvet Elvis - Rob Bell
Standard work in dealing with being a Christian in today's world.
2.] Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
A wandering journey through the life of Don as he searches for faith. One of the cult classics from when I was in college.
3.] Irresistible Revolution - Shane Claiborne
A brilliant work, that reads like a journal, of the life, adventure, and musings of a guy who's a radical believer of Jesus. It will definitely blow your mind.
4.] New Kind of Christian - Brian McLaren
One of the original works dealing with the change in culture and its impact on the Church. One of the works which definitely changed the way I view the world.
5.] Change or Die - Alan Deutschman
A very interesting look at the possibility of change, even in the most difficult situations. The author looks at 3 clinical cases where change is not seen as possible, yet change does occur.
6.] Peculiar People - Rodney Clapp
A look at the church and how it engages with culture.
7.] Searching for God Knows What - Donald Miller
A book discussing the relational nature of salvation and Jesus. [It ends with a very compelling look at Romeo and Juliet.]
8.] The Search to Belong - Joseph R Myers
An intriguing look at community and relationships within the context of Church ministry. I had the pleasure of meeting Joseph, and found him to be a deep thinking person and well read person.
9.] The Politics of Jesus - John Howard Yoder
An Anabaptist look at the nature of the way as Christians we should live. This is one of the books that you'll find cited in tons of other books. If you don't read at this book, you're missing out BIG TIME!
10.] The Challenge of Jesus - NT Wright
One of the foundational looks at the life, ministry, and consequences of Jesus. I've found this cited in multiple other works. Wright is possibly one of the BEST New Testament scholars in the world. If you don't read at this book, you're missing out BIG TIME!
Showing posts with label list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label list. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Friday, March 13, 2009
Some links:
Why I think Tom Izzo is such a great coach: here
Free NT Wright audiobook here (hat tip to Jeremiah)
Some Brilliant thoughts by Coach Drury (here) about the whole "Octomom" situation.
Creative way to spin the Madoff Ponzi scheme (here) by Mark Cuban. His coverage of Madoff has been really good. I think Cuban is a brilliant person, and it makes sense he has made as much money as he has. This guy knows what's going on!
What! Rob Bell has another book coming out this year? The answer is yes, Drops Like Stars comes out this summer. (I guess this is what happens when you have a sabbatical...two books in one year)
Here is a creative look at Xerox. Their sales pitch is to not try and sell their product. Huh!?! Check out Scott Anthony's Harvard Business column on this (here).
Free NT Wright audiobook here (hat tip to Jeremiah)
Some Brilliant thoughts by Coach Drury (here) about the whole "Octomom" situation.
Creative way to spin the Madoff Ponzi scheme (here) by Mark Cuban. His coverage of Madoff has been really good. I think Cuban is a brilliant person, and it makes sense he has made as much money as he has. This guy knows what's going on!
What! Rob Bell has another book coming out this year? The answer is yes, Drops Like Stars comes out this summer. (I guess this is what happens when you have a sabbatical...two books in one year)
Here is a creative look at Xerox. Their sales pitch is to not try and sell their product. Huh!?! Check out Scott Anthony's Harvard Business column on this (here).
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Top 10 US Presidents (off the top of my head)
This list is completely subjective. From the knowledge I have about the presidents, here is my list of the 10 ten chief executives of the United States of America. I am putting this list together focusing on the influence that the president has had on the role as chief executive, on their ability to lead through crisis, and shelf value for other presidents to compare themselves to.
10 Abraham Lincoln - While he was a good president, too many people give him way too much credit. The Civil War was started because of his actions against South Carolina. His act that led towards freeing slaves, was politically driven, not ethically driven. He had the worst judgment when it came to picking advisers, as his cabinet redefined the term "power struggle." While a good president, I cannot rank him any higher than 10.
09 Woodrow Wilson - Wilson was responsible for the US's first real attempt at International relations at a large scale. Even if his idea, the League of Nations, fell flat on it back, it still nothing short of a brilliant attempt at civil discourse among the nations.
08 Gerald Ford - He is only getting on this list because he is from Michigan. Ironically, the most athletic president ever, and still he was known as the klutziest. Also, the only president to not have been elected by a national election. Also, did I mention he's from Grand Rapids?!?!!
07 Ronald Reagan - Just like FDR, who was prez 50 years prior, Reagan had an ability to move people. His leadership transformed a depressed, hopeless nation into a super-power that was full of life.
06 John Adams - As much as Washington shaped the role of President, Adams, first as VP and then as the 2nd President, was very influential in his role of developing the office of President of the United States into what it is today.
05 John F Kennedy - The issue here is not production, but the role that this man has played in shaping the White House. Kennedy's leadership was brilliant as he dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis. He turned the Presidential office into a place for stars. Obama's role was "rock star" president, is very similar to that of Kennedy.
04 Franklin Roosevelt - His 13-year term was the longest of any president (1932-1945). His strong leadership helped the US get through the Great Depression AND World War II. Agree with his economic ideas, he was nothing less than a strong charismatic leader.
03 George Washington - His White House was the first and was on that set many patterns for what the president should act like. If there is no Washington, there is no United States. So he's a pretty big deal.
02 Andrew Jackson - Morally this man made Bill Clinton look like a choir boy; He killed people, was a complete racist, and had a horrible temper. He actually killed the national bank, simply out of spite. Even with these faults, without Jackson, the presidency would not be the position that it is now. Jackson turned the presidency into a policy making position. It is because of him that we see the president as the voice of the people; or his election dictates the policy of the US government. Thanks Old Hickory!
01 Teddy Roosevelt - Teddy was a conservationist; he is the one to establish National Parks. His enthusiasm was noted around the world as he actually had a pretty strict workout routine. It was incredible. To top this off, he actually was the first president to fight greed and corruption; as his administration came up with the anti-trust legislation that eliminated monopolies. Truly a man who was a century before his time.
10 Abraham Lincoln - While he was a good president, too many people give him way too much credit. The Civil War was started because of his actions against South Carolina. His act that led towards freeing slaves, was politically driven, not ethically driven. He had the worst judgment when it came to picking advisers, as his cabinet redefined the term "power struggle." While a good president, I cannot rank him any higher than 10.
09 Woodrow Wilson - Wilson was responsible for the US's first real attempt at International relations at a large scale. Even if his idea, the League of Nations, fell flat on it back, it still nothing short of a brilliant attempt at civil discourse among the nations.
08 Gerald Ford - He is only getting on this list because he is from Michigan. Ironically, the most athletic president ever, and still he was known as the klutziest. Also, the only president to not have been elected by a national election. Also, did I mention he's from Grand Rapids?!?!!
07 Ronald Reagan - Just like FDR, who was prez 50 years prior, Reagan had an ability to move people. His leadership transformed a depressed, hopeless nation into a super-power that was full of life.
06 John Adams - As much as Washington shaped the role of President, Adams, first as VP and then as the 2nd President, was very influential in his role of developing the office of President of the United States into what it is today.
05 John F Kennedy - The issue here is not production, but the role that this man has played in shaping the White House. Kennedy's leadership was brilliant as he dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis. He turned the Presidential office into a place for stars. Obama's role was "rock star" president, is very similar to that of Kennedy.
04 Franklin Roosevelt - His 13-year term was the longest of any president (1932-1945). His strong leadership helped the US get through the Great Depression AND World War II. Agree with his economic ideas, he was nothing less than a strong charismatic leader.
03 George Washington - His White House was the first and was on that set many patterns for what the president should act like. If there is no Washington, there is no United States. So he's a pretty big deal.
02 Andrew Jackson - Morally this man made Bill Clinton look like a choir boy; He killed people, was a complete racist, and had a horrible temper. He actually killed the national bank, simply out of spite. Even with these faults, without Jackson, the presidency would not be the position that it is now. Jackson turned the presidency into a policy making position. It is because of him that we see the president as the voice of the people; or his election dictates the policy of the US government. Thanks Old Hickory!
01 Teddy Roosevelt - Teddy was a conservationist; he is the one to establish National Parks. His enthusiasm was noted around the world as he actually had a pretty strict workout routine. It was incredible. To top this off, he actually was the first president to fight greed and corruption; as his administration came up with the anti-trust legislation that eliminated monopolies. Truly a man who was a century before his time.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
So I caved...here's my Top 25
Here’s my list of 25 things about me:
- I am married to the most amazing woman in the world! Her name is Stephanie and I am not exaggerating, she’s the most amazing woman in the world!
- I am left-handed.
- I have one brother named Brent who is 14-months younger than I am.
- I used to cheer only for the University of Michigan, but because of the fact that Chris Webber took money in order to play there, I now cheer for Michigan and Michigan State.
- I used to pretend that I was shooting a game winning shot (you know…3,2,1. The crowd goes wild!!! Bellinger wins the game!!!!!!) in the driveway. In high school, I was never able to do that, it took until seminary.
- When I went to college, I took 2 polo shirts, but did not take a pair of khakis.
- My favorite food is Mac and Cheese! My second favorite food is steak. My favorite meal is steak with Mac and cheese!
- I have memorized all the NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions (1939-2008).
- I’m getting a Masters in Biblical Studies (MA-BS) from Asbury Theological Seminary.
- I traveled to Brazil for a month in the summer of 2000.
- I am 6 ft 1 ½ inches tall, both of my parents are under 5 ft 7 inches
- I think Barry Sanders is the best football player of all time.
- I love dogs! If you would like to give me a puppy I would like: an English bulldog, a Brittany, a Jack Russell terrier, or a Mastiff.
- Anne Lamott’s book “Traveling Mercies” changed my life.
- I dislike Ohio State…and by dislike I mean I hope the school closes tomorrow.
- I believe that no meal…ever…needs to include Brussel Sprouts.
- I was home-schooled for two years when I was in middle school.
- I worked 3rd shift summer of 2003 stocking groceries at Meijer.
- I graduated from a small conservative Baptist high school in a class of 9.
- I attended my first pro baseball game on June 6, 1991. In the game the Detroit Tigers beat the Seattle Mariners 5-4.
- My favorite book of the Bible is Daniel. (not just because its title is my name)
- Mac or PC??? Mac!
- Steph has taught me about fashion, I like to think I am pretty good at putting together an outfit.
- I used to want to get a high fade…
- Once my brother and I got into a fight. I was chasing him around when he grabbed a foam bat (the kind with the plastic core in the middle) and started to defend himself; hitting me like 25 times. I crawled to the house giving my best “I’m dying” look. Mom was horrified and Brent was grounded for 2 weeks – one of the highlights of my childhood! (sorry Brent!)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
5 Blogs I read…and you should too
The Fuerst Shall Be Last – Tom Fuerst is one of the brightest people I know. He also is a fellow non-violent. At this time his blog is going through a period of posts discussing the fact that he is a soon to be father. Check this blog out, put it in your reader, and memorize what he writes. It’s just that good.
The Life and Times Phil Strahm – I went to college with Phil, and for a couple of weeks a few summers ago we worked in the same town. This blog is creative and has a multitude of quality links. When flipping through my reader, I always stop and check out what Phil has written. Also, Phil is a die-hard Cubs fan! GO Cubs Go!
mgoblog – Brian, a former engineer, has found his passion being writing about Michigan sports. Now I know that not everybody is a Michigan fan (not everybody can be perfect), but Brian writes one of the leading sports blog in country, and we can stand to be in the presence of excellence.
Mahfrot – Bob Meeks has made it his task to post a picture of the year! He may miss a few days here or there, but it’s an interesting look at the life of Bob the Counselor.
Don Miller Blog – No, I am not friends Don Miller, but he is a great writer and his posts are very high quality. His post, “However, you are not the wind in the orchard” made me laugh out loud when I first read it, and since its been a few months I thought I’d like it to see the type of material you are likely to find.
The Life and Times Phil Strahm – I went to college with Phil, and for a couple of weeks a few summers ago we worked in the same town. This blog is creative and has a multitude of quality links. When flipping through my reader, I always stop and check out what Phil has written. Also, Phil is a die-hard Cubs fan! GO Cubs Go!
mgoblog – Brian, a former engineer, has found his passion being writing about Michigan sports. Now I know that not everybody is a Michigan fan (not everybody can be perfect), but Brian writes one of the leading sports blog in country, and we can stand to be in the presence of excellence.
Mahfrot – Bob Meeks has made it his task to post a picture of the year! He may miss a few days here or there, but it’s an interesting look at the life of Bob the Counselor.
Don Miller Blog – No, I am not friends Don Miller, but he is a great writer and his posts are very high quality. His post, “However, you are not the wind in the orchard” made me laugh out loud when I first read it, and since its been a few months I thought I’d like it to see the type of material you are likely to find.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A weeks worth of links
Funny:
stuff white people like - a sarcastic, but not p/c blog detailing the things that white people like.
clubtrillion - Ohio State walk-on basketball player, Mark Titus, blogging about his team. He's actually a really good writer with a great sense of humor. Don't read in class, in a meeting, or with a sleeping baby as you may burst into laughter.
Political:
Civic Religion - a look at Civic religion and its place in America. This is some heavy stuff. Totally recommend reading this.
Isareli Occupied Territory on Capitol Hill - a look at the way that the US Congress has blindly sided with Israel.
Ways to Transform the US - an Innovators look at progress into a "new America"
Leadership:
How to write Emails - A great piece by Keith Drury on how to write an e-mail.
Leadership 101 - A great couple of paragraphs by a Bishop on what it means to be a leader
Finance:
Outlawing 401k's - A fascinating look at the downside of the 401k system
stuff white people like - a sarcastic, but not p/c blog detailing the things that white people like.
clubtrillion - Ohio State walk-on basketball player, Mark Titus, blogging about his team. He's actually a really good writer with a great sense of humor. Don't read in class, in a meeting, or with a sleeping baby as you may burst into laughter.
Political:
Civic Religion - a look at Civic religion and its place in America. This is some heavy stuff. Totally recommend reading this.
Isareli Occupied Territory on Capitol Hill - a look at the way that the US Congress has blindly sided with Israel.
Ways to Transform the US - an Innovators look at progress into a "new America"
Leadership:
How to write Emails - A great piece by Keith Drury on how to write an e-mail.
Leadership 101 - A great couple of paragraphs by a Bishop on what it means to be a leader
Finance:
Outlawing 401k's - A fascinating look at the downside of the 401k system
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
5 blogs I read...and you should too!
Tuesday Column - Keith Drury has been blogging since 1995. Every Tuesday Coach Drury posts a provocative essay that is guaranteed to make your head think so hard, it will most likely explode!
Seth's Blog - Seth Godin is the one time most popular blogger on the face of planet earth...might be worth checking out his stuff. He writes on business theory, particularly on the marketing side of the equation, some pretty good stuff.
Farmstrong - JD Walt is one of those people who personify profound. His whit, humor, and deep thinking are bound to make you a better person. He is also my boss. Did I mention he's also very good looking?
upSIDEdown - Paulo Lopes is a guy who you should probably begin to read now, and in 15 years when he literally has taken over the world, you might get to keep your job.
(He just started blogging last week, but I'll put him up here just on potential)
Recliner Ramblings - I've known Mike for a number of years now, and he never fails to write a thought provoking piece. Former co-editor of an online magazine, Mike's posts continually create a tension within my head that makes me a better person.
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