En route to surfing in Australia (I hope!) Originally written in
the jungles of Guatemala and during our Oregon Coast surfing trip last month,
this entry should have been posted in February.
Instagram Story Pic: My new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader—A welcome
break from the eyestrain of book marathons on my phone and tablet screens
With yet
another youth all-night party on the books (I was asked to be the speaker!),
I’m ready to begin my devotional reading plan for 2017. I’ll be reading through
God’s Justice Bible this year, as well various novels and the required reading
assignments for my credentialing process. That credentialing book list is a
doozy!
For a fun
change of pace, I’ll also begin reading the Harry Potter book series this
summer. My Twitter friends have finally convinced me to take the plunge. Better late than never, no?
Note: This
is the first ever book I’ve read on my new Kindle Paperwhite! I’m trying to cut
down on how many Kindle books I read on my Galaxy Note phone and S2 tablet. The
less LED screen time, the better.
This small
book was a reread for me, required as part of my Church of God credentialing
process. I’m glad I revisited it. I expected to be clubbed over the head with
guilt and shame for every stray thought… But The Purity Principle feels less
like a book of legalistic rules and more like practical encouragement to foster
thought patterns which result in a satisfied life of monogamy. Alcorn fits a
lot of practical advice into such few pages, and every single page is worth
reading.
Verdict:
***** out of 5 stars
Adulting
couldn't be any more clearly explained than in Brett McKay's how-to guide to
being a dude. Society often takes for granted that guys have been taught the
survival skills and manners of a modern day man: Dressing, grooming, behaving
graciously, fighting, saving someone’s life, surviving in the outdoors, dating,
parenting, being well read… Including the little things, like how to not screw
up a man hug. Even the most seasoned
gentleman would probably glean a few pointers from this book.
McKay has a
few old fashioned rituals mixed in with the relevant stuff (Joining a fraternal
lodge as a rite of passage to manhood? “Newsies”-style hats?). Yet much of his advice regarding style and manners
that might be written off as dated would be better described as timeless.
Stay classy, San Diego!
Verdict: **** out of 5
stars
A woman needs
love, and a man needs respect. That's the premise of Eggerichs’ book and
marriage conferences. Though a bit too complementarian for my world view,
there are several valid points and mutual exercises for both parties to help
get off the "crazy cycle" which many relationships are trapped in.
Besides the overbearing complementarianism,
Eggs also makes generalizations about gender-specific thought patterns which
simply won't fit many couples. For instance, occasional sections
described me and my significant other in terms which fit each of us to a tee...
But the roles were COMPLETELY REVERSED. Yet other sections applied to us
perfectly, with no flipping required. To each their own, I say.
Something I really appreciated about
Eggerichs’ presentation of his love and respect theory is that both parties of
the relationship are instructed to provide their respective love/respect,
regardless of whether or not they are receiving the love/respect that they
desire. Initially, I was concerned (offended,
actually) to read that a woman ought to unconditionally respect her husband
even when he isn't being loving or otherwise "deserving" of respect.
That sounded chauvinistic. But when I later read that the man
should absolutely, in turn, be unconditionally loving even when the woman is
not showing him respect, it all made sense: Whomever is the more mature
person should make the first move. It's a copout to blame your own
behavior/attitude on the other person's lack of love or respect. Be the
more mature person.
I highly recommend this book,
disagreements and all. The reader may
argue about whether the "love and respect" prescription is a magic
bullet to save all relationships that are on the rocks. I, in particular,
am wary of plugging in a simple formula to solve complex issues. But still, there is no denying that doing
your part to be more loving and respectful is likely to have a profound impact
on your significant other… And your relationship. Love wins.
Verdict: **** out of 5
stars
Patrick
Nachtigall tells of his two year international journey of visiting various
Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) communities around the world. This book is much
more than a travelogue, though. He
highlights the cultural flavor of each church, its place in the community, its
place in the Church of God, and the local challenges that are faced. Nachtigall’s goal is to create diversity awareness,
communication, and cooperation between our worldwide churches.
Although
this book was required reading for my Church of God credentialing process, I
would recommend it for anyone who has an interest in the diversity (and
theological distinctiveness) of the Church of God holiness movement. Nachtigall
also mentions bumping into a few of my own friends during his international
journey, which made his book an even more enjoyable read for me.
Controversial opinion about racism: This will upset many of my beloved activist
Twitter friends, but Nachtigall (a POC himself) makes a bold statement about
racism in our country. Based on his extensive travels, his observation of
racism in other countries has led him to rate the United States as a relative 4
out of 10 for severity of racism.
Before you
send me hate mail… I’m not making the case that we don’t have significant work
remaining in the name of racial equality.
But seeing the U.S. from a global perspective gives me even more
appreciation for our country’s strides for equality.
Verdict: **** out of 5
stars
The most
well-travelled book in my library (not counting my Moleskine journal) has been
to several continents already. To save weight in my backpack, I’ve started
scanning the daily travel-themed devotions into Evernote so I can read and
reflect on them on my tablet when I’m overseas.
Each entry
is a travel-themed meditation on Scripture, applying the passages to scenarios
which travelers are likely to encounter
on their journeys. Some of the devotionals seem to favor theme over the
Scripture’s actual context... But the daily Scriptures are reasonably relevant to each
topic at hand, and Kuyper's reflections themselves are really what tie the journal entries to the travel theme anyway.
And herein lies this devotional’s strength: Kuyper's clearly loves the wonder and discovery of travel, and she provides
insights to make the most of every day of any adventure.
Verdict: **** out of 5
stars
Some of the
short devotionals in this book have been useful jumping-off points for our
evening debriefing sessions in Mexico, as well as any pre and post mission trip
gatherings. Note that further preparation by the group leader will obviously
enhance the depth of discussion.
All in all,
this book is a helpful tool for anyone who leads or co-leads a domestic or
overseas short term mission trip.
Verdict: **** out of 5
stars
There isn't much substance in these family Advent devotions. Frankly, they
require quite a bit of creativity to stretch out into a family discussion of
any length. But for $.99, impulse Kindle buys like this one make it easy to
keep my disappointment in check.
And what's up with that pudgy white-boy baby Jesus on the cover? Ugh.
Verdict: ** out of 5 stars
