
Top Posts For October 2012
Fall is in full swing, and cooler weather is upon us. It’s time for bonfires and hot dog roasts, hay rides and football.
It seems like the year has flown by quicker than usual. It’s hard for me to believe that the holidays are almost here. And November brings two birthdays in our family as well. Lots to celebrate!

Even though I spent some time in Colorado during October, my writing was almost back to normal. I’m still tweaking and adjusting my schedule in my new ministry situation in Florida. It seems as though a routine has been harder to find. But that has has helped me to be creative in how I structure my time, and more intentional about how I use it.
I was able to write more during the month though. And, in case you missed them, here are my top seven posts for the month of October:
- The Difference Between Purpose, Vision, and Mission
- Why You Need To Develop A Philosophy Of Ministry
- How I Revive My Spirit
- The Maniac And The Messiah
- My Current Philosophy Of Ministry
- Tips For Becoming More Consistent In Your Bible Reading
- Video Review: Book Book Cases for iPhone 4 and iPad 2
My material in the Foundations of Youth Ministry series continues to make this list. Resources on purpose, vision and philosophy of ministry are needed, and the amount of traffic my posts receive bear this out.
Tips For Becoming More Consistent In Your Bible Reading continues to make the list every few months, along with The Maniac And The Messiah.
Several of my posts have been picked up and published at FaithVillage.com. This site does a great job of putting materials in one place that can facilitate your spiritual growth. Check it out!
My favorite post written in October was one I wrote about my experience with TSA when I flew home from Colorado, and how it applies to youth ministry: Toothpaste, TSA, and Youth Ministry.
Have a great November!
If you are a blogger, leave a comment with your top post for the month. If you don’t blog, leave a comment with a favorite post or blog that you read this month.
Book Review – The True Account Of Adam & Eve by Ken Ham
My favorite part of the Bible is the early history found in the first eleven chapters of Genesis. I believe these accounts of early history are crucial to the foundation of understanding the rest of the Bible.
It’s frustrating to me that so many write these passages off as unnecessary, or worse, unbelievable.
So, I greatly appreciate the fact that Ken Ham has written a short book detailing the account of the very first people, called The True Account Of Adam And Eve.
Here’s the book trailer:
Written simply, The True Account Of Adam And Eve is easily readable in a very short time. It’s also easy to understand, making it an excellent resource for sharing with your children.
Paired with The True Story Of Noah’s Ark, you have a concise and easy to read account of two of early man’s most significant events.
Ken Ham and Answers In Genesis have created yet another resource to help combat biblical illiteracy, and help secure a biblical worldview in the lives of our children.
I recommend that you grab a copy of The True Account Of Adam And Eve, and share it with your kids today.
My favorite part of the Bible is the early part of Genesis. What is your? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
I highly recommend that you add The True Account Of Adam And Eve, by Ken Ham, to your library. You can purchase it at Amazon.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from New Leaf Press/Master Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.“
Coffee Break – 10.29.2012

Coffee Planet Photographs – Some people see coffee when they look into their cup. Others see much more, such as Mark Youd. He sees planets. And they are beautiful! See more of his work on Flickr.
Typographically Inspiring Quotes – I love seeing the creativity of others. So when I saw these creative designs, it sparked my own. The ones on this page are excellent, but be forewarned, if you go to the original source linked in this article, a few may be offensive.
What Hemingway Can Teach Photographers – This could be called What Hemingway Can Teach Writers as well, because the principle holds true no matter what you’re doing.
A Lesson On Impermanence From A Ruined Baseball – Most of us regard our possessions too highly. I know I am guilty of this. I get too protective and grouchy when the kids want to use something of mine. Maybe we just need to let go.
Eric Lomax – While the obituary page isn’t where I normally find inspiration, in this case it does. This obituary tells briefly the story of Eric Lomax, who was a Japanese prisoner of war during World War 2. Interrogated and tortured ruthlessly, Lomax eventually was released, only to be continually tortured by his mind, memories and post-traumatic stress. What eventually led to his healing was the forgiveness and reconciliation of his primary captor. With a heavy theme of forgiveness and grace, his story is simply incredible!
6 Warning Sings We’re Becoming Accidental Pharisees – We’ve all experienced it. We get judged by someone. And it’s never comfortable. But then we turn around and do it ourselves. Accidental Pharisees. In this article, Larry Osborn gives a brief synopsis of six things we can do to avoid such legalistic attitudes. If you want to read more, you can purchase the book.
You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do. – Henry Ford
Memorize Scripture – Week 43
In the midst of a difficult situation, have you ever wondered “Why is this happening to me?”
I have.
And I think James gives us a hint as to the answer. Check it out in James 1:2-3:

God uses our tough times to grow us.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe that God necessarily causes us to face trials. For example, I don’t believe that God caused the cancer that claimed the lives of my brother and my father. No, I think sin is the culprit. Not sin in a specific way, but our sinful nature, the Fall, the curse, as described in Genesis 3. When sin entered the world, death and destruction and disease came with it.
And probably bell peppers, too.
No, God doesn’t cause all of our trials, but he can and will use them for our growth and good.
And so, James tells us to consider that as a reason to rejoice. Growth will be the result.
This has been true in my life, and I’m sure it’s been true in yours as well.
How has God used trials as a catalyst for growth in your life? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Book Review – Made In Heaven by Ray Comfort and Jeffrey Seto
Have you ever wondered where we got stuff?
I mean, we have such an amazing variety of creative resources to aid our lives. Have you ever wondered where they came from?
I have.
And now I know where some of the items I’ve wondered about originated, thanks to Ray Comfort and Jeffrey Seto’s new book, Made In Heaven.
Filled with interesting descriptions of the inspiration for such things as Velcro, adaptive fabrics, jet propulsion, and robotic prosthetics, just to name a few of the more than thirty items found here, Made In Heaven is a fascinating book.
Check out the book’s trailer to see what I mean:
Many of the things described in these pages seem like science-fiction; in fact, they were science-fiction in the not-too-distant past. But with continual advances in technology, and close scrutiny of God’s own handiwork, many such items are becoming a reality. The few dozen detailed here are just a sample of the hundreds of inventions inspired by Creation.
While I knew of several of these amazing inventions, many more of them were new to me, and a few were inspired by things I never imagined possible.
Authors Comfort and Seto did an incredible job of putting together the descriptions found here. You can find more about Ray Comfort and his other resources at LivingWaters.com. Jeffrey Seto is an Aerospace Engineer in the field of experimental research and development.
I loved reading Made In Heaven. My kids were captivated by the book. And I’m sure you will be as well.
What examples do you know of where man copied nature to develop something? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
I highly recommend that you add Made In Heaven, by Ray Comfort and Jeffrey Seto, to your library. You can purchase it at Amazon.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from New Leaf Press/Master Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.“























