Coffee Break – 11.05.2012
AeroPress: How MacGyver Brews Coffee – I grew up watching MacGyver. While my brother was more of a fan that I was, and was always dismantling something to figure out how it worked, I was just as excited each week to see what MacGyver would do, and more importantly… how he would do it. This video demonstrates how MacGyver would use an aeropress to brew his coffee. Worth a laugh or two.
The Deep Sea Mystery Circle – Have you ever noticed just how much order God instilled into his creation? It’s everywhere, from flowers and trees, to animals, and even in the oceans. Divers off the coast of Japan found some intricate designs in the sand on the sea floor. You’ll be surprised to find out what the culprit was.
Above The Clouds Photography – On my recent trip to Colorado, I looked out my window of the airplane and saw some similar images to what you’ll see here. The thought even crossed my mind that some shots would be cool to have, but my camera phone, and a scratchy airliner window were not conducive to great shooting conditions. So I guess we’ll have to settle for these instead.
Hurricane Sandy, After Landfall – Last week, we saw what many describe as the most damaging storm to ever hit the eastern seaboard. Whether or not that is true, Sandy did significant damage, estimated to be in the billions of dollars. Here are several sobering and saddening images from the aftermath, along with some statistics of superstorm Sandy.
Why Zombies Matter – I’ve never been a huge zombie movie fan. Sure, I’ve seen my share of Night Of The Living Dead revisions, but the appeal has always been lost. In an article by Russell Moore, however, my thinking has been broadened. He takes a look at the concept of zombiism from a biblical perspective and comes to some stunning conclusions that blew my mind away. (Like all the brain references?)
3 Ways to Nourish and Cherish Your Wife: Practical Advice C. J. Mahaney Would Give You If He Met with You at Starbucks – All too often, family gets sacrificed on the altar of ministry. I’ve seen so many families fall apart because of the lack of spiritual leadership in the home of many in the ministry. Andy Naselli shares his notes and a video from Strengthening Your Marriage In Ministry, a one day convention in August at Southern Seminary. The video is an hour long, so plan some time to watch it, because it is well worth it.
To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking. – Goethe
Memorize Scripture – Week 44
The Old Testament is full of beautiful promises that God made to the Israelites. By extension, some of those promises are at least partially applicable to believers today as well.
Take this week’s passage, for example. It’s beautifully written and is pregnant with hope and promise. You can find it in Deuteronomy 30:15-16:
This promise was made to the Israelites shortly before they embarked on the conquest of Canaan, before they began to possess the land that God had promised to them for generations.
God is making the nation of Israel a significant promise here: if they love and obey him, he will pour out material blessings as they take possession of the land.
God offers the same promise to us. But for us, it isn’t so much of a material blessing that he wants to give us as a spiritual blessing. In fact, in Ephesians 1:3, Paul tells us that God wants to give us every spiritual blessing!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
That, paired with the promise in Deuteronomy, provides an assurance and hope that give me the boost I need to keep going daily.
His blessings, in return for our love and obedience. Pretty simple.
What blessings has God poured into your life recently? Have you thanked him for those blessings? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Obsession
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