Disney Post-Game Report

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Dsc_000820071016Zippity Doo Da, it's time for the the Walt Disney World post-game report.

Traveling: Our flight to Disney went off without a hitch.  It rained all morning last Tuesday until we got to O'Hare and then stopped so we could keep dry on our way from economy parking.  Watching the kids on take-off was fun, all wide-eyed and happy.  Our flight back last night was delayed an hour before take-off because of some difficult Chicago weather, but it wasn't a problem.  After getting in the air Danny (our youngest, 4) said that we were flying through space.  I think he took the pixie dust at Disney a little too seriously. 

Flying was a good experience.

Dsc_008020071017 The Hotel: After arriving at the Orlando airport we went to the Disney welcome area where they registered our arrival.  Our bags had already been tagged so they would pick them up and all we would have to do is worry about ourselves.  We hopped on a Disney Magical Express bus We stayed at the All-Star Music hotel on the Disney property.  It was one of the less costly hotels that had a suite for our family of six.  We got to our room, rested for a bit, and then our luggage showed up at our door. 

Dsc_003320071018_3 Our room was spacious enough for our needs (especially with two bathrooms!).  We were on the first floor just down the hallway from the very large guitar shaped pool.  Each night at the pool they would play music through the stereo, then play some songs the kids could dance to (you know, those line-ish dancing kinda songs) and had a couple of workers teach the kids the dances, and then at 8:30pm every night they played a Disney DVD on a big blow-up screen by the pool.  Really cool party atmosphere.  The kids went swimming every night after going to the parks.

Dsc_001120071018 The hotel had continuous bus service to all parks and Downtown Disney, which made getting around a snap.  Disney really has their act together.

The Parks: We visited all four main parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM, and Animal Kingdom.  We loved them all.  Molly and I couldn't ride anything jarring or fast, but all four kids rode everything they were tall enough to ride.  And that was pretty much everything. 

Dsc_006620071017 The kids had similar likes.  They loved Expedition Everest and rode it three times.  Danny (4 1/2) calls it "Yeti" because of the Yeti who attacks the ride.  Space Mountain went over huge with the kids, as did Tower of Terror.  Only Sarah (10 1/2) and Jack (9) could ride the Rock'n Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith, and both consider it a favorite.  We all enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, Safari, two stunt shows at MGM, and a bunch more.  My favorite ride was Soarin', where they put you in seats that elevate in front of a huge curved screen and made you feel like you are flying over trees and mountains, smells added to the breeze.  Brilliant. 

Dsc_007020071017 We all VERY much enjoyed the 3D shows at each park: Mickey's PhilharMagic, It's Tough to be a Bug (Bug's Life), Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, and Muppet Vision 3D.  The technology is very good and they add lots of fun stuff like smells and water and seat movements and the sensation of stuff on your head or feet.  Along with these, Jack most of all wanted to ride Stitch's Great Escape.  Previously known as Alien Encounter, this ride is where Stitch (of Lilo and Stitch) escapes in the room you are in and lots of stuff happens to you as they try to recapture him.  At one point he eats a chili dog and burps and you smell it.  Yuck. 

Dsc_003720071018 We saw the fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, both were fantastic.  We also visited Downtown Disney for a short while before heading to the airport yesterday.  Neat place to shop and eat.

The Magic: I was really blown away by the "magic" of Disney.  Lots of people can make amusement parks and big rides that go fast.  But Disney can make the smallest and most insignificant of rides seem like a dream and the big rides like another world.  They can get you singing songs NOT because they are annoying, but because they are catchy and wonderful. 

Dsc_001220071020 Everyone was super-friendly.  Despite the massive amounts of spoiled, crying and disobedient children we saw, I never once saw a worker seem upset or angry or tired or frustrated.  I never once saw a worker do anything to children but talk to them, ask them questions, encourage them to enjoy themselves, and listen to their every word as if the most important they would hear that day. 

When we checked in they gave everyone kazoos and people were playing them like they were artists.  We immediately felt like the hotel manager was our best friend.  When we got to our room there was a personalized message on our hotel room phone from the girl who checked us in and who talked to us just 3 minutes before. 

Dsc_003120071017 Jack's birthday was last Wednesday.  They gave him a special button to wear that day that said it was his birthday.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, who worked at the park said "happy birthday" to him.  That included bus drivers, the lady selling popcorn, and the security guards who checked our bags for explosives before entering the park.  He thought he was the king of the day, and in many ways he was. 

Verdict: We had a wonderful time at Disney World.  It was everything we hoped for and more.  It was everything I remember as a child and more.  All of us were healthy the whole trip.  I was in pain most days, but it was manageable.  Every day as we would pray together we were just so thankful to God for how well everything was going.  And we are very thankful to be home.  Thanks to all who prayed for us.

See all my Disney World photos.  Will there be a video?  I dunno.  Not immediately, at least.

Disney World Preview & Prayer Request

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Spp_2006021808021306We are getting up at 3am tomorrow (Tuesday) morning in order to make a 7am flight for Disney World.  There's a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning so our trip to O'Hare with all our luggage isn't looking like a fun one.  And who knows about delays and all that in the morning.  I wish they would delay our flight now so we can sleep longer. :)

As most of you know, my post-brain surgery wife can't ride roller coasters.  As most of you don't know, I was diagnosed a few weeks ago with two bulging discs in my neck and upper back.  I'm in pain all day and all night long.  It's been a little better the last week or two, but still painful all of the time.  So I will be watching my health this trip as well and not riding certain rides.  I would appreciate if a few folks would pray that things go well for my health on this trip.  I'm confident all will go well as God takes care of things.  Our youngest, Daniel, has been praying for God to heal me without my prompting.  What an encouragement that is.

We really only have two things we want to do at Disney World no matter what.

1. Ride Expedition Everest

2. Meet Michael Jackson

Music Monday 10.15.07

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If you missed it, I linked you to the live videos for all of Beirut's The Flying Club Cup.  You can also see some of them on YouTube.  My favorite musically is "A Sunday Smile."  The singer of Grizzly Bear, Ed Droste, is featured on "Cliquot," another great song.  Two of the most fun are "Nantes" (not listed at the video site, but one of the first films as a Take Away Show) and Joe Thorn's favorite Beirut video "Forks and Knives"...

Back in my Beirut concert post I mentioned that Condon pulled out "one really intense French song that was an admitted indulgence for Condon."  Here's the original song and singer with English subtitles...

Here's Condon's cover...

In other music news, I did pick up Band of Horses' Cease to Begin and Iron and Wine's The Shepherd's Dog on Tuesday (Best Buy had them for $7.99 each!).  I haven't spent much time with The Shepherd's Dog yet but have enjoyed what I've heard.  Here's their recent Letterman appearance...

Band of Horses' new one is just wonderful.  Pitchfork's favorable review states well what I hear when I listen to Cease to Begin (and their tremendous debut Everything All the Time)...

If Everything All the Time was a Pacific Northwest indie album with flourishes of country and Southern rock, then Cease to Begin reverses the equation. Putting a different regional spin on their tender-hearted indie rock, however, doesn't change up the sound too much-- the guitars still churn and crest majestically, Bridwell's vocals still echo with grandiose reverb-- but simply creates an atmosphere evocative of something like autumn in a small town.

A few other things to watch...

Love the opening song off Cassadaga from Bright Eyes: "Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)."  The album version is better because it starts with a minute and a half of building noise.  This is good too.  Lyrics are right after, if you want to follow.  No arguments for or against the lyrical content please, and you might need to turn it up a bit.

Corporate or Colonial
The Movement (Sickness via video) is unstoppable
Like the body of a centerfold it spreads
To the counter-culture copyright
Get your revolution at a lower price
Or make believe and throw the fight, play dead
It's exploding bags, aerosol cans
Southbound buses, Peter Pan
They left it up to us again
I thought you knew the drill
It's kill or be killed

Future Markets, Holy Wars
Been tried ten thousand times before
If you think that God is keeping score, Hooray!
For the freedom-fighting simulcast (Victory! A defeat! Victory!)
The imminent and the aftermath
Draw another bloody bath to drain
Like the polar icecaps centrifuge (Oh Allah! Oh Jesus please!)
First snowman built at the end of June
He slicks his hair for the interview, his fifteen-minute fame
Would you agree times have changed?

Summer Trip to Chicago 2007

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Every summer we find time for a trip or two into the city.  We usually take the train, hit a favorite spot or two, and hit a few new places.  Here's a video I finally finished for our summer trip including the wonderful sounds of Beirut. 

Cure for Complaining

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SctjjofiI've been complaining a lot. 

< sarcasm >I wouldn't have to if there weren't so many stupid people around who are making my life less enjoyable.  It wouldn't be so bad if I weren't such a good and thoughtful guy all of the time.  But I am.  And I think if I spent a post explaining why perfect me is surrounded by idiots, I assume I would easily convince you to take my side on this.
< /sarcasm >

Note to self, reread CCW's "A 12 Point Cure for Complaining."

1. GOD COMMANDS ME NEVER TO COMPLAIN.

Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14(NAS)

2. GOD COMMANDS ME TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE.

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

3. GOD COMMANDS ME TO REJOICE ALWAYS, AND ESPECIALLY IN TIMES OF TRIAL.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Phil. 4:4; Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. James 1:2

4. I ALWAYS DESERVE MUCH WORSE THAN WHAT I AM SUFFERING NOW; IN FACT, I DESERVE HELL.

Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins? Lamentations 3:39 Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:2-3

5. IN LIGHT OF THE ETERNAL HAPPINESS AND GLORY THAT I WILL EXPERIENCE IN HEAVEN, THIS PRESENT TRIAL IS EXTREMELY BRIEF AND INSIGNIFICANT, EVEN IF IT WERE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18; For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:19

6. MY SUFFERING IS FAR LESS THAN THAT WHICH CHRIST SUFFERED, AND HE DID NOT COMPLAIN.

Who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:23

7. TO COMPLAIN IS TO SAY GOD IS NOT JUST.

Shall not the Judge of all the Earth do right? Genesis 18:25

8. FAITH AND PRAYER EXCLUDE COMPLAINING.

I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

9. THIS DIFFICULTY IS BEING USED BY GOD FOR MY GOOD AND IT IS FOOLISH FOR ME TO COMPLAIN AGAINST IT.

And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

10. THOSE MORE FAITHFUL THAN I HAVE SUFFERED FAR WORSE THAN I, AND DID SO WITHOUT COMPLAINT.

…and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. All these, having gained approval through their faith… Hebrews 11:35-39

11. COMPLAINING DENIES THAT GOD'S GRACE IS ENTIRELY SUFFICIENT.

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

12. THE GREATEST SUFFERING, THE WORST TRIAL OR DIFFICULTY, CAN NEVER ROB ME OF THAT WHICH IS OF GREATEST VALUE TO ME AND MY GREATEST JOY, NAMELY THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

Phriday is for Photos 10.12.07

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Here's an update on my photos in Starbucks.  They have given out more than 100 of my Moo photography cards and I've had to order 300 more just to make it through October!  Hope they show up before we leave for vacation on Tuesday morning.  I've had at least 5 workers, without me even bringing up the subject, come to tell me that they are getting tons of comments and questions about my photography.  Really awesome.  Very encouraging.  Enjoy these photos I took in Chicago recently, and check out the rest of my photography.

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Lots-o-Links

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Joe Thorn is trying to sell me on a different way to do GTD.  Considering it.

Just watched this message from Scott Hodge at the Innovate Conference and enjoyed it.  Scott is a pastor in Aurora, IL and blogger.

Church planting QnA with Kevin Cawley.

Darryl Dash reports on Tim Keller's message, "What Are the Risks for Evangelicals."

Free audiobook: The Life of David Brainerd.

Have you browsed the ESV Literary Study Bible yet?  I have a copy.  Enjoying it so far.  Should have some thoughts on it late this week or after our vacation in a couple of weeks. 

By the way, have I mentioned my family is going to Disney World?  Woohoo!  My Great Aunt died and left money to my Mom (who died in April).  So that went to me, my brother and my sister.  We knew there would be little or no opportunity to hit Disney for years to come and decided that we, after a very long and difficult summer, could use a pretty serious break.  So next week we head to Orlando.  Very excited, but not nearly as much as our kids.  God has provided so much for us in a very strapped period of life.  We are so thankful.  I'm sure photos and videos are to come.
Disney_map_2

Intentional Suburbanites

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Will Samson has posted someone's "Ten Ideas for Living Intentionally in the Suburbs" (HT: Hamo). Helpful stuff.  Also will take this chance to say that Will's new book, Justice in the Burbs, is out now.  Haven't picked it up yet, but will when I get the chance.  Here's Will's post.

Ten Ways to be the People of God in Suburbia
by Chris Smith

In response, to Brian McLaren’s call for urban churches at the Mayhem gathering last weekend [in Cincinnati], my friend Mike Bishop has been stirring up some conversation on "suburban ministry." Here's my response to that conversation, ten ways for those called to suburban ministry to be in the people of God in radical ways in suburbia. This list is meant for people to chew on and not all of its points may be applicable for all suburban missional church communities.

1) Live with others from your church community

Whether you share your home with another person or family, or whether you have several families that have homes in close proximity or both, sharing life together is perhaps the most powerful (i.e., going against the grain of suburban culture) way to be the body of Christ in suburbia. If you can't live together, at least find a way to share resources (power tools, lawn mowers, children's clothes/toys, etc).

2) Work Less!

One of the major powers that enslaves suburbia is the idolization of the career. There are many ways to pay the bills that do not involve a 9-5 job, and even within a 9-5 job, there are ways to work less (turning down promotions, taking unpaid leave, etc.) Working less will free you to serve your church community, your family, your neighbors, etc. It will also spur creativity: finding a solution for working less, finding a way to "make ends meet" financially, etc.

3) Throw out the television

Another (and perhaps larger power) that enslaves suburbia is consumerism. You'll be amazed at how your desire for things ebbs as you take the TV out of the picture. If you can't bring yourself to kill the television, at least take steps to lessen its influence (get rid of cable, only use it for movies, put it on a cart that can be wheeled in and out of a closet, etc.) Throwing out the television will also stimulate your creativity.

4) Drive less

Suburban culture is also enslaved to the automobile. Find ways to loosen those bonds (much more difficult in suburbia than in urban areas). Share a vehicle with others in your church community (much easier if you are doing #1 above). Invest in a good bicycle. Walk. There was a segment on "60 minutes" a few weeks ago about how much we miss when we zip around in automobiles. Walking and/or biking will help you be more attentive to your surroundings

5) Have a garden / grow food

Suburban life is often very shut off from the food cycle (Food comes from the grocery store, of course!). Homegrown food is more healthy, it gives you a good excuse to be outside (see #7 below), and it provides you with a resource to share generously with your church community and your neighbors. Phil Kenneson outlines a number of horticultural lessons for the people of God in his intro to LIFE ON THE VINE that are additional benefits of this practice.

6) Get to know your neighbors / listen for their needs

To be human is to be poor. Or in other words, everyone has needs. The challenge of suburbia is that there are many more ways to conceal that poverty, and similarly that it will take more effort to get into a position where a neighbor can reveal their needs. Be intentional about building relationships. Share meals, play poker, have block parties, whatever it takes.

7) Be outside as much as possible.

Another temptation of suburbia - fueled by individualism - is that of the house as an impenetrable fortress. Dissolve this temptation by eating, playing, relaxing outside. This practice is also one avenue to interact with your neighbors.

8) Do not fence in your yard

All apologies to Robert Frost, but fences do not make good neighbors, and in fact they often keep us from making good human neighbors. This is a corollary to #7, the fence is a major component of the impenetrable fortress syndrome; it protects our privacy and keeps out our "evil" neighbors. It often is a statement of distrust. If you must have a fence (to corral a dog for instance) make it as low and as permeable (i.e., not blocking off the view) as you can get away with.

9) Take a stand against the greed of mega-corporations

Whenever possible, resist buying from domineering mega-corporations (e.g., Wal-mart, McDonalds, Starbucks, and others). These corporations destroy local economies and have little or no concern for the environment. Buy as much as you can from businesses that are as local as possible (family-owned businesses are preferable to local chains, local chains are preferable to regional chains, and regional chains are preferable to global corporations.)

10) Utilize and support non-commercial public spaces (parks, libraries, colleges, etc.)

This point is another corollary of #7 above. We must utilize and show our support for these public spaces, lest they be conquered by the powers of individualism (by becoming private property) or by consumerism (by becoming commercial or industrial property). This is also a wonderful way to foster relationships with our neighbors.

Music Monday 10.8.07

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Headphones_2

Arcade Fire has a new interactive site/video/thing for "Neon Bible. "  Pretty cool.

New Band of Horses, Cease to Begin, comes out tomorrow.  Their previous album, Everything All the Time, was great so I'm expecting more good stuff.  Listen to four of the new tracks at Band of Horses' MySpace.  Pitchfork has given a good early review.

The fine folks at Stereogum have followed up their tribute album to Radiohead's OK Computer with a tribute to REM's Automatic for the People.

Nire is new to me, but I've enjoyed their MySpace offerings.  Stereogum names them as a band to watch, and all the more with Vespers being released tomorrow.  They offer a free download of "Wide-Eyed, Restless" that you should pick up. 

I mentioned last week that Alaska in Winter opened for Beirut and that I picked up their CD, Dance Party in the Balkans.  Been listening to it all week and haven't tired of it at all.  Love it.  This is something like the concert experience...

Here's a video for "The Homeless and a Hummingbird"....

Beirut in Chicago & Phriday is for Photos 10.5.07

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Dsc_002420071004Yesterday was a good day.  I took the train into Chicago yesterday to meet Joe Thorn.  We ate some lunch (I had Chinese, he had Japanese) and then walked around for a few hours to take some photos of the city.  We saw two of the worlds most huge and incredible eyebrows, two of the worlds smallest dogs, and a disturbing photo of two sumo wrestlers.  I can't show you any of those photos.  But I can show you a few others at the bottom of the post.

Zach_steve_3 Mid-afternoon we hopped in Joe's van for a short trip up to Irving Park road toward the concert venue for Beirut/Colleen/Alaska in Winter.  Soon after parking at Portage Theater we were able to meet Zach Condon, the front man and brain behind Beirut (see their MySpace to hear all new songs from The Flying Club Cup).  Joe took the photo of me and Zach, obviously.  It was a treat to meet him and talk briefly about the Take Away Shows of Beirut, which you absolutely must check out if you haven't already.  Condon looked tired, road worn.  I believe they had to cancel some dates last year because of his exhaustion, so I hope he finds the time to get some rest.

Then we walked up Milwaukee Avenue looking for things to photograph.  There wasn't much that caught our eye.  We ate at Hops and Barley and then made our way back to the theater for the concert.

Alaska in Winter opened, which was a dude alone on stage (Brandon Bethancourt) singing to what I would call mellow Balkan electronica, I guess.  We really enjoyed it.  I bought the album: "Dance Party in the Balkans."  Worth looking into.  Just trust me.

Colleen played next, which was a girl alone on stage with a few different instruments playing minimalist folk (no singing).  Very much enjoyed Colleen.  I think this music is so intense it really demands full focus, so don't expect to find good lyric-less reading music here.  Please go to Colleen's MySpace, stop doing whatever else you are doing, and listen to "I'll Read You A Story."  It was easily the best song, the most dramatic song, the most gorgeous song, the most haunting song, she played.  The rest were good too, but this one was amazing. 

Zach After a 4 song set (these were longer songs) from Colleen, Beirut took the stage.  The crowd was filtering in over the first hour and a half and opening acts.  But as Beirut started you could see the theater was packed.  They opened with Nantes, a personal favorite, which you can see videos for here or here.  They played at least the first five tracks of The Gulag Orkestar (maybe more), mostly songs from The Flying Club Cup, a couple from the Lon Gisland EP, and one really intense French song that was an admitted indulgence for Condon (and well worth the time).  By the way, Joe took this photo (he had permission from the venue).

The music was played with energy and passion by the eight musicians that filled the stage.  Three were mostly on strings (upright bass, violin, mandolin/guitar/ukulele), Condon was on the mic and played a horn, two others had horns (one a trumpet and the other swiched between several things including a baritone sax), and one dude was on the drums and another on the accordion.  The band members often switched instruments.  I think six of them at one time or another played a ukulele or mandolin.  Solid musicians.

I can't recommend Beirut enough.  I think it's one of the most brilliant bands of our time.  Please give them a listen.  Grab this six song live set Beirut did for KEXP Live Performances podcast on Tunes.  It was recorded on Monday in Chicago.

The crowd, by the way, not only filled the seats (well over 1,000) and the front of the venue, but packed out the front so that people were packing the aisles when the front ran out of space.  It's interesting to note that this is European, Balkan style music and it seemed the whole crowd was well under 30 (except for a couple of handsome pastors who are in their mid-30s).  Great to see Beirut have this sort of following.

Here are some photos from yesterday, and for Photo Phriday...

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My Photos in Starbucks

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Dsc_000220071001As I mentioned before, I am the artist featured for the month of October at our local Starbucks.  Very glad to have six of my photos (the first six shown) on the wall for all to see.  I have Moo cards in a couple of places in Starbucks that give my email and Flickr page for those interested in my photos.  They are already more than half gone after two days (I think I put out 100)!  Pretty cool.

Storms, Kid Questions & Books

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Three things I left out of my Desiring God Conference post in order to give them a little more attention in a separate post.

First, one of those guys who pulled Molly aside to ask how she was doing and let her know of his prayers was Sam Storms.  Man, good guy.  Sam has authored a handful of books (Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards's Religious Affections, Convergence: Spiritual Journeys of a Charismatic Calvinist, Chosen for Life: The Case for Divine Election, One Thing: Developing a Passion for the Beauty of God, and more).  His very helpful Enjoying God Ministries has a growing number of resources available for free.

Second, John Piper mentioned a list of questions he received that some dude asks his children.  From Justin Taylor's blog: "Last night during the conversation with John Piper, John MacArthur, and me, Piper mentioned how helped he was by the kinds of questions that Rick Gamache (senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship) regularly asks his kids."  Here are the questions.  I think they are helpful.

  • How are your devotions?
  • What is God teaching you?
  • In your own words, what is the gospel?
  • Is there a specific sin you’re aware of that you need my help defeating?
  • Are you more aware of my encouragement or my criticism?
  • What’s daddy most passionate about?
  • Do I act the same at church as I do when I’m at home?
  • Are you aware of my love for you?
  • Is there any way I’ve sinned against you that I’ve not repented of?
  • Do you have any observations for me?
  • How am I doing as a dad?
  • How have Sunday’s sermons impacted you?
  • Does my relationship with mom make you excited to be married?
  • (On top of these things, with my older kids, I’m always inquiring about their relationship with their friends and making sure God and his gospel are the center of those relationship. And I look for every opportunity to praise their mother and increase their appreciation and love for her.)

Third, here's a list of the books I/we got at the Desiring God Conference bookstore which is always stocked full of some of the best books around on most any topic you would care about.  As usual, some of the books were deeply discounted.  I'll start with the free books we received with our registration.

Free Books and Registration Books
The Roots of Endurance by John Piper
ESV New Testament (can't find a link to the exact edition)
Why Pro-Life by Randy Alcorn
Sexual Temptation (a free download) by Randy Alcorn
Walking as He Walked by Joel Beeke
In Our Joy (Desiring God booklet on discipleship, can't find a link)
Assured by God edited by Burk Parsons
Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Quest for Joy (CD)

Molly's Books & Family Books
Faithful Women & Their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper
As for Me and My House by Walter Wangerin, Jr.
Jonathan and Sarah: An Uncommon Union by Edna Gerstner
Her Husband's Crown by Sara Leone

Steve's Books
Lectures on Revivals by W.B. Sprague
A Call to Joy and Pain by Ajith Fernando
How People Change by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp
The One Year Book of Christian History by E. Michael and Sharon Rusten
Preparing Young People for Baptism by David Michael (Desiring God booklet)
Agape Leadership: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership from the Life of R.C. Chapman by Roberty Peterson and Alexander Strauch
Christianity Explored (book, leader's guide, student's guide) by Rico Tice, et
Leading With Love by Alexander Strauch
To Be Told by Dan Allender
Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle
Evangelism for the Rest of Us by Mike Bechtle
Jesus the Evangelist by Richard Phillips
Fighter Verses (ESV)
Foundation Verses (ESV)

Music Monday 10.1.07

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No other way to start this post than by mentioning that the new Radiohead CD, which doesn't come out in CD form until next year, but is available for digital download in 9 days at whatever price you choose.  True story.  It appears they are heading off possible album leaks before the CD release and asking for donations.  Pretty cool.  You can pre-order the download now and they will email you on the 10th to let you know you can download it. 

Check out Pitchfork's interview with Iron & Wine.  Looking forward to picking up their new one, The Shepherd's Dog, which is getting some nice reviews.

Andrew Bird is opening for Wilco in Milwaukee?  Holy cow.  Someone please send me some money!  Or tickets!  Wow.

Joe Thorn and I are seeing Beirut on Thursday at the Portage Theater.  Some songs...

Colleen is opening for Beirut.  I never heard of Colleen until I bought my concert ticket.   Very interesting music that I'm sure to pick up on CD sometime soon.  Check out Colleen's MySpace where it says that "Colleen is a French musician working within a minimalist and melodic aesthetic using acoustic instruments and modern technologies."  Beautiful and haunting music.

And on the iPod I've been playing a lot of Cassadaga from Bright Eyes lately.  "Four Winds"...

"Hot Knives"...

Stood: Desiring God Conference is Over

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Dg_confMolly and I "endured" the Desiring God Conference: Stand.  It was a great weekend together.  We laugh together a lot.  But this weekend really gave us a chance to be playful and chase each other around a bit, more than the average weekend.  I have an amazing, beautiful, fun and godly wife.  She is a treasure to me.  She's better than 1,000 yaks.

We didn't really pick to go to this conference because of the topic, but because we very much enjoyed the 2004 conference and wanted to try it again.  We like Minneapolis and Piper and all.  So we went and are really glad we did.  All the speakers were great, but we particularly enjoyed John MacArthur's two messages.  A great help to us and something we will review together over the next few days. (All audio/video is online for free.)

Dsc_001020070928 On Saturday Ohio State played at Minnesota and on Sunday Green Bay played in Minnesota, so the city was buzzing. It was kinda fun to be around for the bad Minnesota football (I shouldn't talk...Bears...ugh!).  And we saw some hispanic celebrity at the Residence Inn lobby.  No idea who he was.  I asked two people who he was.  One said he didn't know.  The other explained it to me, and I couldn't understand him.  Oh well.  He did have a huge bouncer and a small posse, so he must be really important.  It was an out-of-body experience.  Well, actually it wasn't.  But it was interesting. 

Dsc_000920070928 Marc Heinrich (Purgatorio, on hiatus) pulled us aside and said "hi" early on in the conference.  Erik Reymond (Irish Calvinist) introduced himself outside Brit's Pub while we were indulging in some scotch eggs (please click the picture for a larger, more delicious view!) and adult beverages on Saturday night.  You should check out his blog if you haven't yet.  Good guy.  We were privileged to meet a handful of other folks who have kept up with the blog in some form or another.  By the way, when I go to places like the Southern Baptist Convention I get recognized for my stellar blog and metrosexual hotness (that's what Joe Thorn says about me, anyway).  But at the Desiring God Conference we were most often recognized for Molly's hotness...er...Chiari...ness.  Most conversations went like this.  "Hey, Molly, I'm _____.  So great to meet you.  We've been praying for you.  How are you doing?"  Molly replies, "I'm doing great!"  I say, "Oh, hi.  I'm Steve."  ______ responds, "Who?"  I've been demoted, but my superior is something else!

Stand: Desiring God Conference

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Chiari-head and I are going to the Desiring God Conference tomorrow.  The kids are hanging in town (thanks Hoekstras and Fabians!), playing soccer on Saturday, going to church, yadda.  Me and my honey are going to get our Piper on. 

Here are the top 10 things I/we hope to accomplish this weekend.

10. Spend three days looking into my wife's eyes (and hope that is followed by something fun that married people do when no kids are around).
9. Take some photos of objects that don't have our kids in front of them.
8. Make a wrong turn, and be ok with it.
7. Overhear that the Cubs actually won a game.
6. Sleep naked, with no concern that the kids will walk in and see...well, you know.
5. Buy a bunch-o-books.  Last time (2004) we really scored!
4. Wonder at the brilliance that is Justin Taylor.
3. Eat a Scotch Egg (or two!) and consume a pint (or two!) at Brit's Pub.
2. Miss our kids.
1. Spend three days remembering how to shut up and listen to God.

Music Monday 9.24.07

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A bunch of videos for you today, hopefully to introduce you to some interesting music.

Bat for Lashes: "What's a Girl to Do"...

Two from Andrew Bird: "Weather Systems"...

...& "Spare-oh"...

If you haven't heard the new hymn, "In Christ Alone," here you go...

The Craw pointed me to the Yoshida Brothers.  Wow, cool...

Josh Ritter's new album is really fantastic.  Here are a couple of songs from it...

Animal Collective really gets the award for indie weirdies.  I don't really like them all that much, but experiencing a song/video should be must for all.  It's just...weird...

A fitting ending to my post...have you heard Sufjan Stevens' "National Anthem" yet?...