My 7 year old, Elijah (forefront of the top photo and pitching in the bottom), made the Little League all-star team. I took these from the try-outs. See all my photography.
Phriday is for Photos 6.27.08
in Family, Photography
Ascol vs. Stetzer
in Humor
Timmy Brister put up a normal photo of Tom Ascol (Founders Ministries fame) talking with Ed Stetzer (so famous I don't need to explain why) and asked readers to put up a caption. I think this will suffice via a little "photoshopping"...
The Big 5: Books on Prayer
in Books, The Big 5 Books
Really pumped to see the lists for this one.
What are your Big 5 books on prayer?
I'm very flexible on this one, so feel free to get creative in your answers. Just be sure to list the books you think are most helpful on prayer, for prayer, or about praying people.
The Big 5: Books that Made You Laugh Out Loud
in Books, Humor, The Big 5 Books
What are your Big 5 books that made you laugh out loud?
We've all read them, right? You are working through a book and you just can't contain a chuckle at a story or the way the author put something. Any book that made you laugh is eligible, but I want to encourage you to not list too many books that are in the "humor" or "comedy" section of the bookstore. One or two of those at most. I'm hoping to find books/authors with a more natural humor, not just books by comedians. BONUS: If you want to offer a short (!) quote or funny part, feel free. But it must be funny. If it's not funny, I will sound the gong. Also, please don't list things like Far Side books. These need to be reading books. If you don't know 5, list what you have.
The Big 5: Books on Writing
I'm always interested in books on writing and becoming a better writer. It's easier to read books on writing than to write, but the question is still worth asking...
What are your Big 5 books on writing?
These should be books written with the intent of teaching you to write. I know other books can help you be a better writer (including books about writers), but let's stick to your favorites on the art and craft of writing. It can be about fiction or non-fiction writing. It can be about poetry, articles, essays, letter writing, or most anything else. This is not a list of books on how to write a sermon. Feel free to throw one or two in there on grammar issues or issues directly related to writing if you like. If you don't have 5, no prob. List what you have read that you like.
Music Monday 6.23.08
in Music
Looking for a great record store? Paste lists the 17 coolest. Yep, the wonderful ear X-tacy in Louisville, KY is on the list.
I don't think I mentioned yet that Esbjorn Svensson, the Swedish jazz pianist who founded E.S.T., died last week. He was only 44. More here.
Still haven't checked out Shearwater? What's wrong with you! I'm gonna make it easy: Shearwater in concert free audio.
Fans of Radiohead, Weezer, stringed instruments, or things that are honkin' awesome need to watch this video of Weezer covering Radiohead's "Creep" with a bunch of fans playing along. It's just really cool. If you don't know, the song "Creep" contains an objectionable word that may offend some. If you might be offended, don't watch. If you watch movies that are PG-13, you should be able to handle this. Either way, if you are offended please don't comment. Enjoy...
Weezer cover Radiohead's Creep, live in Portland from Dave Allen on Vimeo.
More Bon Iver for those who can't get enough. This time, "Skinny Love"...
And Wolves...
Hey Now, You're an All-Star!
My 7 year old, Elijah, is in the 7-8 year old Little League division here in Woodstock, Illinois. Elijah is small for his age, one of the smaller kids in the league. That hasn't stopped him from being one of the most important players on our team: a pitcher, first baseman, infielder, etc. He is a natural at baseball with good form and a heart to be good at what he does. Plus, he just loves the game.
The tryouts for the 7-8 year old all-star team was on Saturday. They had three stations: pitching, fielding and hitting. I was proud at how Elijah did. He was solid at each task, as were many of the kids. With him being younger, smaller (the smallest at tryouts!), less powerful at the plate and so on, it seemed easy to assume that Elijah would be better suited for next year's all-star team. I worked hard to convince him that it's okay to wail until next year and that he probably wouldn't be chosen for this year's team. I was wrong.
We got a call from the coach on Sunday who informed me that Elijah was an all-star. We were surprised he was chosen, but not surprised at how Elijah has showed that the size of your body matters less than the size of your heart, effort and passion. He now has a number of new practices coming up and a new uniform to wear to a tournament in mid-July. I'm so proud of my boy, who is much like his Daddy at his age (though I was taller). Looking forward to a few fun weeks ahead.
Bishop Takes Pawn
HT to Goodyear
CT Interview with Tim Keller
The Big 5: Books for Seekers
Like you, I'm always on the lookout for good books for seekers. You know who seekers are, right? These are the folks who come to your church NOT because they occasionally like to feel less guilty by attending, but because they are actually looking for answers. These are the folks who want to sit down and ask you questions about life, suffering, truth, the Bible, or where is God in all this mess, and seem to genuinely want answers. So...
What are your Big 5 books for seekers?
These will likely be books on the gospel or apologetics. You should try to stick to books that are meant for seekers or books that unintentionally just work very well with seekers. As best you can, stick with general books for seekers and not books on one issue only. If one really stands out to you, that's cool, but I would prefer lists that will help us all with good books for seekers in general. And please don't mention Scripture. We get it, the Bible is good for seekers. :)
The Big 5: Study Bibles
I'm very happy to see the ESV Study Bible coming out in October. I will own and use a copy and provide them on my church's book table. So, it makes me wonder...
What are your Big 5 study Bibles?
This is a list of the study Bibles you personally think are the best. If you think you would choose the ESV SB as one, please mention that. Also, let us know what version of the Bible you like for each study Bible (if they vary). Go!
Lots-o-Links 6.16.08
in Books, Family, Tim Keller
Ok, not "lots." A few.
Tim Keller has recommended some summer reading (Tip o' the Hat...).
CT Interview with Tom Schreiner about his new New Testament Theology.
My Father's Day was very enjoyable. We did lots of stuff, capped off with a family movie: Gremlins. My fam bought me an awesome present, after misleading me by giving me a tie I already own and a book I've already read. Here it is...
Music Monday 6.16.08
in Music
If you are a fan of some Nickel Creek goodness, you might want to check out Chris Thile's next move after Nickel's departure. They are the Punch Brothers (MySpace), a really interesting bluegrassy, folksy (even classical?) mix. Punch isn't Nickel Creek, but this is good music, deeper and more rich than NC but not as easy to appreciate. Check out some video.
I'm also checking out the Fleet Foxes (MySpace), who are very intriguing and not hippies.
I finally picked up the new Shearwater (MySpace) CD, Rook, yesterday (it was my Father's Day quest with the fam to find it). I've avoided listening to too much online because I wanted the album experience to color my take. On first listen it's amazing. I had the highest of hopes after Palo Santo (it was my #1 album of 2006). And as expected the glowing reviews are piling high. You can download "Leviathan, Bound" for free. If you don't know, Shearwater is the band led by Jonathan Meiburg who just left Okkervil River to focus on Shearwater. Here's a taste...
Need more Bon Iver? I hear you. These are out-honking-standing. How about "Flume"...
Here's a little "Lump Sum"...
And yes, the trifecta, "For Emma, Forever Ago"...
10 Things that Happened at the 2008 SBC
in Conferences, SBC
Here's a guide to understanding what happened at the 2008 meeting of the SBC in Indianapolis. I wasn't there, but I didn't need to be to know what happened. I'm sure there were many great things that happened, including networking and building new relationships as well as renewing old ones. But here's my list, just for fun, of the 10 things that happened at the SBC because they, to some extent, always happen at the SBC.
10. Many thousands made "a decision for Christ" during the Indy Crossover evangelism push. Most of them won't join churches.
9. Someone proposed a stupid resolution that got more discussion than someone who proposed a significant resolution.
8. Some bloggers discovered that blogging influence doesn't amount to much, and shouldn't.
7. Someone blew a shofar, metaphorically at least.
6. Some guys who preached included lines merely to hear the applause of the masses.
5. Mark Dever had 14 disciples following his every move and seeking his advice on bookstore purchases.
4. No less than 7 people had beer with their meal, to the shock of onlooking SBC messengers.
3. They mostly voted on stuff that won't change minds, churches, the convention, or the world.
2. Guys in suits won elections.
1. Indianapolis is now officially out of beef and butter.
Phriday is for Photos 6.13.08
in Photography
First is my 9 year old, Jack, who was watching his brother play soccer. Second are all three of my boys playing in the water during and after a heavy rainstorm. All my photography.
The Big 5: Books Worth Regular Rereading
in Books, The Big 5 Books
I remember sitting in Mark Dever's office and asking him what books have been most helpful to him personally, books that he would read more than once. He pointed to a little swiveling bookshelf with five (if I remember correctly) well worn books that he reads every year (I think).
What big 5 books do you think are worth regularly rereading?
Try to avoid devotional books, unless there is one that really knocked your socks off and you reread all the time. There will be a separate list for devotional books at some point. These books will likely be in the personal walk, Christian life, holiness kinds of categories. Don't list books of the Bible. If someone lists some of your big 5 books, please go ahead and list them again. This isn't about mentioning the books no one else has, but listing your big 5. After all, if one book is mentioned again and again that will add weight to that book. Go!
Lots-o-Links 6.11.08
Resurgence has an interview with Bob Kauflin.
My brother captured two tornados on video last week. Neither were doing anything amazing, but it's still pretty cool to a storm buff like me.
I love coaching Little League, and would love to coach this kid. Awesome...
Jeremy Pryor continues explaining his Story-Formed Life discipleship class/strategy...
The Office originated in Japan. Did you know that? Here you go...
Tim and Kathy Keller: The Role of Women in Ministry.
The Last Men's Book You'll Ever Need?
The New York Times on theology pubs and such.
Tim Chester: How I teach the Bible in a household church.
Tony Morgan: 7 reasons why the church needs artists.
Jonathan Dodson on building missional cores.
Thanks for the many comments on my Big 5 books series. If you have missed any of the lists, please go and comment. Great resource posts.
The Big 5: Books on Suffering
in Books, The Big 5 Books
I'm sidelined today with terrible back pain. I'm nearly immobile, and can't move without wincing. Ugh. So it's a good day for books on suffering. What are your big 5 books on suffering? These can be books on suffering in general or something specific like the loss of a baby. If your friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer and asked you for something to read on suffering, what would it be? If you woke up in agonizing back pain and needed a refresher on what God does through pain in your body, what would it be?
PLEASE, refrain from turning this into a comment thread on my back pain. I know a few of you care about me and want to share my pain. But I want this to be a resource thread in the future, so just list and discuss books. Go!
The Pleasure of Fatherhood
in Family
I was so proud of my 11 year old daughter today that I popped two buttons on my shirt. Her school had their end of the year awards for 3rd-5th graders today. Awards (certificates of achievement or participation) were given out for perfect attendance, participation in after-school stuff like band and chorus, physical fitness, academic achievement, etc.
This year a new award was added. Out of the four 5th grade classes only one student is chosen for a special award by an organization called Community Connections for Youth. It's the "2008 Asset Builder of the Year Award: For choosing to have a positive impact on the lives around you." It went to my daughter, Sarah McCoy.
I'll be honest. Parenting an 11 year old girl isn't the easiest thing my wife and I do. She knows how to bring the drama into the simplest things in life. But Sarah is an exceptional girl. She has a heart for the ones everyone else makes fun of, talks down to, or ignores. She has a generous heart and spirit about her. And I'm so proud that as Sarah "graduates" to middle school the highest award she receives is an award that says she wasn't striving to be recognized with an award, but instead was concerned about others.
Year by year we collect all these certificates and file them away and pat our kids on the back and say "good job." We have great kids who make us very proud. But today, a few days before Father's Day, I am floating. Sarah, you have made your Father very proud!
Music Monday 6.9.08
in Music
There are a few hot items on the iPod right now. I'm listening to Quiet Village's Silent Movie. Great for mostly lyric-less work music. Also, a few songs are so summertime pimp. Gotta love it. The Frightened Rabbits are hot snot with The Midnight Organ Fight. They sing songs that are both fun and force you to think a little too, like "Head Rolls Off"...
I can't fail to mention that Elbow's The Seldom Seen Kid is outstanding. Getting tons of play. Check out "Grounds for Divorce" (HT: MS)...