I’ve been reflecting lately on the power of a good story. I’ve consumed several lately, as I’ve been listening to The Chronicles of Narnia on my iPod. While I stood in church Sunday morning, I found it easier to reflect on particular qualities of God’s nature because of my recent familiarity with Aslan, the Christ-type figure in C.S. Lewis’s wonderful series. And when we sing Matt Redman’s anthem-like song, “Never Let Go”, I can’t help but think back to the movie, “The Guardian”, in which that phrase is a foundation of the story. These stories help me to know about God, to synthesize the world in more meaningful ways. Take some time this week and look for a good story. Don’t let the story end with the last page, but bring it into your life and world. Let a good story make an impact on the way you see, and let it direct the eyes of your consciousness heavenward.
Author: andrew
Fair Winds
There’s a strange wind blowing, says you. It’d be a fine wind by which to have a baby, says I. A fine wind, indeed.
Known by Joy
In Acts 14, Luke (the author) offers a one-sentence insight into an argument that would later be fleshed out in Paul’s brilliant theological diatribe to the Romans. After Paul and Barnabas heal a crippled man in Lystra (a city in Asia Minor), crowds of people mistake them for the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes. They begin trying to sacrifice animals to the two visitors , which really distressed Paul and Barnabas. They rush into the crowds, tearing their clothes. They begin proclaiming a new God to them, the God who made heaven and earth and sea. In the midst of their desperate declaration, these words about God tear from their lips: “…He has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
Interestingly enough, Paul is talking to non-Christian or pre-Christian people. He’s not making the mistaken assumption that only Christians have joy: He’s merely saying that the regular, everyday joys we all experience are gifts from God and evidence of his nature. These pleasures or gifts stand alongside the trees and the oceans as evidence of a creator and giver.
So next time you’re tempted to disdain the secular or profane joys of the world, abstain. Instead choose to see God’s nature in all that is Good.
Arrived
… is yet another day in which we wait for Baby Shinn. Babywatch 2006 is in full effect.
Baby Shinn
…is still in the oven. Bu hopefully he or she will be ready in the next day or two!
New Family Pictures – also announcing Babywatch 2006
Our house all lit up for Christmas
Lisa all cute and pregnant
More of Lisa
Profile View
We’re both expecting
My two lover-girls
(Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep) We interrupt this irregularly sceduled broadcast to bring you the latest on a breaking story …… We’ve procured exclusive rights to the imminent news of the arrival of Baby Shinn. We’re branding this breaking story Babywatch 2006. Be sure to check here for all the latest announcements and breaking news. Now, back to Steve Rainalot in the Action News Storm Center.
Book Review: Christian Husband
I read this a few months ago, but felt the need to put up a quick review. I picked up this book at a Family Life marriage conference, which was a great experience. Family Life seems really interested in getting all kinds of resources into your hands, and we walked away with a sizable stack of good books. This was the first I read.
The book itself is really basic. The first half explains in simple terms what it means to be a Christian. The second talks in simple terms about what it means to be a husband in light of biblical principles. The entire book follows a growing imaginary dialogue between the author, Bob Lepine, and God about a husband’s responsibilities. Not the most engaging book I’ve read. Even so, the content is worth reflecting on.
Friday Fun – A game that appeals to Shinnfans
Shinnfans: Here’s an awesome little game i stumbled across on the web this morning. Check out www.lot23.com/play/groupthink. It’s a game called Groupthink, in which community members add words to collaboratively form sentences. It’s kind of like standing around a refrigerator with a bunch of friends and adding those little words from a magnetic poetry set. It’s easy, free, and fun. Log on and check it out!
Happy Friday,
Andrew
Book Reviews
Here’s what I’ve been reading. Leave a comment if you want a review of any certain title.
- The 9/11 Commission Report
- The Cluetrain Manifesto
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Tis (by Frank McCourt)
- The Magician’s Nephew
I think that covers most of it. I have lots to say about Cluetrain, but I’ll get to it when I have a little more time. Ciao!
