What’s Cookin’? 110

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) My seminary retreat. Guest speaker was Andy Crouch, who was awesome! His theme was “Live More Musically” (see notes 1, 2, 3, and 4). (2) Practiced Sabbath this past Sunday, which for me was really turning off my phone. I really enjoyed spending the time with my family without any distractions. (3) Amanda was runner-up for “Teacher of the Month,” which is voted on by students. This is actually a greater achievement than it sounds because she only teaches two grades (versus others who teach 3 or 4) and has only been there for one month. I’m proud of her.

What I’m reading: Currently, reading Relevant Magazine’s November-December issue. Reading very slowly – my friend Derek’s book So You Thinking About Going to Seminary: An Insider’s Guide and The Art of Reading Scripture edited by Ellen Davis and Richard Hays. For class, I’m reading Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature by Ernest C. Lucas and Old Testament Parallels: Laws And Stories from the Ancient Near East by Victor H. Matthews and Don C. Benjamin. I also picked up The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why by Phyllis Tickle.
Listenin’ and lovin’:
  • Podcasts: Mars Hill podcast; Speaking of Faith‘s “The Sunni-Shia Divide and the Future of Islam.” That was really helpful in developing a better understanding of the current state of Islam.
  • New ones that I’m trying – “Best of Mike and Mike in the Morning,” “ESPN Soccernet,” “Best of YouTube” video-cast, and “Divine Office” which gives prayers and readings for each day.
  • Music: Listened to Derek Webb’s The Ringing Bell. In the Christmas music mode, thanks to my wife.

What I’ve been vegetating in front of: (1) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 3 that I just bought. (2) The Office. (3) FIFA 2009 on XBox 360.

iPhone app I’m happy about: (1) “Advent08” that will assist our family in the Advent season. It provides prayers and Scripture for each day. (2) Google app added links to Google Reader!

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Andy Reid benched McNabb? What? I thought I’d never see that. (2) Tim got a flat tire over the weekend. I went with him on Saturday to find a new one, but, apparently, everyone in the Valley Forge area didn’t have the tire for his Mazda 3. How do tire places not have a certain tire?

Job update: still not much progress. I’m talking to InterVarsity. I was denied an English teaching job at a local Christian school. I put my resume on youthspecialties.com and workphilly.com so maybe that will turn up something. I’m going to apply for unemployment compensation. I never wanted to be “that person,” but I’ve been humbled.

Seminary update: we have off of class this week, but our seminary retreat to Valley Forge was awesome! I had so much fun with my friends, and I really appreciated laughing, crying (yes), and talking with many of them.

Looking forward to: (1) What God has in store for me. (2) Finding a place to live on our own. (3) Observing Advent as a family. Amanda and I talked about it today, and we are going to do it. We bought candles and a wreath. We also hope to not eat any meat or junk food during Advent. On Christmas day, we’ll party! (4) So, Advent to begin. (5) Observing Sabbath again! (6) Thanksgiving!

What’s Cookin’? 109

Mac: Would you like a spot of tea?
Dennis: MMMMMYEEESSSS!

(-It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: “The Gang Cracks The Liberty Bell”)

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent some time yesterday [Sunday] with our dear friends Tim and Susan and their wonderful baby boy, Nathan. (2) Amanda let me buy FIFA 2009 for XBox 360, which I was pretty excited about. (3) I wrote five posts for Everyday Liturgy. One in particular was mentioned publicly on Emergent Village’s twitterfeed. (4) I have my own website now! (view here – if you are about to click, I must inform you that you are already there).

What I’m reading: Currently, reading Relevant Magazine’s November-December issue. Also, my friend Derek’s book So You Thinking About Going to Seminary: An Insider’s Guide and The Art of Reading Scripture edited by Ellen Davis and Richard Hays. For class, I’m reading Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature by Ernest C. Lucas and Old Testament Parallels: Laws And Stories from the Ancient Near East by Victor H. Matthews and Don C. Benjamin.
Listenin’ and lovin’:
  • Podcasts: Mars Hills “Bricks and Boards,” and Speaking of Faith‘s “Liberating the Founders,” which I recommend to help remove some of the old assumptions about America’s founders and their religious beliefs.
  • Music: I’ve fallen into the trap of listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, which I promised I’d never do

What I’ve been vegetating in front of: (1) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Office; (2) Heroes; (3) FIFA 2009 on XBox 360 – I recommend to all soccer fans who play soccer video games. (4) I’ve also been on a Law & Order kick. No sure why? May have something to do with it being the only good afternoon television besides SportsCenter.

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) our beloved Philadelphia Eagles found a way to a tie with the 1-win Cinncinati Bengals. Wow! Super Bowl, here we come! (2) The Bible talks about “beer” – I knew it talked about wine, but beer? I never knew that! (see Deut. 29v6; 1 Sam. 1v15; Isa. 29v9, 28v7, 24v9; Prov. 31v6 – the TNIV uses the word “beer”). (3) the subscriptions in Psalms likely weren’t part of the original text and “of David” could mean a number of things other than that they were written by David. Take that, fundies! I’m just kidding, but seriously.

Job update: still not much progress. I contacted a few places, but I haven’t heard back. I’m not worrying yet.

Seminary update: tomorrow will be the second class on Old Testament poetic books. I’m enjoying it so far. I didn’t know the Psalms could be so complicated!

Looking forward to: (1) What God has in store for me. (2) Giselle to associate “Da-da” with me. (3) Finding a place to live on our own.

What’s Cookin’? 106

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series. Could it really happen? (2) Giselle laughed at me yesterday when I made a face at her. That’s the first time she did that without me tickling her. (3) Amanda is adjusting well to her new job. Apparently, she kicks kids out of class! If you know my wife, that would seem uncanny to you, but I’m glad she is asking kids to respect her.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson 

Listenin’ and lovin‘: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I’ve been listening to one of the podcasts called “Being Autistic and Being Human” (it has exposed me to some of the ‘human-ness’ of people with autism, which I suppose was the purpose), and I also listened to an interview with Rod Dreher, author of Crunchy Cons: The New Conservative Counterculture and Its Return to Roots, talk about his care for environmental issues but how he is still Republican. That’s pretty cool. Also, I’ve fallen in love with listening to interviews by Emergent Village with Phyllis Tickle, what a wonderful and wise person. Music-wise: I created a “Genius” playlist on my iPhone with worship music so that included Delirious?, Hillsong, Hillsong United, Phil Wickham, and Jason Morant. 

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Did I mention that the Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series? 

Something(s) that broke my heart: (1) I never thought Dobson would stoop so low as he did in his letter from Obama’s America in 2012. I hope to write about this later. Thanks to Thom for pointing this out. (2) Obama’s thoughts that America is the last great hope of the world still breaks my heart from a Christian perspective. This isn’t recent, but it still bothers me.

Ministry update: last night we had a combined youth group with our friends from Grace Valley Fellowship. We had a scavenger hunt, pizza, hayride, and bonfire. It was a lot of fun. Tucker (their youth pastor) and I really tried to promote interaction between both groups. I think it worked out well.

Seminary update: still reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer. I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around all of what we are talking about, specifically, Nelson’s (above book) view on the historical books. We read Esther in the Septuagint with all the additions, which I told my friend Ben who is Eastern Orthodox, and he responded, “In other words, you read the complete Esther.” That’s a seminary joke, but a funny one if you get it. I won’t tell you why. Look it up! Also, reading Genesis 22 (the near-sacrifice of Isaac) and its interpretation from the Jewish, Muslim, Samaritan, and Christian perspectives.

Looking forward to: (1) the Phillies winning the World Series! I’m really looking forward to my mom’s reaction, if my reaction will result in my getting arrested (kidding!), and a parade!

What’s Cookin’? 106

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series. Could it really happen? (2) Giselle laughed at me yesterday when I made a face at her. That’s the first time she did that without me tickling her. (3) Amanda is adjusting well to her new job. Apparently, she kicks kids out of class! If you know my wife, that would seem uncanny to you, but I’m glad she is asking kids to respect her.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson 

Listenin’ and lovin‘: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I’ve been listening to one of the podcasts called “Being Autistic and Being Human” (it has exposed me to some of the ‘human-ness’ of people with autism, which I suppose was the purpose), and I also listened to an interview with Rod Dreher, author of Crunchy Cons: The New Conservative Counterculture and Its Return to Roots, talk about his care for environmental issues but how he is still Republican. That’s pretty cool. Also, I’ve fallen in love with listening to interviews by Emergent Village with Phyllis Tickle, what a wonderful and wise person. Music-wise: I created a “Genius” playlist on my iPhone with worship music so that included Delirious?, Hillsong, Hillsong United, Phil Wickham, and Jason Morant. 

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Did I mention that the Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series? 

Something(s) that broke my heart: (1) I never thought Dobson would stoop so low as he did in his letter from Obama’s America in 2012. I hope to write about this later. Thanks to Thom for pointing this out. (2) Obama’s thoughts that America is the last great hope of the world still breaks my heart from a Christian perspective. This isn’t recent, but it still bothers me.

Ministry update: last night we had a combined youth group with our friends from Grace Valley Fellowship. We had a scavenger hunt, pizza, hayride, and bonfire. It was a lot of fun. Tucker (their youth pastor) and I really tried to promote interaction between both groups. I think it worked out well.

Seminary update: still reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer. I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around all of what we are talking about, specifically, Nelson’s (above book) view on the historical books. We read Esther in the Septuagint with all the additions, which I told my friend Ben who is Eastern Orthodox, and he responded, “In other words, you read the complete Esther.” That’s a seminary joke, but a funny one if you get it. I won’t tell you why. Look it up! Also, reading Genesis 22 (the near-sacrifice of Isaac) and its interpretation from the Jewish, Muslim, Samaritan, and Christian perspectives.

Looking forward to: (1) the Phillies winning the World Series! I’m really looking forward to my mom’s reaction, if my reaction will result in my getting arrested (kidding!), and a parade!

What’s Cookin’? 106

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series. Could it really happen? (2) Giselle laughed at me yesterday when I made a face at her. That’s the first time she did that without me tickling her. (3) Amanda is adjusting well to her new job. Apparently, she kicks kids out of class! If you know my wife, that would seem uncanny to you, but I’m glad she is asking kids to respect her.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson 

Listenin’ and lovin‘: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I’ve been listening to one of the podcasts called “Being Autistic and Being Human” (it has exposed me to some of the ‘human-ness’ of people with autism, which I suppose was the purpose), and I also listened to an interview with Rod Dreher, author of Crunchy Cons: The New Conservative Counterculture and Its Return to Roots, talk about his care for environmental issues but how he is still Republican. That’s pretty cool. Also, I’ve fallen in love with listening to interviews by Emergent Village with Phyllis Tickle, what a wonderful and wise person. Music-wise: I created a “Genius” playlist on my iPhone with worship music so that included Delirious?, Hillsong, Hillsong United, Phil Wickham, and Jason Morant. 

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Did I mention that the Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series? 

Something(s) that broke my heart: (1) I never thought Dobson would stoop so low as he did in his letter from Obama’s America in 2012. I hope to write about this later. Thanks to Thom for pointing this out. (2) Obama’s thoughts that America is the last great hope of the world still breaks my heart from a Christian perspective. This isn’t recent, but it still bothers me.

Ministry update: last night we had a combined youth group with our friends from Grace Valley Fellowship. We had a scavenger hunt, pizza, hayride, and bonfire. It was a lot of fun. Tucker (their youth pastor) and I really tried to promote interaction between both groups. I think it worked out well.

Seminary update: still reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer. I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around all of what we are talking about, specifically, Nelson’s (above book) view on the historical books. We read Esther in the Septuagint with all the additions, which I told my friend Ben who is Eastern Orthodox, and he responded, “In other words, you read the complete Esther.” That’s a seminary joke, but a funny one if you get it. I won’t tell you why. Look it up! Also, reading Genesis 22 (the near-sacrifice of Isaac) and its interpretation from the Jewish, Muslim, Samaritan, and Christian perspectives.

Looking forward to: (1) the Phillies winning the World Series! I’m really looking forward to my mom’s reaction, if my reaction will result in my getting arrested (kidding!), and a parade!

What’s Cookin’? 106

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series. Could it really happen? (2) Giselle laughed at me yesterday when I made a face at her. That’s the first time she did that without me tickling her. (3) Amanda is adjusting well to her new job. Apparently, she kicks kids out of class! If you know my wife, that would seem uncanny to you, but I’m glad she is asking kids to respect her.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson 

Listenin’ and lovin‘: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I’ve been listening to one of the podcasts called “Being Autistic and Being Human” (it has exposed me to some of the ‘human-ness’ of people with autism, which I suppose was the purpose), and I also listened to an interview with Rod Dreher, author of Crunchy Cons: The New Conservative Counterculture and Its Return to Roots, talk about his care for environmental issues but how he is still Republican. That’s pretty cool. Also, I’ve fallen in love with listening to interviews by Emergent Village with Phyllis Tickle, what a wonderful and wise person. Music-wise: I created a “Genius” playlist on my iPhone with worship music so that included Delirious?, Hillsong, Hillsong United, Phil Wickham, and Jason Morant. 

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Did I mention that the Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series? 

Something(s) that broke my heart: (1) I never thought Dobson would stoop so low as he did in his letter from Obama’s America in 2012. I hope to write about this later. Thanks to Thom for pointing this out. (2) Obama’s thoughts that America is the last great hope of the world still breaks my heart from a Christian perspective. This isn’t recent, but it still bothers me.

Ministry update: last night we had a combined youth group with our friends from Grace Valley Fellowship. We had a scavenger hunt, pizza, hayride, and bonfire. It was a lot of fun. Tucker (their youth pastor) and I really tried to promote interaction between both groups. I think it worked out well.

Seminary update: still reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer. I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around all of what we are talking about, specifically, Nelson’s (above book) view on the historical books. We read Esther in the Septuagint with all the additions, which I told my friend Ben who is Eastern Orthodox, and he responded, “In other words, you read the complete Esther.” That’s a seminary joke, but a funny one if you get it. I won’t tell you why. Look it up! Also, reading Genesis 22 (the near-sacrifice of Isaac) and its interpretation from the Jewish, Muslim, Samaritan, and Christian perspectives.

Looking forward to: (1) the Phillies winning the World Series! I’m really looking forward to my mom’s reaction, if my reaction will result in my getting arrested (kidding!), and a parade!

What’s Cookin’? 106

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series. Could it really happen? (2) Giselle laughed at me yesterday when I made a face at her. That’s the first time she did that without me tickling her. (3) Amanda is adjusting well to her new job. Apparently, she kicks kids out of class! If you know my wife, that would seem uncanny to you, but I’m glad she is asking kids to respect her.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson 

Listenin’ and lovin‘: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I’ve been listening to one of the podcasts called “Being Autistic and Being Human” (it has exposed me to some of the ‘human-ness’ of people with autism, which I suppose was the purpose), and I also listened to an interview with Rod Dreher, author of Crunchy Cons: The New Conservative Counterculture and Its Return to Roots, talk about his care for environmental issues but how he is still Republican. That’s pretty cool. Also, I’ve fallen in love with listening to interviews by Emergent Village with Phyllis Tickle, what a wonderful and wise person. Music-wise: I created a “Genius” playlist on my iPhone with worship music so that included Delirious?, Hillsong, Hillsong United, Phil Wickham, and Jason Morant. 

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Did I mention that the Phillies are up 3-1 in the World Series? 

Something(s) that broke my heart: (1) I never thought Dobson would stoop so low as he did in his letter from Obama’s America in 2012. I hope to write about this later. Thanks to Thom for pointing this out. (2) Obama’s thoughts that America is the last great hope of the world still breaks my heart from a Christian perspective. This isn’t recent, but it still bothers me.

Ministry update: last night we had a combined youth group with our friends from Grace Valley Fellowship. We had a scavenger hunt, pizza, hayride, and bonfire. It was a lot of fun. Tucker (their youth pastor) and I really tried to promote interaction between both groups. I think it worked out well.

Seminary update: still reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer. I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around all of what we are talking about, specifically, Nelson’s (above book) view on the historical books. We read Esther in the Septuagint with all the additions, which I told my friend Ben who is Eastern Orthodox, and he responded, “In other words, you read the complete Esther.” That’s a seminary joke, but a funny one if you get it. I won’t tell you why. Look it up! Also, reading Genesis 22 (the near-sacrifice of Isaac) and its interpretation from the Jewish, Muslim, Samaritan, and Christian perspectives.

Looking forward to: (1) the Phillies winning the World Series! I’m really looking forward to my mom’s reaction, if my reaction will result in my getting arrested (kidding!), and a parade!

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

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