Weekend Links 4-20-18

A weekly roundup of interesting stuff from the Internet:

The old adage is that you never leave a baseball game early. Never. Last Saturday, the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves proved this adage to be true in one of the strangest innings of a baseball game ever. I was watching this game live and still cannot believe the way it turned out. I have never seen anything like it.

C.S. Lewis is known as one of the greatest Christian writers of all time. Many forget that he was once an avowed atheist. His experiences in the trenches during World War I changed his life forever. 

Adventures in etymology: Why are bananas, nuts, and crackers the only foods that say "crazy"?

How a notorious art heist led to the discovery of six fake Mona Lisas.

English isn't logical and that's a good thing.

How Schoolhouse Rock became the "Jingle of a Generation". (hat tip Witnify)

Five ways to recover the lost art of note taking.

Five years ago, Brad Meltzer put out a plea on social media for a kidney donor to help save his beloved history teacher. He then rewarded the donor by making her a major character in his latest novel.

Could a move towards localism help heal our political divide? It's certainly a good place to start.

Myrtle Beach is known as a great place for a golf vacation. But it also happens to be the self-proclaimed mini-golf capital of the world. 

Daily Links 5-6-14

Good morning! A few articles to help you start your day. In today's edition: the problem with seeking God's will, baseball in India, the woman who put herself in the nuthouse, and more.

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Matt Papa on the problem with seeking God's will:

I have spent too much of my life, and my prayer life, asking for God to lead me into His “perfect will”.  “God lead me”.  “Guide me”.  “Use me”.  “Bless me”.  While I know that God is a gracious, condescending God who meets us wherever we are, I something wonder if God has been up there saying…. 

“Um…yeah.  I’m Your Shepherd.  That’s what I do.” 

So there’s a problem revealed here.  If I really believed that God was good….that He was my dad who was all powerful and all knowing and all loving….then I wouldn’t be repeatedly begging him to lead me with this certain twinge of anxiety.  I would relax.  Dad’s got me.  Chill.

Hat tip: Challies

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Could it be that America's favorite books are its favorite movies?

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The new movie Million Dollar Arm (which judging by the previews looks really good) will open in theaters next week. But will the movie spark interest in baseball in India?

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A collection of the best C. S. Lewis quotes.

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Taking God at His word: an interview with Kevin DeYoung about his new book.

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The amazing story of Nellie Bly who once intentionally got herself committed to an insane asylum to expose brutal treatment of the patients.

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Daily Links 3-21-14

Happy Friday! Here are a few links to help start the weekend off right. In today's edition: stop binge watching and start binge reading, an apology from Mark Driscoll, how to get more done, fewer friends are better, and more.

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Change your reading habits by binge reading. This actually makes some sense. I've been trying to be more aggressive about reading more books. The key is not feeling guilty for giving up on a book that is not working for you.

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Baseball season is almost upon us which means ballpark concessions. The Arizona Diamondbacks have unveiled a $25 corndog. Judge for yourself whether you would pay that much for this snack.

The Diamondbaskc are selling this 18 inch corndog wrapped in bacon and cheese with a side of fries for $25.

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Mark Driscoll penned an open letter of apology to his congregation and addressed among other things the recent controversy regarding the promotion of one of his books. This is worth taking the time to read.

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8 films that you may not have known started out as stage productions.

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8 ways to get more things done. These are all very good tips.

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TheMafra National Palace in Portugal is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world (as you can see from the picture below). But is also one of the most unusual: it's guarded by bats.

Photo by Will Pryce (via Book Riot)

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Making the case for fewer friends. In today's social media soaked age, this especially makes a lot of sense.

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C. S. Lewis is one of the most oft-quoted theologians of all time. But he's also commonly misquoted. Here are 7 quotes attributed to him that he didn't say.

Daily Links 3-10-14

Here's a collection of links to help start off your week: remembering C. S. Lewis, gifts for grammar geeks, why community is so hard to find, and more.

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Reflections from Douglas Gresham about his stepfather C. S. Lewis.

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A collection of gifts for grammar geeks.

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There's a secret corporation that controls America. Well, not exactly but that's almost right.

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Why do we have such a hard time finding community?

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In praise of long pastorates. I'm of the opinion that pastors should look to plant themselves in a church and stay there. (Hat tip: Challies)

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A collection of kitchen gadgets for the Firefly fan.

Daily Links 1-21-14

Bite size commentary delivered daily. In today's edition: The Great Divorce on stage, how to know God's will, biblical messages in Frozen, and more.

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Coming soon to a theater near you: a stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. Though his Narnia books have garnered much more attention over the years because of the movie adaptations, I think this is one of his more underrated books. This could be a very promising play.

Hat tip: Breakpoint

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Finding God's will is a lot easier than you think:

Discovering God’s will is one of those topics that Christians (at least, North American ones) never seem to tire of. We want to know if what we’re doing is what God wants for us, his “best” for us, if you will. There are tons of books on the subject (only a couple that are worth reading in my opinion, though), lots of sermons and blog posts. And, honestly, if you read most of them, you’d think there was some sort of big secret—that God was leaving his will for our lives shrouded in mystery. 

A mystery you must solve in order to have your best life now™. 

Or something.

But God has not left us to flounder on this, as if we were to wander about aimlessly with no hope of finding an answer. But he’s also not provided an answer that will satisfy some to the degree they’d like. Instead, God directs us to his word, where he’s pretty clear-cut about no less than five things that are his will for our lives, which are helpfully detailed in John MacArthur’s book, Found: God’s Will and Kevin DeYoung’s Just Do Something

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6 questions writers should ask. Some good advice for anyone who wants to write effectively.

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One of the surprising things about Disney's Frozen (which we really enjoyed) is that it has some biblical truth embedded in the story. I hadn't really thought about it until I read the article. (Hat tip: Home Front)

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When a friend is in crisis what's the best thing to do?

The start of a New Year always seems to bring with it a sense of promise, a renewed hope that life will somehow get better or easier or lovelier. When the first of January came to pass last year, I had a lot of expectations for what the next twelve months would hold. I prayed for new mercies, new opportunities, new avenues for service. 

While several months were marked by those truths, the beginning half of the year was also characterized by a lot of difficulty, hurt and overwhelming loss—not on a personal level, but for those close to me, those I care deeply about. 

Numerous friends grieved the loss of one or both parents. and multiple couples I know lost a child at birth. While some faced newfound unemployment, others have struggled tirelessly but are still unable to find work. I have friends mourning broken relationships—familial, romantic or otherwise. It’s all incredibly confusing, and yet the heartache is all too real. 

Knowing what to say at these times presents us with a challenge. A sentiment doesn’t exist that can change the current condition. As hard as we search for the most consoling words, they still feel empty, they come up short. I learned an important lesson years ago that has never failed me, a phrase that is my North Star in any and all circumstances. It’s a simple truth, which I believe resonate with us the most. It’s one thing true friends do, even when they can’t do anything else. 

Show up.

Be sure to read the whole thing.

Daily Links 12-26-13

In today's roundup of links: productivity tips from the book of Proverbs, things Christians should stop saying, being careful about what you share on the internet, and more.

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This is interesting: a list of 22 productivity tips from the book of Proverbs. (Hat tip: Aaron Armstrong)

The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say about productivity. Not only does it teach us how we can be more productive, it teaches how we can be more biblically productive. 

Some of these principles you can find in secular productivity literature today. (Indeed, many of the proverbs can be found in secular ancient Near East literature, verbatim.) But seeing them in God-breathed Scripture reminds us to adopt those principles with a God-centered perspective. Other principles in the list don’t get as much ink or pixels in productivity books or blogs. Let us consider how to incorporate those in our mindset and our workflow, so that we can glorify God all the more in the work that we do. 

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A list of five things that Christians should stop saying. I agree with every single one especially #1 and #3.

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A warning to be careful about what we share on the internet:

It can happen to any of us. It does happen to almost all of us. 

We see a story online that shocks us and seems just true enough. 

Normally, we check things out before we share them, but this is so unbelievable we need to get the news out as soon as possible. 

We post it on Facebook or retweet it. Before we know it, others have shared the story.

Only then do we find out the truth – it was fake.

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Some enterprising Arizona State University students have converted retired food trucks into bookmobiles. What a great idea. (Hat tip: Book Riot)

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Why C. S. Lewis still matters fifty years after his death.

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The delightful love letter from Mark Twain to his wife on the occasion of their sixth wedding anniversary.

Daily Links 12-4-13

A daily roundup of interesting things from the Internet. In today's links: Maurice Sendak and the love of reading, whatever happened to male friendship, and more.

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An amazing collection of posters that were created by Maurice Sendak that celebrate the joy of reading.

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Whatever happened to male friendship? Leave it to an ad to remind us of what we are missing.

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What C. S. Lewis would have to say to us about friendship:

How does our society undervalue friendship?  One doesn’t need to think too long about how Facebook has changed our understanding of the subject.  In the virtual “community,” one can have thousands of friends, some of whom one might never have met or only know of through degrees of separation.  Though they may never have spent time together, two “friends” can view each other’s lives unfolding (or at least the best, happiest version of a life that is posted) by scanning photos, status updates, and commentary from other people.  They need not share any history, any present experiences, or even hope of meeting in the future. Twitter doesn’t even bother to characterize virtual relationships in terms of friendship; as someone’s “follower,” you need not even hope for reciprocated affection.

To this Lewis would offer, “We picture lovers face to face, but Friends side by side; their eyes look ahead.  This is why those pathetic people who simply ‘want friends’ can never make any.  The very condition of having Friends is that we should want something else besides Friends.  Where the truthful answer to the question, Do you see the same truth? would be, I see nothing and I don’t care about the truth; I only want a Friend,” no Friendship can arise.  There would be nothing for the Friendship to be about…and friendship must be about something…Those who have nothing can share nothing; those who are going nowhere can have no fellow-travelers.”

For Lewis, real friendship cannot exist in the virtual world; not only does one need to walk with someone throughout the joys and sorrows of life to be their friend, one must be walking with the other person toward shared truths – moral, religious, or otherwise.   Exchanges of ideas (or pictures and statuses) alone cannot make a friendship; exchanges of persons, in body and soul, do.

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This is interesting: 8 foods you've been eating the wrong way.

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A fascinating list of 13 things that mentally strong people avoid.

Daily Links 11-21-13

Playing Poirot, the secrets of the Zapruder film, how to be a man at home, cool book nooks, and more in today's roundup of links.

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David Suchet shares his secrets to playing Hercule Poirot. Some of the tips are a little surprising. For example, I didn't realize that he would watch each previous portrayal before filming a new installment. Plus I love the fact that he stays in character all throughout filming.

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Brian Howard has five tips for how to be a man at home. These are all great suggestions.

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Tomorrow marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John Kennedy. The most famous piece of film from that day is the amateur 8mm movie taken by Abraham Zapruder. Life Magazine has the story of how they managed to acquire this precious piece of film.

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This is surprising:

Full story here.

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Some people love Disney so much they decided to move there. Not a bad deal if you have a couple of million to spare.
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Here's a collection of book nooks that will warm your heart. I think this one is my favorite.

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How C. S. Lewis led the way to better apologetics.

Daily Links 11-19-13

In this morning's link roundup: a collection of bookish tote bags, how to make your marriage last a lifetime, the thankless job of a pastor's wife, and more.

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A bookish collection of tote bags via Book Riot.

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Two things you can do to make your marriage last a lifetime.

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One way to figure out today's "must do" item is to make a list of things that make you most anxious or uncomfortable and start there.

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When Columbia University was moving into their new library in 1934, they used a really long book slide.

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Thom Rainer has a wonderful word of encouragement to pastors' wives. It is a truly thankless job.

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As children, their family were spared the violence of the Kristallnacht by an SS officer. Now, 75 years later, they are on a quest to find that officer to thank him for his kindness.

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The 50th anniversary of the passing of C. S. Lewis is coming up in a couple of days. Here's an interview with HarperOne publisher Mark Tauber on Lewis' enduring appeal.

Daily Links 11-11-13

Giving C. S. Lewis his due, the best time to drink coffee, Saving Mr. Banks, and responding to critics of Strange Fire in today's link roundup.

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November 22nd will mark the 50th anniversary of the death of C. S. Lewis. According to Christianity Today, he will finally receive a recognition that is long overdue:

On the anniverary of his death, Lewis will be commemorated with a memorial plaque in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner, which honors authors and other cultural figures whose work has shaped English society. A two-day conference on Lewis's works will begin the preceding day.

Alister McGrath, the latest to examine Lewis biographically, believes this anniversary year will solidify Lewis's reputation as an apologist and classicist. At Oxford's recent literary conference, McGrath's sold-out talk on Lewis led to requests for him to give three more. 

"We've minimized Lewis's importance [in the UK], and we have catching up to do [with U.S. evangelicals]," said the author of C.S. Lewis: A Life. "Lewis is here to stay; that debate is over. Now there is this sense of, 'There is more to learn from Lewis, so let's read him again.' "

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More on C. S. Lewis: why he is still relevant fifty years after his death.

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There's no question that coffee helps you stay alert. But did you know there is a best time to drink coffee, scientifically speaking? (Hat tip: Challies)

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John MacArthur answers his critics regarding Strange Fire. For example, why MacArthur chose to emphasize what is essentially a second-level issue of doctrine:

These questions remind me of an article Thabiti Anyabwile wrote during the Strange Fire Conference, in which he explained why this issue is so important. He wrote, “First, we have to admit that there’s a correct and an incorrect position on this issue. Somebody is right and somebody is wrong… . Second, we have to admit that how we view this issue substantially impacts the nature of the Christian life. It matters. It’s not an inconsequential idea. Someone worships God appropriately, someone doesn’t… . Third, we have to admit that this issue practically impacts Christian worship and fellowship. It’s not only a private matter, but a corporate one as well.”

I agree with all of that. This is an issue of critical importance because it affects our view of God as well as our understanding of how to live out the Christian life, both individually and corporately. 

I don’t think, however, that this issue is unclear in Scripture. The fact that Christians disagree on what the Bible teaches does not mean that there is a lack of clarity in Scripture, but rather in Christians. The Word of God is our authoritative rule for faith and practice—meaning that it is perfectly sufficient for teaching sound doctrine and governing right living. Certainly, an orthodox pneumatology fits under that umbrella. 

On the one hand, I would agree that this is a second-level doctrinal issue—meaning that someone can be either a continuationist or a cessationist and still be a genuine follower of Jesus Christ. I have always maintained that position, and I reiterated that point several times during the conference. I have good friends who consider themselves continuationists, and I am confident that these men are fellow brothers in Christ. But that doesn’t excuse the seriousness of the error. In fact, I would appeal to my continuationist brethren to reconsider their views in light of what Scripture teaches. 

On the other hand, I am firmly convinced that this secondary issue has the very real potential to taint a person’s understanding of the gospel itself. In such cases, it becomes a primary issue. For example, charismatic theology does corrupt the gospel when it expresses itself in the form of the prosperity gospel. Moreover, the global charismatic movement happily shelters other heretical movements—such as Catholic Charismatics and Oneness Pentecostals. Taken together, the number of charismatics who hold to a false form of the gospel (whether it is a gospel of health and wealth or a gospel of works righteousness) number in the hundreds of millions, which means they actually represent the majority of the global charismatic movement. That is why we took such a strong stand both at the conference and in the book. 

Be sure to read the whole thing. More to come on this subject.

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One of the movies that I am really looking forward to seeing is Saving Mr. Banks which tells the story of how Walt Disney convinced author P. L. Travers to allow him to make a movie version of Mary Poppins. The film focuses in part on the writing of the songs that would make up the memorable soundtrack. The songs were written by Richard and Robert Sherman (portrayed in the movie by B. J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman). Thankfully the duo had the opportunity to work closely with Richard Sherman throughout filming.  

Daily Links 11-8-13

A bookish roundup of links to start off your weekend: a cool bookmark, why you should write in your books, a really neat audiobook you can listen to for free, and more.

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I love this bookmark....

You can find more neat designs here. (Hat tip: Book Riot)

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Here are five reasons you should write in your books. I've never been in the habit of writing in my books but this makes a fairly good case for doing so.

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Although C. S. Lewis is probably best known as a theologian I think his fiction books are his best works. One of my personal favorites is The Screwtape Letters. One of the earliest audio editions was narrated by none other than John Cleese. You can listen to all of it for free here.

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Ernest Hemingway is arguably one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century. Although he never wrote about how to write fiction he did mention the subject in a number of letters, articles, and books. Here are seven of his best tips on how to write fiction.

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Here's a terrific list of books on reading and writing.

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If you live in Copperas Cove, Texas, you better return your books to the library on time or end up in jail:

An ordinance adopted by the City of Copperas Cove could mean an arrest for patrons if they don't return library materials.

A recent case landed one man behind bars for a book he'd had checked out for more than three years.

On Wednesday Jory Enck was booked into jail and released for overdue library materials.

Court documents show he checked out a GED study guide in 2010 and didn't respond to attempts from the library to get the book back.

I have heard of extreme penalties for overdue library books but this seems like a little bit much.

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Fans of Jane Austen beware: there is a new updating of Sense and Sensibility coming to bookshelves soon. While it's a popular thing to attempt, there are several pitfalls writers would do well to avoid.

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Here's a list of 9 books that you should drop everything to read right away.

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This is without a doubt one of the coolest bookstores you're likely to find anywhere. The Dutch really know how to make the most of an abandoned church:

Details (and more photos) here.

Daily Links 10-22-13

Churches are too busy, churches aren't preaching the Bible, C. S. Lewis' marriage, and more in today's roundup of links.

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Last week's Strange Fire conference caused quite the stir if my Twitter feed is any indication. People on both sides of the spiritual gifts issue were weighing in on the conference. Since I haven't studied the issue thoroughly I haven't taken a position. In fact, I spent the last several days wondering why this was being made an issue at this particular time and whether John MacArthur had committed a serious error in hosting this conference. Tim Challies offers his observations from the conference and I have to say that while it has not really helped me settle on a position on the issue of spiritual gifts it does at least shed some light on why this conference was so important and so timely.

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Most churches are too busy, according to Dr. Thom Rainer:

Most churches—more than eight out of ten—are busy. Too busy. These churches need to slim down their plethora of programs, activities, and ministries. They need to go on a busyness diet.

Dr. Rainer goes on to outline seven reasons churches need to reduce their busyness. If you are a church leader you would be well served to read the entire article and consider how your church can reduce its level of activities.

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Dr. Albert Mohler wrestles with the question of why so many churches hear so little of the Bible:

“It is well and good for the preacher to base his sermon on the Bible, but he better get to something relevant pretty quickly, or we start mentally to check out.” That stunningly clear sentence reflects one of the most amazing, tragic, and lamentable characteristics of contemporary Christianity: an impatience with the Word of God.

The sentence above comes from Mark Galli, senior managing editor of Christianity Today in an essay entitled, “Yawning at the Word.” In just a few hundred words, he captures the tragedy of a church increasingly impatient with and resistant to the reading and preaching of the Bible. We may wince when we read him relate his recent experiences, but we also recognize the ring of truth.

Galli was told to cut down on the biblical references in his sermon. “You’ll lose people,” the staff member warned. In a Bible study session on creation, the teacher was requested to come back the next Sunday prepared to take questions at the expense of reading the relevant scriptural texts on the doctrine. Cutting down on the number of Bible verses “would save time and, it was strongly implied, would better hold people’s interest.”

As Galli reflected, “Anyone who’s been in the preaching and teaching business knows these are not isolated examples but represent the larger reality.”

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Politically charged social media interactions can hurt your witness for Christ:

You can't blurt at a people and reach a people at the same time. This is true no matter how satisfying it feels to add your voice to the political rants on social media.

In the current political climate in our nation, with shutdowns and blame, I have watched the volume grow and the civility shrink.

I believe in the importance of civility for civility's sake. Yet, I think it goes even further than that if you are a Christian who wants to reach those disconnected from the church. In other words, I believe the way we handle political issues has a missional implication. So a few days ago, I posted this thought to Facebook (and a shorter version on Twitter):

"Statistically, the unchurched lean heavily Democrat. So—and I know it's just me talking crazy now—if you want to reach the unchurched, maybe constant Facebook/Twitter posts about how stupid Democrats are might be a bad idea."

The post was shared hundreds of times on both social media outlets and appeared to draw a largely positive response, so I thought it may be appropriate to elaborate a bit on this idea and why it's so important.

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A new biography of C. S. Lewis paints an inaccurate picture of his marriage to Joy Davidman according to this article. 

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Daily Links 10-8-13

What happens to retired school buses, secret passageway bookshelves, Walt Disney, Winston Churchill, and more in today's roundup of links.

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Ever wonder what happens to school buses when they are retired? Well, wonder no more.

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A collection of 10 really cool secret passageway bookshelves.

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Arguments continue over baseball's current one-and-done wild card game. Peter Gammons is the latest to weigh in and he's arguing that the system worked the way that it was supposed to. I am inclined to agree. (Hat tip: Right Field)

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Why Walt Disney chose to build a theme park on swampland.

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One of my all-time favorite Winston Churchill quotes:

More here and here.

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Mark Twain's advice to young girls of 1865.

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Free audio versions of the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.

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Could it be that we're spending too much time with earphones in our ears?

I had an earphone wake-up call the other day when I was being one such bad mom. I vaguely noticed the traffic policeman talking to himself and smiling and thought, “Yikes they let crazy people direct traffic?” About two blocks later it hit me: He was talking to me. Whoops.

I felt like a total jerk. I also realized that I am probably missing a lot of spontaneous verbal interactions with the other human beings that populate this earth, and that while perhaps my iPhone makes my dull afternoon walk feel a little more gangster or a little more like I’m in some cool movie, I’m missing a whole dimension of life.

We don’t need a poll or statistic to tell us that people are spending an enormous amount of time with their headphones on. We see it everywhere. The family out touring while the sullen teenager slumps along, hand in pocket, smooth, white nuggets blocking out the world. The eerie silence on the subway as everyone stares blankly ahead, iPhones cradled in their palms, the awkward elevator moment where you say “Hello!” only to realize your fellow passenger didn’t hear it, the muffled screechy wails of music interspersed with breathing on busses.

Daily Links 10-5-13

Why C. S. Lewis didn't use a typewriter, George Washington's library, the value of writing letters, and more in today's roundup of links.

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C. S. Lewis did not use a typewriter when he wrote. But the reason why is probably not the reason you think. (Hat tip: John Piper)

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One of the best presidential homes has received a fairly substantial upgrade: George Washington now has his own presidential library at Mount Vernon. Here are some fun facts about the new library.

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Matt Lewis poses an interesting question:

Anyone who has seen the trailer for the new movie Don Jon knows that Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), really cares about his porn. Fewer know that his love interest, Barbara (Scarlett Johansson), is likewise addicted to the sappy fairy tales we call romantic comedies.

I like the juxtaposition. Both things can be destructive. But while porn has a bad reputation, those who peddle unrealistic notions about love and marriage and relationships get a pass.

One wonders which of these fantasies have done the most damage to families.

Hat tip: Instapundit

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Meanwhile, a billboard in Nashville is spurring on conversations about pornography:

A billboard in downtown Nashville has many people talking. It's only three words, but the message aims to make a strong point meant to cut down on pornography and sex trafficking.

The sign, which reads 'She's somebody's daughter,' stands above the Hustler store on Church Street.

Nashville songwriter Steve Siler came up with the campaign after he realized several of his friends were addicted to Internet porn and thought it was time for a conversation on the values of our community.

"'Somebody's daughter' is basically our way of asking if pornography would be OK if it were your wife or your sister or your daughter," Siler said. "I think it will make them question and then ask, and sometimes information goes a long way."

Hat tip: Facts and Trends

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A case for reviving the long lost art of writing letters.

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He's 85 and a broadcasting legend yet he works as hard as ever:

Of all the stadiums in all the towns and all the states on the rich final weekend of September in America, please do bring me to a humble dining room without even a view of the field. Bring me to the fifth level of Dodger Stadium, behind the press box, behind the main media dining area, to a room with four little tables done up in blue-and-white, all unoccupied in mid-afternoon save for the one in the back corner.

There, you do find a sight.

There you do find a certain Vincent Scully, seated behind a small swarm of papers and a binder and a highlighter. There you find the reminder, always useful, that even the phenomenally beloved must study. Even a man whose voice can make your ear smile and your day improve must swim amid the nuts and bolts.

He will turn 86 in November. He will start his 65th season as the voice of the Dodgers next April. He lives with the abiding love of a sprawling metropolis. He has gone from Gil Hodges and Duke Snider and Roy Campanella all the way to Yasiel Puig, whom he can cite as "a study all by himself," comparable to none, with "his unbridled joy of playing, his enthusiasm, his recklessness." Yet as another season depletes toward Game 162 and, in this Dodger year, beyond, Vin Scully still totes around a healthy fear of unpreparedness.

Daily Links 8-28-13

Good morning. Here are a few links to help start your day. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.
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Healthy Churches are Messy

The healthiest churches are inevitably messy. The church that is bearing fruit will have many new believers, which means an ongoing struggle to disciple them. This discipleship, however, cannot happen in a vacuum, and it certainly doesn’t happen instantaneously.

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Via Book Riot, 15 Fabulous Bookish Pinterest Boards.

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One of C. S. Lewis' previously unpublished letters is published revealing the respect he had for the children that wrote to him. 


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Which store brands are as good as or better than store brands? (hat tip: Lifehacker)

Five Favorite Audiobooks

Author's note: I'm on the road this week with my family and so blogging will be light. The following is a post that I originally wrote in 2008. Looking back over it I would have to say these are still our favorite audiobooks.

One of the ways we pass the time on our long roadtrips (besides the XM radio) is listening to audiobooks. These are our favorites:

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
A quirky and charming story inspired by a newspaper clipping the author ran across in a scrapbook. During World War II, paintings from Britain's National Gallery were stored in a slate mine for safekeeping. Boyce imagines what the impact that art would have on the citizens of a small town with absolutely hilarious results. This is one we never get tired of listening to and many of our own family's inside jokes have come from this book. It's a winner.

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Kipling's stories are timeless in and of themselves. But their even better when read aloud. Although several editions exist, our favorite is performed by famed British actor Geoffrey Palmer. He brings a perfect performance to these wonderful stories.

Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
The first three installments of the "prequels" to Peter Pan are sheer fun and adventure. Both Pearson and Barry show themselves fully capable of handling the task of writing adventure novels that are geared towards kids. All three are performed by the wonderful Jim Dale who uses a variety of different voices to bring the characters to life. These are especially well-suited for longer road trips.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
These are wonderful books to read aloud as a family. Like many other classic tales, numerous versions of the Chronicles have been made with different narrators. However, the Focus on the Family Radio Theater production (linked above) is by far the best. This is an unabridged dramatization of all seven books and the production is absolutely top-notch. Each installment is also introduced by Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham who provides some wonderful insights into the writing of each of the volumes. Each time we listen to the books we discover something new and wonderful about the land of Narnia.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This thirteen-volume saga of the Bauderlaire children has something for both kids and parents alike. The books are both tragic and comic at the same time and like many other good audiobooks remain entertaining over repeated listening. Almost all of the books are narrated by Tim Curry (except for the third, fourth and fifth books which are narrated by the author). Curry's performance is absolutely wonderful and like other great audiobook performers knows how to create unique characters with his voice. Just to hear him bring the oft-coughing Mr. Poe to life is worth the listen.

Friday Fun - Five Favorite Audiobooks

One of the ways we pass the time on our long roadtrips (besides the XM radio) is listening to audiobooks. These are our favorites:

Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
A quirky and charming story inspired by a newspaper clipping the author ran across in a scrapbook. During World War II, paintings from Britain's National Gallery were stored in a slate mine for safekeeping. Boyce imagines what the impact that art would have on the citizens of a small town with absolutely hilarious results. This is one we never get tired of listening to and many of our own family's inside jokes have come from this book. It's a winner.

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
Kipling's stories are timeless in and of themselves. But their even better when read aloud. Although several editions exist, our favorite is performed by famed British actor Geoffrey Palmer. He brings a perfect performance to these wonderful stories.

Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
The first three installments of the "prequels" to Peter Pan are sheer fun and adventure. Both Pearson and Barry show themselves fully capable of handling the task of writing adventure novels that are geared towards kids. All three are performed by the wonderful Jim Dale who uses a variety of different voices to bring the characters to life. These are especially well-suited for longer road trips.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
These are wonderful books to read aloud as a family. Like many other classic tales, numerous versions of the Chronicles have been made with different narrators. However, the Focus on the Family Radio Theater production (linked above) is by far the best. This is an unabridged dramatization of all seven books and the production is absolutely top-notch. Each installment is also introduced by Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham who provides some wonderful insights into the writing of each of the volumes. Each time we listen to the books we discover something new and wonderful about the land of Narnia.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This thirteen-volume saga of the Bauderlaire children has something for both kids and parents alike. The books are both tragic and comic at the same time and like many other good audiobooks remain entertaining over repeated listening. Almost all of the books are narrated by Tim Curry (except for the third, fourth and fifth books which are narrated by the author). Curry's performance is absolutely wonderful and like other great audiobook performers knows how to create unique characters with his voice. Just to hear him bring the oft-coughing Mr. Poe to life is worth the listen.