This is a stolen blog idea from Karen over at River Into Words, but I think she might have stolen it from someone else, so we're all good. Anways, here's What I'm Into this month:
Reading
I have become a Kindle person. It took me a long time to be won over, but once I crossed over to the dark side, I was hooked. I purchased one mid-January and it has transformed my reading. I was always a big reader, but I've been devouring books since then. Here's some of what I've been reading:
Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela
It shames me to say it took 10 years to read this autobiography after visiting South Africa for 3 months in 2004. I wish I had read it before I went, the insight into the man I have only knew in cultural references and snappy quotations. I'm challenged by the dedication and perseverance he showed, and early in his story, how much time he dedicated to educating himself and pursuing wisdom. It was this graft that seems to give him the foundation for everything that came after.
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline
The Hunger Games, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory & the Matrix all wrapped up in one snappy little novel. A commentary and warning against the temptation to live our lives almost exclusively online, and how we can project an image and a confidence that can be deceptive. A lot of gaming/specific sub-culture references that could go over heads though (many went over mine!).
Think Orange - Reggie Joyner
I've quoted this a few times already here I believe. The big concept is that to raise children in the faith we need both the influence of the family (red) and the influence of the church (yellow). Without one or the other, the faith we attempt to pass on will be lacking. If you're in children's ministry (or indeed have children!) this is a great book to think about how and why we teach, influence and grow young people.
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)
No learning or challenge from this…just a great read from the post-Potter writer. I love that she's not resting on her Harry Potter fame, but is branching out, trying new things and genres. So there, I guess that's a learning point.
Listening
Rend Collective - The Art of Celebration
The little band from Bangor that could. An album filled with Biblical themes and cries of striving for more. The first single off the album, "My Lighthouse" is a foot tapper, but my current favorite is "Immeasurably More", singing to a God who is more than we could hope for or imagine.
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Rascal Flatts
I very much outed myself as a country music fan earlier this month, when country music came to the O2/Point in Dublin. Rascal Flatts were among the lineup, and for me, they are country music.
They put on a great show, the set list of my dreams. A great moment was when these Christian men were standing in front of the full arena singing a prayer at the end of a song, fans standing cheering while the lead singer praised God for his mercy, grace & love. Special moment.
Watching
It's all about Parks & Recreation at the moment. Leslie Knope is one of my favorite characters on TV right now. I love the community of the characters and workplace (apart from Gerry….poor Gerry…) and if nothing else, Leslie’s compliments to Anne’s make it worth a watch.
I'm also watching Bones…I generally don't like procedural dramas, but this is keeping me interested for now. At least till something better comes along…!
Loving
St. Patrick's Day trudges through bogs and heather with friends.
Scripture
I've just finished working my way through 1 Corinthians this last while. As always, challenged by those words which often only get pulled out for weddings, the "love is patient, love is kind" passage. But it's "without love I am a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" that hits me every time. Even though actions may have an effect, if they aren't done with love, they won't last. I'm asking myself where am I acting out of love, and where and I acting out of obligation or something else?
So that’s what I’m into, what about you? Any recommendations?
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