Here are some things I read on the internet this past week – and thought they were worth passing on to you. Check ‘em out…
This post (in response to the Strange Fire Conference) from Sarah Bessey. You don’t have to know a thing about the Strange Fire Conference for her words to make an impact on you. Honestly, when I got to the bottom of her post, I was singing “Roar” by Katy Perry… Read More
The “North Pond Hermit” was arrested this year. He is Christopher Knight, a 47 year old man who went into the central Maine wilderness 27 years ago to live a solitary life.
He was arrested for stealing. Over the past 27 years, he committed more than 1,000 burglaries – breaking into camps and retreat centers during the night for food and supplies.
In 27 years, he only spoke once to another person… Read More
This post is a confession of sorts.
If you read my confession, it’s quite possible you’ll just think I’m strange and need help—and you wouldn’t be wrong.
Even if that is your reaction, I still I hope you’ll read the whole thing. Why? Because maybe it will stir up some compassion in your heart for strange and needy people like me.
But it’s also possible you might actually relate to what I’m saying—like, “Oh my gosh! I feel like that too!” If that’s your reaction… you’re why I’m writing this.
Have you heard that 1990 Michael W. Smith song “Place In This World?” OK, I know, it’s totally corny and he has a wicked mullet. The thing is, this song has always resonated with me… Read More
I like to share – so here are a few of the things I enjoyed reading and watching from the web this week. All of them are worth your time…
This post on Greg Boyd’s ReKnew website: The Challenge of Malala to the Church. It features Malala Yousafzai‘s appearance on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show… Read More
Several years ago, I was on a teaching team at a church. We crafted a summer sermon series together entitled, “Heroes & Bums.” The idea was to highlight various Old Testament characters and portray them as either a “hero” or “bum” based on their behavior.
I was pretty excited about this series. In fact, the idea was mine—so I was REALLY EXCITED about “Heroes & Bums.”
Looking back, I’m rather embarrassed about the whole thing. It took some serious finagling to fit these Bible characters in either the “Hero” box or the “Bum” box. The heroes weren’t all that heroic and they had quite a few shady bum tendencies. The bums weren’t all bums either—every once in a while, they had bright heroic moments.
What’s embarrassing to me is the amount of spin required make this sermon series work the way we wanted it to. We left large amounts of information out, and we emphasized the bits that reinforced our angle… Read More
Here are a few things I read this week and enjoyed – thought I’d share them with you…
This post from Carlos Whittaker on his website Ragamuffin Soul on “scare tactics.” Here’s the… Read More
After a lot of heavy / emotional / disappointment-laden posts this week, it’s definitely time for some fun and free stuff to make ya smile. Let’s get at it…
1. FREE – BOOK: ONE WAY LOVE BY TULLIAN… Read More
This is a little something new from me – Sunday Shout Outs. The following are some blog posts that I particularly enjoyed or benefited from recently, so I’m sharing them with you. Enjoy!
This post from Jonathan Martin: Feeling At Home In My Smallness. By the way, if you haven’t picked up his book Prototype, do yourself a favor and get it… Read More
In today’s PB Mini-Bytes, we talk about some things we admire about Pastors Jonathan & Dianne Wilson from Newport, CA.
It’s the weekend! Let’s celebrate.
# 1. FREE BOOK—Tattoos On The Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle.
Um, wow. This book! Here’s what Anne Lamott said about it, “An astonishing book… about suffering and dignity, death and resurrection, one of my favorite books in years. It is lovely and tough and tender beyond my ability to describe and left me in tears of both sorrow and laughter.” Language warning: it’s PG-13. If you don’t win the book, check out Gregory Boyle’s TED Talk (also PG-13). Be the first one to comment on this blog post & I’ll send you a copy (scroll down to the bottom of this page to comment).
#2. FREE BOOK—Beauty Will Save The World by Brian Zahnd.
Here’s a book I really enjoyed this past year – it’s about rediscovering the allure and mystery of Christianity. Be the first one to comment on this blog post & I’ll send you a copy (scroll down to the bottom of this page to comment). Also—follow Brian Zahnd on Twitter. You’ll be glad you did.
#3. VIDEO—Seven Year Old Steals Car To Escape Church.
This is why we want church to be exciting for the younger generation…
#4. VIDEO—Worry About Yourself.
I get the feeling her mom says that a lot.
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Friday Fun & Free Stuff Archive
