If you know me at all, you know how much I love to read. There is nothing like grabbing your favorite coffee and your favorite book (not to mention highlighter) and studying. I have spent much of my summer doing just that as I have slowly finishing the books I have in my library in the hopes that in the next couple of years I will have all of my books read. Here is a list of some recommended reading I would suggest if you are looking for something to get you through until the school year or to lead you into the great winter months.
1. Altar Ego - Craig Groeschel
2. Draw the Circle (40 Day Prayer Challenge) - Mark Batterson
3. Deep & Wide - Andy Stanley
4. Everyday Church - Chester & Timms
5. Love Like Jesus - Judah Smith
These are just a couple of some amazing books that I strongly suggest you grab a copy of. Each of these men has inspired me in a way that I could not image always pointing the finger at God for their success and most of all drawing me closer to my creator. That is what I am so blessed with, not the knowledge, but the relationship with my loving God that is a product of this.
till another day,
normallyINDIE.
Indie Thoughts // Normal Mind
Showing posts with label Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
After You Believe by N.T. Wright - Book Review...
If you haven't already, you need to pick up any book by NT Wright. He is not only one of the leading scholars on the New Testament, his experiences in life have led him to write some of the most inspirational books I have ever read. I am a huge fan of his writings specifically, Simply Christian, Surprised by Hope, & After You Believe (Justification, Scripture & the Authority of God, Paul, Evil & Justice of God are next on my list). I just recently finished After you Believe and could not have been more impressed with the level of writing and knowledge that just bleeds from the pages.
This book was dedicated to showing the average christian that is merely not enough to declare you are a christian, but there are action steps that must take place afterward in order for us to truly be set apart from this world. There are aspects of our past life that must be in stark contrast of our new life, if we are going to call ourselves sons and daughters of Jesus Christ. It is really a refreshing book that doesn't state that he has it all together or even all of the answers, but merely reminds us of the standard that we are called to live by, most specifically reflecting the love of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.
If you are a reader and are excited about reading books that push your spiritual growth and mental growth then grab this book and anything else Wright has published and get reading. I am excited for the rest of the books on my list as well as any future writings that he puts out.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
This book was dedicated to showing the average christian that is merely not enough to declare you are a christian, but there are action steps that must take place afterward in order for us to truly be set apart from this world. There are aspects of our past life that must be in stark contrast of our new life, if we are going to call ourselves sons and daughters of Jesus Christ. It is really a refreshing book that doesn't state that he has it all together or even all of the answers, but merely reminds us of the standard that we are called to live by, most specifically reflecting the love of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.
If you are a reader and are excited about reading books that push your spiritual growth and mental growth then grab this book and anything else Wright has published and get reading. I am excited for the rest of the books on my list as well as any future writings that he puts out.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Thursday, November 29, 2012
That Time of Year...
Yes, once again it is the holiday season and if you have been paying attention, the radio stations have started to play Christmas music, the department stores have been selling their overpriced artificial trees, & black friday came and went. It is a great time of the year not only because it is an excuse to ask for things that none of us really need, but it is a great time to be with family.
This year is my first Christmas with my new family, which is made of up of my beautiful wife Jenny & our little puppy Indie. We are spending this Christmas in the great state of Michigan at our home and it is a wonderful time. There are a couple of things that really make this time of year great for us and I would like to share those with you:
Decorating the Home
Buying Christmas Sweaters
Taking Pictures together in the snow
Watching Christmas Movies (Elf, Home Alone)
Decorating Cookies
Drinking Egg Nog
Buying stocking stuffers for each other
Watching All the Office Christmas Episodes on Christmas Eve
Opening one Present on Christmas Eve (New Tradition)
Spoiling Each other with things
Eating as much holiday themed food as possible
Layering Clothes
Drinking some great Holiday Grogg Coffee
These are just a couple of the things that I look forward to this time of year and I am so excited to be spending this Christmas with my beautiful wife and making new traditions each year. It truly is a wonderful time of the year and I am so happy to have the family I do to spend it with.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
This year is my first Christmas with my new family, which is made of up of my beautiful wife Jenny & our little puppy Indie. We are spending this Christmas in the great state of Michigan at our home and it is a wonderful time. There are a couple of things that really make this time of year great for us and I would like to share those with you:
Decorating the Home
Buying Christmas Sweaters
Taking Pictures together in the snow
Watching Christmas Movies (Elf, Home Alone)
Decorating Cookies
Drinking Egg Nog
Buying stocking stuffers for each other
Watching All the Office Christmas Episodes on Christmas Eve
Opening one Present on Christmas Eve (New Tradition)
Spoiling Each other with things
Eating as much holiday themed food as possible
Layering Clothes
Drinking some great Holiday Grogg Coffee
These are just a couple of the things that I look forward to this time of year and I am so excited to be spending this Christmas with my beautiful wife and making new traditions each year. It truly is a wonderful time of the year and I am so happy to have the family I do to spend it with.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson - Book Review...
Time for another book review. I most recently finished reading yet another book (I keep buying new books though) and i am excited to share with you my thoughts.
If you have not yet heard of Mark Batterson, he is truly a gifted pastor and author. The author of the Circle Maker is fairly new to the pastoral author scene (if that is a real thing), but yet he has some exciting words to share. As the book chronicles Mark is a pastor/church planter in the Metro DC area and a few years ago he felt all to do something unlike he had every thought of. That was to literally pray circles around his future. He learned this idea from a novel called the Book of Legends which chronicles legends of jewish history who were monumental. One in particular was named Honi and he came up with the idea of truly praying to God like the Israelites did on their march to Jericho. He would not spot praying until the Lord showed himself to all of his people. This not only showed to be effective, but God showed in ways the Honi did not even think were possible. As you read through Mark's words, you begin to see his same journey of circling his life and ministry in prayers. A simple prayer walk around a 4 mile radius of his house paved the way for the future of his ministry in the DC area. Literal places that Mark did not know existed were given to him to use as a tool for ministry in the future, only to realize that he walked by them on that original prayer walk.
The book along with the DVD curriculum truly shows the power that prayer can have and the fact that the Lord is waiting for us to ask of him miraculous things just so he can show is true colors. For if we are unwilling to ask the Lord for immeasurably more, then how is he supposed to truly prove himself to his believing. Mark explains in an amazing way to his readers that prayer is not merely something to calm our nerves or get things off of our chest, but it is the way that we partner with the Lord in life and ministry. We ask the Lord for amazing miracles and in his time he provides.
This book is truly and inspiration to those who are seeking out a deeper prayer life. It has transformed the way I pray about my family, my church, and my personal relationship with Christ. It is a must read for those seeking out how to truly get the most out of their relationship with Christ.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
If you have not yet heard of Mark Batterson, he is truly a gifted pastor and author. The author of the Circle Maker is fairly new to the pastoral author scene (if that is a real thing), but yet he has some exciting words to share. As the book chronicles Mark is a pastor/church planter in the Metro DC area and a few years ago he felt all to do something unlike he had every thought of. That was to literally pray circles around his future. He learned this idea from a novel called the Book of Legends which chronicles legends of jewish history who were monumental. One in particular was named Honi and he came up with the idea of truly praying to God like the Israelites did on their march to Jericho. He would not spot praying until the Lord showed himself to all of his people. This not only showed to be effective, but God showed in ways the Honi did not even think were possible. As you read through Mark's words, you begin to see his same journey of circling his life and ministry in prayers. A simple prayer walk around a 4 mile radius of his house paved the way for the future of his ministry in the DC area. Literal places that Mark did not know existed were given to him to use as a tool for ministry in the future, only to realize that he walked by them on that original prayer walk.
The book along with the DVD curriculum truly shows the power that prayer can have and the fact that the Lord is waiting for us to ask of him miraculous things just so he can show is true colors. For if we are unwilling to ask the Lord for immeasurably more, then how is he supposed to truly prove himself to his believing. Mark explains in an amazing way to his readers that prayer is not merely something to calm our nerves or get things off of our chest, but it is the way that we partner with the Lord in life and ministry. We ask the Lord for amazing miracles and in his time he provides.
This book is truly and inspiration to those who are seeking out a deeper prayer life. It has transformed the way I pray about my family, my church, and my personal relationship with Christ. It is a must read for those seeking out how to truly get the most out of their relationship with Christ.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, May 21, 2012
802 Main St...
As you know my beautiful wife and I have had the amazing opportunity of moving into a wonderful new city, the city of Cincinnati. With this comes new places to see, eat, drink, listen, play, etc. Therefore this blog is dedicated to those places.
Coffee Shops
We live just south of Over the Rhine (one of the best districts to live in in Cincinnati) and there are some great coffee shops in this area. There is always Starbuck's on fifth street, but what I find to be the best in the area is Coffee Emporium. This is a staple in the area located on Central Parkway and it comes with a full roaster as well as breakfast bar on the weekends. They always have great local coffee brewing, the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever had (a meal in itself), and not to mention outside seating that gives you the opportunity to sip on a cup and check out the great city. Next is Iris Book Cafe, just a little bit further down Main St. Tucked in between a great group of stores in OTR you will find some wonderful vegan food options as well as some great brewed iced teas and coffees.
Dining Spots
We have begun the practice of a date night once a week where we are able to get out of the house and check out a new local place. Our top spots so far have been Arnold's (the oldest bar in Cincinnati), Cincy by the Slice, and especially Graeter's Ice cream. Each of these place's has there speciality and we continue to try new things each time we go, especially graeter's.
These are just a couple of our favorite places in Cincinnati. We are so excited to continue to try new things and venture out on journeys across the city. Keep checking up and look at what is happening in our world.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Book Review - Through my Eyes by Tim Tebow
If you have spent any time with me at all, you know how much of a Gator fan I am. I spend much of the year anticipating Labor Day Weekend for the start of the college football regular season and another Gators run at a National Championship.
From 1997 - 2000 my family and I lived in South Florida. These were my formative college football years and upon learning of the power of Florida football, I had to choose Miami, FSU, or Florida. For some odd reason I decided to choose Florida and ever since 1999 I bleed blue and orange.
Naturally over the last 6 years I have grown to love our very own Tim Tebow. Since his first start as a freshman in 2005 I was a fan. Part of me wishes I would have watched him in high school, but in junior high I was not as much a gator fanatic as now. As he brought two national championships, a heisman,and countless other awards, my love for Tim Tebow continued to grow. I am currently a St. Louis and Indianapolis fan in the NFL therefore I hoped that when draft day came around in 2010 that one of my teams would call Tebow's name. But sadly that did not happen and I had to become a Broncos fan as well. This was not hard seeing as both the Colts and Rams are in the midst of rebuilding years.
Upon hearing about Tebow's book Through my Eyes, I realized that if I was a true fan I had to read is book and most of all understand a little more about the character of the person that I call a role model.
The book offers just that. It offers the reader the opportunity to be involved in the life of Tebow, his struggles and sins, as well as his successes and spiritual triumphs. The book lets you into the private life of Tim Tebow and most of all his thoughts about not only his time at Florida, but also his time presently at Denver.
The book is an easy read, but I sort of like that for the audience he is trying to reach. It is not deeply rooting in any literary ideals, but it gets the point across in a powerful way. It shows Tebow's true passions as a player and a person. I highly recommend this book for someone who is looking for someone to model after.
As the hoopla of TebowMaina is in full swing, I would suggest you read this book before you decide to jump on the Tebow Train although it is very soon headed for a Super Bowl.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
From 1997 - 2000 my family and I lived in South Florida. These were my formative college football years and upon learning of the power of Florida football, I had to choose Miami, FSU, or Florida. For some odd reason I decided to choose Florida and ever since 1999 I bleed blue and orange.
Naturally over the last 6 years I have grown to love our very own Tim Tebow. Since his first start as a freshman in 2005 I was a fan. Part of me wishes I would have watched him in high school, but in junior high I was not as much a gator fanatic as now. As he brought two national championships, a heisman,and countless other awards, my love for Tim Tebow continued to grow. I am currently a St. Louis and Indianapolis fan in the NFL therefore I hoped that when draft day came around in 2010 that one of my teams would call Tebow's name. But sadly that did not happen and I had to become a Broncos fan as well. This was not hard seeing as both the Colts and Rams are in the midst of rebuilding years.
Upon hearing about Tebow's book Through my Eyes, I realized that if I was a true fan I had to read is book and most of all understand a little more about the character of the person that I call a role model.
The book offers just that. It offers the reader the opportunity to be involved in the life of Tebow, his struggles and sins, as well as his successes and spiritual triumphs. The book lets you into the private life of Tim Tebow and most of all his thoughts about not only his time at Florida, but also his time presently at Denver.
The book is an easy read, but I sort of like that for the audience he is trying to reach. It is not deeply rooting in any literary ideals, but it gets the point across in a powerful way. It shows Tebow's true passions as a player and a person. I highly recommend this book for someone who is looking for someone to model after.
As the hoopla of TebowMaina is in full swing, I would suggest you read this book before you decide to jump on the Tebow Train although it is very soon headed for a Super Bowl.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Book Review - Redemption by Mike Wilkerson...
As of recently I have spent some time being engaged by the Re:Lit group that is a part of the Crossway Publishing Company. Begin by Pastor Mark Driscoll, this program was built to collect a group of writers that are committed to speaking the truth about spiritual, biblical, and societal issues in a text format. Many of you may recognize this from the popular book Doctrine by Mark Driscoll. Although this book is on my list to read/purchase it is not the book I found myself reading recently. Instead, I got my hands on Redemption by Mike Wilkerson. Mike is a pastor at Seattle's Mars Hill Church (which Mark Driscoll calls home as well) and he lead their counseling program. With this in mind, I felt the author would bring a fresh perspective to the problem of pain that so many authors have tried to tackle over the years.
The format being some what interesting began with the author diving into the story of the the Israelites and their problem with suffering, idol worship, and death. Intermixed with this biblical story from the Old Testament are real life stories of christians and non-christians alike who are struggling with a God that not only allows suffering in this world, but has allowed suffering to take over their lives. The pages are covered in the tears and blood of those who are suffering because of the sins and destruction of this world. But what this book doesn't do is point the finger at each individual person's sin, instead, it focuses on the hope and redemption that can be found through a relationship with Christ and his church. It calls those who are suffering fall on their knees in prayer and call on the hope of a savior that died for their sins. It also calls the church to have arms open wide for those who are suffering to come running. The author's writers calls the church to get out of the judgement seat and instead kneel down with those who are suffering and love them.
I could not agree more with this idea. I have dealt with problems of suffering myself, as well as been involved with people who are suffering through personal sin, addictions, and other "idols" that seem to steal their worship. I have been encouraged to not only kneel down with these people, but to allow them to share the burdens they feel on the shoulders of the church. For the church is supposed to be a place of redemption and hope. Right now the church is a place of judgement and condemnation and I do not want to be that type of Christian. I am constantly in prayer that God will change me and allow the redemption of the cross to flow through me.
If you are struggling with suffering, the problem of pain, or any other afflictions please speak with someone you trust or speak with me through twitter: @normallyINDIE or Facebook: Alec Tod.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
The format being some what interesting began with the author diving into the story of the the Israelites and their problem with suffering, idol worship, and death. Intermixed with this biblical story from the Old Testament are real life stories of christians and non-christians alike who are struggling with a God that not only allows suffering in this world, but has allowed suffering to take over their lives. The pages are covered in the tears and blood of those who are suffering because of the sins and destruction of this world. But what this book doesn't do is point the finger at each individual person's sin, instead, it focuses on the hope and redemption that can be found through a relationship with Christ and his church. It calls those who are suffering fall on their knees in prayer and call on the hope of a savior that died for their sins. It also calls the church to have arms open wide for those who are suffering to come running. The author's writers calls the church to get out of the judgement seat and instead kneel down with those who are suffering and love them.
I could not agree more with this idea. I have dealt with problems of suffering myself, as well as been involved with people who are suffering through personal sin, addictions, and other "idols" that seem to steal their worship. I have been encouraged to not only kneel down with these people, but to allow them to share the burdens they feel on the shoulders of the church. For the church is supposed to be a place of redemption and hope. Right now the church is a place of judgement and condemnation and I do not want to be that type of Christian. I am constantly in prayer that God will change me and allow the redemption of the cross to flow through me.
If you are struggling with suffering, the problem of pain, or any other afflictions please speak with someone you trust or speak with me through twitter: @normallyINDIE or Facebook: Alec Tod.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Best of 2011...
January seems to be the season of new beginnings there always seems to be a moment of reminiscing. For me, 2011 was a long year of a change, heartbreak, and growth; not to mention fun, excitement and great adventures. So I have compiled a couple of lists of some of my favorite happenings of 2011. Here they are:
Top Albums
1. Simple Math - Manchester Orchestra
2. 21 - Adele
3. Jack's Mannequin - People & Things
Top Songs
1. Virgin - (Simple Math) Manchester Orchestra
2. Pumped Up Kicks - (Torches) Foster the People
3. You are a Tourist - (Codes & Keys) Death Cab for Cutie
Top Movies
1. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2
2. Water for Elephants
3. Midnights in Paris
Top TV Shows
1. How I Met Your Mother - CBS
2. Scrubs - FOX/ABC
3. The OC - FOX
Top Reads
1. Simply Christian - N.T. Wright
2. A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
3. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - J.K. Rowling
Top Events
1. Our Tattoos - by TJ Harmon (8 total)
2. Moving to Cincy/New Apartment
3. Remembering Family
Top Purchases
1. iPhone
2. Our Antique Stuff
3. Urban Outfitters Shopping Spree
Top Internship Moments
1. McTuesdays
2. Dallas 2011
3. The Brew
Top Check ins
1. Qdoba (US 135 in Greenwood)
2. Strange Brew (Smith Valley Rd in Greenwood)
3. Brass Ring Lounge (Shelby St. in Fountain Square, IN)
Top Sports
1. Cardinal's Playoff Run
2. Colts Sad year (2 - 14 in 2011)
3. Butler's March Madness (Part 2)
Top Experiences
1. Interviews
2. My week at UO
3. Handcraft Fests
Top Hashtags
1. #Awkward
2. #love
3. #11in11
Top Apps
1. Twitter
2. Instagram
3. ESPN ScoreCenter
Those were a couple of lists to help guide you through the next year. Each of these things were great and special in their own way and I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to share most of these with my fiancé Jennifer Schroeder.
We have a big year planned here in 2012 with a new job, new city, our Wedding, and Graduations, just to name a few. Be following along here at www.normallyindie.com for updates, insights, and thoughts about this beautiful we call home (until the good Lord returns to save us all).
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Makin' it a Habit...
As many of you know, reading has become a big part of my life since I went to college just three years ago, but it was not until May that I was given the opportunity to have free time. This free time brought about the opportunity to make myself read books. Not just any books either, but books that I actually want to read and if you know me you know that this opportunity has caused me to become a nerd. A nerd that if I had the opportunity would go to Half Price Books or any other bookstore for hours searching for books, old and new.
As I have become a nerd, I have read a great amount of books with countless books to go (42 new books if you want the real number). As follows are the books:
Poems - Emily Dickinson
Jesus for President - Shane Claiborne
Communicating for a Change - Andy Stanley
Harry Potter 7 - JK Rowling
A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man - C.S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain - C.S. Lewis
Simply Christian - N.T. Wright
The Weight of Glory - C.S. Lewis
10 Commandments of Marriage - Ed Young
The Penultimate Peril - Lemony Snicket
The Sacred Marriage - Gary Thomas
George Macdonald - C.S. Lewis
Slow Fade - Reggie Joiner
As you can tell I have spent a lot of time with C.S. Lewis this summer, but what I have found lately is that marriage books are much of my focus. I have learned a lot from these books as I prepare to marry Jenny Schroeder of turquoise feathers and through these readings God is teaching me how to be the true provider and protector of my new family.
As I continue on through the rest of the year I am hoping to continue to read 50 pages a day and soon enough finish all 75 books in my library (about 40 to go). The writers of these different books have each taught me something different this year and I am so excited to continue to learn and grow with the ideas found on the pages.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
As I have become a nerd, I have read a great amount of books with countless books to go (42 new books if you want the real number). As follows are the books:
Poems - Emily Dickinson
Jesus for President - Shane Claiborne
Communicating for a Change - Andy Stanley
Harry Potter 7 - JK Rowling
A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man - C.S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain - C.S. Lewis
Simply Christian - N.T. Wright
The Weight of Glory - C.S. Lewis
10 Commandments of Marriage - Ed Young
The Penultimate Peril - Lemony Snicket
The Sacred Marriage - Gary Thomas
George Macdonald - C.S. Lewis
Slow Fade - Reggie Joiner
As you can tell I have spent a lot of time with C.S. Lewis this summer, but what I have found lately is that marriage books are much of my focus. I have learned a lot from these books as I prepare to marry Jenny Schroeder of turquoise feathers and through these readings God is teaching me how to be the true provider and protector of my new family.
As I continue on through the rest of the year I am hoping to continue to read 50 pages a day and soon enough finish all 75 books in my library (about 40 to go). The writers of these different books have each taught me something different this year and I am so excited to continue to learn and grow with the ideas found on the pages.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Flood...
Recently I have been given the opportunity come to McDonalds here in Greenwood, IN at 6am every Tuesday and meet with a small group of guys from Emmanuel Church. For the past three weeks we have been meeting and I have been teaching and reading through the first couple of biblical stories in Genesis. We will continue to do so for the next 13 weeks over the next couple of months walking through the rest of Genesis, dissecting the context and culture while doing so. This bible study (McTuesdays/Breakfast Club 2.0) was modeled after DM2 at Eastview Christian Church during my years in high school. It gives me an opportunity to teach in an advanced way as well as give the students the opportunity to dive deeper into the scriptures in a way that is unlike Sundays. God has called us to deeply understand his scripture and especially the events and people he used to complete his will.
Specifically this week we were reading/teaching through Genesis 7 - 10 focusing on the Flood. What is interesting that I have found about reading about Noah is the fact that he was a man that walked with God, this being the first human being to be considered to be in relationship with God in this way. He truly was in relationship with him and the only man to do so since the fall and not again until the arrival of Jesus. But this was not what stuck out to me most through these four chapters. The overarching them that seemed to be at the center of this relationship was the fact that Noah trusted God and did not ask questions. Noah trusted God through the construction of a boat unlike anything he had ever seen. Noah trusted God through the actual Flood without knowing when it would cease. Noah trusted God through the ceasing of the rainfall and the reconstruction of the Earth. Without asking questions Noah did what the Lord asked of him, always trusting that God would provide for him.
After finishing the lesson and thinking back on what I taught, I began to bring together the connection between my life and Noah. Although I am not saying that God has chosen to act through me in the magnitude of a Flood, I do believe that he has chosen to do something in me. I am simply in preparation for what is to come in the future. As January looms and my graduation date gets closer and closer, the provision God has given me throughout my life just makes me continue to trust him. The past five months of my life I have been in prayer with God specifically for the provision.
Noah brings to light an amazing story of biblical triumph, but most of all provision. God's provision was at the center of his life and I long to walk with the Lord.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Specifically this week we were reading/teaching through Genesis 7 - 10 focusing on the Flood. What is interesting that I have found about reading about Noah is the fact that he was a man that walked with God, this being the first human being to be considered to be in relationship with God in this way. He truly was in relationship with him and the only man to do so since the fall and not again until the arrival of Jesus. But this was not what stuck out to me most through these four chapters. The overarching them that seemed to be at the center of this relationship was the fact that Noah trusted God and did not ask questions. Noah trusted God through the construction of a boat unlike anything he had ever seen. Noah trusted God through the actual Flood without knowing when it would cease. Noah trusted God through the ceasing of the rainfall and the reconstruction of the Earth. Without asking questions Noah did what the Lord asked of him, always trusting that God would provide for him.
After finishing the lesson and thinking back on what I taught, I began to bring together the connection between my life and Noah. Although I am not saying that God has chosen to act through me in the magnitude of a Flood, I do believe that he has chosen to do something in me. I am simply in preparation for what is to come in the future. As January looms and my graduation date gets closer and closer, the provision God has given me throughout my life just makes me continue to trust him. The past five months of my life I have been in prayer with God specifically for the provision.
Noah brings to light an amazing story of biblical triumph, but most of all provision. God's provision was at the center of his life and I long to walk with the Lord.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
House Church?
As I am in the beginning of the church job search, I cannot help but wonder what the church was like in the days of the apostles. In the lifetimes of Stephen, Paul, and Peter. What was the structure? What was the theology? Did they have all the answers to all the major questions, Heaven & Hell, Suffering, Destruction, and Pain. From what I have read and very shortly studied, they did not have all of the answers or for the most part know what they were doing. At the times of the early church they were merely beginning their journey of christianity. Therefore, they did not know what to say on any of these major issues, in fact the leaders of the then House Church spent much of their time seeking out the advice of Paul, Timothy, Peter, and many other leaders in the Christian movement. But even then the leaders would seek out the counsel of the scriptures. True refuge was found in the God-breathed scriptures and these scriptures became the center of who they were, the decisions they made, and the way they acted not because they were told to do so, but because what they were doing was for God. Although they may not have had all the answers they did have the answer that matter, that being the fact that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to save the lives of all of humanity from the crippling sin that was at the center of their lives.
After truly thinking about these ideas, I have come to the realization that there is something very organic and natural about this model. The fact that nothing got in the way of them truly sharing the gospel to other people because they just realized that it was their job to do so. They felt the urgency of the story they were telling and the fact that if you do not choose to join in then, you will no longer be in eternity with Christ and his followers.
Something very organic in nature reminds me of a program that we have been holding for a couple of years now at Emmanuel and I have just been given the opportunity to be a part during my present internship. To give you all some background, Cell Groups are the names of our student led small groups. These small groups consist of a leader, co-leader, and prospective leader as well as as many friends they can pack into their house. Lessons are established ministry wide for each of the 10 weeks of the semester and are provided for the leaders. The leaders then essentially lead the group of people through the lesson and eventually preach the gospel message to, hopefully, a group of unchurched people.
I had the honor of visiting a cell group for the first time and I really was able to see the parallel between the house churches Paul was setting up in the New Testament and the Cell Groups that are taking place today. These are merely a group of people, leaders included, who do not have it all together and aren't trying to. These are just house churches that have leaders that long for their friends to be in relationship with Christ and they will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Although the leaders may not have all the answered, God has equipped them with the tools necessary to preach the gospel to their friends. (I will speak about what I believe to be these tools later this week so stay tuned).
God is leading his church, not through huge productions and fancy lights, but he is leading his church through people who are willing to admit they don't have all the answers, but that they merely know that God is alive in them and they want to share that hope with as many people as possible. I pray daily that I am one of those people and I plead with God not to harden my heart because I am distracted by everything else. We are called to be the church, not a building, but God's people sharing the hope, love, and grace we found in the true living God, Jesus Christ.
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
After truly thinking about these ideas, I have come to the realization that there is something very organic and natural about this model. The fact that nothing got in the way of them truly sharing the gospel to other people because they just realized that it was their job to do so. They felt the urgency of the story they were telling and the fact that if you do not choose to join in then, you will no longer be in eternity with Christ and his followers.
Something very organic in nature reminds me of a program that we have been holding for a couple of years now at Emmanuel and I have just been given the opportunity to be a part during my present internship. To give you all some background, Cell Groups are the names of our student led small groups. These small groups consist of a leader, co-leader, and prospective leader as well as as many friends they can pack into their house. Lessons are established ministry wide for each of the 10 weeks of the semester and are provided for the leaders. The leaders then essentially lead the group of people through the lesson and eventually preach the gospel message to, hopefully, a group of unchurched people.
I had the honor of visiting a cell group for the first time and I really was able to see the parallel between the house churches Paul was setting up in the New Testament and the Cell Groups that are taking place today. These are merely a group of people, leaders included, who do not have it all together and aren't trying to. These are just house churches that have leaders that long for their friends to be in relationship with Christ and they will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Although the leaders may not have all the answered, God has equipped them with the tools necessary to preach the gospel to their friends. (I will speak about what I believe to be these tools later this week so stay tuned).
God is leading his church, not through huge productions and fancy lights, but he is leading his church through people who are willing to admit they don't have all the answers, but that they merely know that God is alive in them and they want to share that hope with as many people as possible. I pray daily that I am one of those people and I plead with God not to harden my heart because I am distracted by everything else. We are called to be the church, not a building, but God's people sharing the hope, love, and grace we found in the true living God, Jesus Christ.
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
My Reading List
As many of you know one of my goals this summer is to read 50 pages a day everyday. Although I have not exactly kept up with the goal to a T it has been great to go through my once unknown library of books and read through much of it. Right now I have about 30 books that are still unread in my library and I look to finish all of these books by the end of the year. Lofty goal, but I feel if I stay dedicated I can do it. Here are some of the books I have read since my internship began 7 weeks ago:
Love Wins - Rob Bell
Poems - Emily Dickinson
Jesus for President - Shane Claiborne
Communicating for a Change - Andy Stanley
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling
A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man - C.S. Lewis
Each of these books have given me different nuggets of knowledge and truth that I have begun to try to include in my daily life, scripture reading, and sermons on a regular basis.
I was given the privilege to purchase the Signature Classics by C.S. Lewis which includes the much heralded Mere Christianity. But as well as this Christian Masterpiece, it includes eight other books that I have been dying to jump into: Screwtape Letters (read), Grief Observed (read), Abolition of Man (read), Great Divorce (read), Problem of Pain, Weight of Glory, Miracles, and George MacDonald. All of these books give the reader a deeper insight into the thoughts of C.S. Lewis not only as a writer, but as a person. Int he book Grief Observed, Lewis tackles his feelings about his recently deceased wife. You can just feel in the words that he is unable to handle this tragedy and is uncertain how or why a God who loves him would do something like this. This truth just simply bleeds through his writings and you can truly feel the emotions he is feeling. Each of the Signature Classics have this feeling of emotion and power to them unlike any other writer I have come across.
That being said, I have committed to reading all nine of his Classics in hopes that after reading them I will have gained a new insight into the God that he and I both serve.
If you may hear anything in this post hear this, Lewis' writings will give you a new and profound look at the God you serve and will open your eyes to an entirely new being you otherwise did not know existed. His passion, emotion, and dedication for the living God is unparalleled and these same feelings will surely be a product of your reading these Classics.
Till Another Day,
Alec
Love Wins - Rob Bell
Poems - Emily Dickinson
Jesus for President - Shane Claiborne
Communicating for a Change - Andy Stanley
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling
A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man - C.S. Lewis
Each of these books have given me different nuggets of knowledge and truth that I have begun to try to include in my daily life, scripture reading, and sermons on a regular basis.
I was given the privilege to purchase the Signature Classics by C.S. Lewis which includes the much heralded Mere Christianity. But as well as this Christian Masterpiece, it includes eight other books that I have been dying to jump into: Screwtape Letters (read), Grief Observed (read), Abolition of Man (read), Great Divorce (read), Problem of Pain, Weight of Glory, Miracles, and George MacDonald. All of these books give the reader a deeper insight into the thoughts of C.S. Lewis not only as a writer, but as a person. Int he book Grief Observed, Lewis tackles his feelings about his recently deceased wife. You can just feel in the words that he is unable to handle this tragedy and is uncertain how or why a God who loves him would do something like this. This truth just simply bleeds through his writings and you can truly feel the emotions he is feeling. Each of the Signature Classics have this feeling of emotion and power to them unlike any other writer I have come across.
That being said, I have committed to reading all nine of his Classics in hopes that after reading them I will have gained a new insight into the God that he and I both serve.
If you may hear anything in this post hear this, Lewis' writings will give you a new and profound look at the God you serve and will open your eyes to an entirely new being you otherwise did not know existed. His passion, emotion, and dedication for the living God is unparalleled and these same feelings will surely be a product of your reading these Classics.
Till Another Day,
Alec
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
New Beginnings
Well this is the first post of many for normallyINDIE that will come on a weekly basis. This blog will be centered on everything from book reviews, word studies, thoughts, bible exegesis, astounding revelations, and so on. I just look forward to sharing the thoughts that God has set on my heart through reading daily, journalling, preaching, and serving God.
As I said there will be new updates on a weekly basis to be posted on Monday morning. If there are any books you would suggest me reading and reviewing please leave a comment and suggest.
Looking forward to writing and especially reading in preparation for this blog. Thank you so much for listening and I look forward to continuing to write.
Alec
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