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
Indie Thoughts // Normal Mind
Showing posts with label Study. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Study. Show all posts
Monday, August 6, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
My Favorite Teachings...
Here is a copy of one of my recent teachings focusing on the power of influence.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
50 and counting...
Almost 11 months ago I set out on a mission to write a blog post once a week, and although there have a few weeks where it has not been a priority (finals week, wedding, honeymoon) I did seem to find a way to catch up and always stay on pace to reach my goal. I am proud to say that although I have yet to hit the 1 year mark I have hit 50. That's right 50 posts (1 each week for the last 50 weeks).
Now for many of you this may just be a blog therefore what's the big deal when you read 50 posts. But for me this is a journal that goes through the moments of my life that have been influential from moving to Indianapolis, to marrying my wonderful wife, and ultimately moving back to Cincinnati to pursue a career in ministry.
As I look back on all 50 of these posts, I see high points during this year as well as low points that deserve a moment of reflection, each in their own special way. I have changed over these past 50 posts and it can be seen through my writing and studying.
If anything, this blog has been an outlet for me to speak my mind to whoever is listening, but most of all share my concerns about this world with the Lord. There is something truly freeing about putting words to a page. It trully can be a form of medication for a person that is struggling with anything from doubt to depression and happiness to joy.
I pray that over the next 50 posts I continuelly to see my life changed as well as the lives of others around me to be changed, not because I can write words to a page, but because the living God speaks through me. That is my prayer for this blog and my prayer for the community I am apart of, that they would all, someday be transformed by the power of the Gospel.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Now for many of you this may just be a blog therefore what's the big deal when you read 50 posts. But for me this is a journal that goes through the moments of my life that have been influential from moving to Indianapolis, to marrying my wonderful wife, and ultimately moving back to Cincinnati to pursue a career in ministry.
As I look back on all 50 of these posts, I see high points during this year as well as low points that deserve a moment of reflection, each in their own special way. I have changed over these past 50 posts and it can be seen through my writing and studying.
If anything, this blog has been an outlet for me to speak my mind to whoever is listening, but most of all share my concerns about this world with the Lord. There is something truly freeing about putting words to a page. It trully can be a form of medication for a person that is struggling with anything from doubt to depression and happiness to joy.
I pray that over the next 50 posts I continuelly to see my life changed as well as the lives of others around me to be changed, not because I can write words to a page, but because the living God speaks through me. That is my prayer for this blog and my prayer for the community I am apart of, that they would all, someday be transformed by the power of the Gospel.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Book Review - You Lost Me by David Kinnaman...
I had the privilege of meeting Dave Kinnaman (author of unChristian) a few years ago when I was representing Cincinnati Christian University's LEAD Program at their annual Accreditation conference in sunny Orlando, FL. It was a great weekend of sun and speaking to hundreds of students about the impact Jesus is having on their campuses. But their was just something about Dave that caught my eye.
Since then I have been following his work with the Barna Group and when he came out with his newest book, You Lost Me I ordered it. It has finally made it's way to the top of my pile of books to read and I got through it this week.
It was a book dedicated to understanding the current generation of young adults, especially young christians, and why so many of them are choosing to leave the church. This age rage was specifically ages 18 - 29 in the United States. It brought to light many issues that are present in our churches today including the differences in generations. Kinnaman explains that this up and coming generation can be compared to the 60's & 70's a generation of young people who do not take information from anyone, instead they learn themselves. This is a generation of self-starters, helpers, community builders, and lovers. It is a generation filled with promise for a better future, only if their voice is heard. Most of all in the our American churches today their voices are ignored. For whatever reason these voices are no longer being heard, therefore this generation is going to a place where they will be heard and leaving the church. This is not only dangerous for the young adults that are leaving their faith aside, but it also destroys the future of the church. For at some point this current generation of leaders will die and it will the younger generations job to take over. If they have all left the church because of a lack of a voice, then the church is gone.
Throughout his book he reminds the reader that they must listen to the generation of leaders that is following behind, for they are the future of the church. The church must be relevant to this generation of believers, not the past. The church must constantly be moving, growing, and innovating in order to meet the needs of their people.
This book is a strong read for any young minister or a group of ministers who are seeking the guidance of a relevant leader. It will allow to you dive into the minds of your most important generation and grab ahold of them.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Since then I have been following his work with the Barna Group and when he came out with his newest book, You Lost Me I ordered it. It has finally made it's way to the top of my pile of books to read and I got through it this week.
It was a book dedicated to understanding the current generation of young adults, especially young christians, and why so many of them are choosing to leave the church. This age rage was specifically ages 18 - 29 in the United States. It brought to light many issues that are present in our churches today including the differences in generations. Kinnaman explains that this up and coming generation can be compared to the 60's & 70's a generation of young people who do not take information from anyone, instead they learn themselves. This is a generation of self-starters, helpers, community builders, and lovers. It is a generation filled with promise for a better future, only if their voice is heard. Most of all in the our American churches today their voices are ignored. For whatever reason these voices are no longer being heard, therefore this generation is going to a place where they will be heard and leaving the church. This is not only dangerous for the young adults that are leaving their faith aside, but it also destroys the future of the church. For at some point this current generation of leaders will die and it will the younger generations job to take over. If they have all left the church because of a lack of a voice, then the church is gone.
Throughout his book he reminds the reader that they must listen to the generation of leaders that is following behind, for they are the future of the church. The church must be relevant to this generation of believers, not the past. The church must constantly be moving, growing, and innovating in order to meet the needs of their people.
This book is a strong read for any young minister or a group of ministers who are seeking the guidance of a relevant leader. It will allow to you dive into the minds of your most important generation and grab ahold of them.
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
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sabbath...
Sitting in staff meeting on Monday at Emmanuel Church of Greenwood, I did not really know what to expect. It always seems to be something different and exciting every week. This week we had free Chickfila breakfast and coffee which is always nice, but beyond that there seemed to be a sense of importance to the day. I did not really know what to think until our senior pastor Danny Anderson came up to the front of the room to give us our Staff Development piece for the day. On a side note, at most of our staff meetings Danny, or another member of the staff, gets up in the front of the room and gives us a nugget of truth that we like to call Staff Development. It can be anything from inspiration, to a challenge, but this week was really exciting. He decided to talk about the subject of taking a Sabbath.
For most the Sabbath is a worn out term that died with those that practiced it in the Old Testament, but Danny challenged us to take it in a much more literal way. He painted to picture of the Sabbath as a divine law it is to be kept, not only by his pastors and teachers, but by all who call themselves followers of Christ.
The sabbath consisting of three ideas, filling up your emotional, spiritual, and physical tanks. He described it as such, throughout your week all of these tanks drain out what must be kept in us in order for us to do the work Christ called us too. Most of us merely hope that we are sustained enough to survive, but we are called to so much more. We are called at least once a week to take a "Sabbath" consisting of refilling these tanks to the level that is healthy. This can include, but is not limited to, doing things that truly fill you up which for some could be working out, reading, writing, praying, meditating, working on projects. But what is most important is that all the things that your do on your Sabbath are centered on glorifying and thanking God for what he has given you. Truly taking the time to revitalize yourself and your relationship with the Lord, which so often is set aside due to the busy nature of our culture.
Therefore, when Danny challenged us with this idea that we MUST take a Sabbath, I began to think, "am I taking a Sabbath once a week, and if I am what does it look like." I came to the conclusion that my Sabbath is nonexistent. Yes, I have my regular spiritual disciplines that include reading, writing, journaling, and prayer, but I am not taking time to truly glorify the Lord on one day. Am I truly taking a Sabbath?
I am now devoted to finding a time and a place to do just that, take a Sabbath that will refill all of my tanks and glorify Lord in the process. My Sabbath, whatever day that is, will consist of time studying scripture, blogging, journaling, reading books, sipping on coffee at my favorite coffee shop, watching movies, sleeping in, and a little praise and worship with my fiancé. All of these things are the things that truly fill me up and bring glory to God in the process.
Although I am not totally sure how to implement this into my weekly life just yet, I am dedicated to making this a part of my routine and especially a part of my marriage. I have also challenged Jenny with this idea and given her the opportunity to think about what her Sabbath would look like. It being drastically different than mine, she will find a way to fill her tanks once a week and truly glorify the Lord in the process.
I truly thank Danny Anderson for challenging us with this idea and thank the Lord for setting it on his heart to share. I look forward to spending my Sabbath with the Lord and seeing the true life change that comes as a result. I would challenge you to think of this idea yourself and truly begin to examine what your "Sabbath" may look like as your go about your daily life.
till another Day,
normallyINDIE
For most the Sabbath is a worn out term that died with those that practiced it in the Old Testament, but Danny challenged us to take it in a much more literal way. He painted to picture of the Sabbath as a divine law it is to be kept, not only by his pastors and teachers, but by all who call themselves followers of Christ.
The sabbath consisting of three ideas, filling up your emotional, spiritual, and physical tanks. He described it as such, throughout your week all of these tanks drain out what must be kept in us in order for us to do the work Christ called us too. Most of us merely hope that we are sustained enough to survive, but we are called to so much more. We are called at least once a week to take a "Sabbath" consisting of refilling these tanks to the level that is healthy. This can include, but is not limited to, doing things that truly fill you up which for some could be working out, reading, writing, praying, meditating, working on projects. But what is most important is that all the things that your do on your Sabbath are centered on glorifying and thanking God for what he has given you. Truly taking the time to revitalize yourself and your relationship with the Lord, which so often is set aside due to the busy nature of our culture.
Therefore, when Danny challenged us with this idea that we MUST take a Sabbath, I began to think, "am I taking a Sabbath once a week, and if I am what does it look like." I came to the conclusion that my Sabbath is nonexistent. Yes, I have my regular spiritual disciplines that include reading, writing, journaling, and prayer, but I am not taking time to truly glorify the Lord on one day. Am I truly taking a Sabbath?
I am now devoted to finding a time and a place to do just that, take a Sabbath that will refill all of my tanks and glorify Lord in the process. My Sabbath, whatever day that is, will consist of time studying scripture, blogging, journaling, reading books, sipping on coffee at my favorite coffee shop, watching movies, sleeping in, and a little praise and worship with my fiancé. All of these things are the things that truly fill me up and bring glory to God in the process.
Although I am not totally sure how to implement this into my weekly life just yet, I am dedicated to making this a part of my routine and especially a part of my marriage. I have also challenged Jenny with this idea and given her the opportunity to think about what her Sabbath would look like. It being drastically different than mine, she will find a way to fill her tanks once a week and truly glorify the Lord in the process.
I truly thank Danny Anderson for challenging us with this idea and thank the Lord for setting it on his heart to share. I look forward to spending my Sabbath with the Lord and seeing the true life change that comes as a result. I would challenge you to think of this idea yourself and truly begin to examine what your "Sabbath" may look like as your go about your daily life.
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
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
twitter: normallyINDIE
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