Book Report-- The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag

The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag M
by Jim Corbett

Non-fiction


Definitely recommend for hunter/readers: Of the hunting books I've read, this is one of the best-told stories. It is also one of the most remarkable stories in and of itself. Man-eaters are always a sad thing, but this author who was also the successful hunter handles the loss of human life and wildlife conservation in a fair manner.

The Monkees spoof w/ creationism

Not a great video, but the imitation in the music is great and the lyrics are terribly witty and true.

Waiting for Green

Book Report-- Life in Father's House

Life in the Father's House B
by Wayne Mack and David Swavely

Non-fiction

Definitely Recommend for every Christian- As summed up in the subtitle, this is a member's guide to the local church. While avoiding deep theological discussion, it actually brings many ecclesiological tenets, normally reserved for men in ivory towers, to the man on the street. Were I (and when I am) a pastor, I would desperately want every member of my church to read this, because I'm sure they would learn much better herein than from my own mouth.
I also consider the tagline on the back cover one of the best and most witty of any book.

Drum Corps- In case you've never seen or heard

And this is just warming up.

As my good friend used to say, "If you already know about Drum Corps, no explanation is needed. If you don't, no explanation is possible."

"Warrior" by Sojourn Music

I just can't stop listening to it. It's described as " a most unusual worship song," but I can't even really tell if the lyrics are that worshipful. I just like the music. I was pointed to them by Justin Taylor- excellent recommendations. Sovereign Grace-ish, as are some of the others. Become a fan on facebook and listen.

Book Report-- When Sinners Say "I Do"

When Sinners Say "I Do" M
by Dave Harvey

Non-fiction


The best book on marriage I've read to date.

The basic premise is to remind married (or to be married) Christians that they greatest problem in their marriage is themselves. Or, rather, their sin natures. And thus the gospel.

The closing chapter, for instance, was titled "When Sinners Say 'Goodbye,'" speaking obviously of death. In light of our sin, the inevitable end to even a blissful marriage is death. But by God's grace, while our bodies waste away we can be inwardly renewed. And this is what is needed in marriage throughout the years.

It's a real, clear, honest look at marriage. It's as readable as it is funny- at least to my personal humor taste.

Book Report-- The Scarlet Pimpernel

The Scarlet Pimpernel G
by Baroness Orczy

Fiction


This is one of my favorite classics. I was first exposed to it in the form of a play at the Kennedy Center in D.C., which I admittedly didn't totally grasp. Since then, I've read it twice and totally enjoyed it both times.
Though it sounds kinda wimpy, it's a sweet plot of espionage and trickery. And the French are the bad guys (Revolutionaries- rightly so).
On a lesser note, it includes a significant romantic underlying story. Acceptable in guy terms and good according to my wife.

Movie Review-- Bourne Supremacy

The Bourne Supremacy

Genre: Suspense/Thriller/Action

Summary: Jason Bourne tries to take revenge all the way back to the source

My grade: %94


Pros:

• Though almost entirely unrelated to the book, it is a decent plot
• Karl Urban makes a good bad guy
• A newspaper as a weapon?!
  

Cons:

• A further departure from the original
• Marie is not supposed to die (spoiler)
  

Movie Review-- Bourne Identity

The Bourne Identity

Genre: Suspense/Thriller/Action

Summary: A secret agent/assassin struggles to find his memory and survive at the same time.

My grade: %95


Pros:

• A great story to put into film
• The kind of action that makes you stop and review it in your mind to make sure what just happened
• Excellent pick of Damon for Bourne

Cons:

• As good as it is, it leaves a gaping hole in original story by Robert Ludlum
• Though not explicit, one suggestive scene
  

Movie Review-- The Bourne Ultimatum

The Bourne Ultimatum

Genre:Action/Suspense

Summary: Jason Bourne tries to put an ultimate stop to the espionage game that has him cluelessly at the center

My grade:%94


Pros:

• Great score
• Funnier than prequels
  
• Best action sequences- the train station, the Tangier rooftops, etc. As real as I can imagine it would be
• Damon is an amazing pick for Bourne
  

Cons:

• As with all Bourne movies, I'm inevitably torn between the plot they've created and the original from Robert Ludlum
• Drawn-out action that became gruesome to watch (Tangier)
  

Only Thing

I heard someone say the other day
They'd seen in me true love displayed
Blessed by something I had done for them

No sooner had they said these words
I found myself somehow disturbed
Uneasy as I took their compliment

Cause I know the heart inside this man
I know the truth of who I am...

The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus

If you could walk the hallways of my heart
And see things as they really are
I wonder if you might be surprised

Seeing faded walls of pride and fear
Rooms I've filled with faithless tears
And corners where I've stood in compromise

But you'd see the work His grace has done
You'd know just how far I've come

In a thousand years
When the dust of this world clears
And I look back on my life
And see in perfect light

by Ronnie Freeman, Tony Wood; ROCKETOWN MUSIC, WORD MUSIC, LLC

Smell of Summer

Ahh, the smell of freshly cut grass. I am having a hard time deciding if I like that better than the smell of burning leaves or not. Hmm...

Book Report-- Dead Heat

Dead Heat B
by Joel Rosenberg

Fiction


The conclusion to my mounting anticipation. Rosenberg's previous 4 novels had me wondering what he was going to do to resolve the series without delving into the tribulation. More specifically I wondered how he would explain the absence of the US from end-times prophecy (I had an idea...).
Again, the pages are replete with potential reality. I shudder to think what "wars and rumors of wars" may come yet before I die or am raptured.
Rosenberg takes every opportunity to offer salvation. An unsaved reader could not read this without being confronted by a serious amount of God's truth. I pray this may be a tool for many to learn the truth through fiction.

On Location: Biblical Counseling Training Conference- Lafayette, IN

Where to begin? This Biblical Counseling conference goes as far as training for formal Biblical counseling, as advertised. Up to that point, however, its proven profitable for my own personal sanctification and habits of self-counsel. I originally didn't have a great interest in formal counseling, but the impact in my own life has excited me to the possibilities of counseling opportunities.

Also of note: the amazing pool of teachers from a significantly wide (for a Baptist church) theological base. The topic of Biblical Counseling allows many a great communicator to come together a share great wisdom and experience.

Now don't hear me saying that I think this type of training is essential to sanctification or that this type of training is only available at this conference. I am just saying that this conference has been so profitable for and instrumental in my personal sanctification that I can only assume it could be for anyone else.

Book Report-- Why Government Can't Save You

Why Government Can't Save You M
by John MacArthur

Non-Fiction

Since the Iowa Caucuses in early 2008, I've not had such clarity of thought regarding politics. Most of this book is exactly what I have been trying to think and say for the past year.
I agree with MacArthur that democracy and political freedom have been mistakenly associated with Christianity. He offers some clarification of what the Christian should think about Government, of any type. This perspective is an alternative to the political activism that seems obligatory and synonymous with most Christians' faith in America.
I also appreciated that the book was not just a negative response to popular Christian politics, which was all the farther I had gotten in my thinking, but also an encouragement to excel in Biblical commands to submit, honor, and pray.

On Location: Faith Baptist Church- Lafayette, IN

It's hard not to be envious when visiting this church. It's quite amazing to see the way God is working in the local body there, and working through them to impact the community.

Some Highlights:

• Counseling Ministry with specified facilities
• A Christian School
• Vision of Hope- a rescue facility for at-risk women (anorexic, drug addicted, unwed mothers)
• An amazing Community Center- a YMCA on steroids
  

It's also cool, though to recognize that God can work through a church like mine, a 30+ member church, in different but equally powerful ways.

It's been too long, my friend

I have only seen and drank this in South Africa. Actually, I drank it in Iowa, too, because I brought home a (piddly) 6-pak. I tried to stretch it out and enjoy it for a long time, but I have been out for a while...

Book Report--Ezekiel Option

Ezekiel Option B

by Joel Rosenberg

Fiction

The third book in the apocalyptic series, Ezekiel Option gets to the nitty-gritty of prophecy and current events.

The premise of the whole story lies on a somewhat rare interpretation of Ezekiel 38-39 (thus the name). I really enjoyed the presentation of prophetical interpretation in dialogue format. It was easily understood and, in terms of current geopolitical rumblings, very vivid.

The world circumstances in the book are not exactly identical to ours and therefore we are not currently seeing the fulfillment of Ez. 38-39. It is not hard, however, to see how easily and quickly it could all change.

It's great that Rosenberg also focuses on other prophecies regarding spiritual renewal, not just the carnage.

It makes me antsy- even so, come Lord Jesus.

Hot Chocolate

The drug of winter. The panacea for the cold. And boredom. And anything.

I was musing the other day about why I like drinking double packs. My answer to myself is that what I want from my hot chocolate is not to have chocolate water, but to have liquid chocolate.