Mystically Wired by Ken Wilson
My struggle with this book began with the title. However, as Wilson points out, mystic simply means mystery. The author’s prolific use of science to support his ideas caused conflict for me. At times it felt more like a science lesson than a book on prayer, but Wilson points out that prayer is both spiritual and physiological. This idea had not occurred to me. Early on, Wilson discusses how rationalism and science have impaired us spiritually. I began to examine my faith to see what was cultural and what was biblical.
Several of the prayer methods mentioned I have often viewed as bordering on ritual. Upon re-examination, if implemented in the proper spirit, they can be beneficial. I still do not agree completely with Wilson, but I would recommend this book if you want to be stretched in your understanding and application of prayer.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
![[Slashdot]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/slashdot.ico){kind=small}
![[Digg]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/digg.ico){kind=small}
![[Reddit]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/reddit.ico){kind=small}
![[del.icio.us]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/delicious.ico){kind=small}
![[Facebook]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/facebook.ico){kind=small}
![[Technorati]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/technorati.ico){kind=small}
![[Google]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/google.ico){kind=small}
![[StumbleUpon]](http://www.codeoffaith.com/wp-content/plugins/slashdigglicious/img/stumbleupon.ico){kind=small}
The Lengths I Go to Organize My Books
A few years ago I installed OpenBiblio on one of my websites to keep tab of all my books. I wrote a Perl script that uses a book’s ISBN number to retrieve the bibliographic information from Amazon and then enter the book into my library. I can now search all my books as well my DVDs and I have a complete list for insurance purposes. Also, now if someone wants to borrow a book, I can check it out and know who borrowed what and when.
Read more
Book Review: Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola
Jesus Christ is not a cause to get behind or a rallying point for political parties. He is the creator of the universe. He is God in flesh. He allows us to stand before a holy God without fear of condemnation. Many have lost sight of this and have focused on lesser pursuits.
I found this book engaging. Intellectually I understand many of the topics but I do not put them into action. I try to imitate Jesus without allowing his power to work through me. Then I become frustrated when I fail to be more like Christ. The chapter on narcissism struck a chord as well. So often I treat Jesus like my own personal genie. I want him to make me happy and comfortable. But his desire is to display his glory through me and use me to bring others into the same fellowship. The chapter on community also resonated with me. I do not want to rely on others or need help. However, as the authors point out, the church is how Christ expresses himself. Submission to Christ includes giving up my desire to be self-sufficient. I would highly recommend this book but it will probably take several readings for all of it to sink in.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Needing Goals & Going Dark
So after I ran the CowTown at the end of February, I found myself in a funk. I dropped off the digital landscape and even withdrew socially in person. Looking back, much of it had to do with goals. When I started seriously running, my goal was to lose weight. After losing over 60 pounds by the end of last year, I needed a new goal. That’s when I decided to run a 10k. So I spent the next 2 months training for the CowTown. I ran it and reached the goals I set. I also found myself a graduate from seminary. For four years my goal had been to preserve and graduate.
Read more
Book Review: Friendships for Grown-ups by Lisa Whelchel
Whelchel covers developing friendships that encourage and strenghten each party. She takes the reader through the mountains and valleys of her journey. Whelchel discusses her struggle with self-sufficiency and the coping mechanisms she developed to hold her friends at a distance. There are times when it is ok to be needy but you also need to make sure you choose the people you confide in wisely. Each person in the friendship must be willing to be vulnerable and be willing to deal with conflict when it arises.
Much of this book is geared toward friendship among women but there are nuggets of truth applicable to everyone. Despite the differences in our upbringings and life experiences, I found similarities in our dysfunctional behaviors. Whelchel weaves in quotes from other authors and Bible verses which place her experiences in a larger context.
And for someone who likes lists, Whelchel gives discussion questions and conversation starters to use as you work to deepen your own friendships. I enjoyed this book and it made me evaluate how I relate to my friends. In the end, that is the whole point of this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Inside the Cowtown 10K
I was up at 5am this morning and on the road by 6:30am. The race started at 7:30am. About 6:40 I found a traffic jam heading into downtown Fort Worth. It was at this point I decided that if I race again, I will have someone drop me off. Many people were getting out of their cars and running to the starting line while a family member or friend took over to get out of the traffic.
I drove around and found a spot where a parking meter used to be and hoped that the police would be too busy with traffic to give me a ticket. I walked/jogged to the start line and made it with about three minutes to spare.
Read more
A Follower or a Disciple?
The sun is at its highest and borders on unbearable. I can feel the heat of the sun seeping through my clothing. My lips are dry and all I taste is dust. That same dust hangs in the air from the crowd moving in front of me.
I don’t know why I’ve been following this man around. He came through Jericho a few weeks ago and was teaching and healing people. I’ve never seen anything like it. The leaders in the synagogue don’t teach like this. They just give us rules and condemnation. This man, they call him Jesus, even speaks against the Pharisees. He claims to be the son of Man and I believe it.
Some of his teachings are encouraging. He teaches that I should not be anxious. God takes care of the birds and the flowers and He loves me so much more, so He will take care of my needs. On the other side he teaches about repentance and perishing if I don’t.
Today was some of the hardest teachings I’ve ever heard. He told us that if we don’t hate our family, our parents, and even our own lives, then we can’t be his disciples. He said I have to bear my cross daily. I have to renounce all
that I have to be his disciple.
Read more
Winter, Snowfall & Memories
I woke up this morning and it was snowing. I walked around while at work today and it was snowing. I just came inside from playing in the snow. And it was still snowing. It looks like there is at least a half a foot of snow on the ground. I drove to and from work and I wasn’t worried or complaining about being out in this. I was actually enjoying it. I guess it reminds me of my childhood. Also seeing your everyday landscape instantly transformed by a blanket of snow just affects your perspective. Read more
Getting Things Done – On the Cheap
I picked up Getting Things Done
- I purchased a physical inbox and process everything in it every couple of days.
- I created a filing system and bought a label maker to simply the process.
- I made a moleskin replacement out of old plastic covers from a notebook and duct tape. I also got a pen, the Zebra F-301 Compact, which fits comfortably in my pocket.
Recycled Tech Turned Furniture
I was cleaning my apartment the other day and was moving the old computers I have laying around. I also noticed that I had run out of shelf space and had just crammed books in various places.
Then the thought occurred to me to re-purpose the old computer cases. From the front it looks like an old computer that has passed its prime.
Read more
