Crunchy Cons by Rod Dreher *

A look at a trend among conservatives today where they are beginning to embrace some values that have typically held by liberals. This is not just a discussion between Democrats and Republicans. "Crunchy Cons" has to do with Con = Conservative in voting and normal day to day discussions. "Crunchy" = like earthy-crunchy types. You know folk that wear birkenstocks, buy organic and probably buy a hybrid car. The Manifesto of the Crunchy Con is:
1) We are conservatives who stand outside the conservative mainstream; therefore we can see things that matter more clearly.
2) Modern conservatism has become too focused on money, power, and the accumulation of stuff, and insufficiently concerned with the content of our individual and social character.
3) Big business deserves as much skepticism as big government
4) Culture is more important than politics and economics.
5) A conservatism that does not practice restraint, humility, and good stewardship - especially of the natural world - is not fundamentally conservative.
6) Small, local, old and particular are almost always better than big, global, new and abstract.
7) Beauty is more important than efficiency.
8) The relentlessness of media-driven pop culture deadens our senses to authentic truth, beauty, and wisdom.
9) We share Russell Kirk's conviction that "the institution most essential to conserve is the family."

The Deeper Journey, Mulholland *

A glimpse into spiritual formation by analyzing the true self and the false self. _The Deeper Journey_ is a look into Colossians 3 in light of spiritual formation. Ch. 6 on forgiving and forgiveness is an excellent guide on maintaining Godly relationships

God's Big Picture, Vaughn Roberts *

A thematic overview of the entire Bible. Vaughn Roberts brinhgs a fresh perspective on understanding the Bible. The book is short but covers a wide range of themes and some good practical guides to understanding.

License to Grill, Chris Schlesinger & John Willoughby *

A cook book with great creative content about Grilling. The Recipes are special - not just Burgers and Brats - they give good techniques with unique ingredients. The section on seafood is very helpful.

Down To Earth Spirituality, Stevens

in process

The Irresistible Revolution, Shane Claiborne

in process

Spiritual Disciplnes Handbook, Calhoun

in process

The Jerusalem Diet, Haggard

in process

Soultypes, hirsh & kise

in process

Freefall of the American University, Black

in process

Fit In, Stand Out, Blythe McGarvie *

A strong leadership concept given from a simple perspective. As I read about the 6 catalysts of Leadership - I really agreed with her perspective. The 6 Catalysts - Financial Acuity, Integrity, Linkages (networking), Learning, Perspective, Gobal citizenship. She has a vast amount of experience with many companies and provides helpful insight on leadership in 2000's.

Crazy for Crab, Fred Thompson *

Yes it really is a cookbook! The first of several. Crazy for Crab is all about Crabs. A look at how to pick them, cook them and the different types of crabs including West Coast Crabs (dungeress) - although I'm not sure why they are included.

Many great recipes! I plan on trying many of them out

The Message of John's Letters, David Jackman *

A Commentary on I,II,III John.

My personal study of John's letters has taken 6 months and I must say the most helpful tool in understanding The Elder John has been Mr Jackman's commentary. It has been written in such away that it almost speaks sermon. Many passages are broken down into 3 parts with 3 clear applications.

Because of Mr Jackman's study of John, the apostle as well as the Gospel and these letters it gave an excellent understanding into this man who lived so long and knew Jesus so well.

Bible Speaks Today series, edited by John Stott

Provocative Faith, Matthew Paul Turner *

'Walking away from the ordinary'

Matthew Turner, former editor of CCM mag and also Christian Coffeehouse manager & venue specialist. This fellow has grown up in the Christian subculture and of late has been learning how to break out of it.

The best part of the book was the recounting of the many interviews that he has conducted. It's a great glimpse into the hearts and minds and real issues of "famous" Christians.

Some of it came off as whiny & angsty - "If only..." kind of stuff. But what was encouraging was the fact that God has placed him on a journey of recovery from the subculture to living for the Father in the midst of real community and with many seekers of truth.

Photorealism at the Millennium *

Ah... I thought I was learning a new photography technique. But what I learned was about a group of artists who experimented with several types of medium to get a new look.

By taking photographs or photographic facsimiles they would manipulate the picture by painting with oil or acrylic, or "collaging" with string, rubber or plastic to reform the image. So at first look it would be a photograph but at closer examination you would see the other 'arts' coming out. Subjects were common photographic images like fruitbowls, muscle cars, storefronts etc.

The book gave a glimpse into these specific artists. I guess the famous ones. There were about 30 of them in the 80's who developed this style of art. The author was responsible for gathering most of them for an event to announce his book and to see them interact with each other.

The Book of 7 Truths: A Tale of Hope and Restoration, Calvin Miller *

A story within a story. A mother and son in the depression era encounter a mid-eastern sage, who helps them understand the way while allowing them to 'succeed' for themselves. In the midst of most difficult circumstances he mentors them through a book that offers 7 truths - teaching them that God is in charge, and we are not!.

In the end: all is as it should be. And Mr Rhovee has been an angel and mentor to yet another. Each of the 7 truths are written paraboliclly and each parable has a direct application to the mother and child. It was a fun book and the truths although simple drew me back to The Father with a greater hunger to serve and understanding of dependence.

Soul Talk, Larry Crabb *

An incredible analysis of what it means to enter into relationships of Spiritual Direction. It was mostly appealing to me because it describes almost to a "T", what I do. Yet he defined certain aspects in a way that I found very helpful.

His structure really helps define how to enter into deep relationships pointing others, those we minister to, to closer walks with Jesus.


"The Dance of Spiritual Direction"
1. Think Beneath
2. Think Vision
3. Think Passion
4. Think Story
5. Think Movement