This one´s too much. Just wait for the handbag snatch!
19 April 2008
14 April 2008
My New Baby!
Not only did I get to see loads of young people make decisions to impact their schools, and take in some of the best scenery in North America, but I came away from Canada with a brand-spanking new skateboard, thanks to Ryan & Arash.
13 April 2008
5 Books Well Worth Reading
Lately I´ve been reading a lot of books and the topic of literature seems to be coming up in a lot of conversation, leading to requests for tips and a fair few vacant slots on my bookshelf. I thought I´d reminisce and write a few reviews starting with 5 classics that had an impact on me during my first 25 years.
Here goes:
Once in a while a book comes along that just completely changes your priorities. No Compromise is one of those books. From the brutal honesty of Keith´s lyrics & the passion of his poetry to the conviction backing his actions & the heart-wrenching circumstances surrounding his tragic death, Melody Green manages to do justice to a man who made more impact on the Christian world in 7 years than most do in a lifetime. Keith´s honesty, zeal, sensitivity & sacrificial living will for ever be an example to us all.
A lot can be said about Saint John Cassian and his works speak for themselves. The most famous compilation of his writings in English goes under the name The Conferences, often reserved for somewhat seasoned theologians and those willing to tackle so-called "heavier" Christian literature. More accessible books compiling shorter excerpts of Cassian´s writings such as "Det rena hjärtat" are available in Swedish and other languages. What strikes me is the relevance of the insights of a Scythian Monk and Desert Father born 1600 years before me in a completely different time, tradition, country and culture. This book was one of my earlier discoveries in the field of ancient Christian literature and is definitely worth a read.
Bruce Olson is a living legend and a master of meaningful mission. Having left the security of the States for the hostility and loneliness of life in the Colombian jungle with the Motilone indians, Bruce endured pretty much every obstacle imaginable from cannibals and shooting incidents to life-threatening illness and a 7-year wait before being able to share his faith. Bruce is a lingual genius and humanitarian, an adventurer and a hero; not to mention one of the most successful modern-day missionaries on the face of the earth. This book is a mus for anyone attempting to convey the Christian message in a foreign culture.
What can I say? This book needs no introduction and with the impending release of the 2-part take on the book directed by Peter Jackson, I´m sure it will find it´s way back to bestseller shelves all over the world. At the age of 12, this was my first introduction to the fantasy-filled world of fiction founded by the likes of literary fathers and Ex-Inklings Tolkien and Lewis, and it will always be my favourite.
This book was first given to me in 1998 by an former drug addict and jailbird called Börje, who had made it his mission to put this book in the hands of as many people as possible before his lungs gave way and his life came to an end at the age of 63. At the time I had no idea that it was one of the most important devotional books written in modern times and that it would turn up all over the place over the decade to follow. My Utmost for His Highest is not for the faint-hearted, containing some of the sharpest Christian teaching and most concise yet constructive devotionals I´ve ever read. Tack Börje, and rest in peace.
Here goes:
Once in a while a book comes along that just completely changes your priorities. No Compromise is one of those books. From the brutal honesty of Keith´s lyrics & the passion of his poetry to the conviction backing his actions & the heart-wrenching circumstances surrounding his tragic death, Melody Green manages to do justice to a man who made more impact on the Christian world in 7 years than most do in a lifetime. Keith´s honesty, zeal, sensitivity & sacrificial living will for ever be an example to us all.
A lot can be said about Saint John Cassian and his works speak for themselves. The most famous compilation of his writings in English goes under the name The Conferences, often reserved for somewhat seasoned theologians and those willing to tackle so-called "heavier" Christian literature. More accessible books compiling shorter excerpts of Cassian´s writings such as "Det rena hjärtat" are available in Swedish and other languages. What strikes me is the relevance of the insights of a Scythian Monk and Desert Father born 1600 years before me in a completely different time, tradition, country and culture. This book was one of my earlier discoveries in the field of ancient Christian literature and is definitely worth a read.
Bruce Olson is a living legend and a master of meaningful mission. Having left the security of the States for the hostility and loneliness of life in the Colombian jungle with the Motilone indians, Bruce endured pretty much every obstacle imaginable from cannibals and shooting incidents to life-threatening illness and a 7-year wait before being able to share his faith. Bruce is a lingual genius and humanitarian, an adventurer and a hero; not to mention one of the most successful modern-day missionaries on the face of the earth. This book is a mus for anyone attempting to convey the Christian message in a foreign culture.
What can I say? This book needs no introduction and with the impending release of the 2-part take on the book directed by Peter Jackson, I´m sure it will find it´s way back to bestseller shelves all over the world. At the age of 12, this was my first introduction to the fantasy-filled world of fiction founded by the likes of literary fathers and Ex-Inklings Tolkien and Lewis, and it will always be my favourite.
This book was first given to me in 1998 by an former drug addict and jailbird called Börje, who had made it his mission to put this book in the hands of as many people as possible before his lungs gave way and his life came to an end at the age of 63. At the time I had no idea that it was one of the most important devotional books written in modern times and that it would turn up all over the place over the decade to follow. My Utmost for His Highest is not for the faint-hearted, containing some of the sharpest Christian teaching and most concise yet constructive devotionals I´ve ever read. Tack Börje, and rest in peace.6 April 2008
5 April 2008
Rise Worldwide
I just got back from doing a couple of sessions at Momentum in Solihull today and came away content having had good talks with lots of good people all doing good things. One couple running a clothing company have come all the way from New Zealand to London to South Birmingham to set up their branding and design company, and also run Rise Worldwide on the side. Check them out at www.rise-worldwide.com
4 April 2008
R.I.P. Jason Rae
Jason Rae of the Leeds-based funk band Haggis Horns was found dead last week at the mere age of 32, leaving behind his world-famous 29-year old singer wife Corinne Bailey Rae. Life is precious and it´s sad to see young talent pass so early whatever the circumstances. Rest in peace.
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