What Have I Been Reading

Fiction

• Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan // This book was fantastic. Callahan is a fantastic writer. My wife read this and I refused to pick it up because it looked like one of those books only a women would read (I know, I know - calm down). I was wrong. It's a great book that I enjoyed and would recommend to anyone. The quotes, “reason is how we get to the truth, but imagination is how we find meaning” and “every human interaction is eternally important” are still sitting with me.

• Live by the Night by Dennis Lehane // This is the complete opposite of the book above. It's a tale of a mobster and his goons reaping havoc on Boston and Florida, set in 1926. I picked this up from a book sale at our local library. 'Twas an interesting journey (and look into early 1900's masculinity) but not sure I would recommend.

*Fiction books give my mind a "rest" from extensive Biblical study, educational material, and anything that has a screen. With that, it should be noted that some of the titles above are "non-Christian." Proceed with caution.

Nonfiction

• Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide for Coping with Criticism in the Ministry by Joel Beeke // Yes. Highly recommend. Beeke's work is outstanding and this is no exception. Every pastor should read this book.

• Hebrews: Standing Firm in Christ (Reformed Expository Bible Studies) // This is our study for our men's and women's ministry this Fall. I would highly recommend these (and the commentary that goes with it as well).

NOTE: I don't recommend everything equally. Some resources have become staples that I enthusiastically place into the hands of others. Some are helpful with discernment. Others simply sparked reflection or conversation. My goal isn't to offer a list of perfect resources but to share what's currently shaping my thinking, ministry, and conversations.