Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Monday, April 09, 2007
The other side of the bridge.
I read this book last week. I had actually checked out two different books from the library and started reading the other one first but wasn't drawn in to it. This one though... this one pulled me in right away. The conflict between the two brothers and the backdrop of the outdoors (rural Ontario) kept my attention. The book is told mostly through the perspective of the older, somewhat dim-witted, brother, and yet, it was amazingly captivating. I hadn't read a Novel for a long time so this was a welcomed change of pace. It was also a pleasant surprise to find a good one right off the bat. I just finished reading some of the reviews and found that all of them were also very positive.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
reality check
This morning is the first day back to work after a week off. I set my alarm for 6:00 to walk Molly. I layed in bed until 6:42 and then finally got up. Molly is still in her crate. Maybe she needs time to get back in to the groove as well?...
The week off was hectic and I felt like I didn't spend enough time outdoors or doing meditative things. I went on one bike ride in Platteville. Yep, Platteville's still hilly. I also took Molly for a few walks while there. When we got back to Winona I was lethargic and feel pathetic for not doing more. I only took one walk and that was pretty much it for physical activity. I did finish "Blue Like Jazz" which was a great read. Miller calls it a non-religous thoughts on christian spirtituality. It was worth the time to read. It was a nice reminder that God probably isn't a member of a specific party affiliation and probably doesn't care about our politics. The book doesn't talk about that stuff hardly at all but I throw that out there because I get the impression people come to expect a book on faith to bash somebody else which is terrible to think that's what people think Christianity is all about but I'm constantly reminded of it by non-believing friends and it's reinforced by the Christian media folk.
Essentially Blue Like Jazz is a book of stories, thoughts, and ideas on faith in Jesus and just some life stories of his own. One of my favorite stories Miller told was when he was involved @ Reed College which is very liberal and the school sponsors this huge party where everyone gets high and drunk and parties. I'm paraphrasing here. At the time Miller was a member of a Christian organization and most organizations got involved in this party in one way or another. Miller's group set up a confessional booth after the first day of partying. But the confessional was done in reverse where the members of his group would be the confessors confessing sins that Christians had done to non-believers both recent and things that happened over extended history. The whole story was inspiring.
The week off was hectic and I felt like I didn't spend enough time outdoors or doing meditative things. I went on one bike ride in Platteville. Yep, Platteville's still hilly. I also took Molly for a few walks while there. When we got back to Winona I was lethargic and feel pathetic for not doing more. I only took one walk and that was pretty much it for physical activity. I did finish "Blue Like Jazz" which was a great read. Miller calls it a non-religous thoughts on christian spirtituality. It was worth the time to read. It was a nice reminder that God probably isn't a member of a specific party affiliation and probably doesn't care about our politics. The book doesn't talk about that stuff hardly at all but I throw that out there because I get the impression people come to expect a book on faith to bash somebody else which is terrible to think that's what people think Christianity is all about but I'm constantly reminded of it by non-believing friends and it's reinforced by the Christian media folk.
Essentially Blue Like Jazz is a book of stories, thoughts, and ideas on faith in Jesus and just some life stories of his own. One of my favorite stories Miller told was when he was involved @ Reed College which is very liberal and the school sponsors this huge party where everyone gets high and drunk and parties. I'm paraphrasing here. At the time Miller was a member of a Christian organization and most organizations got involved in this party in one way or another. Miller's group set up a confessional booth after the first day of partying. But the confessional was done in reverse where the members of his group would be the confessors confessing sins that Christians had done to non-believers both recent and things that happened over extended history. The whole story was inspiring.
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I've been filled with some anxiety lately because the first class I'll be teaching for work will be next week and the class is supposed to last 1 1/2 to two days. I've never spoke in front of anyone for more than five minutes. The only redeeming factor is I understand the topic. I've got my information all there but I have no idea how the presentation will end up going. This is totally new territory for me. I've got a few more days to prepare and do a mock run-through so we'll see...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
An Alien Commenting on Humans
I've been reading a book by Donald Miller called "Searching For God Knows What".
Here's an excerpt I really liked:
Humans as a species, are constantly, and in every way comparing themselves to one another, which, given the brief nature of their existence, seems an oddity and, for that matter a waste. Nevertheless, this is the driving influence behind every human's social development, their emotional health and sense of joy, and sadly, their greatest tragedies. It is as though something that helped them function and live well has gone missing, and they are pining for that missing thing in all sorts of odd methods, none of which are working. The greater tragedy is that very few people understand they have the disease. This seems strange as well because it is obvious. To be sure, it is killing them, and yet sustaining their social and economic systems. They are an entirely beautiful people with a terrible problem.
Here's an excerpt I really liked:
Humans as a species, are constantly, and in every way comparing themselves to one another, which, given the brief nature of their existence, seems an oddity and, for that matter a waste. Nevertheless, this is the driving influence behind every human's social development, their emotional health and sense of joy, and sadly, their greatest tragedies. It is as though something that helped them function and live well has gone missing, and they are pining for that missing thing in all sorts of odd methods, none of which are working. The greater tragedy is that very few people understand they have the disease. This seems strange as well because it is obvious. To be sure, it is killing them, and yet sustaining their social and economic systems. They are an entirely beautiful people with a terrible problem.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
"Searching For God Knows What"
I've been reading this book since Thanksgiving. My favorite chapters have been 5 through 8.
Chapter 5 - Naked - Why Nudity Is The Point
Chapter 6 - Children of Chernobyl
Chapter 7 - Adam, Eve, and The Alien
Chapter 8 - Life Boat Theory
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