Each week (give or take one here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars this book deserves 7. It is a balm, a kick, a nudge, a lesson, counsel, conversation, realistic, hopeful, and profoundly biblical and beautiful. Peterson is a master of the basic yet profound, the accessible yet expansive. He shows things about God that are enormous and complex but in a way that would be eye-rolled out of a seminary classroom for its simplicity. And in that way he reflects the teachings of Jesus. I was convicted, challenged, and deeply encouraged reading A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. It is a treasure.
2. Blessed Quietness by Cyrus Chestnut
Plenty of hymns have been redone in recent year, some to great effect and others to . . . less effect. I tumbled across this album when I was in high school (way back when it wasn’t cool to redo hymns), and fell in love immediately. Chestnut is a classical and jazz pianist and you can here both woven throughout this beautiful instrumental album. He doesn’t overdo it. He doesn’t gut the songs. And none of them are in the key of Tomlin either. My favorite song on the album is “The Old Rugged Cross,” but there are several beauts. Check it out.
3. Barry Sanders High School Highlight Film
What did the best runner in history look like as a 17-year-old? Unfair, that’s how. My 17-year-old undersized defensive end self just feigned injury at the very thought of trying to tackle him.
