Each week (give or take one or two 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) Swedish Fish
I remember distinctly when I was introduced to Swedish Fish. It was my freshman year of college by a newly minted friend named Pete. We were heading to a movie (or some such even where one smuggles in contraband refreshments) and he suggested Swedish Fish. I remember picturing in my mind some kind of actual fish–something akin to sardines or pre-packaged smoked salmon–and began to second guess my standards for friends. But when he served me a handful of these gummy, delicious, mild, vaguely fruity candies I was smitten. Since that day they have sat firmly as candy royalty in my heart and pantry. And it is only fittig I share this with you now because this weekend is my 20th vcollege Reunion, where I will see Pete. And because Swedish Fish are a delightful road trip candy and I will be driving several hours to said reunion.
2) The Cross of Christ by John Stott
Comparatively few books deserve the label of “classic.” Often such books are more old than good (you remember high school English class). The truest classics, though, are those that have proven timeless in their relevance, appeal, and influence of subsequent authors. The Cross of Christ is such a book. It’s not, in fact, all that old by literary standards, having released in 1986. (To be fair, I was released into the world in 1983, so I am obliged to consider this book not old.) In it’s four decades of life, it has become a theological staple, a bedrock work, in beautifully explaining the centrality of the Cross to all of Christianity and defending substitutionary atonement. It is deeply theological without being academically dense. It is clear and precise without being pedantic. And it exemplifies Stott’s singular ability to be utterly clear about the truest things with gentleness and dignity. The Cross of Christ is a book I thin every Christian would benefit form reading.
3) Amazing Grace performed by Ralph Stanley
John Newton’s hymn, Amazing Grace, transcends genre. I sang it in four part harmony with a pipe organ’s accompaniment in my childhood. I’ve sung it a capella around a campfire. It is a gospel music (and southern gospel music) staple. It is a lullaby for children and funeral send-off. I’ve heard it wailed by bag pipes and wailed on a Hammond B3 organ. And this magnificent, simple old rendition by Ralph Stanley is one of my favorites.
