Thoughtful Reflections on Faith and Life
What does one do on a holiday? Many would look to do a special outing. But I am an introvert and I look for something different. As I look at things that I am thankful for, one would definitely the opportunity to relax with a good book. Today was a beautiful summer day. It was … Read More “Relaxing With a Book” »
My Good News post for this week is a rather odd one. It is about my recent activity in purging my personal library. Those who have known me well and for a while will know that I have been a long time book collector. I have amassed a sizeable library and I did enjoy collecting … Read More “Purging My Library” »
One of my favourite pastimes is reading books, second only to buying books. I have often felt guilty that I buy more than I read. I have bought a few more lately, both through Amazon and a couple of second hand stores. I have found some unexpected treasures, some I have been looking for and … Read More “Good News: Getting Some Reading Done” »
I love reading and I’m thankful I have been able to build a significant library. Here are the top ten books I read in 2019, in no particular order. Just so you know, I’m an Amazon Affiliate and these are affiliate links. Theology and Down Syndrome: Reimagining Disability in Late Modernity (Studies in Religion, Theology, … Read More “Top Ten Books I Read in 2019” »
The situation at Willow Creek with former pastor Bill Hybels continues to deteriorate as reported in this recent article at Christianity Today. Bill Hybels was for a long time one of the superstars of Christian ministry. He has probably been one of the most influential pastors in the last twenty-five years. Unfortunately, just as he … Read More “Should We Still Read Books by Bill Hybels?” »
Many of the pastors I know love to read. They have large libraries and collect resources to help with sermon preparations. But we can do better than just reading commentaries and other biblical resources. The way we can get better is to develop a reading plan. This can include reading books related to ministry, including … Read More “31 Days to Become a Better Pastor: Start a Reading Plan” »
I recently ran a poll on Twitter asking people about how many books per year people were reading. The results were as follows: How many books do you read a year? — Stephen Bedard (@SJBedard) March 6, 2018 I will admit that I was surprised by the results. The reason is that I read between … Read More “Increase Your Reading Capacity” »
I absolutely love books and I really enjoy getting new books. By “new” I mean new to me. I’m quite fine purchasing used books. In fact, visiting used bookstores is one of my favourite things to do. This can be dangerous as my favourite used bookstore, Hannelore Headley Old & Fine Books, is a two minute … Read More “5 Things I Love About Used Bookstores” »
Has there been one book that has really changed or shaped you? Is there one book that you are continually recommending to others? For me, I would have to say that is C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity. It is not just the content of the book, although that is fantastic, but the way in which Lewis … Read More “What Has Been the Most Influential Book in Your Life?” »
There is nothing like sitting outside in the beautiful weather, enjoying the sunshine and a good book. But what are you going to read? I have shared some suggestions from some other people but I thought I would share some of my own ideas. I have read a number of books recently that I really … Read More “My Suggestions for Summer Reading” »
I have often heard students talk about being eager to graduate so they can stop studying and start doing. While I am eager to graduate in my own current studies, it is a mistake to look forward to a time where studying is finished. I believe that no matter what our vocation, it is important … Read More “5 Ways to Become a Lifelong Learner” »
I sometimes get teased that my relaxing reading is no different from my work reading. That does not bother me one bit! I asked some people about their reading plans and apparently I’m not unique in my tastes. Take a look at what they are reading and perhaps you will find some ideas for your … Read More “Reading Suggestions” »
Most bloggers like to highlight their most popular blog posts and I have done that myself. But I thought I would do something different. Instead of listing my five most popular blog posts, I’m going to share my five least read posts. This does not mean they are bad posts, they just ended up at … Read More “My 5 Least Read Blog Posts” »
Summer is a chance for me to catch up on some of my reading. I have less classes to teach and my chaplaincy work is lighter. Now that summer is over, it is time for me to look back on what I read. I actually read more than these five, but these are the ones … Read More “5 Books I Read Over the Summer” »
I love books. There I said it. It was not always that way. Even during my teens my main reading material was comic books. But my mom decided that I needed to broaden my interests. Every once in a while she would bring home a pile of books from the bargain table at Coles the Book … Read More “Books, Books, Books” »
EXPERIENCING GOD WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND This book is a small group or individual study guide that seeks to help Christians understand how wrestling with the hard questions is compatible with experiencing God. The book takes the reader through issues such as the existence of God, the nature of truth, the nature of the Bible, … Read More “Experiencing God Without Losing Your Mind” »
