iHOPE

Friday Five for June 6

Each week I go through a lot of posts. Most aren't worth more than a single read.  Some are worth a second. Each week I pick out five that I think are worth passing on.  Often they have something to do Faith and Life, but sometimes its just because I think it's interesting!

This week is a sampler that includes thoughts on a new Disney film, death bed regrets, N.T. Wright, a You-Tube video and an exhortation to get more sleep!

Nurse Reveals the Top Five Death Bed Regrets

Its always good to get a reminder on the things that are most important- and what aren't. Here's a good one.

Time for a Nap!

Michael Hyatt on some of the latest (but consistent research) on the importance of sleep: Why People Who Sleep Longer Achieve More.

Maleficent the Feminist?

You may just want to go watch the film, but if you want a deeper reflection, check this out.

Nada te Turbe

From the Taize songbook. Put it on, close your eyes and soak it in:  Nothing can trouble; nothing can frighten. Those who seek God shall never go wanting/God alone fills us. Check it out here.

The Problem with Biblical Authority

If you take my classes, you know I am a big fan of N.T. Wright. Here is an article that summarizes his thought from Scripture and the Authority of God. Its a helpful explanation of what it means to talk about the authority of the Bible- from the point of view of the Bible!

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Five for May 30

It's commencement time, so there's lot's of advice out there. Some of it is even good! I included two examples that caught my eye, plus some reflections on Maya Angelou, saying "Yes" to "No" and some thoughts on Repentance.

 

 

 

Commencement #1:  Admiral McRaven on the Courage to Change the World 

  Imagine what would happen if you helped change 10 people's lives...and they changed 10...and they changed 10?  Can it happen?  It happens everyday. Both video and text of this commencement address

Commencement #2: Joyce DiDonato on Some Truths About Art and Artists

 This was flagged first in a blog by Frank Schaeffer. He contends this address at Juliard by Joyce DiDonato is the best answer to "Why Art?" He may be right.

Maya Angelou and the Life That Makes a Difference

Not exactly a commencement address, but the five lessons gleaned from the life of Maya Angelou by Michael Hyatt are definitely worth the read.

Not All Repentance is the Same

Tim Keller is a powerful and insightful author. This is from his book, Counterfeit Gods and it is a short thought on the kind of repentance that actually brings change. 

Why You Must Say "Yes" to "No"

It's an old truth that needs to be relearned:  You have to be able to say "No" to many things in order to truly say "Yes" to something that matters. Here is another good reminder.

 

Friday Five for May 22, 2014

 

  I know its a day late, but this week's reading turned up articles on "Talking" Refrigerators, articles on Faith and Sabbath, the Pope's problem of finding a place to pray in the Holy Land and a video that breaks your heart.

It's all part of this week's "Friday Five."

 

If Refrigerators Could Talk

If someone only knew you through your refrigerator, would would they know? This article from Scientific American raises some good questions AND has some great pictures of what people put on their refrigerators. What is your refrigerator saying about you and your family- even before someone looks inside?

Faith is a Verb

A theologian talks about the limits of theology- if it isn't lived. An article that asks, "What does your life say about what you really believe?"

 Reclaiming the Sabbath

I'm doing some reading about 'keeping the sabbath' and found this to be a thoughtful article. Why are we so adamant that people keep the other commandments, but we ignore this one all the time?

You Can't Pray There!

The Pope would like to pray at the traditional site of the Last Supper while he is in the Holy Land. Trouble is, it is also over the traditional site of where David is buried. I used to feel that Monty Python's "Life of Brian" was outrageous and over-the-top humor. Articles like this make me think they were too tame.

 ReMoved

A powerful video that underscores the heroic work of Foster Parents. Bring your kleenex.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atheists, MVP's, Ceremonial Prayer and Lesson from an Insurance Company? This Week's Friday Five

Here are  some items to think about going into the weekend...

What Makes An MVP? 

You may have seen his speech when he accepted the award as the MVP of the NBA. It was played on the news, Facebook and just about everywhere else. Here is one take on why it made everyone smile.

Atheists Children are Straying from the "Faith"?

An odd statistic sparks some reflection about why the next generation is staying away- from just about every faith. Read it here.

 Ceremonial Prayer?

The Supreme Court upheld the right of to have 'ceremonial prayer' to begin city council meetings. That may be a victory for this city council, but doea anyone think we need more 'ceremonial prayers' in this world?  Here is someone who said it better than  I could.

The Pope a Rabbi and a Muslim walk into the Holy Land...

Is this beginning of a stale joke or a really good story?  Find out here.

Unsung Hero

I saved the best for last. If I had seen it earlier, it would have been part of last week's sermon on service. How is it the Thai Insurance Company has a better grip on the gospel than many Christians? Check it out here.

 Have a great weekend!

The Friday 5

I like to read.

Besides books, I also subscribe to lots of blog pages. For the next couple months, I'm going to try an experiment and put the links to five of the top articles I've read in the past week. "Top" doesn't mean I agree with or even like the article. It means I think it is noteworthy and makes me think.  Maybe they'll do the same for you, too. Most of them will have something to do with Faith & Life, but I make no guarantees!

If you have a comment about a Friday 5 article, I'd love to read it! That's what blogs like this are all about.

So here it is: my inaugural "Friday 5".