Dreams Unlocked

I read 67 books in 2017. 19 of them were related to my doctoral dissertation. Looking over the list is like remembering good friends I got to spend time with. I will probably post a bit more about which books stood out to me and why. The best Christian book I read was "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas A'Kempis. This is the third time reading this book for me. This book is almost like a sacrament in terms of being able to draw someone in into the presence of God. It is a book to be read slowly and prayerfully. The best novel I read was Home by Marilynne Robinson. She is currently my favorite living writer. Her writing can best be described as poetic soul craft. She is truly unparalleled in terms of skill and gift. Here are the books I read: 1. Ultimate Prizes - Susan Howatch 2. The Imitation of Christ - Thomas A’Kempis (3rd time) 3. Welcoming but not Affirming - Stanley J. Grenz 4. The Bible and Homosexual Practice - Robert Gagnon 5. Bible Gender Se...

Finally got around to taking the family to “The Last Jedi”. I have mixed feeling. At times it get the timing of the story was a bit off. There were a few odd directing decisions as well. There were some compelling story points and some familiar action scenes. It was nice to see the continuation of Luke Skywalkers story and the new progression of Kylo Ren and Rey. I thought this was the weakest of the three most recent Star Wars films, so that was a bit disappointing. My kids liked it, even my 10 year old daughter who wasn’t very thrilled about going. My score : 6 out of 10.

A male and female pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses stopped by. I couldn’t tell if they were married.  They asked me if I thought about the future. I said yes, right along with the present and past.  They asked if I had a Bible in the House.  I said yes.  They said “Great!” In such perfect stereo it was like they practice saying it together.  They asked if they could leave some literature with me.  They handed me a copy of the watchtower. That magazine has not changed since I was a kid. Same cheap paper and same illustrator.  With their mission accomplished, they left.  Jehovahs Witnesses are kind of like polite home invaders - but they leave stuff, instead of taking stuff.