Some of my friends consider me a great source for music and book recommendations. Every so often I like to just put out my latest favorites.
There are five music selections that I’m enjoying:
Lady Antebellum
This is a new country music trio. Their hit single off the album “I Need You Now” is of the same title. It is the best single I have heard technically and musically for a long time. The album is just terrific to listen to. There isn’t anything particularly Christian about it but it is artistically awesome.
Switchfoot
This group is not a Christian group but a group of Christians in a band making great music. Bono says they are his favorite group. Their latest album “Hello Hurricane” must be bought by all. I love this group. Their worldview is Christian. And they are consummate artists.
Jeff Beck
Beck’s latest album “Emotion and Commotion” is a must own for guitar players. It is just beautiful instrumental music.
Johnny Cash
Cash’s latest release is titled “American VI: Ain’t No Grave”. It was the last recording he made before he died. He wrote a great hymn from Corinthians 15 that spoke of his hope beyond this life. Cash’s passion for Christ comes out even though it is not an official Christian album. You have to like Johnny usually to get a great deal out of his music. I have been a fan since 1969.
The Muse
They call this group Brit Rock in its genre. I love this group. They are complex but beautiful. Usually younger ears handle their music best. It’s just great music for when you feel mindless. I like to listen to it in the background when I am working on the original texts of the Bible. For some reason it releases my creative juices.
I read a lot of books. The following are a few that have risen to the top lately.
Dying to Lead by Robert McKenna
What makes this book great is first the author’s consummate credentials and his passionate commitment to Christ as a renowned industrial psychologist. I am also friends with him and his father. The second power point with this book is it has brief chapters that are concise and robust in content. I have wearied of leadership books but this one has inspired me anew.
Fearless by Max Lucado
This is the first book I have read by Lucado. I don’t usually care for this genre. This book is great. Mine is marked up on many pages. The topic is handled well. And is written very well. I would buy it again if I lost it.
The Path of Celtic Prayer by Calvin Miller
You just have to read this book. It is hard to explain. It is loaded with great history and application. It has helped my praying. I accidentally got the book because I forgot to send in a book club card. But this one was worth the time and money.
The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal
This is an awesome though older book. It was written by the famous Nazi hunter. Basically a collection of essays in response to Wiesenthal’s struggle to understand forgiveness. Every thoughtful Christian should read this book.
The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
I have given myself to a year of study on happiness. I started with Martin Seligman and found my way here. It is technical but great for those wanting to help people with, or for those who struggle with, depression. I have carried it with me for weeks now. It’s made me happy
One Movie
Here’s a bonus for you. I got a movie from Netflix titled “The Invention of Lying.” There is a little profanity in it but no worse than the way my neighbor talks to me when we get our mail. It is a movie that has a dig at faith and Christianity. It is fascinating to get another angle of how God rejecters think about us. Those who speak need to see this one especially.
TV Show
I am trying to find how I can get my hands on and interview with Valerie Bertinilli on the show titled “Shatner’s Raw Nerve.” It is probably the best example of someone struggling to sort out their life spiritually. If you can guide me how to get copies of Shatner’s show let me know.
So- there you go.
