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Good Stuff; v. 5

November 8, 2015 By Shelly Durkee

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Well. I just returned home, from the store. Where I discovered that they have already installed the tacky “lights and tinsel” decorations high up on the parking lot lights–you know the ones, the poinsettia and snowflakes. And just like that, the season is upon us.

And, as predictable as those decorations going up the first week of November is, here also is the predictable posting of Good Stuff, Volume 5: a compendium of interesting items I’ve come across over the past week.

From The Gospel Coalition: The Writings of C.S. Lewis Like You’ve Never Seen Them Before

I am naturally drawn to anything about C.S. Lewis that I can find, so when I saw this post over at The Gospel Coalition, I was all over it. There is a guy who has taken various writings of C.S. Lewis, and created “drawings” or “doodles” to the recording, and the results are fascinating. I probably spent an entire hour going through them. So well done. So creative.

Also From The Gospel Coalition: What is the Relationship between Christianity and Words

Words are hugely important to me. I collect them like some people collect baseball cards. I love how they string together to form sentences and paragraphs and express thoughts. And I love that God chose to reveal Himself, through words. Justin Taylor has a tremendous article that shows the concrete relationship between Christianity and Words. Such good stuff.

From DesiringGod.org: Two Underused Strategies for Addiction

I appreciate the website DesiringGod.org for many reasons; one of which is that they do not shy away from raw honesty. An example of this is this article about two strategies that are underused in the fight against the tremendously strong pull to addiction. Helpful for those who are battling addiction in their own lives, and helpful to those who are trying to help people close to them in the battle.

Videos:

Tonight seems like a good night to spotlight some great videos. First, this beautiful video, sent to me from a friend. The Man in the Moon; goodness, I love the sky and the moon, and I love this video, too:

I think Jimmy Fallon is a comedy genius. He never fails to make me chuckle. Here is a great musical rendition by Jimmy, The Roots, and various music guests–We Are the Champions:

The CMA’s were this week. I didn’t watch them–I’m not huge into “new country”, though I really like the old stuff, so I think that is why I like Chris Stapleton, who apparently swept many of the awards given out this year. Great voice. Here is Stapleton, singing with Justin Timberlake: Tennessee Whisky. That voice. Wow.

And, I’ll leave you with this: What’s not to love about an industrial shredder, that can shew up couches?

Good Stuff v.4

November 2, 2015 By Shelly Durkee

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Well, once again, it’s Daylight Savings time. Or Daylight Savings ends. Or something like that, I don’t remember which. Either way, it’s 7:16pm Eastern, and it feels like Midnight, folks.

The Duffer Crew had a fantastic weekend filled with all things Homecoming 2015 and Pumpkin Carving. Good Times.

And, here is my list of Good Stuff, Volume 4: a compendium of interesting items I’ve come across over the past week.

From DesiringGod.org: Interruption is God’s Invitation

I like my days to be very structured; probably too structured. And, I don’t much welcome interruption. Ugh, I know I have certainly been far less than gracious, when my day has been interrupted by a phone call, or by a neighbor stopping by, or by something that suddenly needed my attention. That’s embarrassing to admit.

This post by Joseph Tenney was a good reminder that interruptions quite possibly may be God-ordained. Focusing on a quote from Bonhoeffer in his book “Life Together” we are given a gentle kick to be more flexible and to view interruptions as exactly that–the invitation from God to live life together, corporately.

Also From DesiringGod.org: Five Points for your Fears

I am still slowly digesting this post; it’s a bit overwhelming. Paul Maxwell talks candidly about how we should address the fears in our lives. This right here; whew:

When we are vanquished by hypothetical monsters that dominate our hearts with fear, God breaks their kneecaps with the blunt force of his character: “I don’t work that way.” “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). No man, no monster, no master will boast — because the God who saves you from ungodliness without condition, also supervises the universe without condition “so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:29).

I need to remember that God is a God who, in regards to the fears that haunt me, will “break their kneecaps with the blunt force of his character….no man, no monster, no master will boast…..” Yes. Amen. Good Stuff.

From Open Culture: Stream the Complete Works of Bach and Beethoven

Open Culture is quickly becoming one of my favorite spaces on the web to visit. I always, always find interesting stuff there in the literary, arts or music worlds. Here is an interesting article that points us to the works of Bach and Beethoven, with explanation as to why.

All who wander are not lost….

Stuff around the world….

Iowa: Growing Up in Utopia

I met a new friend a few weeks back, who happens to know where Fairfield, Iowa is located. In fact, he kind of incredulously asked “You mean you are from there?” He was right in his curiosity–it was quite an odd little town to grow up in. This article, by Willy Blackmore, does a good job of trying to capture some of the essence of what being “from there” means. Oh, and by the way, Fairfield was featured on the show Blacklist a couple of weeks ago.

Kilauea: Footage of Lava Producing Lightning Strikes

I’ve only had the opportunity to see this happen once, and good grief, it was spectacular. I don’t understand all the science, but somehow lava flowing into the cold ocean, can sometimes create its own weather system, including isolated tornadic clouds and lightning. Folks, there isn’t much more amazing than watching God create land in real-time, to the background of stunning lightning flashes. This link will take you to footage that will give you a taste of it.

Mauna Kea: My Favorite Place on Earth

This picture was taken by a friend of a friend, in Hawaii. It’s a picture of the Milky Way, as seen from Mauna Kea. I can’t even begin to describe to you how amazing it is to stand under the stars in one of most clear atmospheric locations in the world. It’s where I first saw the rings of Saturn. I love this place.

Sports:

I’m a failure at all things sports, but for some reason I love watching Kansas City play both football and baseball. Maybe because they are the only two professional teams I have ever seen play in person. So, a shout-out to the KC Chiefs for beating the Lions today, and a HUGE shout-out to the KC Royals for looking at the possibility of winning the World Series tonight. #TakeTheCrown

Recipe

I do not enjoy cooking. At all. It is very rare that I bake or cook something. But I was intrigued by this pumpkin bread made in a crockpot, and so I attempted it. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.: Crockpot Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Music of Note

Here are some tunes I’ve come across, that I’ve enjoyed lately:

CHRISTMAS!!: O Holy Night

It’s November, bring on the Christmas tunes! I know people complain about Christmas music starting too early, but I now look forward to it every year. I love the old, familiar stuff, and a handful of the newer offerings as well. My girl and I are working on this version of O Holy Night, in preparation for our church’s Ladies Christmas Tea, a fancy-shmancy event. I love singing with my girl.

Stuff I Like: Cable-Knit Throw From Pottery Barn

November also means cooler weather, which means, blankets, and I love curling up under a blanket to read; and while I would never seriously pay this kind of money for a blanket, doesn’t this blanket from Pottery Barn look like it just screams “Grab a book by Dostoevsky, light a fire, and read for hours?”

My Boy: Homecoming 2015 PowderPuff Cheerleading Routine; Junior Class

On Thursday this past week, my boy and his buddies participated in the Homecoming Pep Rally as a Powder Puff Cheerleading team. I didn’t know whether to be mortified or proud. This has to be one of the best–and funniest–routines ever.

Good Stuff

October 10, 2015 By Shelly Durkee

There has been some excellent content as of late. Stuff that I’ve filed away in Evernote, for review later, or words that have caused me to rethink things–sentences that have challenged me, convicted me, pushed me.

I thought that, tonight, I’d share a few items that have caught my attention over the last few weeks:

From The Gospel Coalition: Don’t Give them Hallmark Platitudes

Yes. Platitudes and Hallmark cards and cliches—these are the things that do not bring hope, or comfort, even, to those in the throes of despair. No, what people need, in their darkest moments, is Habakkuk. The truth of it. The author, Eric Raymond, lays out a roadmap that ends in salvation. Yes, salvation of the soul, but I would also say salvation of the mind. Habakkuk is a huge book for me; one I return to regularly, for all the reasons that Raymond lists.

From Lore Ferguson: Good Shepherds and the Good Shepherd

I like reading what Lore writes. She has a way of crafting words, that causes them to sink deep. In this post, Lore examines shepherding–what that looks like, and what it should look like for those who shepherd congregations. No, I am not a pastor, per se, but her words struck a chord as the head of my household, with the responsibility of shepherding my crew well. Important stuff.

From John Piper and DesiringGod.org: When Should We Pray for God to Take Us Home?

Piper’s words here cut a deep trench. All of them, but particularly the 5th paragraph down.

All who wander are not lost….

You would think that, with as much as I have traveled lately for work, that I wouldn’t want to travel any. And, there is truth in that–travel messes me up. I am gone again next week, and already dreading it. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy the travel–exploring, experiencing new things, seeing new sights, meeting new people, eating new foods. Here are two articles that have me wanting to pack my backpack:

Train Ride Across America: Across the USA by Train for Just $213

So, how cool would that be? My kids have done this–they traveled from Virginia to Seattle last summer, via train, and then flew home. I’m seriously considering this, for next year. I would use it to spend a week or so seeing the country, while also using it for concentrated writing time. Amtrak even has a writing internship where they give free tickets to writers to travel the rails and spend time at their craft. I would never be chosen, but goodness, that would be the darn coolest thing.

Antarctica: How to Survive Winter in Antarctica

This isn’t a new article, but it is one that I recently dug back up to re-read. I want to do this. I want to hole up, in Antarctica, for a winter, and see the stars and the Aurora Borealis and hibernate in isolation.

Sermons:

I’m not sure what the title of the sermon was, but this sermon on Marriage, by our pastor, Michael Howard, was tremendous. Best sermon I have ever heard, on the subject. It was so hard to listen to, but also so important. I wish I could get everyone I know–married, single, widowed, young, old–to listen to this sermon. You can find the link here: Seaford Baptist Church

Also, this on Psalm 22: Why Doesn’t God Act the Way I Want Him To? contains solid words that remind us who God is–and the hope we can find when we approach God respectfully, but unfiltered and in complete honesty.

Upcoming Books of Note

I have two pre-ordered books that will be arriving soon. Very much looking forward to both:

Preparing for Heaven: What Dallas Willard Taught Me About Living, Dying, and Eternal Life by Gary Black

The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms by Timothy Keller

Music of Note

Here are some tunes I’ve come across, that I’ve enjoyed lately:

Far Kingdom ~ The Gray Havens

Not my usual style, but I’m quite taken with this song:

There is a far, far kingdom
There at the end of the sea
Where they know my name
And until that far, far kingdom
Calls me home
Oh, my soul, I will wait

Undone ~ Sovereign Grace

Sovereign Grace’s newest album dropped this week. There were only a couple of tracks on it, that really caught my attention. The song Undone is one of them, and may be something I introduce my church to in November:

We were ruined in Your presence
And tearing at the seams
Our eyes had gazed upon the King of kings

The other was their take on the hymn “Blessed Assurance”….it’s just pure joy to sing loudly to.

Movies:

I’ve not had any time for TV late–which is fine for me; I pretty much find TV to be a complete waste of time–but I have been to a couple of excellent movies. One of note is Everest. I saw it last weekend with my boy. I had read Jon Krakauer’s book “Into Thin Air” several years ago, so it was interesting to see it on the screen. Good grief, Everest is beautiful. Someday, I will go to Nepal.

Tonight I’m going to see The Martian. I almost picked up the book that it is based on in an airport bookstore this past summer, but didn’t. Maybe I still will….

Johnny Cash–I so love to listen to Johnny Cash. If you have access to CMT, there was a great documentary a few weeks ago–it was so, so good. You wouldn’t think that a documentary about a rebellious and broken soul would move a person to worship, but this did. You may be able to access the show here: Johnny Cash: American Rebel

Boots:

I needed a new pair of winter boots. So, I got these. I love them. But they have a heel, so I’ll probably fall.

Oh well, I’ll look good, as I crash into the ground.

Stuff I Like

January 5, 2015 By Shelly Durkee

A compilation of interesting stuff I’ve come across:

19 Secrets of UPS Drivers

I really, really, really hate to shop. If I can avoid it at all, I will. Therefore, if there is something I really need (or, alas, want), I typically will check online first. A side effect of this has been that our dog Biscuit has gotten to know our UPS driver. In fact, our driver brings her treats. Yep, he’s that awesome. So I found this article about UPS Drivers to be really interesting. (After reading this, I’ve started trying to make sure I do #10, or at least send my crew out)

Lost in Translation

Words are so fascinating. I collect words like others collect stamps. That’s why I’d love someday to purchase this book: Lost in Translation by Ella Frances Sanders. It’s a book of words that are essentially untranslatable from around the world, beautifully illustrated. You can read a review and sample some of the words at this website: BrainPickings

Novels Everyone Should Read

Here is a very nerdy, fun interactive info-graph showing a word cloud of novels everyone should read from The National Review, The Pulitzer Prize and other sources. It’s beautiful with a clean design, and when you click on each title, it takes you to the Amazon page for that book.

Snowy Driving Myths

I learned to drive on snow-packed roads and black ice. That’s what happens when you are from a small town in Iowa. I love driving in snow. This article gives 7 Snow-Driving myths that are good to know. I can DEFINITELY vouch for #1 and #5.