Skip to content ↓

A La Carte (12/15)

A La Carte Collection cover image

Yesterday my wife, who was feeling lousy, had me take my daughter, who was feeling lousier, to the doctor. The doctor asked me things like, “Is she allergic to any medications?” To which I answered, “Um…I dunno.” “Has she had a sore throat?” “Um…I dunno. I’m only here because Aileen’s sick.” “Didn’t an antibiotic we gave her last time give her a rash?” “Um…I have no memory of that. Doesn’t it say in your fancy little folder over there?” I must be the worst dad ever.

5 Great Books – Over at Ligonier Ministries I asked a bunch of people to compile a list of 5 great books they read in 2010. You may want to look over the list and pluck one or two for your own reading pleasure.

Nativity Scenes & the 2nd Commandment – Mark Lauterbach writes about the 2nd Commandment and Romans 14. “Read Romans 14 carefully — stew in it, soak in it — it is remarkable. In it, God answers ten thousand secondary questions. Paul was wise — he knew that when we start into the answering of all those questions and application and start developing a list of appendices to the Law, we are on a path of diversion from the purposes of God and the freedom of the Gospel.”

Lee Does the Unthinkable – Cliff Lee turned down more money than most of us will ever make in order to pitch in Philly. And that has the makings of a great off-season story. Yahoo reports.

2010 in Photos – Boston.com has begun a 3-part photographic retrospective of the year that was. As always, the photo selections are top notch.

Pastoral Twitter Do’s and Don’ts – This blogger offers some good advice to pastors about how and how not to use social media.

Pastoral Narcissism – This is an honest article about pastors and their tendency toward narcissism. You know you’re having a bad day when you walk into a room only to find your wife Googling narcissism to see if it applies to you.

Quiet Headphones – The owner of the web site Quiet Headphones is a reader of this site and wants to offer 10% off to anyone who buys headphones from him in the next 10 days. Just use the code challies and you’ll get the discount.

How To Become a Famous Blogger – It’s just this easy:

Famous

And a quote to end this edition of A La Carte:

The more familiar acquaintance we have with God the more do we partake of him. He that passes by the fire may have some gleams of heat, but he that stands by it has his colour changed. It is not possible that a man should have any long conference with God and be no whit affected. If we are strangers to God it is no wonder that our faces become earthy.

— William Bramwell

  • Francis

    Did Francis Prove To Be “The Humble Pope?”

    Francis’ time as pope has come to an end and already many are attempting to define his legacy. Was he a reformer? Was he a progressive? Was he an apostate? Perspectives are wildly varied with some honoring him as the greatest pope of modern times and some dishonoring him as a disgrace to the office.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 23)

    A La Carte: How to begin a conversation with a dechurched friend / Machen was right / The truth of Christ’s resurrection / When grief becomes sin / Nope to the media’s ideal for a new pope / Book sale / and more.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 22)

    A La Carte: Pope Francis / Yes, Jesus was crucified with nails / The mystery of “the call” / Just a little bit / The last of the four / John outran Peter / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Will You Be a Pillar?

    How do we lead in a culture shaped by performance, individualism, and platform? Platforms to Pillars by cultural commentator Mark Sayers offers a biblical alternative to the platform mentality that dominates our society. Drawing from the ancient world, Sayers challenges Christians to become pillars—people who provide strength and support for others, who live with character…

  • The Tallest Trees

    The Winds Blow Hardest Against the Tallest Trees

    Through the weekend had many questions about Christian leaders who fall. And I expressed that just as the winds blow hardest against the tallest trees, so temptations may press hardest against the leaders who rise the highest. Just as floods press against shallow roots, so seductive desires rise up against those whose fall would bring…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (April 21)

    A La Carte: Toxic servant leadership / Taking our stress to the Lord / The problem with habits / Is it wrong for Christians to choose cremation? / Why does your church meet in a house? / Big book and Kindle deals / and more.