Books and Music Commentary

I usually have three books going at once. One for devotional reading in the morning, one for enrichment or work related issues and a novel for recreational reading. For my daily devotional reading (along with my NIV / the Message Parallel Bible) I've been reading Henri Nouwen's "Can You Drink the Cup". I really enjoy Henri's perspective on faith and spirituality. If you're not read any of Nouwen's material, I strongly encourage you to do so. I would start with the book "In the Name of Jesus".

"Can you Drink the Cup" was written near the end of his life and is reflective in nature. Here's an excerpt from what I read this morning from the chapter "Lifting the Cup":

Mostly we are willing to look back at our lives and say, "I am grateful for the good things that brought me to this place."

But when we lift our cup to life, we must dare to say, " I am grateful for all that has happened to me and led me to this moment." This gratitude which embraces all of our past is what makes our life a true gift to others, because the gratitude erases bitterness, resentments, regret and revenge as well as all jealousies and rivalries. It transforms our past into a fruitful gift for the future, and makes our life, all of it, into a life that gives life.

What an amazing to way to live! How many times do I wallow in what I should have done, didn't do and wish I hadn't done? Truth is, I can't change what has already happened - but I can learn from it and move forward in grace and peace. These are easy words to read and write, but it's something I'm struggling to practice.

The Kite Runner is one of the most powerful pieces of fiction I've read in years. I've seen the book around for a long while now, and picked it up a couple of weeks ago. It is an amazing portrayal of selfless friendship, betrayal, reconciliation, forgiveness and restitution set in the Bay Area, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It's not necessarily political in nature but does show the passion and heart of the Afghan people. This book will stay in my collection for years, it's one I may revisit often as it's themes are important and poignant.

I have a great excerpt I'd love to post, but I don't want to give anything away!

I just picked up the new Public Enemy record, "How You Sell Your Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold their Soul?" GREAT record. Chuck D., as always, has excellent commentary. He specifically takes on the commercial rap business and comments on it's destructive nature it has on urban communities. It's definitely 'old school' but worth listening to and supporting. I'm not too sure of Flav anymore - he seems as much as a sell out as any... I'm tried of the Flava of Love on VH1 and wish it would go away. But - Chuck keeps bringing the truth - he's still "Fighting the Power"!

YWAMers Praised for Faith and Leadership

The Denver Post reports on the memorial service at the Denver YWAM base: "We're going to celebrate a life, we're not accentuating a death," said Faith Bible Chapel pastor George Morrison, in opening a memorial service today for two people killed at a missionary training school in Arvada . The service is called "A Celebration of Life for Tiffany and Philip." Philip Crouse and Tiffany Johnson died Sunday when a gunman opened fire at the school's dormitory. Youth With a Mission director Peter Warren said today both Crouse and Johnson embodied the spirit of the group. First the service focused on Crouse . "Phil gave his life to Jesus Christ and was never the same again," said Zach, a friend of Johnson's who met him years ago at a youth ministry in Alaska. At the time, Crouse was tough and wouldn't let people get close to him. "Over the years, Phil became a humble, teachable, sweet guy" who was able to reach kids with rough e...

Non Profit Payday Loans?

Here's a recent New York Times article sent to me from Katie at NCHM on payday lending. I know that the NCUD / CTCU-EPA partnership is going to have to create the right program addressing the needs for short term lending for low income families. We don't have the answers yet, but it's definitely on our radar. APPLETON, Wis. — This city of 70,000 has five McDonald’s franchises, three Pizza Huts, four Starbucks shops — and 19 payday loan stores, brightly lighted storefronts with names like EZ Money and Check Into Cash that offer two-week loans without credit checks. Peggy Truckey, 53, knows the allure. Last year she owed nearly $1,300 to four of those stores, and was paying about $600 a month in finance fees alone. “I thought I was going to have to take a second job just to pay off the interest,” Ms. Truckey said. Then she heard about a new nonprofit program operated out of a Goodwill thrift store, one of several hundred lower-cost payday loan products that are now bein...

Samuel Liotti TV Interview about Obama's Nomination

Check this out this link! Samuel, his best friend Malik and other students at East Palo Alto Academy were interviewed on TV where they were asked about their views on Obama. The students has some interesting and revealing comments. With all the politics, it may be easy for some to overlook the significance and importance of the first truly viable African-American candidate for president. Obama's nomination to especially many young people in our community speaks volumes about who they are and what they can become. This is an exciting and important time in our history. Please join me in praying for both our candidates, but especially Obama. I've felt impressed that I should pray specifically for his safety during the next months. Follow the link and check out the interview! What about you? How significant do you feel is Obama's nomination?

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