10 reasons I love the library

A man visiting Iceland asked his taxi cab driver to show him their country's most popular attractions. The cabbie drove for a little while and then pulled up alongside an old, large building.
"What's this?" the visitor asked.
"It's our library," the cab driver announced proudly.
"No, you don't understand. I want to see your country's major attractions."
"Ah, but this is one of our best attractions!"

I heard this story last week, and as far as I know, it's true. Icelanders really take their books seriously. And they remind all of us that libraries are special.

We don't often appreciate them today, but I for one still love public and school libraries. I love my childhood memories of being in the library. I love exploring new libraries in towns that I visit. And I simply don't think the internet can ever completely replace the library. In fact, I believe the internet makes brick-and-mortar libraries more valuable to us.

Now, I must admit I haven't spent much time studying in a library since seminary. Public libraries are often noisy places full of activity - more like a train station than a convent. But in one sense I'm glad they're busy. That means people are using them. Just as a book in perfect condition is of no use, so a quiet and empty library is pointless. Libraries are meant to be public gathering places, where stuff happens and ideas are exchanged.

Here are ten reasons I love the library:

1. Free books. Of course, the highlight of any library is all the free books available to check-out and renew. Biographies. Novels. Technical manuals. History books. Audio books. For 3-6 weeks, that book is all yours. It's like meeting a new friend. Enjoy it. Learn from it. Journal or tell others something about it. The author may open new worlds of imagination or share an idea that will literally change your life.
   
2. Interlibrary loan. In San Bernardino, it's free to request books from other libraries in our same network. So, we have millions of additional titles available at no charge. Just ask the clerk, or place a hold from your home computer, and the library will call you as soon as the book arrives at your local branch. If there's no waiting list, the book usually comes in a week or so.
3. Book sales. I love browsing the discard shelves and attending Friends of the Library sales. You never know what gems you will discover. We've accumulated many books and sets for our personal family library this way.
4. Periodicals. Nowhere else can you browse hundreds of magazines and check many of them out for free. I've used their Consumer Reports several times before making a big applicance purchase.
5. Internet. For those who do not have home internet access, you can have free access for a limited time at the local library. This is great for those who need to check their email, look for job openings, or do online research. (Of course, many people use them to play games, too).
   
6. Study areas. You'll probably spend $4 on coffee to study at a Starbucks, but the library is completely free. Cozy chairs are often available for reading and working on your laptop, and tables abound for more in-depth research. Public libraries may be noisy, but these sounds are easily blocked out with a good pair of earplugs or a set of earbuds and some relaxing music
7. Special activities. Story time, free literacy programs, crafts, reading clubs, and other activities are often hosted at libraries. Last year, my wife and son got to meet Rachel from the Signing Time sign language video series at our local library.
8. Bulletin boards. The library is a helpful place to announce or learn about community events. Many have bulletin boards or a 3-ring activity binder.
9. Puppets. Our library has a special kids section, complete with bright colorful cushions and animal puppets. This makes it easier for parents and older siblings to browse, while making the library a fun place for even the youngest members of the family.
10. The park. Adjacent to our library is the city park. Rarely do we visit the library without a detour by the slides, monkey bars, and swingset. A great way to combine mental and physical exercise!

No greater love - the movie

Here's the trailer for an upcoming movie called "No Greater Love." It was produced by several Hollywood veterans who are also devout Christians. The director (Brad Silverman) is a personal friend of mine, and one of the supporting actors (Jay Underwood) went to seminary with me. I am very excited about its coming release. It tells a riveting love story that is gospel-driven, while the acting and production look top-notch.

No Greater Love will be available in stores in January and is being distributed by Thomas Nelson. Please pray for this movie to be used greatly by the Lord, and pick up a copy when you see it hit the shelves. I pray Coram Deo Studios will join Sherwood Pictures (Facing the Giants, Fireproof) as another quality Christian alternative to Hollywood.



Update: You can now purchase No Greater Love on sale at Amazon by clicking here

Optical illusions

Check out these illusions that were voted the "best optical illusions of the world" for 2009. I especially like the curve ball and the colored dove.

George Lucas' next movie

As an avid Star Wars fan, I was interested to learn last week that director George Lucas' next film will be on the Tuskegee Airmen. The early title for this project is 'Red Tails,' after the fighter unit's nickname. The story of these heroic men who overcame racial prejudice and the German Luftwaffe, combined with Lucas' own love for action and his attention to detail, has the right stuff for a great Hollywood film.

Fun and easy game ideas

We're making final plans for a Children's Ministry Appreciation Lunch and Training Workshop tomorrow afternoon and want to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere by playing a few games and handing out prizes.

Here are some free resources that might help you with your next Sunday School class or Teacher Training event:

• Crossword puzzles. Quickly create your very own crossword puzzles with clues.

• Bingo cards. Make a word list and this site will randomize and print bingo cards.

• Bible trivia. Try one of these Bible trivia games which can be printed in HTML format.
  

• Word searches. Just type in all the words you want hidden. Or, if you own Logos Bible Software, you can make word searches from any Bible passage by using the Word Find tool.

Have fun, be creative, and try out some of the other games found at Puzzlemaker!

Photo credit: chipgriffin

If the church were run like an airline

What would happen if church were run like an airline? Todd Rhoades has put together a fun list of ideas. My favorites:

--All aisle seats are now $10/week. Back row premium seating available for $20 per week.

--No Bible charge: $10

--Cell phone ringing during service: $50 one time charge

--Late to service fee: $10/pp

--Nursery diaper change fee: $5/lb.

HT: Joshua Cody

Snow in the desert

We got a rare treat today: snow in the desert! Click here for more pictures. Dylan has only seen snow a couple times, and this was Heidi's very first time (She hasn't even seen rain much!).

As the snow fell, I was reminded of the promise in Psalm 51:7, "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." How thankful I am for the cleansing power of Christ's blood that can make us whiter than fresh snow.

I got a 'B' on the US citizenship test

Here's a sampling of questions from the new US citizenship test:

1. What does the Constitution do?
2. What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?
3. Name one branch or part of the government.
4. We elect a U.S. representative for how many years?
5. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
6. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?
7. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?
8. There were 13 original states. Name three.
9. Who was president during World War I?
10. Name one U.S. territory.

For answers and the full story, click here.

So, how did you do? I scored 8 out of 10. 6 or more is a passing grade. Whew! I guess I qualify to be a US citizen!

Starry nights

Next weekend, we have something called the "Starry Nights Festival" here in Yucca Valley. The community center hosts lectures on astronomy, and the local astronomy club sets up their telescopes for free stargazing at night. Believe me, these aren't the kind of telescopes you find at Wal-mart or a garage sale. Some of these local hobbyists have really sophisticated equipment.

Starry Nights is a fun and unique event, made possible by our clear desert skies and strict "Night Sky" lighting ordinances. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law will be coming down to visit next weekend, and we're looking forward to checking out some of the stars together.

To get a sense of the enormous size of our universe, I would highly recommend the video posted here. Natalie and I first saw this several years ago on the Privileged Planet DVD, and still talk about it from time to time. It's truly amazing - the best depiction I've ever seen of our universe. And it's great to see this short video finally posted online. Blogger Jeff Gray draws an encouraging spiritual application from the video as well.

HT: Tim Challies
Photo credit: xamad

Christian Olympians to watch

Our family loves watching the Olympics. Last night, we were transfixed by men's gymnastics, fencing, and even badminton, of all things!

Here are four Olympic athletes with unique Christian testimonies that you may want to keep an eye on:

Allyson Felix
(Track and Field - United States)

Allyson is the son of Paul Felix, a pastor who also happened to be my Greek professor at The Master's Seminary. In Athens, Allyson (aka "Chicken Legs") took silver in the 200m, which is her specialty event. This girl is fast. Very fast. She could win up to three gold medals in Beijing if she makes it on the U.S. 4x100m and 4x400m relays. Her first event is the 200m on August 19 at 11:20 am. Update on 8/21: Allyson won the 200m silver medal in a season best 21.93 seconds.


Jennifer Nichols
(Archery - United States)
Jennifer is from Cheyenne, Wyoming. She seems to have stunning accuracy, both in her archery and in her faith. On her NBC Olympic profile page, Jennifer says the Bible is her favorite book, and she openly confesses Jesus as her Savior and Lord. She has passed the Ranking Round and advanced to the Individual 1/16 Elimination Round. Her next archery match is on August 14 at 11:48 am. Update on 8/14: Jennifer lost to Nami Hayakawa from Japan in the 1/16 Elimination round. The score was 105-103. A close match!



Elvis Burrows
(Swimmer - Bahamas)
According to a school press release, Elvis is the son of an alum at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In fact, Elvis used to swim laps in the pool at the seminary. He will be competing in the Men's 50m Freestyle (Heat 8) on August 14 at 6:47 pm. Update on 8/14: Elvis swam the 50m in 23.19 seconds and took seventh place.


Ryan Hall
(Marathon - United States)
World Magazine reports that Ryan is a devout Christian who has given God all the glory for past victories: "It isn't the records, championships, or medals that make life fulfilling. It's the life of following Christ." Ryan is from Big Bear, California, and is scheduled to compete in the Olympic men's marathon on August 24.

One little meme

My good friend Bret Capranica is a pastor at First Baptist Church of San Jacinto. He recently "tagged" me with this meme:

In an effort to keep it simple, short, and easy to follow, I’d like to challenge you to quote one verse (not one chapter). And then say what the Lord has been teaching you in one sentence (not one paragraph). Then tag 5 peeps (you know the drill).

Thanks, Bret (I think). I really hope this won't set a precedent for lots of future memes, but just one little meme is okay, right? Anyway, here goes...

My verse: "We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ." (Col. 1:28)

My lesson: God has called me to exalt the greatest name (Jesus) through the greatest means (preaching) to the greatest group (all people) for the greatest goal (Christlikeness) by the greatest strength (see Col. 1:29); what a privilege!

Tag, you're it:
John & Jessica Pham
Mike & Cheryl Prince
Mark Baker
Darrin & Monique Smith
Darien & Libby Bowers

Quirky sports teams

Here's a fun list of quirky sports teams compiled by humorist John Kinde. Let the puns begin!

- A cricket team with a vitamin C deficiency — The Rickety Crickets
- A team of spendthrifts who like to max out their credit cards — The Sans Dinero Chargers
- Texan hot air balloon racers — The Ballast Cowboys
- A team of cooks from Kansas — The Kansas City Chefs
- A team of sluggards from Wisconsin — The Green Bay Slackers
- A team of forest navigators — The Oak Land Radars
- A team who uses second-hand uniforms — The Old Jersey Nets
- A team of barbers from LA — The Los Angeles Clippers
- A racecar team of drug junkies — The Speed Racers
- A basketball team of stock market investors — The Chicago Bulls and Bears
- A fishing team of geometricians — The Right Anglers
- An olympic team of Polish athletes — The Pole Vaulters
- A skating team who lives dangerously — The Thin Ice Skaters
- An olympic team of small golfers — The Short Putters
- An equistrian team of underwear models — The Jockeys
- A body building team of lewd and vulgar musclemen — The Bawdy Builders
- A boardgame team of oriental inspectors — The Chinese Checkers
- A darts team of star wars fans — the Dart Vaders
- A Czechoslovakian basketball team for fraud artists — The Czech Bouncers
- A baseball team of Ohio communists — The Cincinnati Reds
- A debating team of entomologists — The Tick Talkers
- A bowling team of fast, accurate bowlers – The Lightning Strikes
- A football team for East Coast comedians — The New York Jests
- A baseball team of landscapers — The Houston Astro-turfs
- A baseball team for oil well owners — The San Antonio Spurts
- A football team for crazy people — The Baltimore Raven-Maniacs
- A Bicycle club for old maids — The Spinsters
- Hang Gliding for Pedicurists — The Hang Nail Gliders

Desert flowers

The desert often appears dry, barren, and inhospitable, but in the springtime, it can explode with color. This has been a great year for wildflowers because we had several good rains over the winter.

As the weather has gotten warmer, many flowers have already withered. It's a dramatic reminder that "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever" (1 Pet. 1:24-25).

Thankfully, before the flowers died, I was able to get some good photos for this slideshow. Two of these shots were taken by my Aunt Shay, two by Natalie, and the rest I took myself. If anyone knows the identity of the untitled yellow bush, I would love to know.

Still growing

Kirk Cameron recently published a biography called Still Growing. I enjoyed reading this review by Tim Challies, and thought you might as well. It gives some interesting details about his life as a movie star, and how he came to faith in Christ. Kirk now spends much of his time doing evangelism alongside Ray Comfort through the Way of the Master.

Top secret drum corps

This is too cool...

Merry Christmas!

A new twist on Handel's classic...



(HT: Fred Butler)