Thursday, February 17, 2011

Proclaim Software

$25,000        

 Worship        

 Resource        

 Giveaway        

 from        

 Proclaim        

 

New church presentation software is coming out soon called Proclaim and it’s located here http://proclaimonline.com. Unlike all other church presentation software systems, this one will allow pastors, worship leaders, and worship team members to all access and add to the same presentation before it’s presented, and then use the same application to run the presentation during the service.

<a href=“http://www.proclaimonline.com”> <img src=“http://www.proclaimonline.com/webads/v2/400x90.gif” /> </a>

To add to the excitement of the release of Proclaim, they are giving away $25,000 in worship resources in The Great Worship Resource Giveaway. They are going to have 100’s of winners of some of the best worship resources on the market. The giveaway is located on the Proclaim home page http://proclaimonline.com where you will see how to enter. You can also see all the prize partners there, listing out some great resources from companies like Planning Center Online, Graceway Media, Worship Leader Magazine, Centerline Media, Musicademy, Clover Sites, Christian Musician Summit, Luna Guitars, National Worship Leader Conference, and prizes from many more.

I’m excited about this new product Proclaim. You can see a video of the software on their site which gives a quick detail of how it will help worship leaders and ministry teams. Visit http://proclaimonline.com to see the video, and enter ‘The $25,000 Great Worship Resource Giveaway’.

Monday, February 14, 2011

book reviews en brief

I’ve read a few books in the past couple weeks. Here is my review:


“Getting Things Done”, by David Allen: Holy cow this book is a lifesaver. I have been a fan of the GTD method for some time now. Most computer nerds implement it in some way or another. I couldn’t make it work for me, though. The reason was that I was trying all the tools without the foundation. It is not an exagerration to say that this book has revolutionized the way I deal with commitments. For the first time in months, I feel in control of my workload (now I just have to work on perspective). If you constantly find yourself avoiding commtiments because you weren’t sure exactly what you had to do, this book will help. If you find yourself overwhelmed because you know exactly how much you have to do, it will help. If you look at the hundreds of piles of projects on your desk, this book will help.

Wait, that’s not true. The book won’t help at all. The information in the book, if practiced thoroughly will help. All I can say is that I am significantly less stressed as a result of getting everything out of my head and into my new system. I finished the book last night, but started implementing about a month ago, and have commented for fear that I may drop out. I’ve floundered, but now know how to get back on the horse.

Percy Jackson book 2: great story, in the style of an old epic tale. This book made me want to finish the series. 4 stars (still a little cliched writing).

Percy Jackson book 3: mediochre. I still want to finish the series thanks to book 2, but this was a bit of a letdown, not sure why. Also, not a very good job of foreshadowing (or maybe too good), since the twists at the end were absolutely expected.

“Walls”, by Ryan Rush: This book was given to me by Tyndale publishers. Actually, I requested it. They sent a free copy, I review it in whatever way I see fit. Long story short, the book was dull. I couldn’t bring myself to finishing the third chapter. It seems like another stereotypical self-help book from a pastor. I appreciate the idea of the book (we build up walls between ourselves and others, including God). I agree that unhealthy boundaries are a primary cause of many problems. I agree that we have to tear down walls that block us off from others and God. But the book itself was just uncompelling. I suppose that if you are suffering from not feeling close to God, and can’t figure out what the wall is, it might help. I don’t know, I didn’t finish it. Think of the book as any other book from any other pastor about their personal “solution to people’s problems that’s worthy of a book since it grew my church big”. I wish Rush the best in his ministry, and think that the ministry itself would be helpful. The book, to me, was not.

“This Is Your Brain In Love”, Dr Earl Henslin: Another free book, this one from Thomas Nelson. Again, I get to review it however I want. So I will review it typing with only one hand. But seriously, I got this book for my wife. She saw the list of available booksneeze books, and said “hey, that sounds contagious”. Well, not actually, but you get the point. It was contagious.

I have read a lot of resources on Christian sexuality (which is not all that different form other’s sexuality it turns out). This is the first resource by a Christian that I have read that is based in neurophysiology. Instead of assuming that the problem is a lack of communication, the author shows you how your brain might be the cause of the problem (manifested in lacking communication). The author started as a family therapist, but realized the strategies he was taught didn’t work. he attended a seminar on brains, and had an epiphany. perhaps relational problems are the result of unhealthy brains.

He begins by describing a healthy relationship, with the best chapter every by any author on sexuality. In it, he basically says that Americans are dualistic and focus more on body parts than sexuality. We need to change. I agree. Then, he describes 5 common brain imbalances that cause tension in relationships: scattered, over-focused, blue mood, agitated, and anxious lovers. Turns out, I’m agitated. He also prescribes non-medicinal solutions to each brain type, with additional info for those who need medical help.

The best part? He never says “it’s not your fault”. He always says, “it’s harder for you because of your brain, but get over it and think right.” Predispositions are factors, but never solely responsible.

Finally, Henslin ends by describing some “best practices” for couples. Practical, honest, and simple enough to be acted on.

Any couple married more than 6 months could really learn from this book.



Note: all pictures were ripped off from amazon.com

Thursday, February 3, 2011

On Teenage Fiction

I like to keep current with teen trends. I like to read books. Ergo, I spend much time reading the books teens read. Also, they are a nice break from anything intellectually stimulating, much like Christian literature. here is my review on teenage fiction series (taken as a whole series):

  1. Chronicles of Narnia- the original pop fiction written by a Christian. Unlike most other children’s fiction, and most other Christian lit, this series is well-written. Great imagery, engaging story, approachable allegory. This series receives a big fat 6.5 meatballs, which on a meatball scale is enough to cover a footlong sandwich plus a half meatball (aka 11 on an amp).
  2. Harry Potter- the subtley Christian allegory wrapped in a demonic shell according to some. Writing: very good, not great. The story: excellent. The whole creep factor: minimal. This series has been rejected by most good Christians because it does refer to a few words people use in Wicca, but refers to them in meaningless ways. The whole “our children are all going to become witches” scare turned out to be nothing. The author, a searching Christian, at least cared enough about her story to have a point. 5.5 meatballs since someone took a bite out of your sub (rocking 9.5 on the amp scale).
  3. Twilight- bad writing, intriguing story if it weren’t for Edward and Bella. Teaches kids that you shouldn’t have sex . . . because you will die! Full of manipulative relationships, an excellent example to teens of how not to treat others. A big fat veggie sub (your amp remains unplugged)
  4. Percy Jackson- i’ve only read the first episode. It was good enough to read the second. Bad writing, but an exciting story. Probably more evil than Harry Potter if parents took the time to care since it’s all about, you know, false gods. Stereotypical teenage drama: kid doesn’t feel special. Kid learns he has a power. Kid feels special and saves the world by ignoring adults’ wisdom. Kid doesn’t learn lesson. Written like an action movie, at least the story goes somewhere. 3 meatballs (a quiet 2 on your amp while you warm up and practice).
  5. Eragon- I’m a total nerd so my score doesn’t really count. It’s clean, it’s exciting, it’s written by a kid. 5.5 meatballs because it has taken so long for book 4 to come out. Warning: he uses magic.
  6. Hunger games- I don’t know where to start on this one. Kind of creepy with teens killing each other. Amazing story. I can’t wait for the movies, but I know they will screw up the books. Great writing. The only downside is the whole teenage murder while adults watch aspect, which is downplayed. Subtle allegory for the astute reader. 6 meatballs because nothing is allowed to replace Chronicles. (10 on the amp scale, loud enough to play Squad Five-0’s “Rockin it, rockin it at the apocalypse. It’s rock and roll at the end of the world”)

Now, should teens read these books? That’s for parents to decide. Read it first, and then choose whether or not to let your teens read it. Don’t rely on other’s thoughts about the book until after you have read it. I will let Malachi read each of these series, depending on his age. I will also talk with him about what is in the books, the messages they teach, and how that should relate to his faith. Call me crazy, but sometimes engaging art is a worthwhile skill to learn, even if it’s not Christian. As a parent, it is YOUR responsibility to teach your kids to critically engage culture. Many will disagree with my decision, and I respect that. If you have questions about any series and who should or shouldn’t be allowed to read them, ask below.