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A La Carte (August 12)

wednesday

My kids and I are nearing the end of our two-week stretch of isolation here just outside of Louisville. All has gone well and, unsurprisingly, we are itching to get going!

We are going through a bit of a slow period when it comes to Kindle deals, but you will find at least a couple of interesting ones.

The Note I Found Of The Boy Pointing The Gun At His Head

Stephen McAlpine tells of finding a rather disturbing note. “I put the other rubbish in the bin. I had the note left over. I felt a bit voyeuristic. Was this mere titillation, a script version of a Peeping Tom? What would the note say? Who it would it be to? Who would it be from? Who would it be about? I wonder why I even picked it up. In unfolded the piece of paper, and just felt incredibly sad.”

The First and Last Thing My Grandma Taught Me

I appreciated Amber’s tribute to her grandmother.

The Blessing of Criticism

Criticism is always difficult, but it is also often attended by some blessing.

The Gospel Lens

Deepa tells about having her gospel lens adjusted through India’s long lockdown.

Is God Absent When He is Silent?

“Our pastor says a lot of good things, but recently a sentence caught me mid stride as it were, flattened against the walls of my thinking then stepping into my situation with a warm hug. He is preaching through Esther. I love that book. God’s Sovereign hand is all over it, and the drama of its story is spellbinding.”

Have You Spotted A Satellite Dish On A Beaver Dam?

If you’ve been driving in Canada, you might have just spotted a satellite dish on a beaver dam (or, actually, a beaver lodge). Here’s why the beavers are getting them installed…

Singing the Song of Heaven Together

Laura reflects on the joy and beauty of singing the song of heaven together.

Flashback: Redoubling Failing Efforts

Self-salvation is sinful man’s most natural inclination. We all know there is something wrong with us, that we are not all we want to be and not all we were meant to be. And left to ourselves we look for that salvation anywhere and everywhere except in the place it can be found–in Jesus Christ.

How shall we learn to bear sickness patiently, when sickness comes to our turn? We must lay up stores of grace in the time of health. We must seek for the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit over our unruly moods and attitudes.

—J.C. Ryle

  • Lists

    A Year-End Roundup of Roundups

    ‘Tis the time of year to consider the year that was. For bloggers, this usually involves a roundup of the most popular articles and favorite books. To that end, here is a roundup of my various roundups!

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    A La Carte (December 31)

    A La Carte: We have smartphones—why memorize Scripture? / The long walk home / Why women are going to therapy instead of church / Inerrancy and preaching / Don’t judge newbies / Kindle deals / and more.

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    A La Carte (December 30)

    A La Carte: Foot washing / Honoring an aging loved one / Why you should read in 2026 / Don’t forget to pray for the Ms / Fully pleasing / Kitndle deals / and more.

  • New-and-Notable

    New and Notable Christians Books for December

    Even late in the year, we continue to see some excellent new books come our way. And, one way or another, most of them make their way to boxes on my front doorstep. I sort through all those books and try to distill them down to some of the most notable. Here are the ones…

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    A La Carte (December 29)

    A La Carte: Sharing about difficult issues / Is God still angry? / Your heart is not a toy / If you want to truly live / Wisdom is infectious, not contagious / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Pilot Me

    My Only Plea at New Year’s

    As we come to the end of one year and the dawning of the next, I often find myself pondering the year that was and the year that will be. I often find myself thanking the Lord for all his mercies and pleading them for another year. To that end, I have often appreciated this…