A Summer Reading List For Your Teen

It's a big world, prepare your teen to face it

Yesterday I gave some simple guidelines to help you pick books for your teen to read during summer vacation. Today, I give you a list of book recommendations to help get your started. They cover everything from theology to money. 

Do Hard Things by Alex and Bret Harris
The Harris twins have one message for teenagers: Do something hard. Teens today might find it hard to believe, but life does not begin after college. It starts now, and they can actually do something great for God no matter what their age. They wrote a follow up book called Start Here

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

John Piper is a small, unassuming man who happens to have a fiery passion for God. His message is simple: God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in him. Spend your life living for the glory of God. This book, and the conferences and music they have spawned, have been a huge hit in college campuses. This is a great book to give a high school grad. 

The Universe Next Door by James Sire

Aimed at college students, this book can still be helpful in preparing older teens to face the variety of points of views they are going to encounter in college. Looking at views like marxism, secularism, and new age thinking from a Christian perspective, this book will prepare your teen to think about the world they live in. 

What's Your Worldview? by James Anderson

Dr. Anderson is a philosophy professor who challenges people to think about how they look at the world. This isn't a normal book either. It's more like a choose your own adventure book that takes a look at different worldviews, and how they as Christians can see from the lens of the Bible. 

Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello To Courtship by Joshua Harris

So your teen is ready to date? Time to bring out some helpful guidance on dating. In a time when dating is just seen as a rite of passage where two people can just hang out, mess around and not think about the consequences, Harris call teens to date in a way that that will be both honoring to the other person, and glorifying to God. See also Boundaries in Dating

The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask: (With Answers) by Mark Mittelberg

After a doing survey of the toughest questions Christians hate being asked, Mark Mittelberg decided to write a book answering them. If your teen is vocal about her faith, then this book will help her answer the though questions she's going to be asked. The questions range from gay marriage to the problem of evil. See also Tactics: a game plan for discussing your Christian convictions

Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne and Elliot Grudem
Grudem has written a very short intro to theology. It covers twenty topics (each coming from his massive book Systematic Theology) and gives a bite sized overview to help young Christians learn about the foundations of their faith. A great book for a teen or college student who wants to learn theology. 

Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money  by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

In a college finance class I remember a teacher telling us that we had a responsibility to raise kinds who were money smart. Seeing how kids today are being called "the most indebted generation," that responsibility is even clearer. Dave Ramsey teams up with his daughter to teach parents how to train kids in the ways of wise financial planning. This is a book for parents and teens to read together. Who knows, maybe it will inspired your teen to find a summer job? 

Thriving at College: Make Great Friends, Keep Your Faith, and Get Ready for the Real World! by Alex Chediak

What's going to happen to your teen when they go to college? Pastor and college prof. Alex Chediak fills them in on the ups and downs and the best ways to get ready for their time in school. 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
If you've read the original, then you know the advice here is solid. Based on the character ethic, Covey gives sound advice on the habits that can make anyone effective at what they do. 

Life on the Edge by James Dobson

Say what you will about Dobson, but he cares about kids and wants them to thrive in their teens and college years. This book covers a lot of the problems they are going to face: drugs, premarital sex, peer pressure, and more. I read this book in high school and I am pretty sure it played a role in keeping me out of a lot of trouble. This is one you want your kid to read. 

The Action Bible 

I love graphic novels. And someone decided to turn the Bible into one. It's been done before, but not like this. The art is amazing and would make for a great way for your teen to see what the entire Bible is about in a very unique way. 

I'm sure there's a lot of worthy books I could add to the list, but I wanted to give you a place to start. If you have any recommendations please feel free to leave a comment. 

A Very Geeky Wedding

Saw this floating on imgur. I have to admit, I'm getting married in a few weeks and I am jealous. You can see the rest of the album here.

Podcasts worth your time

If any of you have an iPod (and who doesn't?) I wanted to share with you some of the podcast's that I've been listening to and that I think would be worth your time.

The Dividing Line

James White of Alpha and Omega ministries not only debates, teaches and writes, but he also hosts a podcast twice a week where he deals with apologetics issues, as well as cultural issues. He's a walking encyclopedia on Mormonism, Islam and bad theology in general.

Theology Unplugged

For many of you who use The Theology Program, Michael Patton is no stranger to you. He's the creator of Credo House, Parchment and Pen Blog, and The Theology Program. Well, few people know the man also podcasts along side people like Sam Storms. Tackling a host of theological issues, this is a podcast that is worth your time.

Fighting for the Faith

Mention the phrase "Pirate Christian" and if you've been on-line for a while you'll think of Chris Roseburough. The man is the founder of Pirate Christian Radio. Mainly Lutheran programming (not that there's anything wrong with that) his show is the main course. He offers what he calls "a daily dose of biblical discernment". I have to admit that his podcast is the longest on here (it runs for almost two hours DAILY) but the man gives you a little bit of everything. From apologetics and news, to sermon reviews, it's more Lutheran fun than an episode of Davey and Golitah!

Flashback Friday's (On Thursday!): 80's Nintendo Edition

Ahhhh Nintendo. I remember spending many hours playing game after mind numbing game on it, and learning all about secret passages, hidden levels, cheats, and just learning to spend hours in front of a T.V. screen. Well, things haven't changed that much. Today, Mario and Luigi are still fighting the forces of evil with the help of Wii. Who knows, I may yet play Mario Brothers with my own kids at this rate. So, I wanted to ask: what were your favorite video games growing up? Here are a few of mine:

Ah Mega Man 2. Play it today, and it is STILL a great game. And seriously, the theme music is just amazing. Funny that that kind of music is popular today. Another reason to thank the Japanese.


Here is a guy beating the original Mario Brothers in less than 5 mins. Blasphemous, I know. This game was supposed to make you work hard all afternoon before you gave up trying to get to Koopa's level (that or get yelled at by your parents because they said you would get a seizure). Either way, this game is still a classic and you can't beat that sound track. Mario Brother's was, for many of us, our first taste of video game action. In a way, it also taught us a thing or two about life: if at first you don't pass the level, try, try again.



Ok, I can't find a good visual of the game, but you played this game for one reason: that song! It's so cool. So Russian. Was this a Russian Game? Seriously, this is what they tortured their kids with? Well, It was a fun game to play when I was a kid, and I occasionally play it on igoogle. This game is addictive.


Before Mortal Combat, before Street fighter, we got our fix of video game violence with Double Dragon. I had DD2 and we made it to the final level ONE TIME! As we were about to fight the final boss and flip this game (as was the vernacular at the time) someone dropped my NES system :( We never got that far in the game again. Oh well. I guess one day when I get a Wii, and download DD2, I'll try and do it again.

The Creative Christian

Are you creative? Is that even important? I think more and more that we get set in our ways. We stop learning to think creatively, and give into the status quo. It's easy to do. But I think that as Christians, we should exercise the full creative abilities God has given us. Doing show, we show forth the very creativity that is in God. So, if you are in ministry (and if anyone needs to be creative it is someone in ministry) here are a few websites I've found helpful.
Boost your creativity with these pages:

http://www.innovatorstoolkit.com/download/ (free templates with 50+ exercises to stimulate your thinking-go get the book as well)

http://thebackofthenapkin.com (Read the book, visit the website for some free downloads)

http://lateralaction.com/ (cool blog with some fun creative ideas)

http://www.innovationtools.com/Articles/ArticleDetails.asp?a=155 (a HUGE list of creative thinking websites-go here first)

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm (how to mind map)

http://www.mindmeister.com/ (mind mapping page)

http://www.text2mindmap.com/ (text based mind map-cool)

http://thinkinghow.com/ (more ideas)

http://lifehacker.com (Just plain fun)

I might add, that part of this post in inspired by an event that I will
be takng a part of. I'll be representing Let My People Read! and New Reformation. The event is known as Idea Camp A hybrid conference where the speakers will also be dialogging with the attendees. So it will be a sort of round table discussion as well as a Q and A session and networking meeting. Like I said, hybrid! I'm sure I won't agree with all the speakers, but I think that listening to other people will be helpful to my own thinking. Admission is free, just join the page and you are registered. Join in on the forums as well.

Flashback Fridays: Movie Music Edition

Bueller.....Bueller?? Great clip from Ferris Bueller's day off. I want to do this one day. Twist and shout!!!!


That Thing You Do! A great film from my youth. Ok from 12 years ago. It's a great song.


Jack Black and kids= SCHOOL OF ROCK!!!!


And finally...THIS IS SPINAL TAP! Stonehenge. Just watch it. This is a great and funny mocumentary. This is one of the funniest and most memorable parts of the film. These guys later went on to make A Mighty Wind and Best in Show.

Flashback Fridays: Saturday PBS Edition

A my childhood was kickin! Special thanks to Morgaladon.

Ghostwriter! Coolest show on PBS.


Mathnet!!! This show has become a cult classic. Coolest show on PBS.


Where in the world is Carmen San Diego? i'm still looking. Greatest PBS show ever!

Get her Rockapella!

New GHOSTBUSTERS MOVIE!?!?!?!?!?!?

Variety says so. If it's true, it would be totally cool! It's going to star the original cast, and it's going to be written by the co-producers of The Office. How great is this going to be? I'm going to see it. How about you? They better not mess this up.

Flashback Fridays: Frank's Special edition

Take on me. Take me on. Seriously!



Inside the Actors Studio: The Simpsons Edition. This is the part where James Lipton asks the cast questions from the questionnaire developed by Marcel Proust. Very insightful stuff. And funny.




And because Adam West+Pulp Fiction is funny!!!!!!!!!!!

Burn Your Plastic Jesus!!!!!!

Wow. This is so old school pentecostal (assuming they really will burn a plastic Jesus). Mark Driscoll (who else?) is going to be teaching in Australia next week at a huge event called "Burn Your Plastic Jesus". The event will be held at a huge arena in Sydney. About 5,000 people are expected to show up. Keep the event in prayer. I might add, I hope they really do burn down a bunch of Jesus Junk. It would be very funny.

Flashback Friday's

Even in 1984 Apple was trying to show off how cool they were. Here is their first commercial for the Macintosh. Mac to you and me. An amazing commercial that played at the 1984 Superbowl and very few times afterwards. It was directed by Riddley Scott (of Gladiator fame). Very cool. And creepy.



Dashing and daring, courageous and caring....great show from my youth.



I want to know what you're thinking......I think this was a great song.


Random Trivia: the phrase "pure enery" in the song was sampled from the original Star Trek. It's Spock. The first song to ever sample from a TV show. Or so the rumor goes.

The Ohio Mindset (or... I feel old)

Every Year, Beloit College in Ohio releases a survey of their incoming freshmen. As many of you are in ministry, and were born in the 80's (like me), here's a peek at what people born in 1990 are like. I would also add that they will be graduating in 2012 (if the world doesn't end):

1. Harry Potter could be a classmate, playing on their Quidditch team.

5. Coke and Pepsi have always used recycled plastic bottles. (But their ongoing war has never stopped)

7. Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino.

15. Martha Stewart Living has always been setting the style.

18. WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling.

25. There have always been gay rabbis. (DUDE!)

28. IBM has never made typewriters.

30. McDonald's and Burger King have always used vegetable oil for cooking french fries.

33. The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.

34. Pee-Wee has never been in his playhouse during the day. (I dispute this because if this means the show wasn't seen by them, I say RERUNS!)

40. Balsamic vinegar has always been available in the U.S. (this one shocked me)

44. Caller ID has always been available on phones.

53. The Royal New Zealand Navy has never been permitted a daily ration of rum. (Wow)

59. There have always been charter schools.

60. Students always had Goosebumps.

Wow. Think about it. I'm sure this will give us pause. I know it did for me. But more so, it made me aware that if I am to reach out a culture that has had these intersting experiences, then I think I'll be fine. At least it gives me something else to talk about at cocktail parties (like I would ever get invited to one and seriously who throws cocktail parties anymore?) and a little more insight into the minds of these college kids. Wow. I feel kind of old.

A miracle!

Has anyone else noticed gas prices are down a bit? A month ago I payed 4.25 for gas, this weekend? 3.83. Making me reconsider getting a bike.

70 HITS!!!!

Hey, apparently I got about 70 hits on Saturday. A high spike. I wonder if it has to do with:
word of mouth?
My links on facebook/myspace?
People looking for info on Todd Bentley who found my page?
Miscellaneous?

LEAVE A COMMENT and tell me how you found me and what I can do to update things on the page. What do you want me to put up this week? As a thank you, I will put up links to pages, youtube clips, (reasonable) conspiracy theories, whatever I deem is fit for the blog. Come at it folks. Here's a starter. A response to my Ghostbusters clip from Friday.

Flashback Friday's

Here's a Great Music Video from 1982: Our House. Cool song.


And here's a movie from 1982 I loved as a kid. Nominated for 9 Academy Awards. It lost best film to Ghandi. Oh well. ET rocks!!!!


As an added treat, here's John Williams performing the theme to ET live. I saw him perform at the Hollywood Bowl. I hope to go again this year. Enjoy.