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The books feature a unique and easy to read translation, followed by the exegesis and commentary.  The most amazing thing is, despite writing some of the densest tomes in recently theology, Wright is quite capable of writing on the popular level.  The commentaries work quite well as an extended introduction, a basic academic study, or even devotional reading.

Speaking of devotional reading, I’ll be working through Lent for Everyone. Wright’s commentaries have been reworked to line up with the lectionary calendar for the year.

Lent for Everyone, as well as the other books in the For Everyone series are available in paperback and kindle.

The post Wednesday Spotlight: Tom Wright’s “For Everyone” appeared first on Chris Morton.

What you want is Songza.

I tripped on Songza because I really wanted Spotify to have an alarm clock.  I found that, and much more.

Songza is driven by human curated playlists.  These lists are organized by themes such as activities and moods.  A few I’ve used are “Waking up Smiling” (Soul and R&B anthems), and “Ambient Music for Reading” (which is exactly what it sounds like.)  These playlists provide something Spotify does not, great music I don’t have to think about to find.

Songza is helping me develop one of my new habits for 2013, becoming a morning person.  I set a timer to play  some super chill tunes or white noise for 90 minutes as I go to sleep.  Then, it cranks back up with my morning playlist about 10 minutes before I need to get out of bed.

You can listen free online, or download the app.

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Think Vampire books are for teenagers?  You obviously missed The Passage.  College literature professor Justin Cronin was inspired by his daughter’s request to “write a book about a girl who saves the world.”  His answer was The Passage, a sprawling, century spanning post-apocalyptic epic.  Imagine the landscape of Stephen King’s The Stand with the addition of man-made psychic vampires.

The second book in the trilogy promises to explore the spiritual aspects of total devastation.  The title, a reference to the original 12 child molesters turned vampires, who now use their mind control powers to enslave those to whom they have spread their undead condition.  The introduction of the book, retells the events of The Passage in the phraseology of an Old Testament epic.  The title may also be a reference to the twelve apostles, showing that the series could take a turn toward allegory.

The Twelve is available now, in text, digital and audio.

The post Wednesday Spotlight: The Twelve appeared first on Chris Morton.

I just finished Jon Acuff’s Quitter, and I came across it at a great time.  The book details how the author of Stuff Christians Like transitioned from online technical writing to his dream job. With the my Master’s degree coming to an end, I’m dreaming about stepping back out into the wild blue yonder.  This book has helped me think about how I can do the best possible work at my current job, and simultaneously taking the personal steps needed to live out my dreams and calling.

You should read it. Now.

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