Category: Et Cetera

Friday Findings: A Big Surprise, Forget the Church, and the Bible Gets Cooler

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectWhat a week it has been. After feeling a bit out of sorts last week, I’m back to feeling  like my old self. Whatever that means. I also found and enjoyed some pretty spiffy stuff on the web this week that I can’t wait to share in today’s Friday Findings.

So here we go…

Holy wow! Bananas! A Huge Surprise! I discovered on Tuesday, much to my amazement and surprise, that yours truly found her way onto Church Relevance’s Top 200 Church Blogs of 2012 list. I have to say, I was shocked. Still am, in fact, and feel convinced that someone made some type of clerical error. I’m secretly waiting for an email informing me of their mistake, but until that day comes, I’ll enjoy the honor.

In this bizarro twist of fate, Modern Reject landed at #118 on the list (You can check out the full list here). So many of the blogs I love, adore, admire, and stalk are on this list. Which also means I owe you a huge THANK YOU! Thank you for reading. Thank you for subscribing (you do subscribe, right?). Thank you for commenting. Thank you for being a part of this community and encouraging me every single day. You rule and I’m grateful.

The Mark of Love. This week, my hubster introduced me to a super cool Christian clothing company called Mend Mark. I have to say, I usually find Christian paraphernalia to be so cheesy or lame…but not this stuff. I’d actually wear these clothes. The company describes their products “as visual reminders of the life and death of Jesus, the greatest lover in history.” How sweet is that?

Forget the Church? Did you happen to see the recent cover of Newsweek with the provocative title “Forget the Church: Follow Jesus,”  with an article by Andrew Sullivan? Well, I took the bait, picked up the magazine and started reading. Then, I started cussing because I found it to be such a pile of drivel. {Sigh}. My husband told me to put the magazine down. I relented.

Suffice to say, I was bothered by it, but then I read Frank Viola’s response to the article. He nails it, in my opinion, as he astutely and effectively addresses the glaringly obvious errors in Sullivan’s thinking. Viola’s piece is called Christianity in Crisis (also the title of the original article) and is worth reading even if you happened to miss the Newsweek piece.

The Bible Gets Even Cooler. You may remember a few months back I did an interview with the uber-talented and creative Jim LePage, whose designs turn the books of the Bible into works of art. Well, now Jim and Troy DeShano are collaborating, along with several other illustrators, on a new effort called the Old and New Project.

I cannot begin to tell you how stunning, visually rich, and masterful these new pieces are. One of the designers in the collaboration is Jon Ashcroft, who actually designed Modern Reject (and ain’t she purdy?) Check out one of his Old and New Project pieces here. All  pieces in the project are available to purchase, so you can display them in your home. Go on…put some slick Jesus art on your walls and call it a day.

There you have it– a full week of awesomeness. So what made your awesome list this week? Please tell. I’m dying to know!

Friday Findings: Trayvon, the Atheist, and Self-Promotion

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectHappy Friday. I was so looking forward to this weekend because I have lots of fun things planned–a lecture on mid-century homes with a dear friend, time with out-of-town-friends, brunch at one of my fave restaurants, and some good ol’ R&R.

But, before I slip away for the weekend, here’s some of my favorite picks from the week:

What Was He Thinking? Dads are funny and they parent very differently from moms. As my husband always says, “Good thing kids have moms and not just dads, or they’d be dead.” This blog is perhaps living proof of that sentiment: What Was Daddy Thinking.  It is a collection of pictures of little children and infants in precarious and questionable situations, thanks to…you guessed it, their dads.

Protection for the Atheist. I read an interesting post from Daylight Atheism a few days ago called Creating a Safe Harbor for Nonbelievers, which discusses where the nonbeliever can go for support once they have quit believing in God. It was an interesting and eye-opening read.

Trayvon and Justice. I’ve been following the Trayvon Martin tragedy, like so many Americans. I had for a brief moment considered writing a post on the issue, but decided against it. My view is unpopular and it was not something I  did not want to tackle here on Modern Reject. However, this post from the Wall Street Journal by Juan Williams is exactly what I would have liked to have written on the issue, although I doubt I could have said it as eloquently and intelligently as Williams.

Self-Promotion is a Good Thing. Donald Miller wrote a great piece on why self-promotion is neither arrogant nor unholy. I have struggled with “promoting” myself and this blog, at times. It feels unnatural, but the points he makes are excellent ones and very encouraging.

A Big Box of Fun. Have you ever heard of Birch Box? It is a fantasy item for product and make-up junkies like me. Basically, you spend $11 a month and they send you a box of fun goodies. I’m in. There is also a similar product for moms called Bluum. And don’t worry guys, I didn’t forget about you. Men have the awesomely titled Manpacks, filled with things like razors, socks, and cologne.

There’s my round-up of Friday Findings. I hope you enjoy.

Now what made your list for the week? Anything worth sharing? And got any plans for the weekend? I’d love to hear!

Friday Findings: Divorce, Movies, and Leaving the Church

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectI could hardly wait for Friday to get here this week because I found so many great things to share here for Friday Findings. So let’s not dilly dally (does that expression make me sound like a grandma?).

Churches say funny things. I love funny church signs. There are entire websites dedicated to funny church signs. But this week, I ran across this post from Pastors.com that lists 44 Funny Church Bulletin Bloopers. I was laughing out loud. I found #12, #22, and #25 especially hilarious.

Divorce and Children. On a more serious note, Alece Ronzino of Grit and Glory fame wrote a post last week on a Deeper Story about divorce. More specifically, she wrote about children and divorce and the question so many people ask her following her own divorce. It is honest, powerful, and convicting.

More Happiness. Yesterday, I shared a post here on MR asking whether or not God alone should make us happy. Well, once again the man who inspired my post, Dennis Prager, is tackling the question of happiness. He asks who the truly happy people are in life and how got to be so happy. It’s a great article.

Movie Geek-dom. If you love movies, then you might have noticed that many considered 2011 to be one of the worst years for movies in perhaps a decade. Yeah, it was that abysmal. But never fear because 2012, is proving to be perhaps one of the best years for movies since 1999. That’s right, there is a cornucopia of amazing films set to be released this year. Here’s a list of 50 of the most anticipated movies of 201. I cannot wait!

Leaving the Church. This week Rachel Held Evans wrote a post called 15 Reasons I Left the Church. She was surprised by the reaction and amount of comments that followed, both in support and in disagreement. I found myself sympathizing with her 15 reasons. I guess, I too, have technically “left the church.” Although, for vastly different reasons than Rachel. However, I found the post to be a great conversation starter.

Staying in the Church. Rachel’s 15 reasons for leaving the church, spurred on herself and others, to write about why they have actually stayed within the church. One such post, was from a commenter on Rachel’s blog named Jessica that wrote her own response. It is beautiful, powerful, beyond lovely, and inspiring. It is, I imagine, how so many of us feel as we press on in our churches, uncertain if this is what God would have us do. Read the whole thing, but stay for the last paragraph. It is some of the most poignant words regarding the church I have ever read.

And there you have it. A  week full of goodness. So what about you? What did you read, discover, geek out over? Share away!

Friday Findings: Gym Teachers, March Madness, and a New Human Species

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectSomehow this week, I managed to take care of 3 other people, exercise insane amounts, including some rather painful P90X workouts that technically should be banned in the U.S. for unlawful bodily injury, and write the most posts in one week I have written since having a baby 6 months ago. Go me!

Whew. I’m exhausted, as well I should be.

But it doesn’t stop there. Oh no. And why should it when there are so many interesting, funny, inspiring things to partake of on the Interwebz.

Here’s what got me smiling this week…

I Bet that Gym Teacher Couldn’t Spell “Synecdoche” to Save Her Life from Alice Bradley’s blog Finslippy. I’ve mentioned Ms. Bradley on MR before. She happens to be one of my favorite writers, period. Right now, she’s running a little blog series on childhood teachers. {sigh} She is funnier than me on my funniest days and what’s better than reminiscing about childhood teachers?

Beyond Evangelical from Frank Viola. I mentioned this important series by Frank Viola a few weeks ago, and this is the last installment in the 7 part blog series, but also provides links to the other posts in the series.  I think Viola’s definition and assessment of what it means to be “beyond evangelical” is revelatory and not to be ignored.

Cheap art. No seriously. I have always dreamed of having a house filled with beautiful artwork–paintings hanging from wall to wall–a regular art gallery right in my living room. But alas, I grew up and realized that art is crazy expensive, unless you want to hang Justin Bieber posters from Hot Topic (which might not be too bad, ’cause I mean, it is the Biebs).

But a while ago, I discovered 20×200, which is an ongoing and rotating collection of artwork by talented artists that you can actually afford. Just a warning, if you click through, be prepared to lose an hour. Here is a painting by one of my favorite artists, Jennifer Sanchez.

March Madness is oh so good. I love March Madness. I am generally not a sports girl, but something about college basketball gets me geeked out. Yet, I assume most people don’t care and that is why I’m sharing this post from Mashable: 10 March Madness Brackets that Have Nothing to do with Basketball. Way cool list. Enjoy.

New Human Found. And lastly, speaking of geeky, I have a weird love affair with anthropology, archeology, and ancient cultures. My husband has had to endure far too many documentaries on Machu Pichu and the Aztecs. Well, scientists in China recently discovered the skeletal remains of what appears to be a “new human species.” Say what? I find these discoveries fascinating and I am always intrigued to see how God will reveal His consistency in design through them. Read the article and tell me what you think. A new human?

Well, looks like I was all over the place this week. What about you? Are you a March Madness fan? Any great discoveries you’d care to share? Lay it on me! I’d love to hear.

Friday Findings: Church Diversity, Food Porn, and Shaving

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectFriday, sweet Friday. Thank you for being here once again. I have to admit, my findings this week are a rather eclectic and odd assortment. Hope you don’t mind and don’t judge me.

First up…

Diversity in the Church. Over at Q blog, I read a great interview with Dave Gibbons, who is “the founding pastor of New Song Church, a multigenerational, multicultural, and multisite church in inner city L.A“.  I am personally passionate about the subject of church diversity and found it to be an inspiring read.

Food blogs galore. This week, I have been preoccupied with fodie blogs, clicking through link after link, to discover hundreds of mouth-watering, deliecious recipes. Why? Well, I’m finally tackling the extra baby weight that kiddo #3 planted on me. Which means I am desperately missing my old friends chocolate, high fructose corn-syrup, and caffeine. {sigh} Pray for me. But here’s a few of the food blogs Ive been trolling, er um, stalking…

Skinny Taste– tons of gluten free, low-fat options here (I’m a no gluten girl). My fave right now.

All Day Long I Dream  About Food– great blog name and great easy and yummy recipes.

 

The Girl Who Ate Everything–More just food porn than food I can actually eat, but still so tempting.

Lastly, my husband introduced me to a magical, hilarious, original site called Dollar Shave Club. Before you make any snap judgements, watch the video. It is beyond funny.

So there’s my week.  A big mish-mash of nothing. Hope you loved every single second of it. Now, please share what sites (or people if that’s your thing)you’ve been stalking this week!

Friday Findings: Being an Atheist, Napping, and Introverts

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectFriday, sweet Friday. I’m so glad you are here. Although, this weekend I’ll be flying as a solo parent, as my film-junkie of a husband will be traveling to California to attend an all day Oscar film marathon. That leaves me and the 3 wild monkeys alone all weekend. No, I’m not scured…Well, maybe just a little. Nothing some Beyonce “crazy music,” (as my daughter likes to call it) and some mint chip ice cream can’t solve (the ice cream is for me, not them, by the way).

So here’s to Friday and here’s what I loved around the web this week:

If I were an Atheist. What could lead you to atheism? This is a thoughtful and well-reasoned post.

10o Ways to be Kind to Your Child. Usually lists like this are so corny, or trite, or over-done that they fail to offer anything new. This post is not one of those. I even got a little weepy while reading it.

I happen to consider myself a professional napper. If you are anything like me, then you’ll enjoy this inforgraphic on Everything You Need to Know About Napping. So fun.

Are you familiar with this iPhone app? It appeals to my inner geek which loves all things retro.

Introverts get such a bad rap, especially in the church and especially in leadership. Carlos Whitaker, who is clearly not an introvert, went ahead and wrote about it anyway. This makes me happy.

My blogging friends the former Ally Spotts (now Ally Vestefelt) and her new hubby Darrell Vesterfelt are now the directors of Prodigal Magazine–a magazine for the everyday Christian. Try this post on for size, to get started. You won’t be disappointed.

I’m bi-racial which, while often doesn’t mean much of anything, occasionally this fact will throw me for a loop when it comes to understanding my identity. That’s why I so appreciated Tony Alicea’s post this week on your heritage and righteousness. So good.

Also, tomorrow is the last day I’ll be accepting submissions for the “I’m a Reject, Because…” series. If you’d like to share with others here on Modern Reject as to why you’re a reject, here’s your chance. Send me your post. 300-500 words. Hope to hear from you.

 Now it’s your turn. Share with me the cool, interesting, funny, inspiring, or challenging things you discovered this week.

Friday Findings: Victoria’s Secret, Womanhood, and Rejects

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectIf you tried to waste spend some time on Modern Reject yesterday, you may have been disappointed to discover that she was down for part of the day. Sad face. I’m working on some server issues right now to hopefully remedy this problem in the future (P.S. anyone know of a brilliant WordPress developer?).

Anyhoo, how was your week? Mine went by quickly, which is always nice because I cherish my weekends. I did happen to come across some cool stuff this week. But let me warn you, it’s a hodge podge. I was all over the place…

Victoria’s Secret Model quits to honor God and her marriage. You read that right. I hope this little article gains momentum.

And the Worst Wife Award Goes To... by the hilarious and humble Bianca Juarez.

The Womanhood Project. Imagine a group of women, coming together, to write about one thing: the word “womanhood.” Well, I had the privilege of contributing to this project. It ranges from serious to sarcastic, humorous to heartfelt. I promise you’ll enjoy.

Interview with a Conservative Christian. I really enjoyed this interview via Rachel Held Evans blog. I think more and more, Conservative Christians are being given a bad wrap, especially those involved in politics on any level. I found this interview to be well-stated, articulate, and rational.

I’m a Reject Because… Last week, I asked, for any of those interested, to submit a blog post on why you are a reject. So far, I have received some great entries, but I want more! So, go ahead and tell me why you are a reject. I’ll be posting the pieces in March. The deadline is February 25th.

So there you have it, my picks for the week. What were your favorite things this week? An article, blog post, video? Share away!

Why You Should Get Married

While at a recent family dinner, gathered around a humongous table in an obnoxious dinosaur themed restaurant, I asked the question, “Why get married?”

People get married for all kinds of reasons. Some good, some bad. Some beneficial, some harmful.

The obvious answer to “why get married?” is because you’re in love and stuff. I’m a semi-romantic, if there is such a thing, but, really? Love? I think that’s one of the least appealing reasons to get married.

Here’s why: Marriage is about, at least in the beginning, growing up and living with someone on a day-to-day basis. It’s about getting along with someone and serving them even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about commitment and steadfastness.

Sounds boring and a little painful, huh? Well, maybe on some days. But most days love and the mushy gushy feelings of love, are not going to be what keeps you content, patient, or even together. Love is of course necessary. It is the underlying current but not the sole motivator.

I was wondering, why did I get married? I am not trying to sound like a Tyler Perry movie..I’m just asking. I mean, I loved Jonathan at the time. But I had been in love before and hadn’t gotten married then. I’d even dated someone that I wanted to marry before Jonathan but didn’t marry him.

I realized there were a few reasons I got married. Continue reading Why You Should Get Married

My Favorite Blogs

I’m a blogger…or rather, I have a blog. A lot of people assume that I read tons of other Christian blogs and am up to date on all that is newsworthy. Truth be told, I’m not the best about reading other blogs. In fact, before I started Modern Reject, I really didn’t frequent many Christian blogs at all.

That has now changed, however. What was once me casually perusing the Internet, hopping from site to site, has now turned into a systematic Google reader filled with dozens of different blogs.

Although, I don’t just read Christian blogs. Go figure. I like a lot of other things. People often ask me what, or who I read, on a regular basis. So, I thought I’d share a sneak peak inside my Google reader. The following is a list of the blogs I read and their categories:

Continue reading My Favorite Blogs