Category: Et Cetera

Friday Findings: Beyond Evangelical, Church Abuse, and Guilt

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectI have to admit, I’ve been feeling a bit lazy these days. Blogging has not been on the top of my to-do list. Hopefully though, I’ll start to gain some motivation and momentum soon. Thanks for sticking around lately while my number of posts has been a little less than usual.

This week, in my laziness and lounging, I have really just been enjoying being home with my kids, who have been very sick the last week and a half. Granted, being stuck at home with the three of them does make me want to scream some times, but overall it has been relaxing. I’ve also managed to peruse the internet more than usual.

Here’s some of what has struck my fancy this week: Continue reading Friday Findings: Beyond Evangelical, Church Abuse, and Guilt

The Modern Reject on the Radio

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of being on The Drew Marshall Show. Drew Marshall, Canada’s largest spiritual radio talk show. Drew has been called the Howard Stern of Christian radio and for good reason.

Drew is fun and funny, outspoken, engaging, and pretty much the coolest. He is known for interviewing some controversial characters, like the president of the Wiccan church, for instnace. But on this particular day, I was honored and humbled to have him interview me.

We talked about a few of my own more controversial posts and I had so much fun doing it. His banter is quick-witted and refreshing. So, in case you’re interested in listening to the segment, just follow the link, which will land you on January 7th. Just scroll down a bit and you’ll see me.You can then listen away…

If you are so inclined too, there are dozens of other (more interesting I’m sure) interviews you can listen to from Christian celebrities, regular celebrities, and more. I lost a good hour doing the same thing.

 

Blogging is for Losers

While having a couple I had never met before, over to our home for dinner the other night, I was somehow secretly hoping that no one would ask me the inevitable question “So, Nicole what do you do?”

To which I usually respond, “Oh me? I fold laundry, wipe butts, cook nutritious meals, all while wearing a big, fat, slap-happy, smile on my face.” The problem, this time ( and most times lately) is that my dear, sweet, proud husband wants to brag on me. What I would be perfectly content letting slip by unsaid, he prefers to exclaim from the rooftops, which usually goes something like this:

“Nicole is a rockstar! She is a blogger. Has an awesome blog called Modern Reject! She speaks too. She was even on the radio!” (and yes, all of those exclamation points are completely apro po)

And while I love, adore, get warm fuzzies knowing my hubster is my biggest fan, on this particular occasion, I wanted to crawl under the table and die in a pile. And it got me thinking why, or rather, what the what? Why do I feel embarrassed and flustered when this whole double life of mine is brought up?

Because blogging is for losers. Or at least that’s what I used to think. Continue reading Blogging is for Losers

Friday Findings: Submitting, “Honey” and Being a Disciple

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectThis week has dragged on for me. What about you? It seems like Friday should have been here about 3 days ago, but it’s here now. Finally. And I have some cool stuff to share today for Friday Findings.

First up…

Good reads and lots of them. I read so many great articles and blog posts this week. Here are a few that stood out:

Women, Stop Submitting to Men. Yes, the title is catchy and it is also tricky. Think you know what this post is about? Think again. Definitely my favorite read of the week.

I Thought Church was Where We Sat Down, Stood Up, and Sung Songs Together. The collective blog, A Deeper Story, is running a series on what Church really is and…isn’t. I have been so enjoying it. This post is one of my faves, so far.

Everything I Know About God I Learned in My Laundry Pile. Considering my mini-mommy-meltdown earlier this week, this post struck a cord with me. Any mom will relate to this post and smile.

A beautiful song with an even more beautiful family. My husband’s and my dear friends Phillip and Lia LaRue, who make up the group Us and Our Daughters released a video for their new song, “Honey.”  It is filled with gorgeous shots of their family life, two daughters, and their obvious love for one another. It is guaranteed to put you in a wonderful mood and stick in your head.

Me and my apple, so in love. Those of you who follow me on Twitter and are my bff on Facebook, may have seen my new (and first ever) Apple MacBook Pro (P.S. if you’re not following or friending me, what’s up with that?). She’s so purdy. As a result of the new love in my life, I am on the hunt for the coolest Mac covers I can find. I like this one. Dig this one. And lurve this one. Which one do you think I should swing for?

Discipleship rocks. Lastly, my blogging homie Moe, of Beta Christian, recently launched a new blog and site called Discipulus (pronounced disˈki.pu.lus) which is Latin for “disciple.” Moe has a heart for discipleship that rivals my own. I am so geeked out and excited to see where this blog goes. Please stop by and show him some love.

So there you have it, all the lovely, cool, and worthwhile finds from the week. Now it’s your turn. What have you read, listened to, dreamed of, or discovered this week? What stole some of your free time?

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Findings: Getting Real on Driscoll and One Word

Frieday Findings on Modern RejectCan you believe it is nearing the end of the first week of 2012? I have to say that I’m already tired. Yes, I took my longest-ever blog vacation at the end of December, but I could also use a Caribbean vacation. hmmm…now that’s got me thinking. Nevermind that, on with Friday Findings….

Real Marriage, Sorta. Well, one person and one book, dominated the blogogsphere this week: Mark Driscoll and his new book (co-authored with his wife Grace) Real Marriage.

Now, I have never written about Driscoll on this blog. I’m pretty neutral on him, even though he is such a divisive character. People love him or they really don’t. All that to say, I did read some fair and balanced reviews of his book this week.

My favorite review of Real Marriage came from a blogger I very much respect and follow regularly, Jr. Forasteros. Check it out.

Honorable mention goes to Rachel Held Evans review, because while she holds great disdain for Driscoll, she was still willing to review his book, albeit not a very unbiased review. Her review does, however, touch on the idea that we, as Christians, expect far too much from our pastors.

One Word. For those of you who were around on Tuesday, you may have read about my anti-resolution practice of choosing only one word for the whole year. Well, turns out there is an entire website around this idea (thanks to Alece of Grit and Glory for letting me know). Go read about the words others are choosing. Be inspired. Kick 2012’s butt.

Ring me. Now, this may seem totally random, but hey, it’s Friday Findings, which means I list the things I find. This time, I found some retro phones that make my heart sing. I’m a sucker for anything retro and phones top the list.

I’m on the radio. For those of you interested, I will also be on The Drew Marshall Show tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. EST.  I’ll be talking about some of my most controversial topics, which along side Mr. Marshall should be fun, to say the least. Feel free to listen in and show me some radio love.

So what struck your fancy this week? Favorite reads, new inspirations, silliness or something else? Share away.

#8 of 2011: 10 Ways to Tell if You’re a Snob

I have to admit that when I began tallying up the Top 10 posts of 2011 on Modern Reject, I was a bit surprised to see this one in the running. I mean, I suppose I shouldn’t be because lots of people suspect they are snobs and were happy to finally have found a definitive answer.

Joking aside, this post, just like #9, gathered a lot of steam over time. Whenever I re-read this one, it still makes me smile. Why? Because I am completely a snob. Are you? Read on to find out…

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10 Ways to Tell if You are a Snob

I’m a snob. I admit it. I dabble in snobbery. I know it’s not always the best course of action and can often lead to awkward social situations and even hurt feelings.

My intentions are never to hurt anyone’s feelings. Truly. I just happen to be particular. I prefer things a certain ways. I have opinions on just about everything, from the clothes people wear (or I wear), to movies, trends,  and politics. I’m a bit of a church snob too, in that, I know what I like and don’t like in  a church, for example.

What some people would call snobbery, I call being opinionated and stating one’s preference. And as long as it is done so with an air of humility and with the understanding that you can’t take anything too seriously, I say bring on the snob.

Now you might be asking yourself…”Am I a snob too?” “How would I know?” “What does a snob look like?”

Well here are 10 ways too tell if you too might be a bit of a snob…(go ahead, I know you’re curious) Continue reading #8 of 2011: 10 Ways to Tell if You’re a Snob

#9 of 2011: What is Discipleship?

Today is # 9 on the countdown of the Top 10 posts of 2011 here on Modern Reject. What is Discipleship? has had a bit of a surprising and slow burn. It didn’t garner too many comments the first time around. Nor did it blow up via social media avenues. It did, however, produce a ton of slow and steady search traffic.

Turns out, people are really interested in understanding this whole concept of discipleship and what it looks like. Discipleship is very near and dear to my heart. I am passionate about it, in fact. So it brings a huge smile to my face to know so many others are attempting to figure out how to disciple, as well.

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What is Discipleship?

What comes to mind when you think of Jesus Christ’s core ministry? Do you picture Him healing the sick and raising the dead? Do you imagine Him traveling form town to town preaching? Or standing on the Mount and proclaiming what would become the beatitudes?

The ministry of Jesus certainly included all of these things. However, I would argue that His core ministry–the example He left us with to follow–was something even more amazing. Sadly, it’s also something many of us simply disregard and fail to practice… Continue reading #9 of 2011: What is Discipleship?

Top 10 of 2011: The Cross vs. The Ladder

So here we are, just days away from 2012, and man, what a year 2011 has proven to be. I had a baby, began my hopefully-future speaking career, watched my husband continue to grow his amazing business, and so much more.

One of the best parts of 2011, has been this blog and all of you. I wanted to wrap up the year nicely, and then I saw an idea from Jon Acuff. Well, I stole his idea (he stole it from Tony Morgan, so we’re even Steven).

For the last days of December, I’ll be sharing the Top 10 Modern Reject Posts of 2011. This will perhaps be a chance for you to discover something new, comment on a post the second time around, or even re-read a post with fresh eyes and perspective.

So without further ado, here is #10 on the countdown (This post happens to be my husband’s favorite post of everything I’ve ever written).

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The Cross vs. The Ladder.

I can do all things…

I can do all things…

I have whispered these words to myself. I have held them close and allowed them to blanket me. I can do all things. Me. He is somehow not in the equation.

If I just read enough. If I just devote myself enough to His teachings. If I just push through one more time, then…then I can do. I can accomplish. I can succeed.

I look to the cross and see the work He has done, but I am working, too–striving, pushing, pulling. I can look to the cross, except as I squint my eyes under the pressure of succeeding, as I furrow my brow under the weight I have placed on my own back, the cross looks less and less like a cross. It resembles something quite different…

His cross becomes my ladder.

I strain and I push harder to grasp onto each wrung and pull myself upward. I can do all things…

I slip. I fall. I catch myself again and start all over. His words are so gracious and kind and He whispers softly to me…

Nicole, My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Light and easy. Not heavy and difficult. Not painful and purposeless.

I want so badly to stop climbing. I desperately want to just rest at His feet, touch the hem of His garment, allow Him to meet my need, but I can’t. Or I don’t. Or I won’t.

I reason and convince myself that I am still doing His will. I am still performing as I should. I am not sinning. I am striving.

Yet, as my arms grow weary from climbing, as the length of the ladder stretches higher and higher above me, I begin to see the futility in my endeavor.

I see the foolishness in my efforts. I am exhausted. I am wretched. I can climb no longer…and I weep.

I weep over the time lost being in His presence for the substitution of trying to be.

I weep for my sin, not because I was exposed, but because I have once again forgotten my Lord.

And as the tears fall, and my vision is clouded, I look up once again. Through my misty eyes, my ladder no longer resembles a ladder, but begins to take on its original shape…

Christ’s cross.

I focus on the figure. The shape that held Him there. My sin that placed Him there…

…and I repent.

I repent for…

striving versus submitting…

climbing versus clinging to Him…

seeking success versus practicing surrender…

desiring achievement versus acknowledging the One True God.

I climb down from my ladder and look to His cross. I hear those familiar words: “I can do all things…through Him who strengthens me.” Through Him. Him. He alone.

For what do you strive versus submit to Him? Personally, what causes His cross to resemble your ladder? What heavy burden do you carry that you know Jesus wants to take?

 

The Modern Reject Speaks

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at Pepperdine University, where I was asked to share my testimony and speak about pursuing Christ with excellence.

I thought I’d share the video for those of you who may be interested. And as an aside, I’m always open for any constructive criticism or feedback. Just don’t break my heart, okay?

10/12/11 – Chapel with Nicole Cotrell from Pepperdine University Chapel on Vimeo.