Christianity
BOOK REVIEW: The Marriage-Friendly Church by Daniel F. Camp
Where are Our Principles?
I was listening to the “This American Life” podcast where they interviewed a woman who had a list of seven things you should never talk about in general conversation. It was just her opinion, but I found it amusing. Listen to the podcast here, and find out what she considers to be boring topics.
A movement that is beginning to lurk into sacred territory is that stores are opening on Thanksgiving Day. Blogger Matt Walsh handles this topic extensively in his post, “If you shop on Thanksgiving, you are part of the problem.” For those families and individuals who are hurting, it is the unfulfilled promise offered by consumerism that maintains your pain and emptiness.
Heritage Christian University Elevate Seminar Recordings
Other sessions included discussions on the Song of Solomon and marriage/divorce & remarriage. All were incredibly grounded in scripture and applicable to today’s world.
Speaking at Heritage Christian University
* The DNA of Relationships for Parents and Teens
* The Biblical View of Homosexuality
* Marriage Counseling and the Minister
* Ministering to Children of Divorce
* The Church’s Role in Sex Education
* Preaching/Teaching the Song of Solomon
* How to Have “The Talk” With Your Children
* And many more
Our sinful nature that was realized in the garden can continue to keep us in a state of shame, hindering us from truly connecting with our spouses in the sexual relationship. In this session, Dale will discuss barriers to sex, the spiritual connection to sex, and ways those struggling can reestablish and maintain this precious link.
My book on marriage is now in paperback

My Faith In Both My Fathers Has Been Strengthened
God wasn’t ready for dad to go. I am a firm believer in the providence of God and this is your best tool against worry or anxiety. God WILL take care of you. No matter what situation occurs, God will be there to guide you in this life or to an eternal home. So, depend on Him and let Him take care of everything.
Events like this keep us affixed to the world around us and how the simplest things mean so much. These times also make us keenly aware of our Heavenly home. Which ever you meet on this day, may you see the blessings found therein.
Finally, I am left hoping for more days with my dad and mom. We have a trip planned for the fall and if I can talk him into it, we’re going camping. I’m sure it won’t take much convincing.
Churches and Marriage Ministries
REVIEW – Why They Left: Listening to those who have left Churches of Christ by Flavil R. Yeakley Jr.
Podcasts and Blogs: My Favorite 12
- In Search for More – This is my blog. You’re probably reading this on it right now. Even though I write it, I like to see it in the various places that my actual subscribers are seeing it too. If you want to learn how to be a better parent and/or spouse, check out my blog where I write about this stuff. Subscribe at www.insearchformore.com
- The Disney Parks Blog – We have a trip coming up in October to the House of the Mouse, and I’m keeping up with what’s going on through their blog. I know when the new attractions will open and I even find out about travel tips. www.disneyworld.com
- Instrument Rated Theology– This is a blog written by Paul Smith, a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He is also a minister in the Church of Christ, and I stumbled upon his blog when doing a little research. I liked his review of a book so much that I purchased it to use in an adult Bible class and have since been reading his views on having a Christian worldview. Subscribe at www.instrument-rated-theology.com
- Musings on Spiritual Matters – This blog is written by my good friend and confidant, Matthew Morine. He too is a doctoral student but at Harding Graduate School of Religion. Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Matthew brings insight into the Lord’s work that can easily be missed by some. Subscribe at www.MatthewMorine.com
- Social Mouths – With the increase in the use of social media there are people teaching others how to maximize its potential. Francisco Rosales’ articles are well written, well-illustrated, and extremely practical. I credit the work of Rosales with me getting two Kindle books published. It was his easy to read article that showed me how to do this in one afternoon. Subscribe at www.socialmouths.com
- Freakonomics Radio – If you’re a fan of the books, subscribe to this podcast. If you’ve not read the books yet, do so, and then subscribe. Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner are the hosts of this podcast that can be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes long. Learn why your house’s false alarms have a hidden cost and why the president of the United States has a lot less power than you think. Levitt is an economist so he looks at things a little differently than most people and Dubner is an award-winning author. Their synergy is what makes the show so enjoyable, not to mention the curve ball they throw you on a lot of topics.
- A Prairie Home Companion’s News from Lake Wobegon – I’m not readily able to listen to the entirety of Garrison Keilor’s show, but I can listen to its most famous segment. Keilor started his “old-fashioned” radio variety show in Nashville, TN and he continues to carry the nostalgic theme well in a post-modern world.
- Focus on the Family: Focus on Marriage – Dr. James Dobson has done a lot of work in the name of families, and this short yet insightful podcast can improve your marriage in no time. In the podcast, experts are interviewed on a variety of marital topics so there’s no shortage of information. Typically one large recording spans over several podcasts so you receive tidbits of information that are easy to digest.
- The Moth Podcast – “Stories told live without notes.” Authors, actors, and everyday people tell stories that are funny or life changing or both. Very entertaining and quick with most shows being less than 15 minutes.
- NPR: Live Concerts from All Songs Considered – Recorded concerts from clubs, music festivals, and even from behind the desk at the NPR studios. If you like live music and want to hear some cool jams, subscribe. Through this podcast I discovered the music of First Aid Kit, Kat Edmonson, and I rediscovered Jakob Dylan (Bob Dylan’s son and former front man for the Wallflowers). Very eclectic in their choice of other performers including the Soweto Gospel Choir.
- This American Life – Journalist Ira Glass weaves a narrative of stories, typically in four acts, that are designed to make you think, care, and wonder about the world we live in. Unlike talk-radio, they don’t spend hours discussing what most people forgot about two weeks ago. Instead, they have stories that are good sometimes for no other reason than they are interesting. Although, relevancy is also a typical characteristic. Its popularity has grown to a TV show and they are working on an event that will be broadcast live in theaters across the country.
- The Truth – My newest subscription. “. . . a contemporary re-imagining of what audio drama is and can be . . . .” That’s right! They are working to revive one of the oldest forms of entertainment to go across the airwaves; radio drama. There are no story arcs that I’ve found. Just good short prose that captures the imagination because it is well written and true to life.