My “top 3s” are resources I find inspiring, helpful, fun, cool, and generally worthy of my support. I don’t receive any compensation from these individuals or groups (Dang it!). These are simply resources I want to share with you. Oh, and be mindful that I often forget to update this page! LOL! So I may very well be super into classic country music today when this page says I love Sir Elton John. Regardless, this page should give you a glimpse in to my odd interests.
Enjoy…
Podcasts
- Live Inspired Podcast with John O’Leary
- You have to check out this podcast! When I happened upon John’s story and started listening to his podcast, I was immediately hooked. In fact, his story is one of many that inspired this blog. John indeed inspires, just like his podcast intends. Please, check it out…you won’t be sorry.
- Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World
- I have been binging on this podcast lately to get caught up. This one was a suggestion from my brother, Randy. If you like to nerd out, at all, and like to hear both faith and reason perspectives on mysterious and/or controversial subjects, check this out. Jimmy Akin is incredibly intelligent, and gracious in his discourse!
- This one knocked off Mike Rowe‘s The Way I Heard It. (I’m still an avid listener of this one too, though.)
- I have been binging on this podcast lately to get caught up. This one was a suggestion from my brother, Randy. If you like to nerd out, at all, and like to hear both faith and reason perspectives on mysterious and/or controversial subjects, check this out. Jimmy Akin is incredibly intelligent, and gracious in his discourse!
- BioLogos, Language of God
- This podcast was started earlier this year and it is excellent. I also love BioLogos’ Facebook Page as well (as noted below). This (and the articles of Facebook) really help one to reconcile the seeming “incompatibilities” between faith and science.
- This spot was previously held by Kind World from WBUR .
- This podcast was started earlier this year and it is excellent. I also love BioLogos’ Facebook Page as well (as noted below). This (and the articles of Facebook) really help one to reconcile the seeming “incompatibilities” between faith and science.
Blogs
- Blue Babies Pink by B.T. Harman
- This is a great blog. I happened upon it while doing some research. As a privileged, white, Christian, straight, male, I wanted to learn more about what it must be like to be a gay Christian; and how to reconcile this with what I have always been told. Not only is Harman a great storyteller, his story is told in such a vulnerable way. Check it out! (He even recorded the blog posts in a podcast format that reads like an audio book.)
- brandonhempel.com by Rev. Brandon Hempel, Dmin
- Brandon is a mentor of mine. His passion is for church planting and the missional community church. His heart for people, for Jesus, and for real, practical faith is infectious. Tired of church? Yes? Then check out Brandon’s blog.
- Coffee, Grace, and Tomato Paste by Danielle Roush
- So, I’ll say that I am not the target audience of Danielle’s blog. However, she is a great writer and her content is inspiring. Her blog is the one that inspired me to start my own blog. And, Danielle does consulting if you’re interested in blogging, social media, etc.
Social Media Pages
- Dude Dad
- Taylor Calmus (aka, Dude Dad) is freaking hilarious. And, he is an incredible DIY guy. His Vlogs are filled with both goofy antics, and inspiration for DIY projects. Now that my children are adults, I laugh a bit louder at Taylor and Heidi’s “trials” raising their kiddos. Go check it out now if you need a good laugh!
- East Lansing Firefighters Local 1609
- I am sorta partial to this page since I am a part of the team that posts content. Check it out. We have humorous insights into our members as well as good safety tips!
- This spot previously held by i understand.
- I am sorta partial to this page since I am a part of the team that posts content. Check it out. We have humorous insights into our members as well as good safety tips!
- Leslie Jordan on Instagram
- To say that this man has a zest for life would be an understatement. His posts have made me laugh when I have needed it. If the stupid COVID pandemic has you down and frustrated, go back and watch some of Leslie’s earlier videos as he would report daily “hunkered down” at home.
- This spot previously held by BioLogos and Vinnie’s Voice by Michelle Vincent.
- To say that this man has a zest for life would be an understatement. His posts have made me laugh when I have needed it. If the stupid COVID pandemic has you down and frustrated, go back and watch some of Leslie’s earlier videos as he would report daily “hunkered down” at home.
Books
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- I listened to this book on Audible. The title grabbed me since it’s an unconventional sentence, to say the least. This is essentially the life story of author Jennette McCurdy. With raw honesty and emotion, she tells of her struggles with eating disorders, abuse, deep loss, and how her dysfunctional relationship with her mother was at the center of all of it. It is a must-read.
- This spot was previously held by On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life by John O’Leary
- I listened to this book on Audible. The title grabbed me since it’s an unconventional sentence, to say the least. This is essentially the life story of author Jennette McCurdy. With raw honesty and emotion, she tells of her struggles with eating disorders, abuse, deep loss, and how her dysfunctional relationship with her mother was at the center of all of it. It is a must-read.
- Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity by Gregory Coles
- It’s no secret that LGBTQ+ people have it tougher in a culture that oftentimes does not seek to understand them better. And, unfortunately, gay Christians may have an even more difficult journey. I have always wanted to understand the marginalized and learn how to love people better. By telling his story, Coles helped me to understand a little more.
- This spot was previously held by The Dark Night of the Soul: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth by Gerald G. May, M.D.
- It’s no secret that LGBTQ+ people have it tougher in a culture that oftentimes does not seek to understand them better. And, unfortunately, gay Christians may have an even more difficult journey. I have always wanted to understand the marginalized and learn how to love people better. By telling his story, Coles helped me to understand a little more.
- Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by Brandon J. O’Brien and E. Randolph Richards
- I’m sort of a Scripture nerd. This is not to say that I know all the ins and outs of it. However, I find Scripture to be very nuanced…and I find it more relatable and even more lively when I have a greater understanding of the context in which passages were written. This book provides this context. It also discusses some of the “dangers” of interpreting Scripture solely through one’s own cultural lens, devoid of the cultural context of the author. This book is also pretty accessible to the non-nerdy reader.
- This spot was previously held by Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
- I’m sort of a Scripture nerd. This is not to say that I know all the ins and outs of it. However, I find Scripture to be very nuanced…and I find it more relatable and even more lively when I have a greater understanding of the context in which passages were written. This book provides this context. It also discusses some of the “dangers” of interpreting Scripture solely through one’s own cultural lens, devoid of the cultural context of the author. This book is also pretty accessible to the non-nerdy reader.
Charities
- Compassion International
- I have sponsored a child through Compassion since 2010. I have also volunteered with Compassion since then. I could say a ton more, but I will keep it short and say that this is the finest organization I have ever been a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child!
- Compassion in Action
- This is a non-profit organization I am involved in through the missional community group at my church (Gracepointe, St. Johns Campus). Essentially, Compassion in Action provides supplemental food to students in need through the St. Johns Public Schools.
- Always-On Coffee Company and Heroes Haven
- These organizations were founded by my friend, Kyle. Kyle has an amazing story (that hopefully he will tell here as a guest blogger at some point). Out of his darkness, these two organizations were born. Always-On distributes custom coffee blends (which are delicious!) while helping those struggling with PTSD, suicide prevention, etc. And Heroes Haven is a gym serving the same purpose. Get yourself some coffee and go workout!
Musicians
- The Warning
- This is a fantastic power trio from Mexico. These three sisters rock! 🤘
- This spot was previously held by Sir Elton John and Matt Maher.
- This is a fantastic power trio from Mexico. These three sisters rock! 🤘
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Ella has the most pure, yet sultry voice…EVER! She recorded her music well before the invention of Auto-Tune yet her pitch is flawless. Amazing!
- Rush
- This is a timeless band. Their anthology of music is beyond impressive. Plus, in my humble opinion, this group had the greatest drummer who ever lived: Neil Peart…God rest his sole!