Last year I created a 'Best of 2005' List.
This year I thought, 'Why not...let's do it a second time and make it a tradition.'
Here's a sort of year in review/highlight list that may be of some interest to you.
Best film: Stranger Than Fiction
See earlier post for my glowing review, but this was the best movie I've seen in the past three years.
Best Book I Read: The Great Ommission (Dallas Willard)
Thought-provoking and well-written, Willard writes about the loss of discipleship in Christianity - and how we re-gain its importance and practice. This book messed with me...and I can't stop thinking about it.
Best Music Album: Continuum (John Mayer)
I never thought I would ever pick John Mayer for album of the year, but it was terrific. Second place is Mutemath's self-titled album.
Best Concert I Attended: Starsailor at WXPN/World Cafe Life in Philly.
I hadn't heard of this British band until the concert. They sound like a mix between Coldplay and U2, bands that I also love, and their lyric-writing is amazing.
Best Song: (tie) You Can Close Your Eyes (James Taylor) and Silence is Easy (Starsailor)
James Taylor is my favorite artist, but for some reason I had not heard this song before. It's an old one, but I have it on repeat on my iTunes. Silence is Easy is the best Starsailor song - pretty addicting to listen to.
Best Television Show: The Amazing Race.
Hands down, the best show on television. This season was good, but last season with the hippies was incredible. The mix of teamwork, adventure, travel, seeing people operate under stress and strategy make it a perfect show. I never thought I would be addicted to a TV show. (Thanks to Ryan and Missy for their incredible hospitality this past AR season).
Best Podcast: Rob Bell at Mars Hill Bible Church (Grandville, MI)
I learn more from Rob's podcasts than almost anyone else. If you haven't heard him, log onto iTunes and subscribe to this podcast.
Best Book of the Bible I Read This Year: Job
I've read the book of Job a great deal, but for whatever reason this time around proved to be extremely fruitful for me. Oftentimes when we read Job we focus on the first three chapters and the last chapter, but I found myself learning the most from Job's three friends. They taught me a great deal - especially how not to help people who are grieving, grasping a more developed theology of suffering, understanding the character of God and re-learning what it means to be a good friend.
Best Philly Cheesesteak: (tie) Pat's Steaks (South Philly) and Rick's Steaks (at Reading Terminal Market)
If you've never had a cheesesteak at these locations you haven't really lived yet (but you're probably a lot healthier for it!)
Best Magazine: (tie) Fast Company and ESPN The Magazine.
I devour each issue of these two magazines. Love 'em...
Best Blog: Serious: Scot McKnight
I love the way this theologian, college professor, author and blogger thinks. (If you haven't read his book Jesus Creed you should get your hands on it).
Best Blog: Funny Marko
With how many hilarious links are on this blog (especially from YouTube) I sometimes wonder if Marko actually works.
Best Decision: Move to Pennsylvania.
While the decision was difficult and we are so grateful for the way God has brought us to Pennsylvania. There is no doubt that this is where we should be. We're grateful that God's hand has been evident in the entire process. We've been blessed by so many friends, we've experienced so much support from people and we anticipate seeing God's faithfulness evidenced in the coming year.
What a year 2006 has been.
We're excited about what will happen in 2007!
Yeah, your move to PA was def. your best decision! For us, too!
Posted by: Ashley | December 28, 2006 at 10:08 AM
Hey JR! I liked your list so much I decided to put together my own "Best of 2006" list. I hope you guys are having a restful holidays. Praying for you both during this time and excited to hear about Baby Briggs when he comes!!
Posted by: Andrew Hess | December 29, 2006 at 04:44 PM
i'm changing your answer for best decision to be: adopting carter
unless you object?
:)
i can't wait for daizie and carter to meet.. they'll be bff's for sure
:)
Posted by: bekah | January 04, 2007 at 01:57 PM