What are you enjoying right now?
Sometimes, we need to step back and ask a question like that.
Philippians 4:8 challenges believers to think and dwell on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable.” So each week the Facts & Trends staff would like to share our “Favorites” at the moment.
It might be a new book or podcast we’re enjoying or something going on in our lives we want to share. Hopefully, you’ll think about things that are your favorites right now and maybe find something else to add to that list.
Aaron Earls (@WardrobeDoor), online editor: As a bit of a nerd, Marvel releasing the names and dates for their next 11 films definitely brought a smile to my face. Almost without fail, every Marvel Studio movie has been a fun blockbuster that also delivers substance.
The Iron Man trilogy wrestles with viewing a weakness as strength. Thor sought to understand what it means to live worthy of the calling you have received. Captain America examines the real meaning of strength and freedom. Guardians of the Galaxy demonstrated (both as characters and as a film) that the most unlikely individuals can accomplish greatness.
These films, and hopefully those releasing next, allow Christians a chance to engage with our neighbors in a fun, pop culture way, but also with something that opens the door for deeper, more significant conversations.
Carol Pipes (@CarolPipes), editor: In honor of #tbt (Throwback Thursday), I’d like to recommend the Discipleship Journal Anthology.
Lately I’ve been reading through some old copies of the magazine (previously published by NavPress) and was reminded of the wonderful rich content on discipleship and Christian growth. This was one of my favorite magazines when it was still being published.
The anthology, available on WORDsearch and Amazon, includes almost every article from DJ’s 25 years.
Matt Erickson (@_Matt_Erickson), managing editor: I’ve been enjoying Ellie Holcomb’s album As Sure as the Sun. Her award-winning album is full of honest, hopeful, Scripture-based lyrics and great music throughout.
I particularly like the song, “Only Hope I’ve Got,” but there are a number of highlights on the album and no real weak spots. “Only Hope,” like all good worship songs, helps us look away from ourselves to the One who deserves all the honor and praise.
It’s an album that can help you unload your burdens, lift up your eyes, and worship.
Bob Smietana (@BobSmietana), senior writer: If you want to know what’s going on in the world of faith, there’s not a better source than Religion News Service (RNS). They’ve got a host of religion experts, from Twitter religion star Sarah Pulliam Bailey and former USA Today religion writer Cathy Grossman to award-winning national correspondent Adelle Banks, who always gets the story right.
If you want to know what your neighbors believe, this non-profit, religion journalism outlet is the place to go. (Full disclosure—I’ve written for RNS for years and was on their board for a while.)
Katie Shull (@KShull), graphic designer: I went to a women’s retreat at my church called “Healthy You.” It focused on spiritual, mental, and physical health. I particularly enjoyed co-leading a class on healthy eating. It also didn’t hurt that I won a door prize.
What has made you smile so far this week? What would be your favorite today?
