Family Vacation and 2025 Recommendations!

We are overjoyed to report that we were able to spend some much needed time with family throughout the December month. It had been over 2 years since our kids were able to play with their cousins and be in Michigan. There were many highlights, but basically our kids were extremely happy to experience a good snowy December. Snowboarding, skiing, sledding, snowmen, skating and snot all came with the territory of a white December. We are very grateful for our time away to rest and refresh. These pics will give you a little flavor of our time. You'll notice a few more pics of Eden because we took her on a trip with just dad and mom for her 12th birthday.

In 2025 I engaged with many media resources and so I'd like to give you a smattering of recommendations ranging from books to music to social media. This list is going to be different then my top 10 books list for the year. If you want to read that then you can check out my Substack post. This list is personal because I'm recommending things specifically to all of you who are following our journey and partnering with us for church planting in Puerto Rico! Enjoy!

My Top Book Recommendation for your Theological Thinking:

There is so much confusion about denominations today. The average person (dare I say, pastor) has very little understanding of Church History. The distinctives of Protestantism have become muddled in popular understanding and usually the refrain that reigns is the simple critique of "so many denominations." This book is an incredibly helpful primer on protestantism. I think everyone should read this book!

My Top Book Recommendation for your Relational Wisdom:

Zack Eswine is one of my favorite pastors/authors. His passion is to encourage "sage Christianity." In this book he explores the wisdom of Proverbs and brings out many nuggets of truth, goodnes, and beauty. This book doesn't always read smoothly but the insights are profound and deeply challenging.

My Top Book Recommendation for your Historical Interest:

Speaking of church history, this book tells the story of the church in a wise and balanced manner. The stories of Christianity will fill your heart with much grief but even greater hope.

My Top Album Recommendation for your Biblical Encouragement:

I've been listening to Jon Guerra since before he was putting out music publicly. My claim to fame is that I sang in a gospel choir with him in college :) He was noticeably talented in college but his song output these last few years has been nothing short of incredible. His songs are a beautiful blend of truth, longing and creativity.

"Jesus" by Jon Guerra

My Top EP Recommendation for your Family Drive:

If we're driving down the road as a family then one of my kids will inevitably ask to listen to a Citizens song. This EP they released this last year is full of fun vibes and powerful verse.

"Living is Proof" by Citizens

My Top Sermon Recommendation for your Spiritual Pursuit:

This sermon by Jon Tyson is an incredible example of leadership and vision. In this sermon he addresses the discipleship pathways of their church and casts a vision for a renewed mission statement.

My Top Cover Recommendation for your Musical Delight:

I really enjoyed listening to Stephen Wilson Jr. this year. His songs "I'm a Song" and "Father's Son" are great but I really enjoyed his cover of "Stand by Me." I've always been a fan of dropped note chords. I love playing in DADGAD tuning. This is probably one reason why I like this cover so much.

My Top Game Recommendation for your Familial Delight:

Our family plays a lot of games. Strategy games, card games, board games, and escape rooms! We love it all. This year we added multiple games to our repertoire. Our favorite was Doomlings. It's a card game that makes you navigate the end of the world. I love its unpredictability. A tip: stop reading instruction manuals and watch youtube videos on how to play. Instruction manuals are for specific rule reference. A youtube video will get you playing the game much quicker.

Well, I hope you enjoy these 2025 recommendations. Our family is coming into 2026 feeling refreshed and ready to go. Please pray with us that the Lord increases our effectiveness for his kingdom!