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Best of 2009

As 2009 winds down to a close, I wanted to note the best of what I read, saw and experienced.

Best Book The Prodigal God by Tim Keller. I wrote of Keller’s book in January, “We’ve just concluded the first month of 2009 and I may have already read the best book of the year.” I still feel the same after twelve months.

Best Album No Line On The Horizon by U2. I must confess, 2009 is ending without that one album I just can’t keep from playing all the time. Nevertheless, U2’s offering is far from nominal. Once again, the foursome from Ireland put out a solid, artistic work.  I saw them in concert this year and was reminded why this is the greatest band to the masses around the world. Hey, not everyone can be Radiohead.

Best Movie Star Trek by J.J. Abrams. What? How can a Star Wars fan say Star Trek was the best movie in  any year? Simple. It has great acting, action, storyline and direction – something I didn’t find collectively in many movies this year (granted, I didn’t see a lot of them). Plus, I was totally blown away how Hollywood golden boy Abrams (of Alias and Lost fame) added his touch to the series while nodding to the past. Usually when someone tells how good a movie is, it’s just setting me up for failure. Not with Star Trek. I heard it was great. I saw it. It was great! Still, I’d like to see one good Star Trek movie that doesn’t have time travel in it – such a storyline cop-out.

  • Honorable Mention – Up by Pixar. Like it or not, Pixar knows “story.” In fact, they’re so good at it that their animated shows can have flying dogs and a house being carried by thousands of little balloons and still leave you incredibly moved by the time you leave the theater. My wife considers Up one of her all-time shows.

Best Trip That Wasn’t Fandango – Tie: Copper Mountain and North Carolina.

  • Copper Mountain – My wife and I spent time in Colorado skiing, eating and hanging out with our senior pastor and his wife, who are just as much friends as co-workers. Absolutely wonderful snow!
  • North Carolina – Spent time trying to help a church-planting friend (and Fandango buddy) in the Chapel Hill area. Great food, fellowship and scenery. I also reconnected with another old friend as well.

That’s it for now. If I think of any other categories, I’ll continue the list. What are your “bests?”

Yancey Arrington
Dr. Yancey C. Arrington is an eighth generation Texan, Acts 29 Network and Houston Church Planting Network fan, and Teaching Pastor at Clear Creek Community Church in the Bay Area of Houston. He is also author of Preaching That Moves People and TAP: Defeating the Sins That Defeat You, and periodically writes for Acts 29 and The Gospel Coalition.

3 thoughts on “Best of 2009”

  1. Confession: Have not read Prodigal God. I do agree Star Trek is the best film. I missed it while it was in theatres but have watched it almost non-stop since I got it on DVD. Cannot wait till they make another one. Personally, I am ready for Iron Man 2.

  2. I agree totally with Prodigal God. And of course, I completely and totally agree with No Line on the Horizon – listen to it almost weekly.

    I have heard great things about Up – might catch that this weekend..

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