With 2012 a few days away, here is my best of 2011…
Best Ministry Book – Holiness by Grace by Bryan Chapell. You can read my brief review of the book here.
* Honorable Mention – The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification by Walter Marshall (Modern translation by Bruce McRae). One of the books which undoubtedly influenced Chapell’s work. While Marshall might be hard to read at times, his book has been foundational for many who stress grace-oriented growth. I chose Chapell’s book over Marshall’s for its clarity and readability.
Best Fiction – I read one work of fiction. It didn’t make my “Best of” list. While I finished it at 3AM on January 1, 2012, Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses was the best fiction I read in 2011. McCarthy’s powers of description are stupefying. As a West Texan, I was totally engrossed in his tale set in the borderlands of Texas and Mexico. This is the third McCarthy book I’ve read and have enjoyed all three.
Best Album Not By Radiohead – 21 by Adele. Wow! Get dumped by your boyfriend, make an album based on that breakup, and wind up with the best record of the year. Soulful, emotional, and catchy songs dot an album that’s been on others’ top albums of 2011 and definitely peaks on mine.
Best Movie – Last year I noted I didn’t watch a lot of movies. 2011 proves it. I don’t believe I watched one movie last year.
Best Trip That Wasn’t Fandango – Europe in May: Munich, Germany; L’viv, Ukraine; London (and Sheffield), England. Got a chance to train pastors, learn more about discipling from a friend abroad, and visit my favorite football club’s home grounds for a game.
Looking back at 2011 it appears I needed to enjoy the year a little more (What? No movies or books???), but it definitely had its highlights. However, with that said, here’s to hoping a better 2012. Maybe my next post will deal with what I want to shoot for over the next 365 days.
