As I have done for several years now, I’m going share my favorites in a variety of categories for the first half of 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced this list once again, as we have not been to a conference and have seen very few movies. All items listed were released in 2022, with the exception of books, which reflect books that I read in 2022, regardless of publication date. I hope you enjoy this list!
As I’ve done for a number of years now, I want to share with you my mid-year favorites from 2019 in a variety of categories. Except for books, these are all items that were released, or took place in 2019. For books, I include my favorite books that I read during 2019, regardless of when the book was published. Enjoy! Please let me know what you think of my list, and also share some of your favorites.
Other films that I’ve enjoyed, in order are:
Toy Story 4
The Upside
The Biggest Little Farm
Amazing Grace
American Gospel: Christ Alone
Apollo 11
Free Solo
They Shall Not Grow Old
Tolkien
Stan and Ollie
Click on ‘Continue Reading’ to see my mid-year favorite albums, songs, books, blogs, podcasts, conferences, TV shows, concerts and new resources.Continue reading →
As has been my practice for a number of years, I am sharing some of my favorites from 2017 in a variety of categories. What about you? What were some of your favorites in these categories?
Television Series
Top Pick: Victoria
Others that I’ve enjoyed, in no particular order were:
This is Us
The Man in the High Castle
Broadchurch
The Crown
Podcasts
Top Pick: Albert Mohler’s The Briefing. Each weekday morning, Albert Mohler hosts a podcast providing worldview analysis about the leading news headlines and cultural conversations. This is required listening for me. Check out Dr. Mohler’s website here.
Blogs
Top Pick: Tim Challies’ Ala Carte. This is required reading for me each Monday through Saturday. Challies includes helpful Kindle deals, links to a good variety of helpful articles and a quote. Check out Tim’s website here.
Recommended Resources
Top Pick: The Whole Christ – Sinclair Ferguson
Other new resources released in 2017 that I would recommend are, in no particular order:
Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer. See my review of this excellent new documentary.
Dispatches from the Front. Episode 10: The Fourth Man. See my review of this excellent resource here.
The Lord’s Prayer by Albert Mohler. In this twelve-part series, Dr. Albert Mohler shows that the pattern of prayer Jesus provides is few in words, yet massive in meaning. His prayer reflects true theology and proper doxology – a perfect guide in our lives. I listened to this series as our book club at work was reading and discussing Tim Keller’s book Prayer.
Conference
Top Pick: Ligonier Ministries National Conference: The Next 500 Years. Watch or listen to all of the messages here.
Ministry Highlights
Speaking on faith and work at the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) General Assembly in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Speaking on faith and work at the Lexington Community Church By the Way Conference in Lexington, Illinois.
As we have the mid-year point, I want to share with you some of my favorites from 2016 in a variety of categories. Except for books, these are all items that were released or took place in 2016. For books, I include my favorite books that I’ve actually read during 2016. Enjoy, and please let me know what you think by clicking on the ‘Comment’ link above.
MUSIC: I enjoy music in a variety of genres. My favorites were:
Albums
Top Pick: Church Clothes 3 – Lecrae
Other albums that I’ve enjoyed have been:
Wow to the Deadness (EP) – Steve Taylor and the Danielson Foil
Fallen Angels – Bob Dylan
Stranger to Stranger – Paul Simon
Hymns II – Michael W. Smith
Salvation’s Tide is Rising – Passion
Love Riot – Newsboys
Worship and Believe – Steven Curtis Chapman
This Time Around (EP) – Tedashjii
Facing a Task Unfinished – Keith and Kristyn Getty
I’m really looking forward to two July releases – Where the Light Shines Through by Switchfoot and Hard Love by NEEDTOBREATHE .
Songs
Top pick: Jumped Out the Whip – Tedashii
Other songs I’ve enjoyed have been:
Float – Switchfoot
My Worth Is Not In Not In What I Own – Keith and Kristyn Getty with Fernando Ortega
Vaporized – Amos Lee
That Old Black Magic – Bob Dylan
It Is What It Is – Lecrae
God and God Alone – Chris Tomlin
I Trust in Christ – Matt Redman
Wow to the Deadness – Steve Taylor and the Perfect Foil
Cool Papa Bell – Paul Simon
Down to the River to Pray – Michael W. Smith
I Don’t Know Why (Jesus Loves Me) – Michael W. Smith
As I have done for the past several years, I want to share with you some of my favorites from 2015 in a variety of categories. Except for books, these are all items that were released or took place in 2015. For books, I include my favorite books that I actually read during 2015. Enjoy, and please let me know what you think.
Music
I enjoy music in a variety of genres. As a result, you will see in my 2015 favorites such diverse genres as hip-hop/rap to sacred music. My favorites were:
Albums
Top Pick: Saints and Sinners – Matt Maher. This album featured two of my favorite songs – my top song of the year “Abide with Me” and “Because He Lives” (which was actually on my list last year when it was released as a single).
The next 10 in order are:
Uncomfortable – Andy Mineo
This is Not a Test – Toby Mac
Glory to the Holy One: Sacred Music for the People of God – Jeff Lippencott and R.C. Sproul
The Burning Edge of Dawn – Andrew Peterson
Unbroken Praise – Matt Redman
Before This World – James Taylor
Cass County – Don Henley
The Wonderlands EPs – Jon Foreman
Shadows in the Night – Bob Dylan
Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship – Third Day
Others I enjoyed, in no particular order were:
Floodplain – Sara Groves
The Best of The Cutting Edge 1965 – 1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12 – Bob Dylan
Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship – Chris Tomlin
Duets: Reworking the Catalogue – Van Morrison
JOY — An Irish Christmas LIVE – Keith and Kristyn Getty
Live from Red Rocks – Amos Lee
Live from the Woods – NEEDTOBREATHE
Passion: Even So Come – Various Artists
Tomorrow We Live – KB
Songs
Top pick is “Abide with Me” written by Matt Maher and Matt Redman, and recorded by both.
The next 10 in order are:
The Power of a Great Affection – Andrew Peterson
Feel It – Toby Mac
Good, Good Father – Chris Tomlin
Clothed in Righteousness – Jeff Lippencott and R.C. Sproul
Now I Know – Andy Mineo
Unbroken Praise – Matt Redman
Soul on Fire – Third Day
Watchin’ Over Me – James Taylor
Even So Come – Chris Tomlin
Brother – NEEDTOBREATHE (featuring Gavin DeGraw)
Others I enjoyed, in no particular order were:
Be Kind to Yourself – Andrew Peterson
He Shall Reign Forevermore – Chris Tomlin
No More Pride – Don Henley
Sweet Pea (live version) – Amos Lee
Sideways – KB (featuring Lecrae)
Wonder – Crowder
No Longer I – Matt Redman
Desperados – Andy Mineo
Where I am Now – Don Henley
Amen – Steven Curtis Chapman
Concerts
Top pick: Steve Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life Performance Tour in Indianapolis
Others I enjoyed, in no particular order were:
U2 in Chicago on the iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour
Andrew Peterson in Normal
Jim Gaffigan in St. Louis
Michael McDonald’s This Christmas Tour in St. Louis
Lecrae and Andy Mineo Anomaly Tour in St. Louis
Artist of the Year
Andrew Peterson – OK, so I’m late to the game of appreciating his work, but in late 2015, I made up for it. After seeing him in concert in August, I purchased his new The Burning Edge of Dawn, a compilation After All These Years, and his wonderful Christmas album Behold the Lamb of God.
Books
In this category, while many of the books will have been released in 2015, I list those books I have actually read in 2015. My favorites are:
Top pick – Spiritual Depression – Martyn Lloyd-Jones. I read this 1965 book while listening to Lloyd-Jones preach the sermons that made up the book over a period of weeks. It was a wonderful experience.
The next 10 in order are:
Reformation Study Bible – English Standard Version (revised and updated edition). A negative was the long delay in the release of the e-book version, which is how I read all of my books. The book version released at the Ligonier National Conference on February 19 and the e-book November 30. This is the Bible that I will use for my daily reading/studying. The New King James Version of the Reformation Study Bible is scheduled to be released at 2016 Ligonier National Conference.
We Will Not Be Silent – Albert Mohler
Child in the Manger – Sinclair Ferguson
One Thousand Wells: How an Audacious Goal Taught Me to Love the World Instead of Save It – Jena Lee Nardella
What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? – Kevin DeYoung.
Do More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity – Tim Challies
Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression – Zack Eswine
Fortunate Son – John Fogerty
Amy Carmichael: Beauty for Ashes – Iain H. Murray
Rejoicing in Christ – Michael Reeves
Others that I read and enjoyed, in no particular order were:
Deserted by God? – Sinclair Ferguson
Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Life and Relevance for the 21st Century – Christopher Catherwood
Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel – Russell Moore
Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work – Tom Nelson
7 Women: And The Secret of Their Greatness – Eric Metaxas
Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ – Rosaria Butterfield
A Loving Life: In a World of Broken Relationships – Paul Miller
The Wright Brothers – David McCullough
Gospel-Centered Work: Becoming the Worker God Wants You to Be – Tim Chester
John Knox: Fearless Faith – Steven Lawson
The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do – Jeff Goins
The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager’s Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life – Mike Matheny
Books that I read for the second time and enjoyed were:
What’s Best Next – Matt Perman
Kingdom Calling – Amy Sherman
A Praying Life – Paul Miller
A Hole in Our Holiness – Kevin DeYoung
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones – after waiting impatiently for Spiritual Depression to be released on e-book, I grudgingly read an actual physical book (yes, I dislike doing that now). I’m currently reading his classic Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. Add to that watching the film Logic on Fire and the new book by his grandson Christopher Catherwood, Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Life and Relevance for the 21st Century, there is no doubt that 2015 was for me a Martyn Lloyd-Jones year, 24 years after he went to Glory.
Movies
Top Pick: Spectre. Daniel Craig is my second favorite James Bond (behind Sir Sean Connery, of course). This film included all of the things I enjoy about a Bond film – a great opening scene, gadgets, cars and exotic locations.
The next 10, in order were:
Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
The Martian
The Big Short
Spotlight
Bridge of Spies
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Cinderella
The Peanuts Movie
The Intern
Woman in Gold
Others that I enjoyed, in no particular order were:
Concussion
Ant-Man
Inside Out
Steve Jobs
Creed
McFarland USA
Avengers: The Age of Ultron
Woodlawn
War Room
The Walk
The Gift
Mr. Holmes
The Drop Box
Worst: Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 – a “no doubter” here. A legitimate zero star movie.
Television Programs
Top Pick: The Profit
Others that I enjoyed, in no particular order were:
Downton Abbey
Blacklist
Broadchurch
Wayward Pines
Sherlock
Podcasts
Top Pick: The Briefing – Albert Mohler. This is required listening each weekday morning.
Honorable Mention – The Eric Metaxas Podcast. Over the past few years Eric Metaxas has become one of my favorite authors. I was excited to hear about his radio show and even more excited when it became available as a podcast.
Blog
Top Pick: Tim Challies’ Ala Carte. This is required reading each Monday through Saturday.
Among the other blogs that I check daily are Ligonier Ministries and Desiring God.
Recommended Resource
Logic On Fire: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
These are my favorites for the year. What were some of your favorites from 2015?
As we approach mid-year, I wanted to take a quick look back and share some of my favorite music, books, movies and a new podcast.
Music
I enjoy music in a variety of genres. As a result, you will see in my 2015 favorites thus far music in such diverse genres as hip-hop/rap to sacred music. My favorites thus far, in order are:
Albums:
Saints and Sinners – Matt Maher
Before This World – James Taylor
Glory to the Holy One: Sacred Music for the People of God – Jeff Lippencott and R.C. Sproul
Shadows in the Night – Bob Dylan
Tomorrow We Live – KB
Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship – Third Day
Duets: Reworking the Catalogue – Van Morrison
Live from Red Rocks – Amos Lee
Live from the Woods – NEEDTOBREATHE
The Wonderlands: Sunlight (EP) – Jon Foreman
Passion: Even So Come – Various Artists
Albums that I’m aware of being released later this year that I’m looking forward to are:
Unbroken Praise – Matt Redman (June 16)
The Wonderlands: Shadows (EP) – Jon Foreman (July 17)
This is Not a Test – Toby Mac (August 7)
Songs:
Top choice is “Abide with Me” written and performed by Matt Maher. Matt Redman has also covered the song on his new live worship album Unbroken Praise. Other songs I’ve enjoyed thus far this year, in no particular order are:
Soul on Fire – Third Day
Sideways – KB (featuring Lecrae)
Wonder – Crowder
Even So Come – Chris Tomlin
Clothed in Righteousness – Jeff Lippencott and R.C. Sproul
That Lucky Old Sun – Bob Dylan
Watchin’ Over Me –James Taylor
Sweet Pea (live version) – Amos Lee
Books
In this category, while many of the books will have been released in 2015, I list those books I have actually read in 2015. My favorites thus far, in order are:
Reformation Study Bible (revised and updated edition)
Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression – Zack Eswine
A Loving Life: In a World of Broken Relationships – Paul Miller
Counter Culture: A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture in a World of Poverty, Same-Sex Marriage, Racism, Sex Slavery, Immigration, Abortion, Persecution, Orphans and Pornography- David Platt
Rising to the Call: Discover the Ultimate Purpose of Your Life – Os Guinness
John Knox: Fearless Faith – Steven Lawson
Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work – Tom Nelson
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert – Rosaria Butterfield
The Next Story: Faith, Friends, Family, and the Digital World (revised and updated edition) – Tim Challies
Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story – Trip Lee
The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do – Jeff Goins
Molina: The Story of the Father Who Raised an Unlikely Baseball Dynasty – Bengie Molina
Chess Not Checkers: Elevate Your Leadership Game – Mark Miller
The New One Minute Manager – Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson
The Mingling of Souls: God’s Design for Love, Marriage, Sex, and Redemption – Matt Chandler
We love going to the movies, but frankly it’s been a very disappointing year so far. My favorites thus far, in order are:
Avengers: The Age of Ultron
Cinderella
McFarland USA
Woman in Gold
The Drop Box
Far From the Madding Crowd
New Podcast
Over the past few years Eric Metaxas has become one of my favorite authors. I was excited to hear about his radio show and even more excited when it became available in podcast.
What are some of your favorites thus far this year?
Here are my favorites from 2014 in a variety of categories along with some input from friends and family. I’d be interested in what you think, and what some of your favorites were. Enjoy!
Television Programs
#1 – St. Louis Cardinal Baseball on Fox Sports Midwest (of course)
#2 – The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
#3 – Duck Dynasty
#4 – Blacklist
#5 – Downton Abbey
#6 – Castle
#7 – The Profit
Radio Station
Hot 95.9 (Orlando, Florida) You can listen online!
Books These are my favorite books I read this year, some of which were published prior to 2014.
1. Everyone’s a Theologian – R.C. Sproul
2. What’s Best Next – Matt Perman
3. The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen – Sinclair Ferguson
4. John: The Gospel of Wisdom – Michael Card
5. Taking God at His Word – Kevin DeYoung
6. Ordinary – Michael Horton
7. Romans for You Chapters 1-7 – Tim Keller
8. 41: A Portrait of My Father – George W. Bush
9. The Gospel at Work – Sebastian Traeger and Greg Gilbert
10. Visions of Vocation – Steven Garber
Other books I enjoyed this year:
Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In – Louis Zamperini
God Took Me by the Hand – Jerry Bridges
Killing Patton – Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
Not By Sight – Jon Bloom
The Evangelistic Zeal of George Whitefield – Steven Lawson
Good Leaders Ask Great Questions – John Maxwell
You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity – Francis Chan and Lisa Chan
Quiet – Susan Cain
How then Should We Work? – Hugh Whelchel
The Five Love Languages – Gary Chapman
A Godward Heart – John Piper
Michael Jordan: The Life – Roland Lazenby
The Kid: The Immortal Life of Ted Williams – Ben Bradlee Jr.
Wooden: A Coach’s Life – Seth Davis
God at Work – Gene Veith
The Noticer – Andy Andrews
God and the Gay Christian? A Response to Matthew Vines. – Edited by R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig – Jonathan Eig
Good Call – Jase Robertson
Recovering Redemption – Matt Chandler
One Nation – Ben Carson
Joy, Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love by Richard Sheridan
Miracles – Eric Metaxas
Movies
We usually see at least one movie a week. Here are my top ten and then a few others in no particular order:
Best:
1. The Good Lie
2. Unbroken
3. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
4. Whiplash
5. Edge of Tomorrow: Live, Die, Repeat
6. St. Vincent
7. Chef
8. Into the Woods
9. Guardians of the Galaxy
10. The Judge
Other movies I enjoyed were (in no particular order):
Big Hero 6
Ernest and Celestine
The Hundred Foot Journey
The Railway Man
The Amazing Spider Man
Nightcrawler
Worst:
Birdman
Calvary
Mom’s Night Out
Magic in the Moonlight
And So It Goes
Ride Along
Music
Artist of the Year: Lecrae – Anomaly and Owner of Reach Records (KB, Andy Mineo, Trip Lee and Tedasi Releases)
Albums
Many of my favorite artists released albums this year. Here are my top ten and then a several others I enjoyed in no particular order:
#1 – Songs of Innocence Deluxe Edition – U2
#2 – Anomaly – Lecrae
#3 – Goliath – Steve Taylor and the Perfect Foil
#4 – Rise – Trip Lee
#5 – Love Ran Red – Chris Tomlin
#6 – Neon Steeple – Crowder
#7 – Fading West/The Edge of the Earth – Switchfoot
#8 – Rivers in the Wasteland – NEEDTOBREATHE
#9 – John: The Misunderstood Gospel – Michael Card
#10 – The Spirit of Christmas – Michael W. Smith and Friends
Other music I enjoyed (in no particular order):
20 – Jars of Clay
The Greengrass Sessions – Keith and Kristyn Getty (EP)
High Hopes – Bruce Springsteen
Peter Furler Christmas featuring David Ian
Terms of My Surrender – John Hiatt
All the People Said Amen – Matt Maher
Sovereign – Michael W. Smith
Hymns – Michael W. Smith
Never Land – Andy Mineo (EP)
Sun and Shield – Peter Furler Band
Crimson Cord – Propadanda
Below Paradise – Tedashii
Obsession – Jim Gaffigan
Songs
#1 – At the Cross (Love Ran Red) – Chris Tomlin
Other songs that I enjoyed this year:
Shweet – Trip Lee
A Life Preserved – Steve Taylor and the Perfect Foil
Because He Lives – Matt Maher
Detroit Made – Bob Seger
Coulda Been Me – Trip Lee
Say I Won’t – Lecrae featuring Andy Mineo
Invisible – U2
Every Breaking Wave (Acoustic Sessions version) – U2
Almost There – Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant
All is Well – Michael W. Smith and Carrie Underwood
The Heart – NEEDTOBREATHE
Multiply – NEEDTOBREATHE
Something in the Water – Carrie Underwood
100 – KB
Daywalkers – Propaganda with Lecrae
I Am – Crowder
Come as You Are – Crowder
All I’ve Ever Done – Michael Card (vocal by Ginny Owens)
The One that Really Matters – Michael W. Smith and Kari Jobe
Christ Be All Around Me – Michael W. Smith
Terms of My Surrender – John Hiatt
If You Love Her – Jars of Clay
Concerts
We saw more concerts this year than we have for several years. Here are my top two and then the others are not in any particular order:
1. Paul McCartney at the United Center in Chicago
2. James Taylor at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park
Fernando Ortega at First Baptist Church in Pekin
Chris Tomlin and Brandon Heath at US Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington
Michael Card at East White Oak Church in Carlock
Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis
Toby Mac and Matt Maher at Braden Auditorium at Illinois State University
Keith and Kristyn Getty at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria
Podcasts
#1 – The Briefing (Albert Mohler) – essential listening every morning.
#2 – The Andy Stanley Leadership podcast
Blog
Informing the Reforming (Tim Challies) – essential reading every morning.
Teaching Series
1. Lessons from the Upper Room – Sinclair Ferguson
2. The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Guided Tour – Derek Thomas
3. A New Identity: The Gospel of Matthew – Michael Card
Conference
#1 – 2014 Ligonier Ministries National Conference in Orlando
#2 – Mathew: The Gospel of Identity (Biblical Imagination Conference) at Christ Church in Normal, Illinois
And Just for Fun…
Pizza
• Home Run Inn – Chicago
• Tobin’s – Bloomington, Illinois
• Agatucci’s – Peoria
• Imo’s – St. Louis
• Giordano’s – multiple locations, favorite being just outside Downtown Disney in Orlando
Ice Cream
• Ted Drewe’s – St. Louis
• Wilson’s – Ephraim, Wisconsin (Door County)
• Kilwin’s – multiple locations, favorite being Celebration, Florida
Fast Food
• Chick Fil-A
• Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Breakfast
• Original Pancake House – multiple locations, favorite being Chesterfield, Missouri
Place to Visit
• Orlando
• St. Louis
Date Night
• Dinner and a good movie
2014 Favorites of Family and Friends
MOVIES:
Tammy Pence (my bride and founding member of the Friday Night Movie Club) Best:
The Good Lie
Edge of Tomorrow
Chef
Worst:
Calvary
Birdman
Mom’s Night Out
Mike Pence (Brother) Best:
Magic in the Moonlight
The Judge
Big Hero 6
Transformers
That Awkward Moment
Julie Pence (Sister in Law) Best:
1. Guardians of the Galaxy
2. The Judge
3. Gone Girl
4. Chef
5. Begin Again
Al Williams (brother in law) Movies He’s Glad He Saw:
A Most Wanted Man
Begin Again
The Hundred Foot Journey
Teri Williams (Sister in Law) Liked:
Begin Again
The Equalizer
Jason Halm (long-time work colleague and a huge movie fan) Best:
1. Snowpiercer (favorite script and execution of the script this year)
2. Grand Budapest Hotel (Ralph Fiennes was my favorite performance of the year)
3. Whiplash
4. Guardians of the Galaxy
5. Birdman
6. Interstellar (favorite special effects)
7. Boyhood
8. The Theory of Everything
9. X-men: Days of Future Past
10. Life Itself
Honorable Mention: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – this is a great tie-in to Marvel movies. Look for Netflix TV shows that will supplement the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Worst TV show and Movie:
1. The Following: Season 2. I watched the whole thing after feeling lukewarm about Season 1. I’ll not be watching Season 3.
2. The Other Woman (simply horrible – worst movie that I’ve seen all year)
Jeff Haab (friend) Best Comedy Record:
Mandatory Fun by Weird Al Yankovic