In my opinion, this is the best non-ministry book for ministry. Cal Newport (professor of computer science at Georgetown University) will teach pastors and preachers how to be productive and accomplish “deep work.” Spurgeon approves. Cal is a unicorn: a rare breed of social-media free Millennial. His success as an influencer in the productivity nicheContinueContinue reading “Deep Work – Book Review”
Author Archives: JoeCassada
The Man in the Arena
Artwork by yours trulyIn light of graduation season and Father’s Day (which is just around the corner), I thought I would share this famous excerpt from a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt. It is both an excellent charge to this year’s graduates and also a motivating word for fathers. “It is not the critic whoContinueContinue reading “The Man in the Arena”
Public Places That Offer Solitude for Deep-Thinking
Cal Newport recently wrote about Simon Winchester’s writing barn. In his post, he discussed the benefits of location-boosted cognition, a term I think Newport may have coined. Location-boosted cognition is the idea that people who need to concentrate deeply should do so in places that lend themselves to deeply focused thinking. One commenter in theContinueContinue reading “Public Places That Offer Solitude for Deep-Thinking”
Why I Grew A Beard
When a man first grows a beard (or rather, when he stops shaving), people will ask, “Why did you grow a beard?” If you’ve ever wondered how to answer the question, then share this poem with those scruff-less skeptics. Here’s why I grew a beard: Beardly Resolve by Joe Cassada A beard’sContinueContinue reading “Why I Grew A Beard”
"He Loves God A LOT!"
It’s funny how people take to different styles of preaching. Some folks view the loud preachers as condemnatory and mean. Not my daughter Moriah.Recently we enjoyed a vacation in Tennessee with my in-laws. On Sunday we visited a Baptist church in the area (Pigeon Forge). The preacher there was one of those (as I callContinueContinue reading “"He Loves God A LOT!"”
Mundane Grace
The dishes that really delight our taste buds are often hiding a secret ingredient that gives that particular culinary delight the extra edge it needs to go from “good food” to “this is what I want to eat before I die.” Perhaps it’s a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg laced unsuspectingly into a casserole, orContinueContinue reading “Mundane Grace”
New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions. Passé? Silly? Self-centered? Shallow? A futile excursion into self-reliant moralism? Maybe. They certainly have become everyone’s favorite holiday punching bag. Rarely is a kind word said about them.But I like New Year’s. I like do-overs. I like second, third, and thirty-seventh chances. I like trying to be better than I was.I lookContinueContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions”
Sermon Writing in Six (Not Very) Easy Steps
1. Determine sermon text.2. Read sermon text.3. Write out all the questions you have about sermon text.4. Write out all the questions others may have about sermon text.5. Study until you find all the answers.6. Preach those answers.
Professors or Possessors?
The sun had set and a cool breeze was blowing down the main drag in Maplewood. We were soul winning. I like working the bus stops. People at bus stops are usually bored. They seem to like talking to friendly strangers. Most of them. Bored people. Cool breezes. A good night for talking. A youngContinueContinue reading “Professors or Possessors?”
How to Hack a Vintage Book into a Custom Journal
##### The journal market has exploded since the advent of the Moleskine, but not everyone wants to spend $15 for a notebook. Others may prefer the look of something totally unique, or maybe you just want to get into another DIY project. Whatever your reason for wanting to bind your own notebook, here’s an easyContinueContinue reading “How to Hack a Vintage Book into a Custom Journal”
Joe Cassada 