Here’s just a short list of some things that I really like right now:

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink
I just finished reading this book at the recommendation of my friend Jessica. Seriously, this one definitely goes on my “life changing books” list. In short, Dan Pink outlines why right-brained activities are what will be making the difference in the future of our culture. He points to activities with “high-concept/high-touch” attributes. He then identifies 6 major skills that anyone hoping to make an impact in the future needs to have: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. I love every word of this book and will be chewing over its concepts for years.

Shauna Niequist
I just heard this lovely, thought-provoking author speak at Ecclesia tonight. She recently published a book called Cold Tangerines, which I will be buying immediately. She was so inspiring and real, and her attitude reminded me of some of my other favorites like Anne Lamott and Donald Miller. When I talked to my friend Courtney after the service, she said, “I feel like I need to go write a song right now!”
Here’s a beautiful little excerpt from her book that she read tonight (she’s got some chapters from the book you can read on her website):

“I know that life is busy and hard, and that there’s crushing pressure to just settle down and get a real job and khaki pants and a haircut. But don’t. Please don’t. Please keep believing that life can be better, brighter, broader, because of the art that you make…Do something creative every day, even if you work in a cubicle, even if you have a newborn, even if someone told you a long time ago that you’re not an artist, or you can’t sing, or you have nothing to say. Those people are bad people, and liars, and we hope they develop adult-onset acne really bad. Everyone has something to say. Everyone. Because everyone, every person was made by God, in the image of God. If he is a creator, and in fact he is, then we are creators, and no one, not a bad seventh grade English teacher or a harsh critic or jealous competitor, can take that away from you.”

Rihanna
OK, I know you’re probably thinking this singer is pure pop-diva fluff (and the “Umbrella” song probably didn’t help!), but I happen to really love Rihanna. Dance/house/electronica/trance music is slowly working its way into into my top playlists.

Wayzata High School Letters
In the February repertoire I sang with Conspirare, we did a little clinic with a high school choir from Minnesota. They came down to hear our concert in San Antonio and also joined to sing a little bit in the concert. It was a nice experience and a win-win for everyone. But last week, I received a packet in the mail from the Wayzata choir director, Rebecca Wyffels. It included a handwritten letter from EVERY STUDENT in the choir thanking us for the experience in San Antonio. The letters were beautifully written, and furthermore, expressed gratitude that I would have never guessed to have come out of “just another musical experience” for me. I read every letter, and I just felt a renewed hope in the power of music, and also the maturity in the next generation of musicians. Here’s just a couple highlights from the letters:

“To love music is to love life. And love is something we all share. You all seemed to share your love for music with us that Saturday, Feburary 2nd. And now I love life more than I ever did before. I thank you for that.”

“I pried my eyes away from the choir during Agnus Dei, and found myself staring at faces similar to my own: wide eyed, jaw dropped, and completely mesmerized by the music.”

“Listening to Conspirare sing cleared my mind. I wasn’t worried about tomorrow, but only excited about today…You have kindled a flame of hope, love, and music. With time I only see this flame growing, touching the hearts and minds of many in its path.”