My Every Day Carry

 

"Every Day Carry" has always been a thing. There has always been stuff that people carry around with them every day. People use all kinds of tools in their day-to-day life. But in recent years, EDC has become a hobby unto itself. Folks will spend hours and Benjamins crafting the perfect set of items to keep on their person during the day.

My paternal grandfather could be considered one of these (unknowing) EDC enthusiasts, who thought carefully about what he carried with him, where it was kept, and what function it served. I think he still operates in the same way today. I have also adapted a specific set of tools over the years that I find essential to my day-to-day functioning - tools that are typically with me on a day-to-day basis. Here they are (pictured above):

1. Pocket Notebook

I use these on a daily basis, and have done so for a long time. My favorite brand is Log and Jotter, while the best value currently comes from Portage. There's always plenty of important stuff to write down, and Rhythm of the Sword disciplines to carefully track.

2. Sharpie S-GEL 0.5mm Pen

This is the most reliable pen I've found for use in my pocket notebooks. It writes consistently and smoothly, and doesn't smear despite my left-handed nature. 

3. Gideons New Testament + Psalms and Proverbs

This is my on-the-go Psalter. I use the ESV, and insert a folded paper with further devotional materials. it is all held together and kept neat with a medium binder clip. I've found this setup to be very functional and easy to pull out and use during the day.

4. The Light Phone II

The Light Phone is a dumb phone that cuts out the many distractions of entertainment that come with a smartphone. I love the product, its functionality, and its continual software improvements. It does nearly everything I want a phone to do, and nothing that I don't want it to do. It's a reliable phone that lets you control it, instead of the other way around.

5. Wallet

My current wallet is a "Clifton Heritage" from Amazon. It's been solid and reliable for me, if a little on the thicker side. It does the job but it may get an upgrade some day.

6. House Key

I wear my house key on 550 lb paracord around my neck. It's great to have it separate and ready to use when I'm going out on a run, or have the car running but need to run back inside. And you can't beat the Spider-Man print.

7. Timex Ironman Watch

This has been my go-to for many years; I believe I'm on my third one. These things are great. They are super reliable, very intuitive to use, and do everything I want them to (Time, Alarm, Stopwatch). The point of failure is usually the rubber strap, which eventually breaks, but not after taking a serious beatings. I don't go easy on these and they don't fail. The only issue I've had has been buttons being stuck after being bitten by toddlers, but it eventually loosens up.

And that's it! I love my EDC and use each item on a regular basis. I will probably add a super nice Benchmade knife to the kit in a few months, and a wallet upgrade will eventually be in order. It is important to keep these items fresh and in good working order because of how much you rely on them. If you have the money, never hesitate to invest in high-quality products that you will use on a regular basis, and replace or repair them quickly when they wear out. Everything wears out eventually. The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.

My Top 10 Favorite Books (Not Counting the Obvious Ones)

Current 2/17/24

The Bible, hymnal, and Lutheran Confessions are my three favorite books. The Lutheran Confessions put forth the doctrines of Holy Scripture in truth and purity, teaching and defining the Lutheran faith for 500 years. The hymnal has to be second - a priceless treasure and heartbeat of the church on earth. My hymnal is the Lutheran Service Book, which I grew up with and which has become very near and dear to me. And of course Holy Scripture has to be first - the fount from which all truth flows, the only rule and norm for all doctrine, the very Words of the living God.

But what comes after these three? This is my ranking of my other favorite books of all time. Being a "favorite" ranking, this is a completely subjective exercise that gives me the liberty to ponder the 10 books which I have grown to love the most. I will occasionally try to update this post if things shuffle around; for instance, the Number One book is one that I only recently discovered.

I hope you enjoy it, and maybe it leads you to pick up something new! After each title, I will estimate how many times I have read (or listened to) the book altogether, and provide some information about why it has earned its place on the list. We will get started with Number 10.

Tier III - Lots of Fun, Good Quality

10. The Cry of the Icemark (Hill) 

Estimated read-throughs: 3

The Cry of the Icemark was a big favorite of mine as a kid, and admittedly I have not read it in some time. But the novel left quite an impression on me, and I am eager to give it another try. An imaginative fantasy novel, Hill's book shines with a diverse cast of fantastical creatures, satisfyingly epic battles, and plenty of thrills for for the action-loving fantasy reader. I also remember loving the sequel, but it was Hill's original novel that really captured my imagination and helped to form my love for fantasy early on. 

9.  Inheritance (Paolini)

Estimated Read-throughs: 3

The Eragon series was another big part of my childhood. Of the four books, I thought Inheritance was the strongest; in fact, I think each book successively was better than the last. Paolini's skills really shone through in this entry, from the fast-paced opening battle to the heartbreaking final scene. Eragon was a series that matured over the years, and by Inheritance, Paolini's characters had fully drawn me into their world. The book also managed to surprise and shock me, revealing twists that allowed the series to wrap up in such a way that the evil king could realistically be defeated and the land could move into a time of peace. There were several particularly memorable moments in this novel, like Eragon and company realizing that the world is round, and the swordplay between Eragon and Arya. Altogether a fun and engaging conclusion to what has become a very well-known series.

8. Ranger's Apprentice: Erak's Ransom (Flanagan)

Estimated Read-throughs: 2

We continue on the theme of biggest hits from my childhood. Ranger's Apprentice is a ton of fun. Flanagan, while he does borrow plenty of tropes and themes from the children's fantasy genre, is able to produce a vivid world and an original story that evokes excitement and curiosity around every turn. The Rangers themselves are, to me, some of the coolest characters in all fantasy, and Flanagan does a great job in sending them out on all sorts of fascinating missions, like the Jason Bournes of Araluen. Erak's Ransom does a great job with the desert setting, including an excellent horse race and more of a survival element. It is probably my favorite of the 10+ book series, which seemed to get a little tired after a while following this entry. But Flanagan really nailed it with Erak's Ransom.

Tier II - Very High Quality, All-Around Excellence 

7. Dune (Herbert)

Estimated Read-throughs: 1

We now graduate from my childhood loves into more mature novels. Dune was stunning. I listened on audiobook after doing some research on "best fantasy and sci fi books". I wanted to move beyond the children's series and see what else was out there. Well, Dune did not disappoint. I have heard it described as the Lord of the Rings of science fiction, and I think that just about nails it. Dune is epic and grand in a similar way to Tolkien's work, albeit with a very different tone and setting. The planet Arrakis itself is masterfully written, and the political intrigue, dialogue, and combat are all written with absolutely jaw-dropping expertise. This is a novel that is able to pull you in and wow you with its incredibly rich, life-like characters, story, and setting. Most other science fiction I have sampled feels pretty paltry by comparison. And now we also have a great movie adaptation!

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Rowling)

Estimated Read-throughs: 4

I am not quite a Harry Potter fan in the classical sense. I did grow up on it, but was only just getting into the series as the final books were coming out. My favorite entry in the "canon" and the one that makes this list is Book 6. I thought it was just excellently written. The Deathly Hallows was weighed down with the need to tie up so many loose ends and character arcs, while the earlier books were either too long or too childish to really check all boxes for me. But in the penultimate entry, Rowling worked with a freedom and expertise built from years of experience to produce a gripping, mysterious, dark, and compelling story. This is one of those novels that feels like an old friend. I love coming back to it, asking the questions again, exploring the enchanted halls again, revealing mysteries again, and being drawn in by a great story written by an absolute trend-setter in the fantasy genre.

5. The Way of Kings (Sanderson)

Estimated Read-throughs: 2

Just as Dune introduced me to the more mature world of sci-fi, The Way of Kings was my introduction into modern adult fantasy, which is not actually a genre that I especially enjoy, having tried some other modern fantasy after this one. Even Sanderson's sequels have not held a great deal of appeal for me. But The Way of Kings, the first entry in the Stormlight Archive, was an absolute home run. Sanderson is stunningly imaginative with his settings, and colorful with his characters. He is an expert storyteller, and this particular novel is just enough epic world-building for me without an excess of subplots and minor characters. Two books later in the series, I simply can't get behind all the minor people and events I'm supposed to track and invest in. The magical technology details, the technicalities of spren mechanics, the tertiary character arcs - no thanks! But give a good solid origin story for a really cool character like Kaladin, and I can get behind it all day. I first experienced The Way of Kings through Graphic Audio, which was an added bonus and a real treat until I was able to obtain a hardcover copy, which has also seen some use. 

4. The Hammer of God (Giertz)

Estimated Read-throughs: 3

The Hammer of God is on one of the clearest and most beautiful expressions of the Gospel I have ever read. This feat is made all the more impressive by the fact that Giertz achieved this, not in some theological manual but as a fairly compelling work of historical fiction. A faithful Lutheran pastor himself, Giertz was able to distill the struggles of the conscience and the sweetness of the Gospel with uncommon skill and clarity through the lens of his characters. The Hammer of God cuts deep into the sinner's heart, then heals the wound with the only balm that truly brings life; not holy striving, not spiritual disciplines, not the labors of our hands. But rather Jesus, and Jesus Only. It's what I'd call a "must-read" for Christians with a troubled conscience and a taste for fiction.

Tier I - The Best of the Best - Absolute Chads (as the youth say)

3. Endurance (Lansing)

Estimated Read-throughs: 3

Endurance is almost unbelievably good. The funny thing is, I don't know exactly how to pin down what makes this book so unforgettable. The story itself is mind-blowing, but for Lansing to present it in such a way, with such expertise, such craft, such suspense... like I said, it almost defies belief. Endurance chronicles the doomed voyage of the titular ship, whose efforts to bear an Antarctic crossing expedition are foiled by pack ice. What follows is a survival story that can best be described as legendary. Lansing has clearly meticulously researched multiple primary source diaries, and uses them (along with his journalism experience) to put together the expedition's story in unforgettable fashion. Out of the three books at the top of this list, this holds the most certain guarantee that you will not be able to stop reading.

2. The Lord of the Rings (Tolkien)

Estimated Read-throughs: 1

Being a Gen Z simipleton, I spent many years of my young adult life without bothering to give The Lord of the Rings a sincere effort, even after seeing the movies. At long last, I made it past the halfway
mark of Fellowship, and then it was off to the races. Tolkien (and his characters) could not be accused of being hasty, but that is part of the joy of Middle Earth. Tolkien was able to create a fully realized world, rich with language, history, lore, heroes, and villains, and write within this world a story that will live on in the memory of anyone who reads it. The Lord of the Rings is written at a level of beauty and mastery beyond anything I've ever read outside the Holy Scriptures and hymnody of the church. That is part of the allure - every page is soaked with truth, goodness, and beauty. The Lord of the Rings is a joy to read, and it stands as a countercultural voice proclaiming the simple truths of good and evil, light and darkness.

1. Island of the World (O'Brien)

Estimated Read-throughs: 1

Island of the World stands at the very top of my list. It is very likely the least-known of my favorite three, but make no mistake - this is a novel that belongs among the very upper echelon of fiction in the last 100 years. There have been many great classic works of fiction, but few are written in light of the truth of the Gospel. Likewise, there have been many great Gospel-centered, Christ-focused works, but few could also stand alone as true masterpieces of fiction. Take Hammer of God for example - I would give it a resounding 10/10 as a proclamation of God's Word, but only maybe a 7. 5 or 8 in terms of literary quality and excellence. On the other hand, The Lord of the Rings gets a 10 in quality, but a 7.5 or 8 in making Christ its explicit focus (because that is not Tolkien's primary intention). But with Island of the World, Michael O'Brien manages to produce a work that is near-perfect, both as a work of literature and as a book about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If that weren't enough, the novel is probably the most moving and emotionally impactful piece of non-ancient writing produced I've ever read, especially reading it as a Christian father and husband. Nor is the impact cheap, or the emotions superficial. Rather, Island in the World digs deep into the heart of man, into the highest joys and darkest despairs of life on earth, and uses them to point to the Resurrection of the dead, all presented through the lens of a well-researched saga of historical fiction. Now that's worth a Number 1 ranking.

Murtagh - Book Review (Vague Spoilers)

 

I was a big fan of the original Inheritance cycle. It ranks among my very favorite book series, right up there near Harry Potter. So when I heard that Paolini was returning to Alagaesia with Murtagh, I was understandably excited. Shortly following its release, I acquired Murtagh on audiobook through Amazon and got to listening!

I would love to start spouting forth praise for Murtagh, heralding it as the best Inheritance entry yet, and it seems that many have called it that. Indeed, I tend to have high praise for whatever book I just read, as a general rule. But Murtagh was actually much more of a mixed bag for me. Let's start with the positives.

Positive - The Third and Final Act

The last act of this novel is by far its strongest. Full of intense struggle, strong character work, and compelling action, This section of the book is nearly as compelling as I had hoped the entire book would be. The finale is satisfying and the falling action is handled nicely, with hints at a larger conflict set in motion by the events of Murtagh.

Positive - Murtagh's Character Development

By the end of this novel, I feel like I know Murtagh as well as or better than any other character in the world of Alagesia. Paolini's narrow focus reaps rewards in the closeness the reader achieves with the story's protagonist. Spending so much time with Murtagh in this critical series of events in his life, the reader  builds sympathy for his plight and empathy for his overarching concerns and struggles. Thorn also becomes a much more multifaceted and fleshed out character over the course of the novel.

Positive - Swords

I don't know what it is or how he does it, but Christopher Paolini knows how to write about swords. The forging at the end of Brisingr was legendary. Paolini carries that over with some good sword action in Murtagh, and it works beautifully.

Unfortunately, I felt that the book also had some glaring weaknesses that brought down the story as a whole. Here are the negative aspects of the novel from my point of view:

Negative - Pacing

Murtagh can be very, very slow. There was an entire section in the middle where I felt almost no desire to pick it back up and start listening again, because things just didn't feel like they were moving along. Paolini loves to dwell on descriptive language without particular purpose for the story, and on the thoughts and musings of his protagonist long after the reader has lost interest. At multiple points I felt like I was reading an early draft that had yet to be tightened up by a good editor. There are times when a plot device requires great urgency, and our hero approaches it in an almost comically thoughtful and leisurely way. The book evokes very little urgency overall. Murtagh and Thorn muse extensively about where to go and what to do. As a result, we don't get the sense that we need to be overly concerned about what course of action they eventually choose. Early in a fantasy novel, I think it's important to establish the critical and momentous nature of events.

Negative - Lack of Investment

Murtagh fails to evoke investment in the protagonist's struggles for the first two-thirds of the book. Part of the reason is that the early challenges faced by Murtagh seem forced, more like video game mini-quests than organic happenings in the real world. One plot device requires Murtagh to retrieve an item... so that he can defeat an enemy... so that he can impress a captain... so that he can gain entry to a group... so that he can gain access to a room... so that he can rescue a character... so that he can receive information... all just so that he can locate the actual antagonist of the story. The novel labors upon this particular sequence of events for what feels like an eternity.

Often times, Murtagh's stated personality traits are juxtaposed with his actions in a disorienting way. We finish hearing about how Murtagh is determined to cling to his freedom, and then watch as he voluntarily submits to the control of an adversary. Thankfully, his whishy-washiness in the earlier chapters is eventually replaced with a firm resolve that I found refreshing. But all the head-scratching in the first two acts really brings down the story as a whole.

Negative - Godlessness

Murtagh is a truly godless novel. We've seen it in Paolini's earlier work but it bears repeating - the protagonists of Alagesia see themselves as the closest thing there is to a god deserving of fear, love, and trust. The most profound and climactic character moments in Murtagh all revolve around self-discovery and pursuing one's personal freedom. Murtagh and Thorn seek to live above and apart from all rule and authority, and they do not desire the mercy of a forgiving God, even though their past misdeeds beg and require such a solution. Rather, they resolve all their existential problems simply through introspection and life experience. The only higher being in the novel actually turns out to be the budding new villain - a fitting microcosm for Paolini's conception of god.

Negative - Stupidity

It would take me some time to recall all the times when this book made me ask myself, "Why is he acting so stupid?" I am willing to suspend disbelief when characters  make foolish decisions for the furtherance of the plot. But Murtagh takes this to a whole new level, especially for a character with so much experience dealing with the schemes of the bad guys in the past. 

Murtagh enters location after location with no plan, no preparation, no store of magical energy, and no rest. Murtagh meets the big new villain and immediately eats her food, drinks her wine, and then sleeps in the bed she offers. Strange behavior for a character who is supposedly fiercely independent. Murtagh abandons Thorn over and over, sometimes to satisfy trivial curiosities. Murtagh declines countless opportunities for escape and assistance, even in dire danger. Murtagh seems obsessed with courtesy and politeness, even when dealing with obvious enemies. He can be a very frustrating character to get behind.

To conclude, I have to give Murtagh a final score of 6.5/10. A good editor could have brought it up to a 7.5, and a more compelling basic story would have put it even higher. But as it stand, a score of 65% seems about right.

8 December 1914

 

On the 8th of December, 1914, the Endurance was maneuvering through the pack ice. If the crew had known the plight that would beset them in the coming months, they would have returned to South Georgia then and there, while the ship could still move. But that was not to be the case. 

Stay awake, pray the Psalms.

5 December 1914

 

On December 5th, 1914, 109 years ago today, Sir Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance set out from South Georgia Island on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Their cause was doomed, which became apparent after the Endurance was crushed by floes of pack ice, and the men were forced to abandon ship.

What followed was an epic race against time to find a way back to civilization before starvation, cold, and other dangers could take the lives of the men. Endurance by Alfred Lansing is an excellent, extremely well-researched account of the events that unfolded in this legendary adventure.

I find the story of the expedition to be both inspiring and thought-provoking. I think it parallels the Christian life, as we navigate the great dangers of this world in the hope of reaching our heavenly home.

The men of the Endurance were sustained by ever-dwindling rations during their ordeal, clothed in wet and deteriorating skins and furs, and ultimately sought rescue in the James Caird, a small rowboat that braved the storms of the Southern Sea to find help on Elephant Island.

In our journey, Jesus is the food that sustains us, the garments that clothe us, and the vessel that bears us over the waters, even unto the end of all things.

Why I keep Field Logs

 I have developed my Field Logs habit, and I'm glad. I keep a log of every day, in 15-minute increments, starting with 1:

• 1. Some time around 12:15AM.
• 2. Some time around 12:30AM.
• 3. Some time around 12:45AM.
• 4. Some time around 1:00AM.
• …
• 92. Some time around 11:00PM.
• 93. Some time around 11:15PM.
• 94. Some time around 11:30PM.
• 95. Some time around 11:45PM.
• 96. Some time around 12:00AM.
  

 I was up late on November 15—so late that it became November 16. And I'm particularly happy I kept my log that night:

Not for the bed bug spray! (As well as it works, the spray is but a secondary joy.) My grandson David was born that night and I was awake, waiting for news of his birth. When the news came, I wrote it in my Field Log, and I sure like reading it!