Star Wars days: 04 & 05 May

I have never watched a full Star Wars movie. Parts of one or two Star Wars movies, but never a full one.

I know enough about Star Wars, to know that George Lucas created it. I know that some of the actors who have been involved in the franchise includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, James Earl Jones, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman. I know that some of the characters include Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and of course Darth Vader. The main protagonists in Star Wars are the Jedi Knights, while the main antagonists are the Sith Order.

I am a Star Trek fan. Star Wars and Star Trek has a few things in common. Both have massive followings. Both consists of a few movies, a few series, many books and a few games that are part of the franchise.

One impact of Star Wars on the world, is the phrase “May the Force be with you”.

May the Fourth be with you [Source: Gadgets 360]

The fourth day of the month of May became Star Wars Day. The first celebration of Star Wars Day was organized in 2011. The phrase “May the Force be with you”, where easily adapted to become the well-known saying that is connected to Star Wars Day: “May the fourth be with you”.

The term “may the fourth be with you” where, however, first connected to the British politician Margaret Thatcher. On 3 May 1979 she was elected as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She was congratulated by the Conservative Party (her party) in an advertisement in one of the newspapers, with the phrase: “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations”.

The “may the fourth” phrase appeared at other times and places as well.

In the 1988 Count Duckula episode “The Vampire Strikes Back”, one of the superheroes (Tremendous Terrance) asks Duckula the date. The answer: “May the Fourth”. Terrance then tells everyone, “May the Fourth Be with You”, as he departs.

In her 1994 book “The Science of Star Wars”, Jeanne Cavelos, used the saying. In 2008, the first Facebook groups appeared, celebrating “Luke Skywalker Day”. This same phrase was used.

From there, we have the fourth of May as Star Wars Day, with everyone – mostly Star Wars fans, but even others – wishing people “May the Fourth be with you”.

Some people commemorate the fifth of May as “Revenge of the Fifth”. It is a play on the third Star Wars movie “Revenge of the Sith”. On this day, the Sith Lords and other villains in Star Wars, rather than the Jedi, are celebrated.

Revenge of the Fifth [Source: heavy.com]

For me, as a non-fan of Star Wars, all of this is merely interesting.

Maybe you are much more interested. For you, I wish you an awesome Star Wars Day, Part 2.

My reading-list for 2020 (and onward)

I went to the list that I published last year about the books I want to read and decided to make a new list instead of updating it. Since many of the books on this list is Afrikaans, I will add a translation in block-brackets after each Afrikaans title (or at least a rough translation of the title).

A. Being Christian

1. Kry styl – Jesus s’n [Get style – Jesus’s style] by Stephan Joubert
2. Ek wil nie die kaarte hê nie: hoe om te oorleef sonder om te verstaan [I don’t want the cards: how to survive without understanding] by Roelf Opperman
3. The way of the warrior by Erwin Raphael McManus
4. Celebration of discipline by Richard Foster
5. Omdraai wegdraai: Koffiegesprekke oor geloof en geloofsvorming [Turning around, turning away: Coffee-chats about believing and formation of believings] by Willem Pretorius
6. Om (op)nuut te glo: Wees weer verwondered oor God [To believe (a-new): Be amazed by God again] by Ockert Meyer
7. The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus
8. Where is God when it hurts? by Philip Yancey
9. Ek kies steeds die kerk: Stories, stryd en standpunte oor die kerk en die wêreld [I still choose the church: Stories, contest/conflict and viewpoints about the church and the world] by Neels Jackson
10. Op soek na Jesus: ‘n Verslaggewer se verrassende perspektief op die lewe van Jesus [Looking for Jesus: A journalist’s surprising perspective on the life of Jesus] by Neels Jackson
11. Faith to faith by Dan Scott
12. Verstaan die gawes van die Gees [Understanding the gifts of the Spirit] by Henry & Mel Blackaby
13. Adventures in saying yes by Carl Medearis
14. Love wins by Rob Bell
15. The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
16. The renewed mind: A unique guide to becoming the kind of person you really want to be by Larry Christenson

B. Being Church

1. Vaste Rots op wie ek bou [Fixed Rock on whom I build] by Cas Vos & Dirk Human (editors) – This is a book filled with articles, which I broke down to be smaller “books”.
2. No joke: A Rabbi, an Imam and a Preacher do the unthinkable… and become friends for life by Jim Henderson and Cara Highsmith
3. Everything must change by Brian D. McLaren
4. Jim & Casper go to church by Jim Henderson & Matt Casper
5. Soul survivor by Philip Yancey
6. Deep & wide by Andy Stanley
7. Die dinamika van ‘n Christelike geloofsgemeenskap [The dinamics of a Christian community] by Coenie Burger
8. Jesus, save me from your followers by Dave Gilpin
9. Ek behoort aan die kerk [I belong to the church] by Thom S. Rainer
10. Speaking Christian by Marcus J. Borg
11. Building a church of small groups by Bill Donahue & Russ Robinson
12. Leading the congregation: Caring for yourself while serving the people by Norman Shawchuck & Roger Heuser

C. Youth ministry

1. Purpose Driven youth ministry deur Doug Fields
2. Doktor Andries Gous praat met die jeug [Doctor Andries Gous speaks to the youth] by Andries Gous
3. Sustainable youth ministry by Mark DeVries
4. A new kind of youth ministry by Chris Folmsbee
5. Your first two years in youth ministry: A personal and practical guide to starting right by Doug Fields
6. Belydenis van geloof Gespreksgids: Verrassende veelkleurige fasette van die geloof – Bely en lewe [Confessions of faith Studybook: Surprisingly colourful facets of the faith – Confess and live] by Johannes Mouton

D. Relationships

1. Life changing relationships by James T. Meeks
2. How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie

E. Prayer

1. Prayer partners by Elmer L. Towns
2. Prayer by Philip Yancey
3. Prayer by Richard Foster
4. Knowing God through fasting by Elmer L. Towns

F. Star Trek

1. Star Trek: Destiny #3 – Lost souls by David Mack
2. Star Trek: Destiny #4 – A singular destiny by Keith R.A. DeCandido
3. Star Trek: The original series – Bantam Book Episode adaptations: Star Trek 1 – Dagger of the mind by James Blish
4. Star Trek: The next generation #002 – The peacekeepers by Gene DeWeese
5. Star Trek: The original series – Bantam Book Episode adaptations: Star Trek 1 – The unreal McCoy by James Blish
6. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine #002 – The siege by Peter David
7. Star Trek: The original series – Bantam Book Episode adaptations: Star Trek 1 – The naked time by James Blish
8. Star Trek: Voyager #003 – Ragnarok by Nathan Archer
9. Star Trek: The original series – Bantam Book Episode adaptations: Star Trek 1 – Miri by James Blish
10. Star Trek: Enterprise – By the book by Dean Wesley Smith & Kristine Kathryn Rusch
11. Star Trek: The original series – Bantam Book Episode adaptations: Star Trek 1 – The conscience of the king by James Blish
12. Star Trek: Discovery – Drastic measures by Dayton Ward
13. Star Trek: Short stories – Sparrow Books short stories #4 – The secret empire by William Rotsler
14. Star Trek: New Frontier #02 – Into the void by Peter David
15. Star Trek: Short stories – Sparrow Books short stories #5 – Intelligence test by William Rotsler
16. Star Trek: Stargazer – Gauntlet by Michael Jan Friedman
17. Star Trek: Short stories – Sparrow Books short stories #6 – To wherever by William Rotsler
18. Star Trek: The original series – Bantam Books Episode adaptations: Star Trek 2 – Space seed by Carey Wilber
19. Star Trek: Movies – The wrath of Khan by Vonda N. McIntyre
20. Star Trek: The Original Series #084 – Assignment: Eternity by Greg Cox

G. Homosexuality

1. Homoseksualiteit en sewe klassieke Bybeltekste: Antigay of misverstaan? [Homosexuality and seven classical Bible texts: Antigay or misunderstand?] by Ernest van Eck & Ralph Barnard
2. Riglyne vir ‘n verantwoordelike Nuwe Testamentiese verstaan in die homoseksualiteitsdebat, Deel 1: ‘n Komplekse saak [Guidelines for a responsible New Testament understanding in the homosexuality-debate, Part 1: A complex case] by Gert J. Steyn
3. Riglyne vir ‘n verantwoordelike Nuwe Testamentiese verstaan in die homoseksualiteitsdebat, Deel 2: Nuwe Testamentiese tekste [Guidelines for a responsible New Testament understanding in the homosexuality-debate, Part 2: New Testament texts] by Gert J. Steyn

H. Biographies and autobiographies

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
2. Captain in the cauldron by John Smith
3. Not without honour: Tribute to Beyers Naudé by Peter Randall
4. I write what I like by Steve Biko
5. Conversations with my sons and daughters by Mamphela Ramphele
6. ‘ … and nothing but the truth’? by Deon Gouws
7. Politically incorrect by Peter de Villiers
8. 7 men by Eric Metaxas
9. Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward
10. The President’s Keepers: Those keeping Zuma in power and out of prison by Jacques Pauw
11. My mother. Barack Obama. Donald Trump. And the angry white man by Kevin Powell

I. Fiction

1. Jake’s choice by Jim & Rachel Britts

J. Health

1. Beseer in Sy diens: God se genesing vir gelowiges wat seergekry het [Injured in His service: God’s healing for believers who got hurt] by Hennie Maartens
2. Personality type and religious leadership by Roy M. Oswald & Otto Kroeger
3. In die donker put [In the dark pit] by Johan Smith
4. Competent to counsel by Jay E. Adams
5. Depressie – simptome, oorsake en genesing [Depression – simptoms, causes and healing] by Frank Minirth & Paul Meier
6. Healing for damaged emotions by David A. Seamands
7. The Detox Manual by Suzannah Olivier
8. Eat right for your type by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo

K. Articles in the book “Vaste Rots op wie ek bou” [“Solid Rock on whom I build”] by Cas Vos and Dirk Human (editors)

1. Proloog [Prologue] by Cas Vos
2. Die reformatoriese kerklike landskap [The reformatory church-landscape] by Hennie Pieterse
3. Die uitdagings van Bybellees [The challenges in reading the Bible] by Dirk Human
4. “Op hierdie rots sal Ek my kerk bou” [“On this rock I will build my church”] by Conrad Wethmar
5. Die lang pad van Skrifuitleg [The long road to understanding the Scriptures] by Jurie le Roux
6. Tekste en hulle kontekste [Texts and their contexts] by Jurie le Roux
7. Mitologiese taal: verduistering of verheldering? – Jona as illustrasie [Mithological language: eclipsing or brightening?] by Dirk Human
8. Metaforiese vonke en mitologiese taal [Metaphorical sparks and mythological language] by Ernest van Eck
9. Messiaanse tekste in die Ou Testament [Messianic texts in the Old Testament] by Alphonso Groenewald
10. Messiaanse tekste in die Nuwe Testament [Messianic texts in the New Testament] by Gert Steyn
11. Feesgedig [Festival poem] by NP van Wyk Louw
12. Die maagdelike verwekking [The virgin begetting] by Ernest van Eck
13. Kruiseling [Crossling {I’m not really sure how to translate this any better}] by Cas Vos
14. Oor ons gekruisigde God, nakend en vol bloed About our crucified God, naked and full of blood] by Johanna de Lange
15. “Christ of the burnt men” by Sheila Cussons
16. Jesus-afdruk [Jesus-print] by I.L. de Villiers
17. Versoening in die Ou Testament [Reconciliation in the Old Testament] by Pieter Venter
18. Versoening in die Evangelies [Reconciliation in the gospels] by Hermie van Zyl
19. Paulus en die Korintiërs: wantroue en versoening [Paul and the Corinthians: distrust and reconciliation] by Kobus Myburgh
20. Opstanding [Resurrection] by Cas Vos
21. Opstanding in die sinoptiese Evangelies [Resurrection in the synoptic Gospels] by Gert Steyn
22. Opstanding in die Evangelie volgens Johannes [Resurrection in the Gospel according to John] by Dirk van der Merwe
23. Opstanding by Paulus [Resurrection according to Paul] by Kobus Kok
24. Opstanding in die apokaliptiek by Pieter Venter
25. Opstanding en simboliek in die vroeg-Christelike kuns [Resurrection and symbolism in the early-Christian art] by Hennie Stander
26. Redelike geloof? [Reasonable belief?] by Gerrit Brand
27. Lex orandi, lex credenda [This is a Latin phrase: The law of prayer is the law of belief] by Vincent Brümmer
28. “Soms mis ek God” … oor die kortsluiting tussen geloof en ervaring [“Sometimes I miss God” … regarding the short circuit between belief and experience] by Daniël Veldsman
29. Oor hoe geloof my dra [Regarding how belief carries me] by Elna Mouton
30. Epiloog [Epilogue] by Cas Vos

L. Politics

1. How not to get shot. And other advice from white people by D.L. Hughley
2. Afrikanerskap in Bybelse lig [Being Afrikaner in a Biblical light] by Prof J.L. Helberg
3. Geestelike weerbaarheid teen ideologiese terrorisme [Spiritual resilience against ideological terrorism] by S.G. Roos

M. Romans-study

1. Romans by David L. Bartlett
2. Paul’s letter to the Romans: A commentary by Arland J. Hultgren
3. Romans & the people of God by Sven K. Soderlund & N.T. Wright
4. The letter to the Romans: Salvation as justice and the deconstruction of law by Herman C. Waetjen
5. Reading Romans in context: Paul and second Temple Judaism by Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodrich & Jason Maston (editors)
6. Paul’s new perspective: Charting a Soteriological journey by Garwood P. Anderson
7. The Political Theology of Paul by Jacob Taubes

N. Hobbies

1. The world encyclopedia of coffee: The definitive guide to coffee, from simple bean to irresistible beverage by Mary Banks, Christine McFadden and Catherine Atkinson
2. Bonsai gardening secrets by Eric A. Olsen
3. Advancing your photography: A handbook for creating photo’s you’ll love by Marc Silber
4. Wit, Afrikaanse man [White, Afrikaans man] by Neels Jackson

My reading list for 2018 and onward

At the beginning of this year (2018), I compiled a list of books I want to read throughout the year (and in 2019 and beyond).

I recently handed in my mini-dissertation, and it was approved to be sent to the external examiner. Thus, as far as my hopes go, I am finished with my studies. For now at least. And that gives me more time to read.

This list is long. This is because I really want to try and make a type of short-list of books I want to read over the next 12-36 months. There might be books that get onto the list and becomes a bigger priority to read that the titles that are currently on the list. I will update this list regularly. I will also update the list of books that I read regularly, as I finish some of the books. I will try to keep that list current by year. I will also try to keep this specific list to 45-50 titles.

I will post the books I have read in 2018 soon (maybe even later today).

A. Churchlife and Christianity

1. Everything must change by Brian D. McLaren
2. Celebration of discipline by Richard Foster
3. The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus
4. Jim & Casper go to church by Jim Henderson & Matt Casper
5. Where is God when it hurts? by Philip Yancey
6. Soul survivor by Philip Yancey
7. Deep & wide by Andy Stanley
8. Life changing relationships by James T. Meeks
9. Die dinamika van ‘n Christelike geloofsgemeenskap by Coenie Burger [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be something like “The dinamics of a Christian (religious) community”]
10. Jesus, save me from your followers by Dave Gilpin
11. Ek behoort aan die kerk by Thom S. Rainer [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be “I belong to the church”]
12. Speaking Christian by Marcus J. Borg
13. Faith to faith by Dan Scott
14. Verstaan die gawes van die Gees by Henry & Mel Blackaby [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be “Understand the gifts of the Spirit”]
15. Adventures in saying yes by Carl Medearis
16. Love wins by Rob Bell
17. The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
18. Doktor Andries Gous praat met die jeug by Andries Gous [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be “Doctor Andries Gous speaking to the youth”]

B. Youth ministry

1. Purpose Driven youth ministry by Doug Fields

C. Prayer

1. Prayer partners by Elmer L. Towns
2. Prayer by Philip Yancey
3. Knowing God through fasting by Elmer L. Towns

D. Star Trek

1. Star Trek: The next generation – Ghost ship by Diane Carey
2. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The siege by Peter David
3. Star Trek: Voyager – The escape by Dean Wesley Smith & Kristine Kathryn Rusch
4. Star Trek: New Frontier – Into the void by Peter David
5. Star Trek: The Eugenics Wars, Volume 2 – The rise and fall of Khan Noonien Singh, Volume 2 by Greg Cox
6. Star Trek: The original series – Bantam Books Episode adaptations: Star Trek 2 – Space seed by Carey Wilber
7. Star Trek: The original series – To reign in hell: The exile of Khan Noonien Singh by Greg Cox
8. Star Trek: Movies – The wrath of Khan by Vonda N. McIntyre
9. Star Trek: The Original Series – Assignment: Eternity by Greg Cox
10. Star Trek: The aliens are coming! by Dayton Ward
11. Star Trek: Destiny – Gods of night by David Mack

E. Biographies and autobiographies

1. Captain in the cauldron by John Smit
2. Not without honour: Tribute to Beyers Naudé by Peter Randall
3. I write what I like by Steve Biko
4. Conversations with my sons and daughters by Mamphela Ramphele
5. ‘ … and nothing but the truth’? by Deon Gouws
6. Politically incorrect by Peter de Villiers
7. 7 men by Eric Metaxas
8. Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward
9. The President’s Keepers: Those keeping Zuma in power and out of prison by Jacques Pauw
10. My mother. Barack Obama. Donald Trump. And the angry white man by Kevin Powell

F. Fiction

1. Jake’s choice by Jim & Rachel Britts

G. Health

1. Personality type and religious leadership by Roy M. Oswald & Otto Kroeger
2. In die donker put by Johan Smith [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be “In the dark pit”]
3. Deperessie – simptome, oorsake en genesing by Frank Minirth & Paul Meier [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be “Depression – simptoms, causes and healing”]
4. Healing for damaged emotions by David A. Seamands
5. The Detox Manual by Suzannah Olivier
6. Eat right for your type by Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo

H. Politics

1. How not to get shot. And other advice from white people by D.L. Hughley
2. Rising out of hatred: The awakening of a former white Nationalist by Eli Saslow
3. Afrikanerskap in Bybelse lig by Prof J.L. Helberg [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be something like “Being an Afrikaner in light of the Bible”]
4. Geestelike weerbaarheid teen ideologiese terrorisme by S.G. Roos [This is an Afrikaans book; in English, the title would be “Spiritual defensibility/resiliency against ideological terrorism”]

Books read in 2016… Volume 1

Up to this day 19 March 2016, I have read four books, cover to cover, in 2016.

1. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone
2. Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I’m realizing more and more that I’m not a big reader of books. I much prefer to read blogs and newspaper articles. I also realize that I’m not a strong English reader – especially not as strong as I used to think.

I am also busy with some work that takes much of my time, so I don’t get to read as often. {That, by the way, is also why I don’t blog too often either.}