The summer is upon us and that means it's hot in Texas. At heart, I'm an introvert and for me that usually means I like a handful of things to do, many I've written about. Nevertheless, I thought I'd share my top 5's on things I like to do a little more during the summer months.

Hope you enjoy!

TOP 5 BOOKS

1. Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp
I started this book a few weeks ago and it's been incredibly good for my soul. Really, anything by Paul Tripp is good for the soul. But this book particularly has been refreshing for me as it's been a pastoral resource in counseling but also in my own life. I would highly recommend it.

2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This was one of the first books I read when I became a Christian and the first I read from C.S. Lewis; his arguments and wisdom continually come to mind and it's rather nostalgic for me.

3. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Prayer has always been an area of weakness for me and over the past several months, that has been incredibly convicting. These collection of prayers from the Puritans is amazing and a great help to me in my daily prayer life. I highly recommend it.

4. God's Word Alone--The Authority of Scripture: What the Reformers Taught and Why It Still Matters by Matthew Barrett
I'm 3 chapters in and I love this book because it's a rich culmination of early church history and the reformation. Additionally, we're about to do a 5 week sermon series on the 5 Solas so naturally this is a great resource for study.

5. Reset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David Murray
I have yet to start this one, but it's on my desk. I've been burnt out before, both as a bivocational ministry leader and have almost burnt out as a full-time pastor. This is definitely a must read for anyone in ministry.

Top 5 CIGARS

1. Flor de Las Antillas by My Father
This is a great quality stick, both in its performance and price. This is definitely a medium smoke, but lots of smoke. It has a hefty tobacco flavor with some added sweetness to it.

2. Prensado by Alec Bradley
This is one of my favorite sticks, a common go-to. It offers rich coffee and chocolate flavors; great breakfast stick (as in, a good smoke with coffee) or dessert stick.

3. All Out Kings by Drew Estate and Caldwell
This is the newest one in this list and was really looking forward to it when it came out. Thanks to my boys out at Cigar Saveur, they hooked it up! Definitely a great stick and hard to find in my experience. This is a medium strength cigar with a lot of rich flavor--earthy, black coffee, leather, and sweet tones throughout the smoke.

4. AFR-75 San Andreas Maduro by A. Flores
This one is a little harder to find, but when you do find it, it's hard to be disappointed. Don't let the maduro wrapper intimidate you as this is a mild-medium smoke. The flavors are a great blend of a natural tobacco sweetness, creamy, and very smooth with a long finish; it's definitely a smoke for anytime of the day.

5. Liga Privada T52 by Drew Estate
If you have some extra cash, then Liga Privada is a good "special occasion" cigar. I only get these when I'm out of town because they don't carry them in McAllen and they're a little expensive (anywhere between $13-16). Nevertheless, lots of smooth tobacco, creamy, and leather flavors; long burner.

If you choose any of these great sticks OR you have a few of your favorites, but are missing a good cutter. I suggest Cuban Crafter's Perfect cut. It'll be the only cutter you need.

Top 5 COLD BREW COFFEE

1. Chameleon Cold Brew Coffee
Chameleon Cold Brew is definitely a constant in our fridge. It's also distributed throughout most grocery stores in Texas so it's easily accessible. The original is my favorite; strong in its strength (it's concentrated) and rich in chocolate flavors.

2. Black and Blew Coffee by Cuvee
This is a delicious treat; it's sweet and creamy both in it's flavors and texture. A friend and I would love to have this on tap in our office because it's that delicious.

3. Grady's Cold Brew
Grady's is very creamy, much more creamy than Chameleon and I mean that in its flavor and texture which gives it a little "heavier" taste to it. The earthiness is very sweet and great for the early morning or after dinner.

4. Bear State Cold Brew Coffee
Sometimes, when you drink black coffee (hot or cold brew) it can taste quite bitter in its notes. Bear State has done a phenomenal job at making a cold brew that is very sweet from the start (but also pairs well with creamers or almond milks). Not bad, Cali. Not bad.

5. Bruja Cold Brew Coffee
This is a very easy drinking coffee--great on a hot day. If I'm not mistaken, it's a brazilian bean; smooth nuttiness flavors with a hint of sweet.

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