60 Books To Read In Life

 

We have been counseled to seek wisdom and enlarge our knowledge out of the best books. It would be wise to receive a proper balanced education of history, mathematics, philosophical, scientific, and other practical areas. Reading is truly essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary. We have been told that whatever principle of intelligence we attain in this life shall rise with us in the resurrection and if a individual gains more knowledge and wisdom through diligence and obedience than another that they shall have so much advantage in the world to come.

Everyone may have different opinions or preferences regarding the best books ever written. The standard works of course will provide the greatest knowledge on how to life a proper life. However, in the case of best books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you. Listed below is my list that is a great starter pack on where to begin that have been influential in my life. 

Don Quixote-Cervantes
the Great Gatsby-F Scott Fitzgerald
Moby Dick-Herman Melville
Hamlet and/or MacBeth-William Shakespeare
Odyssey-Homer
Wuthering Heights-Emily Bronte
Catcher In the Rye-JD Salinger
Pride & Prejudice-Jane Austin
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn-Mark Twain
Alice/Adventures in Wonderland-Lewis Carroll
Jane Eyre-Charlotte Bronte
David Copperfield or Tale of Two Cities-Charles Dickens
Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit-JR Tolkein
James & the Giant Peach-Roald Dahl
A River Runs Through It-Norman Maclean
Canterbury Tales-Geoffrey Chaucer
Charlotte's Web-EB White
Robinson Crusoe-Daniel DeFoe
7 Habits of Highly Successful Men-Steven Covey
Count of Monte Cristo-Alexandre Dumas
Never Cry Wolf-Farley Mowat
Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe or the Chronicles of Narnia-CS Lewis
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea-Jules Verne
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde-Robert Louis Stevenson
Winnie the Pooh- AA Milne
the Jungle-Upton Sinclair
War of the World-HG Wells
Last of the Mohicans-James Fenimore Cooper
Old Yeller-Fred Gibson
Jonathan Livingston Seagull-Richard Bach
Raving Fans-Ken Blanchard
Where the Red Fern Grows-Wilson Rawls
The Illiad-Homer
Catch 22-Joseph Heller
1984-George Orwell
Man's Search for Meaning-Victor Frankl
Great Expectations-Charles Dickesn
Grapes of Wrath-John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird-Harper Lee
Gulliver's Travels-Jonathan Swift
the Giving Tree-Shel Silverstein
Old Man & the Sea or Farewell to Arms-Ernest Hemingway
Leaves of Grass-Walt Whitman
Frankenstein-Mary Shelley
Gone with the Wind-Margaret Mitchell
How to Win Friends/Influence People-Dale Carnegie
the Scarlet letter-Nathaniel Hawthorne
Little Women-Louis Alcott
Treasure Island-Robert Louis Stevenson
All Quiet On the Western Front-Erich Maria Remargue
Call of the Wild-Jack London
Of Mice & Men-John Steinbeck
Sherlock Holmes-Arthur Conan Doyle
The Republic-Plato
Power of Positive Thinking-Norman Vincent Peale
Harry Potter/Philosophers Stone-JK Rowling
Red Badge of Courage-Stephan Crane
Tarzan of the Apes-Edgar Rice Burroughs
Uncle Toms Cabin-Harriet Beecher Stowe
Silas Warner-George Eliot

Possible Burgess Replacements/Candidates

 As speculated and anticipated BYU assistant Coach Chris Burgess took his talents and headed to team North. Chris was an expert recruiter and his loss leaves some big shoes to fill. This is something that Pope will have to address quickly as possible. However, BYU does have another vetting layer to process so the replacement search could take a few extra weeks. Listed below are some names that certainly make sense and may come as possible candidates. Although, Coach Pope likely will have a longer list to go through. 

The first name that comes to mind is Mark Madsen. Yes, the former Laker assistant and current UVU coach. At this point, is likely a long shot. Although a rising coaching star in the making, has created a decent resume with UVU in most recently a 20 win season and even beating the cougs. Am sure that it would take a lot of coin thrown at Madsen and BYU if motivated could certainly do it. 

This is huge off the radar prospect to fill Burgess's slot as an assistant. Kahil Fennell was an assistant at Louisville this past season but is currently searching for work after coach Mack left mid season. Apparently, this is a name that Pope is has as a possibility. Kahil is not a member of the LDS church and has no other known connections to BYU. Although, heading into the Big 12 would certainly help bridge the gap when it comes to racial diversity and having a non-member coach on staff. Fennell does check all the boxes with experience from the ACC. Keep an eye on him in the coming weeks.

Although, Dave Rice may not be the first on the list he does bring a wealth of experience both in coaching and from within the program as a former assistant. He does bring a lot of success as a recruiter as well and would be a rather safe hire if considered for the position.

Paul Peterson has been the head coach at nearby national HS basketball power house Wasatch Academy since 2018. He is a member of the LDS church and helps bridge the racial diversity gap heading into the Big 12. Paul may lack the coaching experience at the collegiate level but is well dialed in with recruiting locally. This may be a strong choice. However, if BYU is to continue have Wasatch as a potential feeder school there is no reason to cut that tie to bring him aboard. Having Peterson at Wasatch may help the cougs more than it would to have him on staff. He has been ridiculously successful there. 

Would former BYU player Lee Cummard be interested? He may be in play to replace Jeff Judkins as BYU's womens head coach. Oft referenced option could include Payson native Barret Peery. Peery now as associate head coach in Lubbock. Would he have any ambition to come back home to the state and coach? There may be others on Pope's list and who gets the spot, only time will tell. 

BYU basketball program overhaul: Q and A

BYU finds themselves in a rather tough situation looking for plenty of answers heading into the season. Is the sky truly falling on Pope and his program? Can the program be rebuilt? Where does the production come from? Who will fill the roster? Is it time to hit the panic button? Who will replace Coach Burgess? The next few weeks certainly will be rather informative. 

What we do know: Burgess left to take a position with team North. Caleb Lohner said see ya later and transferred to Baylor. Alex Barcello has no more eligibility left. Numerous players on the cougars roster have also left the program entering the transfer portal. Gideon George was among those to declare for the transfer portal but has since removed his name from it. Does this raise an eyebrow how Coach Pope has been handling the program and it's players with so many leaving? Before, I would have said no. However, when oft injured Gavin Baxter decided to "unretire" from basketball and enter the transfer portal it certainly opened my eyes when there may have been no chance of playing anyway due to the health/previous injuries. Pope did say previously that they have the best locker room in America and that doesn't shed a positive light now. It certainly may be time to take a look at the coach, the culture and how the program might be run.

What parts remain on the roster? 

6.9 F Atiki Ally Atiki, Tanzania-London Basketball Academy
6.5 G Spencer Johnson, American Fork, SLCC
6.5 G Trevin Knell, Woods Cross
6.6 F Gideon George, New Mexico JC
6.6 GF Seneca Knight, LSU, New Orleans
6.6 PF Fousseyni Traore, Mali, Wasatch Academy

Incoming (back from missions)
6.3 PG Dallin Hall, Fremont HS
6.5 G Richie Saunders, Wasatch Academy
6.5 G Tanner Toolson, Vancouver, Evergreen HS

Where does the incoming production come from? Dallin was previously named Utah's "Mr Basketball: who averaged 22.6 ppg with 7.6 rebs and 7.1 asts. Saunders, from Riverton averaged 18.8 as a sophomore before heading to Wasatch Academy. His AAU coach was Marty Haws who said he can score on all levels and stuff a stat sheet rather well. Toolson through 14 games as a senior put up 22 ppg, 8.6 rebs and shot 46% from the three land. He has a rather quick release and his ability to shoot from area code J may put him on the court sooner than later. Although, these three as much talent they have is asking a lot from freshman typically. 

Can Pope land some talent from the transfer portal? We shall see. The cougs have previously hit the portal with names such as: Jake Toolson, Michael Lloyd, DeMarcus Harrison, Frank Bartley, and Matt Carlino to name a few. There are certainly some possible options. Pope already entertained JUCO player of the year who unfortunately decided to take his talents and sign elsewhere. Three names to keep an eye on that Pope is still making a push for include: Antoine Davis, Frederick Young and Rudi Williams.

Antoine Davis is from Detroit Mercy 6-1 PG who an certainly score pretty much at will and create his own shot averaging 24.6 ppg, 4.3 ast with 41% shooting and 36% from three land. He will be visiting BYU this week with the coaching staff hoping to make a great impression. Antoine would step in immediately where Barcello left.

Frederick King 6-10, 220 signed initially with Louisville (4star) but that was off the board with the Cardinals coaching staff change. He just took the visit to BYU this last weekend and from what have heard may have a decision in early may with that choice possibly coming down to Creighton or BYU. Frederick just finished his official visit to Creighton before stopping in at Provo. Fingers crossed. King would see significant time from day one. 

Lastly, Rudi Williams a 6-2 PG from Coastal Carolina who will be visiting on the 27th. He already friends apparently with Gideon George from the JUCO days) which is a great start and certainly can't hurt. He started at JUCO, then to Kansas State, transferring last year to the Chanticleer's. Last season he averaged 14.7 ppg with 4.2 rebs. 3.7 asts and 45% from 3. Yes, 45% (ranked 12th nationally according to KenPom).

Will BYU land them all or who will Pope get? Who knows at this point. Although, in my view, the cougs seriously need some big man help and could use a PG with previous experience. How will the revamped roster look?  It remains to be seen what Coach Pope can get from the portal. Typically when one puts in the work we would hope to see the results. The next few weeks will be critical and this is Y.

Visitors and Venues: What to Expect

 

For many people Saturdays certainly have a different meaning. It is a special day for college football. When campuses across the country bus fill with tailgates, bands, cheerleaders, etc. Crowds flood stadiums to witness their favorite teams lace up the cleats.

Coming soon BYU will find themselves traveling to many of those Big 12 stadiums. Each location holds a unique flavor of it's own. They all hold a defined capacity, various school traditions, scenic landscapes, venue feel (look/layout, etc), mobility (accessibility, concourse walkability/movement, etc), tailgating, student section environment/involvement, etc. Thus, here's a quick look ahead to for the visitors and venues that will be encountered in the Big 12.

Baylor

McLane Stadium opened in 2014 with a capacity of 45140. The venue layout is very similar to TCUs Amon G Carter in many ways. It has an open concourse to allow fans view the game as they walk about the facility. The grass end zone (Matrix Turf) is pretty cool, but it's completely closed off unless you have a ticket. The Baylor Line student section and stadium placement is solid breathing down the necks of opponent players. It was founded in 1970 as a spirit organization for first year students. Before each home game the students run across the field to form a human tunnel for the football team as it enters the field. They then head to their special sections in the stands, where the best seats in the house, directly behind the visitor bench-are reserved expressly for them. While visiting enjoy the food on site from Catfish Po'boy Sandwiches, BBQ brisket sliders, and bacon wrapped hot dogs.

BYU

LaVell Edwards Stadium can be certainly described as a diamond in the college football rough. Located on the BYU campus in the heart of Provo Utah, the stadium offers a perfectly functional home for the football program and a solid football watching experience including an incredibly beautiful view of the Wasatch Mountains in the distance as well.

LES opened in 1964 and seats 63,470. The field is covered with a natural grass capable of draining eight inches of rain per hour. The well kept grass field is consistently deemed one of the best in the entire country. In 1982, 1988 and 1997 the Football Writers Association of America cited BYU for its "outstanding press box area" (four-level press box).

Of course, the program has a deep rich history that includes a national title (1984), a Heisman trophy, and a number of football greats, such as Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Ty Detmer and more. The concourses might not be flashy, but there are plenty of viable concession stands and all kinds of food choices. Of note: the BYU Creamery stands, which sell ice cream made on campus and the famous Cougar Tail, an 18 inch rather impressive maple frosted donut. While the built in concession stands also sell the typical stadium staples-hot dogs, popcorn, pizza, and the like-look out for specialty carts throughout the concourses that offer BBQ, loaded hot dogs, Korean BBQ bowls and much more.

Central Florida (UCF)

UCF stadium is known as the Bounce House and is located in Orlando FL on the modern north side of campus. It opened on 15 Sept 2007 and has a capacity of 44,206. Bounce House's current name comes from the facility's longtime nickname "the Bounce House" as it was found to be susceptible to considerable shaking when its crown jumps (most notably when the song Kernkraft 400 by Zombie Nation is played) in unison. Although, it was stated that the stadium was structurally sound and that this effect would not cause long-term damage to the facility, measures were undertaken following the stadium's inaugural season to reduce these effect. The stadium's50 yard line (natural grass playing surface) is lined up with Launch Pad 39A to symbolize UCFs longstanding partnership with NASA and other space agencies.

Cincinnati

Home of the Bearcats, Nippert Stadium is the second oldest stadium in college football. Football at Nippert Stadium dates back over 100 years and opened in 1915. Whatever the conference over the years, Cincinnati has consistently proven itself a winner and likely will remain highly competitive in the Big 12. In the mid 1920's James gamble provided $250,000 to complete the stadium. The stadium was named after Gamble's grandson, Jimmy Nippert, who died from a spike wound while playing football for the Bearcats.

Houston

John O'Quinn Field at TDECU Stadium serves at the home of the Houston Cougars that opened in 2014 and has a capacity of roughly 40,000 +SRO (standing room only). TDECU Stadium derives is name from Texas Dow Employees Credit Union, the largest credit union in Houston, which had purchased the name rights and had a joint press conference on 8 July 2014 to announce the partnership. The stadium was designed with a corrugated metal exterior skin to allow for optimal air flow and natural lighting. Simultaneously, the orientation allows for a maximized view of the Houston skyline. The eleven yard line (synthetic surface, a slit-film turf blade with a sand/rubber combination for infill) commemorates Heisman winner Andre Ware's retired jersey number. There are a total of 160 concession points of sale throughout the stadium.

Iowa State

Jack Trice Stadium, sometimes referred to as 'the Jack" is located in Ames IA named in honor of Jack Trice, Iowa State's first African American athlete who died of injuries sustained during a 1923 games against Minnesota. The stadium opened in 1975 with a 17-12 over Air Force and holds a capacity of 61,500. The stadium consists of double decked grandstands running the length of either sideline and encompassing the south end zone with the field surface natural grass. Be sure to check out the Crab Rangoon Fries available in the South End Zone (sweet chili sauce, crab cream cheese spread, crispy wonton strings & green onions served over stadium fries) or be on the look out for specialty Bavarian Pretzels available at Victory Bell in concessions.

Kansas

Historically, lets face it Kansas has really been a basketball school. Although, the Jayhawk football team has some some talent over the years (John Riggins, Gale Sayers, Dana Stubblefield, etc). David Booth KS Memorial Stadium located in Lawrence KS opened in 1921 is dedicated as a memorial to KS students who died in WWI. Memorial Stadium is recognized as the first stadium built on a college campus west of the Mississippi River and is the seventh oldest collegiate stadium in the nation. Originally the stadium had only east & west bleachers which were expanded southward in 1925. The north bowl seating section was added in 1927 to give the stadium its horseshoe shape which it retains today with a capacity of 47,000. The field has been artificial turf since 1970 and in the summer of 2009 the old AstroPlay surface was replaced with FieldTurf.

Kansas State

Bill Snyder Family Stadium located in Manhatten KS is the home field for the Kansas State University Wildcats and is named after the family of head coach Bill Snyder. Over the past 31 seasons K-State has gone 164-49 and 1 tie. The stadium opened in 1968 and has a AstroTurf surface. The defensive team does have a nickname "the Lynch Mob" that dates back to the 1990s. The term has historical resonance because Manhatten was well known for lynching horse thieves as a means of frontier justice during the towns brief wild west era in the 1860s

Oklahoma State

Boone Pickens Stadium is home to the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and opened in 1920 with a capacity of 60,000k. It is aligned in an east-west direction since 1920 and the first is the oldest in the Big 12 Conference. The cowboys have quite a rich history that includes (Barry Sanders, Dez Bryant, Thurman Thomas, Justin Blackmon, Dexter Manley, etc). Boone Pickens Stadium (BPS) was named during a halftime ceremony in 2003 versus Wyoming in honor of OSU alumnus T Boone Pickens, a Texas oilman and entrepreneur. It provides a unique game day environment and a roaring home field advantage. Some of the west end zone project now includes a new multilevel football operations center. Some of the features also include: football offices, meeting rooms, speed/conditioning center, locker rooms, equipment room, athletic medicine center, media facilities, hall of fame areas along with a new training table.

TCU

Amon G Carter is an open air style football stadium on the campus of TCU in Fort Worth named after a prominent Fort Worth business, newspaper publisher and city booster. It has several nicknames: The Carter, and Hell's Half Acre (a reference to the site in Fort Worths wild west past located near the stadium, as well as the difficulty of opposing teams in winning there at the stadium). It opened in 1930 and has a capacity of 50,000 with bermuda grass surface. While there be sure to try Riff Ram BBQ (near section 129 behind the left end zone) that includes pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken sandwiches and beef brisket sandwiches.

Texas Tech

Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbuck TX was built in the Spanish Renaissance architectural style. It opened in 1947 and seats roughly 60,000 (44th largest college football stadium in the US) with a FieldTurf surface. The playing field runs in the traditional north south configuration and sits 30 feet below grade. There is definitely a rich football history (Kliff Kingsbury, Patrick Mahomes, Mike Leach, Michael Crabtree, etc). Hot items from the concessions include Double Dave's Pizza, BBQ Brisket Nachos, Green Chili Burgers, and the Chocolate Churros.

West Virginia

Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown WV opened in 1980 and seats roughly 60,000. The facility is named for Milan Puskar, a Morgantown resident and founder of Mylan Pharmaceuticals. The FieldTurf playing surface retains the stadiums original name of Mountaineer Field. Fans were surprised when singer John Denver made an appearance and led the fans in the singing of his hit song "Take Me Home, Country Roads". The song has been played at every home game since 1972. It also hosted a notable pre season NFL game back in 1998 between the Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons. When there be sure to try Scrimmage Stand's pulled pork sandwiches (near section 121 next to the end zone) or the Red Zone Grill's Grilled Chicken Sandwiches. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are organic substances naturally present in many plant & animal products. People obtain vitamins from both plant/animal products we eat. Minerals are inorganic substances found naturally in soil and water. The human body needs the right mix of nutrients for good health. Understanding the basics of vitamins and minerals can certainly be beneficial in a healthy life.

A-

B1(Thiamin)-Helps turn body food into energy.It is the key for structure of brain cells.

B2(Riboflavin)-It's added to many fortified breads/grains and found naturally in eggs, asparagus, and other green veggies and milk. 

B3 (Niacin)-This is a family of compounds that your body needs to turn food into energy and store it.

B6-This vitamin may help protect against memory loss, colorectal cancer, etc.It is found in many leafy/root vegetables, non-citrus fruits like bananas/avacados, and watermelon.

B12-Helps the body break down food for energy.

C-

Calcium-Is the building block strength for your bones/teeth.It is key to make muscles move, including your heart.

 

Chromium-Only a trace amount of this mineral is needed, believed to help keep blood sugars levels steady.

D-Keeps bones strong and helps nerves carry messages, and has a role in fighting germs. Careful time in the sun is the best source. Also available in fish as salmon, tuna and mackerel.

E-Helps protect cells from damage caused by cigarette/smoke/pollutions, etc. It also helps cells talk to each other and keep blood moving. Sunflower seeds/nuts, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts are good sources.

 

Folic Acid-Helps make DNA & prevent spina bifids and other brain birth defects. Asparagus, brussel sprouts, dark leafy greens, orange/juice and legumes are rich in folic acid.

K-Is needed for blood clotting and healthy bones. Leafy greens as spinach, kale, or broccoli serving will give oyu more than enough for the day

Iodine-Your thyroid uses iodine to make hormones that control metabolism.

Iron-Helps with healthy red blood cells which assists to get oxygen to your tissues. Beans, lentils, oysters and spinach are great sources.

Magnesium-Plays a role iin making muscles squeeze, heartbeat, controls blood sugar, blood pressure, make proteins and DNA. Almonds, cashews, spinach, soybeans, avocado and whole grains.

Potassium-Bananas but leafy greens are a better source. It keeps blood pressure in a normal range and help kidneys work.

Selenium-Fights off infections and helps your thyroid gland work.

Zinc-is great for the immune system and it helps cuts, scrapes, sores heal. Plant sources include sesame/pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils and cashews. Animal food sources include oysters, beef, crap, lobster and pork.

Advantages of the Big 12

BYU's athletic director Tom Holmoe has stated frequently over the independent era that the end goal is exposure and P5 access. Well, that time has come for both with acceptance into the Big 12 yesterday. One could certainly ask what are some of the advantages of having secured P5 access in the Big 12.

Something to play for. Student athletes regardless of school affiliation if they lose to their rival may seem defeated with nothing else left to play for the rest of the season. Now, every game matters with a conference title in mind. Even having a much better bowl matchup at the end of a regular season can matter rather than having to settle for some Smak Ramen Noodles bowl matchup.

No front loaded heavy strength of schedules anymore. Due to most conferences playing more of their conference schedule later in the year meant playing most of the big time opponents all at the first part of the season. Often, playing such a difficult front loaded schedule often meant the potential of accruing more injuries and in some cases knocking that student athlete out for the year due to the nature of the injury.

Less late night games. Yes, BYU was a ESPN tv darling. However, the reality is on only a couple of ESPN channels one can only have so many games and in what order. The nature was that BYU wasn't at the top of the pecking order vs having games that may have included teams as Oregon, Clemson, Florida State, etc. Thus, BYU often still would be on the ESPN schedule but stuck with the late night games and sometimes not the greatest announcing crew.

Access to P5 status with legit bowl games. This one is a rather obvious and easy choice. Nothing against the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl but if given the choice of a SmackRoman Noodle Bowl matchup or bowls such as Liberty Bowl, Texas Bowl or even the Sugar Bowl that is not a tough decision whatsoever.

Stuck with the other conference officials. Let's face it, some conference officiating crews aren't that great. Often, we had to schedule many Pac12 teams and their crews weren't that wonderful. 

Improvement in the recruiting landscape. Being able to cast a much wider net. Often the top athletes that BYU would lose out to other schools who had P5 status like athletes such as: Simi Fehoko (Stanford), Xavier SuaFilo (UCLA), Siaki Ika (LSU), Manti Teo (Notre Dame), Noah Sewell (OR), Kingsley Suamataia (OR), etc. One can't blame them due to a conference affiliation. The state of Utah has been a great producer of football talent and now those student athletes can finally stay home.

Increased revenue. This is certainly a no brainer which can kick into other things such as better facilities, higher pay to retain assistants, etc, Fans can now also have the draw of bringing in better quality teams on a more regular basis for better strength of scheduling. 

Putting On the Whole Armor of God

 

The phrase putting on the armor of God comes from Ephesians chapter 6. This biblical reference tells us so that we may stand protected against the evil one. It is from confidence in our Savior's victory that we can put on the full armor of God and stand firm in our daily battles. Our battles could be political, authoritarian or certainly simply against the spiritual forces of evil in today's society. Below can be the different parts to the armor of God.

In ancient days, a Roman man or soldier would wear long robes that would get in the way of work or even fighting so they would wrap up the long draping material. This was girding up one's loins. To be fitted with this belt of truth, meant he was ready to face action and go to battle. Regardless of the our culture or time we live in, the Lord knows we need to be wrapped in truth. 

This breastplate of armor protected the soldier's vital organs in the heat of the battle. Our breastplate can be found in his righteousness. His righteousness will never fail. Living a life rooted in God's word is powerful in protecting our heart and defeating the enemy. Soak in and obey instructions from the Lord. Be steadfast. Look at the our daily activities. Do they uplift? Do they strengthen? Or do that weaken you?

Roman soldiers feet were typically fitted with sandals called caligae. These sandals were made to help protect soldier's feet during the long marches into battle.  Caligar had extremely thick soles, wrapped perfectly around their ankles to help protect against blistering. They even had spikes on the bottom to help them stand firm as they traveled.  Believers needs to have certainly a firm foundation in the Gospel of peace. We can find peace knowing we are secure in what Jesus has done for us

The Roman soldier's shield, also called a scutum, was made of impenetrable wood, leather, canvas and metal which could be doused in water to extinguish the fiery arrows of the enemy. We can have that same shield of faith placing our trust in the Lord. 

The soldier's head was one of the most vulnerable areas. Without the helmet of salvation, one blow to the head could prove fatal. Surrender thoughts/minds/activities that don't line up with scripture and things that are right. 

In the hands of a skilled warrior, the soldier sword of spirit could pierce through even the strongest armor. Our sword is the word of God. Study his word through the scriptures, prayer and revelation. If the word is our sword and the blade is dull then we ain't cutting anything worthwhile.