Review: Dominion

Programming Note: I've always enjoyed writing reviews. Not because I think my opinion is that important, but I like analyzing what I like and dislike about things (vague stretch towards the "Prosscess name). Being that I want to write more, and I enjoy writing reviews, you'll probably be seeing them more here. 

Dominion

We were lucky enough to be able to take a week off over a Christmas. One of the things we did was finally get a game night in with my wife's cousin and his wife (visit her blog if you like food).

The first game we played was Dominion. [Aff link] They thought they were just introducing us to a new game, what they did was create monsters. After returning home from Christmas, my wife and I purchased Dominion and have played a couple games almost every weekend since (we track our wins in the box lid, we're a bit competitive). We also recently got an expansion pack which I'll review later.

Dominion is a strategy card game where you build a deck of card over time with the ultimate goal to buy or earn the most victory points by the end of the game.

There are a few major things I really enjoy about this game.

1) You can decide how deep to get into the strategy. There are entire websites devoted to the strategy of the game, but it's also easy to learn and play pretty quickly. We've had friends over and taught them the same as we were taught. It takes about 10 minutes of explanation and then you can dive in. The new players might not win the first go-round as they're learning how the game flows, but they'll likely enjoy it and be able to do considerably better next time. 

2) It's different every time. There are 25 action cards in the stand-alone game and you only use 10 at a time. So there is a ridiculous number of possible combinations to the game and each one will require a little different strategy. Throw in an expansion with another 25 action cards and you'll never, ever play the same game twice. There are randomizer cards which we normally use, or sometime we each choose 5.  There are also preset suggestions that come with the game.

3) It doesn't take forever. Once we got the hang of it, we get through a game in 30-45 minutes for the two of us. It's a nice little break and if we have more time we can play twice.

4) The box. Ok, this is kind of silly, but I love how the boxes are set up. They're super organized and well made.

If you're looking for something a little different, I really recommend picking up Dominion. Or really, someone you know might have it. It's way more popular than I realized (considering I hadn't heard of it until December).

In a world full of party games, this is a great way to have some fun and use your brain at the same time.

not a fan by Kyle Idleman

Part of my BHAGs was to read more, specifically a book a month. As I stated in my first update, I started one book but was stopped by having to return it to the library. In retrospect, I believe that someone putting that book on hold so I had to return it was a work of God. I needed to read not a fan.  by Kyle Idleman (aff link) and I needed to read it now.

I finished not a fan in a little less than two weeks. Idleman has a way of making a huge, life-altering message very accessible and comprehendible. Although the read itself is quick, it's a book you process throughout the day while you aren't reading it, as you see how it applies to your life.

If you don't know any thing about not a fan, Idleman draws a dividing line between fans of Jesus and followers of Jesus. Jesus wants so more from us than we give him and Idleman calls us on that. 

I knew going into the book (and perhaps it's why it sat on our shelf for so long) that I generally fall into the "fan" category. I knew the book would be convicting. I knew it would be challenging. I knew I wasn't sure I was ready for that. 

The reason I needed to read it at this time is my baptism is next Sunday. This baptism is obviously a big step and Idleman's message gave me a powerful foundation to take it on. 

Idleman's book is offensive in the best kind of way. Through scripture, personal examples and even humor, he doesn't pull punches. He doesn't soften God's true message. He tells us exactly what we need to hear so that we don't become the ones sent away in Matthew 7:23-23.

Idleman challenges to stop being simply fans of Jesus and start being the followers we claim to be. If you consider yourself a Christ follower, dare yourself to read this book and see where you really fall.