Out my Window: A beautiful Spring day, low 70s, sun, blue skies, birds chirping
Enjoying: Cooking on the grill, hanging flower baskets, making summer recipes and marinades, smell of lilacs
Listening to/Watching: Still in the epic story mood so I started listening to Lord of the Rings on Audible. Another great narrator makes this a good listen. Listened to the Holy Post Podcast, this week happened to have an interview with David Swanson author of Rediscipling the White Church. I appreciated his take in how we can break down these barriers in the church, less programmatic and more real interaction around the table of Christ. https://www.holypost.com/holy-post-podcast/episode/1f69e110/episode-406-qanon-and-rediscipling-the-white-church-with-david-swanson We signed up for the Disney plus so we could watch The Mandalorian. I think I would have preferred it as one full movie, but it was worth watching.
Reading: I am hooked on A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Fredrick Backman. I have had to set it aside to finish two book launch books but I can’t wait to get back into the story. It surprised me how well it followed Eleanor Oliphant is Fine. Both such good reminders of people needing to be seen, and simple kindnesses to help them live another day. Finished reading Derwin Gray’s The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness based on the beatitudes (June 2). It is a very accessible and applicable book on the Beatitudes. The way he weaves stories and Scripture is engaging. I appreciate his questions and reminders at the end of each chapter. It would make a good book study. I jumped into a last minute opportunity to join Scott Sauls’ book launch team for A Gentle Answer: Our ‘Secret Weapon’ in an Age of Us Against Them (also being released June 2). I have been focused reading these two books since they are both due out on the same day. Wow, both for such a time as this and they pair well together. Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference compiled by Timothy Keller and John Inazu is still out for the read.
By my bed: Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund. I continue to savor this book, and am encouraged by its message. I will be sad when this one is done.
Rambling Thoughts: This week has been a long lament, groaning with creation and longing for the full redemption of the world. I know that as a Christian I am to be Christ’s hands and feet to help continue to usher in the Kingdom of God. My heart aches for my brothers and sisters who live in fear because of the color of their skin, and others who live in distrust of all authority because of their status in their community. My heart aches for all the families who have had to stand at the coffin of a person killed by violence. My heart aches for all those who have had to watch their loved ones die via technology, my heart aches for all those who have to wait in parking lots as their loved ones have surgery, my heart aches for all the people locked in their homes around the world because of covid who have no food and are literally dying of starvation, my heart aches for all those who have to work that shouldn’t be because they are vulnerable, my heart aches for all those who have lost jobs, for all those home in houses that are unsafe, for all the people who have had enough and are rioting and looting, for those who do it out of malicious intent and those who do it out of desperation, Lord have mercy on us. Show us the way to be your hands and feet in this time. Comfort those who grieve for what is, and what will never be. Comfort those who do not see a way out, challenge those and give courage to those of us who can do something, show us the way forward. We need your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Show us how to be Kingdom people. Show us how to add light and hope in any area we can. Show us how to be quick to listen and slow to judge. Show us how to have your gentle heart. Lord have mercy.
Fitness and Mental Health: Walked a bit, but lost all momentum with days in the 80s and 90s. I am trying to figure out some sort of structure for exercise. I need it, especially the PT and Core Strengthening. Mental Health getting outside is important. Taking pictures of signs of life and sharing thoughts on Instagram. Feel free to join me there inkblotlife.com_peggy or just add your own #signsoflife. This week was a lot of processing some big emotions, and trying to figure what my role is. I wrote more this week and thought more. https://inkblotlife.com/2020/05/27/blessed-are/ Definitely a huge emotions week. I was thankful for what I was listening to and reading. They gave me hope and encouragement.
Giving Thanks: my home, provisions, Bible Study online, laughter, flowers from a friend, notes in the mail, unexpected gift from Derwin Gray’s and BH Publishing, good food, flowers blooming, for life and hope, protection for my son when his building had a small fire, expectations of what God is going to do in the next season of the Body of Christ, excited to be planning the new discipleship groups and a Sunday worship experience that is closer to the heart of the early church
Inkblot Life 