They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. But not when it comes to God.
“Vietnam” by Max Hastings
I never really understood the war then or later, so reading this book was, for me, a way to reckon with a history that never made sense to me. (Nonfiction)
Rats Don’t Wear Boots
It seems like the adage of pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps is still thriving. The rats, however, have a different opinion.
When the Right Church and the Right Minister Find Each Other, Everybody Wins
You might say that we run a dating service for ministers and churches; we highlight for a church someone they may wish to call.
Apathetic Apophatics Washing Dishes
I fear we’ve used our friend Brother Lawrence to excuse our apathetic prayer lives, assigning him words he never said.
“Everything Is Illuminated” by Jonathan Safran Foer
Ultimately, I think the book is about memory, language, and what Alex calls “common decencies.” (Fiction)
Opportunity at the Gate
Jesus’s parables catch me off guard, causing me to question whether my assumptions about myself, God, and the kingdom are grounded in truth.
A Most Complex Hug
While many feel inspired by this embodiment of love and forgiveness, others believe you cannot hug away decades of racism and police brutality.
“Reading the OED” by Ammon Shea
You know you must be really hard up for reading material when you resort to reading the dictionary. (Nonfiction)
It Is What It Is. Maybe.
The topic of faith and aging is always present, so why is it a gap in my faith community experiences?
Vulture Brain
There’s something unsettling about vultures. These birds that traffic in death. That subsist off another’s end. That fly circles around the weak and vulnerable, the dying and dead.
The Power of Showing Up
We want to make a difference in the lives of our family, our community of faith, and our world.
“A Mercy” by Toni Morrison
Morrison writes so brilliantly and compellingly that we might not immediately notice how often she is describing very sordid actions. (Fiction)
For Elders in Conversation with Upset Families about Gender Inclusion, Read This
Gender communication style differences played a large role during our gender inclusion process.
Please Hear My Voice
There exists a group of people who feel like they are not being heard. Not being listened to. Not being welcomed into the kingdom of God in the way God intended.
“Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely
I know it’s hard to believe, but here’s a book on basic economic behavior that is amazingly entertaining. (Nonfiction)
The Reason You Get So Angry with Those Who Differ
Christians shouldn’t have to agree with people, even on big things like politics, in order to have healthy relationships with each other.
“Lunch at the Piccadilly” by Clyde Edgerton
This novel is deeply relational, and I assure you the residents of this nursing home are hilarious. Don't be surprised if there's a breakout in a stolen car. (Fiction)
Celebrating Leads to Success
How do we keep from trending toward extinction? How do we convince people that church life is much more than just a tradition or formality?
Weary and Heavy Burdened
I don’t know how to let go. Maybe you have that problem too. I find myself subconsciously and constantly attempting to be better and to do more.