So, it’s Friday again and while I’m a little late posting today’s Favorite Things, I thought what the heck, I’ll do it anyway.
Here’s what I have been loving, enjoying, or obsessing about this week:
Gay men loving Jesus. Okay, if you missed Wednesday’s guest post by Matt Appling about sexual identity, stop what you’re doing and read it now. Be sure to read the comments too, especially one by Darylhb. He sums up the struggle and beauty of being same-sex attracted with such wisdom and grace, it makes my heart swell. Subsequently, I now have a blog post idea brewing on the issue.
Babies. Well, actually just one baby–my new son, Beckett. About 4 days ago, he decided to cry whenever he is awake, which means a lot of crying and desperately trying to get him back to sleep. I’m exhausted. Please pray for him…and me.
Gitzengirl. Choose Joy. That is the phrase of a young woman named Sara, who is suffering and now dying, from a painful and rare disease. She happens to be a blogger who has shared her story and struggle with thousands. She has chosen joy, despite her circumstances. She was recently (as in a few days ago) told that her body is failing her. Please, visit her blog, read her story, share her with others, and pray as Jesus ushers her home.
Speaking. I am currently preparing for a speaking engagement I was invited to attend. The big day is only a few short weeks away and let me tell you, I am so out of my league. I am trusting God for the results. I will give you more info as the day gets closer.
Acts. I recently began a study of the Book of Acts, along with about 50 other women. I am already dwelling on thoughts of the Holy Spirit and His presence. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 Thank you Lord for giving us the Helper, without whom this Christian life would seem impossible.
So where have your thoughts been this week? What have you been thinking about, dwelling on, praying for? Good or bad?
PSSSSSST- I also did an interview for Something Beautiful podcast this week. I talked about how I found Christ, why I blog, organic church, and finding real community–among other things. Check it out here!
1. Black & Mild cigars. Actually, that’s more like a guilty pleasure.
2. Interviewing you this week for the Something Beautiful podcast. Should be online later today.
3. The barista at my favorite local coffee shop making me a chicken salad wrap after the kitchen closed.
4. James Taylor. Most singers’ voices weaken with age, but he’s still got it!
5. Pumpkin spice lattes!
Our interview was fun!
and I am totally with you on the kind gesture of the barista. Those little things make such a difference.
Amen for pumpkin spice lattes!
Normally the kitchen closes at 2, but the cook had to leave early because of a family emergency.
1. Julian of Norwich. Fascinating perspective on Christianity – so much different than what I spent decades believing.
2. Sexual identity. Wednesday’s blog post included. Dipping my toes back into the dating pool. Always interesting.
3. Over-reactions to 9/11 and other tragedies like the Columbine shootings. Pondering how our culture tends to react by taking actions that supposedly make us safer, but do relatively nothing to fix the real issues that created the tragedy. Attended a lecture on civil rights after 9/11, read blogs by a Columbine survivor and another by Michael Moore about the US reaction to his beliefs.
4. Health. Had a major office visit with my cardiologist this morning. Things are okay, but my life’s work is to keep myself healthy – physically, emotionally, spiritually.
5. Fall. First cool weather in the Midwest. Furnaces coming on. Taking the house plants back inside. Evaluating my collection of jackets to see if they need updating.
I don’t know Julian of Norwich…sounds interesting.
As for #3, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject. Any plans for a blog post on the issue?
Glad to hear you are healthy, as well!
I did a “minor” blog on it last week.
http://notesfromthebrook.com/?p=330
If I do a more major take on it, I’ll let you know.
Are you doing the Acts study with Bible Study Fellowship? That’s the book we’re studying this year! I’ll be praying for your new baby Beckett. Thanks for posting. I love reading your posts.
It’s actually a study written by my aunt. She does a sort of “walk through the Bible” approach, where we incorporate maps and precept study techniques.
Thanks for the prayers for Beckett too!
This blog is great. Keep up the good work! I’ll be praying for your new baby.
Mike,
Thanks so much for the kind words and the prayers. Hope to see you around here again. Blessings