“Wholeness does not mean perfection: it means embracing brokenness as an integral part of life.” - Parker Palmer in A Hidden Wholeness

Does anyone have recommendations on literature in the genre of fiction or poetry that addresses themes of hope amidst despair?

Last Friday, Kelly and I went for a walk along the Lake Michigan coast at the Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park here in Milwaukee. While we were there a storm blew over and then lingered over the lake.

“The church as a truly universal supranational society is the bearer of the vision that alone can give to each nation a true unity of purpose. But if it is to do that, it must accept in every nation the responsibility of placing all public life—political, economic, and cultural—in the light of its gospel. It must affirm that the central shrine of a nation’s life cannot remain empty, that if Chris is not there then an idol will certainly take his place.” - Lesslie Newbigin, Foolishness to the Greeks, 123.

It was so great to talk through my Doctor of Ministry project with the staff of Eastbrook Church this morning. I am so thankful for where this is going and can’t wait for this to turn into a book in 2025.

Just finished reading The Jesus Prayer by Lev Gillet. If you are looking for a succinct introduction to the history and practice of the Jesus prayer, this is your book. 📚

What might the significance be of Mary mistaking Jesus for a gardener? That’s what I explored in my message, “Mistaken for a Gardener,” this past Sunday at Eastbrook Church as part of our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. Is the Gospel writer trying to tell us something?

Just finished reading: Another Name: Septology VI-VII by Jon Fosse which completes the parts of Septology. After struggling with this work initially, I ended up having a hard time putting it down. Fosse’s reflections on the divine, mystery, art, love, death, and more were striking. 📚

I enjoyed reading portions of The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware to better familiarize myself with the history and theology of Eastern Orthodoxy. 📚

I just finished reading: I Is Another by Jon Fosse 📚

“Five Important Contemporary Books on Spiritual Formation and Discipleship” - If there are other books that have been influential for you, I would enjoy if you would share the title and author of that book and why it has been so important in your life with God.

I just finished reading The Other Name by Jon Fosse. At times beautiful, at times shocking, at times thought-provoking. It took me awhile to get into Fosse’s writing style (even though I had read other books by him) but once I caught his rhythm I found I couldn’t put it down. 📚

Currently reading: The Great Enigma: New Collected Poems by Tomas Transtromer 📚

I read Brave New World by Aldous Huxley for the first time this past week. It was a quirky, thought-provoking read.

One of the highlights from last week when traveling with Kelly for a weeklong getaway in the Smoky Mountains was an impromptu stop-off at the Bookstore at the Berry Center in New Castle, KY, where I picked up a signed print of a poem by Wendell Berry. I had never been and it was a joy to visit.

Last night I finished reading: The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner 📚

I just finished reading: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 📚 I really enjoyed this funny, poignant, insightful, and culturally enlightening book.

“Why the Psalms are Essential for Spiritual Growth” - some thoughts posted today on my blog

I’m doing some work on “stages of faith” or developmental spirituality.

What is your favorite image or paradigm or framework for describing growth or maturation or stages within the spiritual life?

Or, if you don’t like such things, tell me why?

Just completed reading This Sacred Life by Norman Wirzba 📚 I really enjoy Wirzba’s work on food, agrarian life, and Wendell Berry, but this was an even more expansive exploration of topics that I found very meaningful and interesting. Highly recommend.

“The Radiant Brilliance of God in Us” - St. Athanasius on Psalm 1 and the power of meditating on the instruction of God.

I appreciate your prayer support today as I work on sermons for our new Lenten sermon series at Eastbrook Church, “The Tree and the Vine,” rooted in Psalm 1 and John 15. Thank you!

So thankful today that I get to begin the Lenten journey, celebrate Valentine’s Day, and also celebrate my 26th wedding anniversary with my amazing wife, Kelly.

“Being unable to cure death, wretchedness and ignorance, men have decided, in order to be happy, not to think about such things.” - Blaise Pascal in Pensées

One of the unintended consequences of my sermon this past weekend at Eastbrook from Ecclesiastes 12, “What is the most important thing in life?”, was many people reaching out to me about re-reading or purchasing Uri Shulevitz’s wonderful book The Treasure. It really is a wonderful little book.