Oh, Linda. Stopping in to tell you I'll be featuring Porch #144 at Sweet Tea & Friend's August Link-Up. Porch #144 was one of the most visited in July.
As you know, I'm a pastor so I do selective reading. Most often it is in reference to a future sermon series I am considering preaching or am researching. My reading is wide and varied. I have read so much this summer my wife knows where to find me when I'm not in the front room with her (I can only take so much TV and Hallmark movies). :) Just wanted to comment on two of your "history" books. I remember buying Mad Church Disease but for some reason never got around to reading it. Maybe it was because at that point burnout was not an issue. At my age now (71) I need to go read it so that I have enough left for the race. The book by Yancey was a game-changer for me when I read it in the 70s. I recommend it to anyone struggling with pain and loneliness and questions about God's faithfulness. Joni's story floored me as did several others. But the one thing which stuck out to me was instead of asking, "Why me?" one should ask, "Now that this is happening how does God want me to react?" That changed everything! if somewhere along the line you would like to know what I have been reading, I would be glad to share that list.
I'm with you, Bill. I can take only so much TV, especially news which brings on a wisps of anxiety that I can certainly live without. I'm with you on Yancey's book and the Tada's story together. Eye openers, heart breakers. And yes to those kind of questions that turn our whole perspective around. Mine is, 'what are You inviting me to, God?'
And yes, please, if you've got a list, please put it right here. Thanks, friend.
Here is a partial list of what I have read over the past few months:
Several books on Revelation by Guthrie, Poythress, Bewes, Beale/Campbell and Chapell
De-Sizing the Church by Vaters (excellent)
Glad You're Here by Hayes and Cooper. The latter befriended a drunk agnostic country singer (Hayes) and his first words when he came to church drunk were "I'm glad you're here." Great book (and I'm not a country music fan). it shows how a church can welcome anyone and then let God do the changing. Walker came to know Christ through Craig's influence and they are best friends living next to each other.
Just Show Up by Drew Dych (another excellent book)
Feels Like Home by Eclov (just finished it for the second time)
Pastoral Graces by Eclov
Next by Vanderbloeman/Bird (on pastoral succession and planning for it)
Truth Over Tribe by Miller and Simon (being faithful to the Lamb and not the donkey or the elephant). Great book on not taking sides
Unanswered by Jeremiah Johnston
Celebrities for Jesus by Beaty
Living with Hope by Michael Panther (Michael's story of life in Africa and a wheelchair and how an American family made the difference in his life)
Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia by John Dunlop MD (a wonderful book)
Out of the Blue by Murtha (Greg was diagnosed with Aggressive Stage 3 cancer and fought for 5 years). I am rereading it for the second time right now.
The Elder-Led Church by Capill
Shepherding the Shepherd (Vol 1 & 2) by Eclov
I am getting ready to order Voddie Bauchman's new book (It's Not Like Being Black about how sexual activists hijacked the civil right movement making it akin to being black). Another is one called Second Forgetting by Dr. Benjamin Mast (on dementia) and Life in a Negative World by Aaron Renn. Whew! My fingers are tired! Hope this opens some worlds to read! If anyone has any questions about any of them, please have them email me.
Like wow, Bill. Thanks for taking the time to pull this all together. No wonder your fingers are tired. Talk about a comprehensive list. I know there's readers who are jotting down titles.
Karen, hi! This title intrigued me and I went and looked at the description. It had me at 'pick battles worthy of your time and energy.' I've learned the need to live like this the hard way, slowly learning to discern what's worth 'going to the mat' for, backing off from making a big deal about things that don't matter in the light of eternity. Sounds like a must-read. I'd love to hear your take on it when you're done. Thank you for sharing this.
I read this the day you sent it but hadn't had a chance to comment yet! I was visiting my sister and was too busy to do much else. It's interesting to see what you have read over the years. I hope your 4th of July was lovely and you have a great week!
Linda loved reading your interview, I not only learned more about you, but how much we share in common! Since I also live on the East coast maybe one day we can catch up in person!
I really enjoyed reading your interview, Linda! The infographic format was so fun. I love your love of books, and I get some great ideas for my TBR list from your posts. Meantime, I'm now working part-time at a little local library (one of my dream jobs, for sure ... the other being to work in a small, independent bookstore), and not a day goes by without someone telling me about another great book to read. There are definitely way too many books I want to read, more than I can possibly read in a lifetime. Not a bad problem for a book lover to have!
I do love seeing what others are reading. We leave next week for a vacation and I plan this weekend to visit my bookshelves to see what books beg to come along on the trip with me. Let's see who wants to come, right?
'I plan this weekend to visit my bookshelves to see what books beg to come along on the trip with me.'
This is so sweetly put, Jean! I know you'll find exactly the right titles for this summer journey. And after you choose, if you want to share, I'll be right here, all eager to hear what you're packing. Really!
So happy to read your interview at Michelle Watson's place, Linda. What an informative and creative way to display who you are! I'm always learning something new about you, too, and it's always good. :) (Btw, I just realized I could subscribe to your substack in my Feedly reader, so I unsubscribed to the email newsletter but I will definitely still be following and reading your every post; just in my reader now!)
I have to remind myself that I did not miss out when I haven't read a book that is in the "literary time capsule." So many books! I'm learning to browse bookstores and libraries for the pleasure of just being around books, instead of overwhelmed by the choices. A book, I think, can be like artwork. Some you may just admire and honor their appearance, and others are taken into your hands to be studied, piece by piece -- word by word.
Oh my goodness, Lynn, this is so beautiful - 'A book, I think, can be like artwork. Some you may just admire and honor their appearance, and others are taken into your hands to be studied, piece by piece -- word by word.'
I never thought about that in between feeling before. You're right., Michele A bit of space, a bit of anticipation all swirled together.
Oh and the mittens. That's so sweet. Good for you for not waiting til October! For sure, you're the 1st person I've heard mentioning Christmas 2024 this year. There must be some kind of prize for that distinction. But meanwhile, yes, I'm slowly gathering gifts for my happy gang. I just have to watch very carefully on those few times we get to browse a store together during the year. Such fun.
Oh I have so many books piled in the top drawer of my nightstand waiting to be read.... but I keep setting them aside for the library books I pick up since they have a due date and the ones in my nightstand do not... I keep saying I'm not going to get any more book from the library until I read the ones I have but I never really follow through on that one!
I know, right? I've been keeping titles 'frozen' on my library request list until I'm actually ready for them. When I finally 'unfreeze' them, they're usually ready within the week!
OH it's a long list; many were given to me by my mom and mother in law when they finished reading them... Palazzo by Danielle Steel, Snowfall in the City by Susan Wiggs, Where the Heart is by Billie Letts, Obsessed by James Patterson, The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman, The Beach House: Coming Home by Georgia Bockoven, A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery, The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, Fern Michael's The Jury, The President's Daughter by James Patterson, Summer Cottage by Annie Rains, Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel, The Light In Summer by Mary McNear, Emma Miller's Anna's Gift, and Danger in Amish Country by Marta Perry, Diane Burke & Kit Wilkinsson.
Wow! You must have a ginormous sized nightstand, Joanne! I love that you share books with your mom and mother-in-law. It somehow makes the reads more personal and intimate.
So do you get to keep them when you're done or do you pass them on or give them back? ( I'm curious/nosy.)
Oh, Linda. Stopping in to tell you I'll be featuring Porch #144 at Sweet Tea & Friend's August Link-Up. Porch #144 was one of the most visited in July.
{{Hugs}}
xo
Well that's COOL! Thank you, friend.
ox
I had a great time with the interview, Linda, and it's wonderful to get to know you better.
Hugs and blessings
Veronica, thanks!
As you know, I'm a pastor so I do selective reading. Most often it is in reference to a future sermon series I am considering preaching or am researching. My reading is wide and varied. I have read so much this summer my wife knows where to find me when I'm not in the front room with her (I can only take so much TV and Hallmark movies). :) Just wanted to comment on two of your "history" books. I remember buying Mad Church Disease but for some reason never got around to reading it. Maybe it was because at that point burnout was not an issue. At my age now (71) I need to go read it so that I have enough left for the race. The book by Yancey was a game-changer for me when I read it in the 70s. I recommend it to anyone struggling with pain and loneliness and questions about God's faithfulness. Joni's story floored me as did several others. But the one thing which stuck out to me was instead of asking, "Why me?" one should ask, "Now that this is happening how does God want me to react?" That changed everything! if somewhere along the line you would like to know what I have been reading, I would be glad to share that list.
I'm with you, Bill. I can take only so much TV, especially news which brings on a wisps of anxiety that I can certainly live without. I'm with you on Yancey's book and the Tada's story together. Eye openers, heart breakers. And yes to those kind of questions that turn our whole perspective around. Mine is, 'what are You inviting me to, God?'
And yes, please, if you've got a list, please put it right here. Thanks, friend.
Here is a partial list of what I have read over the past few months:
Several books on Revelation by Guthrie, Poythress, Bewes, Beale/Campbell and Chapell
De-Sizing the Church by Vaters (excellent)
Glad You're Here by Hayes and Cooper. The latter befriended a drunk agnostic country singer (Hayes) and his first words when he came to church drunk were "I'm glad you're here." Great book (and I'm not a country music fan). it shows how a church can welcome anyone and then let God do the changing. Walker came to know Christ through Craig's influence and they are best friends living next to each other.
Just Show Up by Drew Dych (another excellent book)
Feels Like Home by Eclov (just finished it for the second time)
Pastoral Graces by Eclov
Next by Vanderbloeman/Bird (on pastoral succession and planning for it)
Truth Over Tribe by Miller and Simon (being faithful to the Lamb and not the donkey or the elephant). Great book on not taking sides
Unanswered by Jeremiah Johnston
Celebrities for Jesus by Beaty
Living with Hope by Michael Panther (Michael's story of life in Africa and a wheelchair and how an American family made the difference in his life)
Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia by John Dunlop MD (a wonderful book)
Out of the Blue by Murtha (Greg was diagnosed with Aggressive Stage 3 cancer and fought for 5 years). I am rereading it for the second time right now.
The Elder-Led Church by Capill
Shepherding the Shepherd (Vol 1 & 2) by Eclov
I am getting ready to order Voddie Bauchman's new book (It's Not Like Being Black about how sexual activists hijacked the civil right movement making it akin to being black). Another is one called Second Forgetting by Dr. Benjamin Mast (on dementia) and Life in a Negative World by Aaron Renn. Whew! My fingers are tired! Hope this opens some worlds to read! If anyone has any questions about any of them, please have them email me.
Like wow, Bill. Thanks for taking the time to pull this all together. No wonder your fingers are tired. Talk about a comprehensive list. I know there's readers who are jotting down titles.
I'm super appreciative.
Currently reading You Don’t Have to Try So Hard by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory.
Karen, hi! This title intrigued me and I went and looked at the description. It had me at 'pick battles worthy of your time and energy.' I've learned the need to live like this the hard way, slowly learning to discern what's worth 'going to the mat' for, backing off from making a big deal about things that don't matter in the light of eternity. Sounds like a must-read. I'd love to hear your take on it when you're done. Thank you for sharing this.
https://amzn.to/3xPGEaL
I love the interview, Linda, and Michelle's creative way of presenting. Love and blessings to you!
Yes, she IS incredibly creative in her presentation and so enthusiastic in her writing in general. I'm a fan.
I love the new look here, Linda. And also your feature on Michelle Watson's Substack. What a fun way to do an interview!
Happy 4th, Lois. I hope this has been a fun week for you guys!
I read this the day you sent it but hadn't had a chance to comment yet! I was visiting my sister and was too busy to do much else. It's interesting to see what you have read over the years. I hope your 4th of July was lovely and you have a great week!
I hope you had a lovely time with your sister this past week. These times with family are the best part of summer ...
Linda loved reading your interview, I not only learned more about you, but how much we share in common! Since I also live on the East coast maybe one day we can catch up in person!
You're right, Donna. There's some people we simply resonate with. Kindred spirits, for sure!
It was a great interview and I enjoyed learning more about you!
Lisa, thank you!
I really enjoyed reading your interview, Linda! The infographic format was so fun. I love your love of books, and I get some great ideas for my TBR list from your posts. Meantime, I'm now working part-time at a little local library (one of my dream jobs, for sure ... the other being to work in a small, independent bookstore), and not a day goes by without someone telling me about another great book to read. There are definitely way too many books I want to read, more than I can possibly read in a lifetime. Not a bad problem for a book lover to have!
Congrats, dear Quiet Creative! Some readers are going to be green with envy when they read about your dream job. We"d all love to hear more ...
How fun to be chosen for the interview! Congratulations, Linda! It is definitely well deserved!
It was fun.
I do love seeing what others are reading. We leave next week for a vacation and I plan this weekend to visit my bookshelves to see what books beg to come along on the trip with me. Let's see who wants to come, right?
'I plan this weekend to visit my bookshelves to see what books beg to come along on the trip with me.'
This is so sweetly put, Jean! I know you'll find exactly the right titles for this summer journey. And after you choose, if you want to share, I'll be right here, all eager to hear what you're packing. Really!
So happy to read your interview at Michelle Watson's place, Linda. What an informative and creative way to display who you are! I'm always learning something new about you, too, and it's always good. :) (Btw, I just realized I could subscribe to your substack in my Feedly reader, so I unsubscribed to the email newsletter but I will definitely still be following and reading your every post; just in my reader now!)
Oh I'm glad that works for you, Lisa. I always love when we catch up with each other ... especially over a pile of books, right?!
I have to remind myself that I did not miss out when I haven't read a book that is in the "literary time capsule." So many books! I'm learning to browse bookstores and libraries for the pleasure of just being around books, instead of overwhelmed by the choices. A book, I think, can be like artwork. Some you may just admire and honor their appearance, and others are taken into your hands to be studied, piece by piece -- word by word.
Oh my goodness, Lynn, this is so beautiful - 'A book, I think, can be like artwork. Some you may just admire and honor their appearance, and others are taken into your hands to be studied, piece by piece -- word by word.'
I want to sit quietly with your words all day.
I finished the Lore Wilbert’s The Understory last night and I don’t know what will be next. I love the in between feeling!
In other news, I have a goal of knitting 6 pairs of Christmas mittens before Thanksgiving Day. Started pair #2 this week…
I never thought about that in between feeling before. You're right., Michele A bit of space, a bit of anticipation all swirled together.
Oh and the mittens. That's so sweet. Good for you for not waiting til October! For sure, you're the 1st person I've heard mentioning Christmas 2024 this year. There must be some kind of prize for that distinction. But meanwhile, yes, I'm slowly gathering gifts for my happy gang. I just have to watch very carefully on those few times we get to browse a store together during the year. Such fun.
Oh I have so many books piled in the top drawer of my nightstand waiting to be read.... but I keep setting them aside for the library books I pick up since they have a due date and the ones in my nightstand do not... I keep saying I'm not going to get any more book from the library until I read the ones I have but I never really follow through on that one!
I know, right? I've been keeping titles 'frozen' on my library request list until I'm actually ready for them. When I finally 'unfreeze' them, they're usually ready within the week!
So what titles are on your nightstand, Joanne?
OH it's a long list; many were given to me by my mom and mother in law when they finished reading them... Palazzo by Danielle Steel, Snowfall in the City by Susan Wiggs, Where the Heart is by Billie Letts, Obsessed by James Patterson, The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman, The Beach House: Coming Home by Georgia Bockoven, A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery, The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, Fern Michael's The Jury, The President's Daughter by James Patterson, Summer Cottage by Annie Rains, Amazing Grace by Danielle Steel, The Light In Summer by Mary McNear, Emma Miller's Anna's Gift, and Danger in Amish Country by Marta Perry, Diane Burke & Kit Wilkinsson.
Wow! You must have a ginormous sized nightstand, Joanne! I love that you share books with your mom and mother-in-law. It somehow makes the reads more personal and intimate.
So do you get to keep them when you're done or do you pass them on or give them back? ( I'm curious/nosy.)
I usually pass them on to someone else when I'm done or donate them to our local library or one of those little free libraries we have around.
Love that.