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New Friends Bound Between Covers (otherwise known as my yearly book recommendations)

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My life has changed in so many ways over the past few years. While the journey has often been painful, it is also refining, joyful, and rewarding. I pray the journey has made me a better person. Now retired and on my own, I have more available time, and I pray to use it wisely. And, because I don’t have cable and seldom watch TV, I read a whole lot of books.

I appreciate when others share books they have read and recommend, and so I like to do the same. Because I’m in school and currently writing a dissertation, many of the books I read might not be your preference, so I am offering a sampling of books that have richly fed me. If you wish to see the expanded list, which includes some fabulous readings on Restoration Movement history, Spirituality history, hermeneutics, and various other topics, I will be happy to send it to you. For this listing, I have narrowed it to thirty-something books that served me well this year (in no particular order). I am thankful for the time shared with the authors who have challenged my thinking, encouraged me, made me cry, made me mad, made me laugh, inspired me, and comforted me. I wish I had the time and space to offer a synopsis and quote from each book… as there is so much good stuff in them. Here you go:

  1. “The Daily Audio Bible Chronological” (This is the first year I did a yearly chronological Bible reading and also the first time I used an audio version) This year I am doing the daily audio Bible (not chronological). Each day has an audio reading from the OT, NT, Psalms, and Proverbs. It’s an app called Daily Audio Bible.
  2. Spiritual Formation: Following the Movements of the Spirit by Henri Nouwen with Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird
  3. Spiritual Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life by Henri Nouwen with Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird
  4. Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith by Henri Nouwen with Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird (Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird, two of my professors, compiled this outstanding trilogy of Nouwen’s writings)
  5. Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen, compiled by Gabrielle Earnshaw (yes, I’m a Henri Nouwen fan.)
  6. Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith beyond the Baggage of Western Culture by Mandy Smith
  7. Transformed into Fire: Discovering Your True Identity as God’s Beloved by Judith Hougen
  8. 40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast by Alicia Britt Chole (I read this each year for the forty days leading to Easter)
  9. Everywhere You Look: Discovering the Church Right Where You Are by Timothy Soerens
  10. Saved by Faith and Hospitality by Joshua Jipp
  11. A Many Colored Kingdom: Multicultural Dynamics for Spiritual Formation by Conde-Frazier, Kang, Parrett
  12. Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines Manhood by Carolyn Custis James
  13. Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
  14. Forming: A Work of Grace by David Takle
  15. Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, and More Connected by Jonah Paquette PsyD
  16. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
  17. Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
  18. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by Mark Comer
  19. The Longing for Home by Frederick Buechner
  20. Speak What We Feel (not what we ought to say): Reflections on Literature and Faith by Frederick Buechner (I marvel at Buechner’s literary abilities)
  21. Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by Philip Yancey
  22. Soul Survivor: How Thirteen Unlikely Mentors Helped My Faith Survive the Church by Philip Yancey  (Philip Yancey always speaks deep into my heart)
  23. Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans
  24. Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff
  25. Listening to the Spirit in the Text by Gordon Fee
  26. Surprised by Scripture by N.T. Wright
  27. Open to the Spirit: God in Us, God with Us, God Transforming Us by Scot McKight
  28. Fresh Air: The Holy Spirit for an Inspired Life by Jack Levison
  29. Faith Formation in a Secular Age by Andrew Root
  30. Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker: A Theological Vision for Discipleship and Life Together by Andrew Root
  31. Spiritual Conversations with Children: Listening to God Together by Lacy Borgo Finn
  32. The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin
  33. The Epic of Eden by Sandra Richter
  34. The Heaven Promise by Scot McKnight
  35. Get Your Life Back by John Eldridge
  36. Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power by Andy Crouch
  37. As I Recall: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life by Casey Tygrett
  38. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brene Brown

And, for those who have experienced transitions of any kind recently (who hasn’t?), my newest book, What Now, God? Finding God in Transitions was published this year. I recommend this one as well 😊 And, for those dealing with grief, check out Roger and Marcia Lamb’s new book, This Doesn’t Feel Like Love, Either.

I’m beginning this year with John Mark Hicks’ newest book, Around the Bible in 80 Days:The Story of God from Creation to New Creation. Excellent. My shelf is already full of some outstanding to-be-reads. 😊Excited about the journey.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

The Yearly and Daily Examen…2022 Musings

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Most days, as I watch the sunset over the Connecticut River across the street from my house, I reflect on the previous hours of daylight. An ancient practice, called the Spiritual Examen, is a prayerful reflection of the events of the day to find God’s presence and discern his direction, finding His hand (and heart) at work in the bigger picture. This practice (at sunset for me) has added depth, meaning, and growth to my life. So, today, the day before the new year begins, seems a good time to take a yearly examen. It’s easy to forget things that happen over the course of a year, thus missing ways God is evident…along with times that feel foggier when He seems less visible. Outside right now a dense fog completely hides the sunset, but I know God is still alive and well. So, today I have journeyed through my electronic calendar of 2022 and my gallery of photos. As I reflect back on this year several thoughts come to mind. In 2022:

There was family. I feel grateful every day for my family. Wyndham is never far away in my thoughts and in so many ways, I see him live on. I see and feel God’s presence in so many experiences and feelings of love. 2022 family memories include birthday celebrations, soccer games, baseball, and of course the highlights of the baptisms of two grandchildren, Lexi and Micah, as their faith and desire to follow Jesus came to life. The family also

shared time at the CT coast over Labor Day, and finally got to be together for Thanksgiving and Christmas after several years of Covid and/or stomach bugs preventing holiday times together the past couple of years. A post-Covid regular event that I have also enjoyed all year is my ever-other-week Zoom call with my sisters. I’m the youngest of four girls, and I’m so grateful for these three amazing women. I also feel grateful for Wyndham’s wonderful sisters.

There were firsts. Never thought I would say this, but I got a tattoo this year. My wedding rings were loose, and while I know I am not married any longer, I didn’t want to take them off. I compromised and decided to get Wyndham’s initials, WTS, which he used to sign all his emails, engraved on my ring finger. I love it. When people ask if it hurt, compared to childbirth and kidney stones, it was quite all right. I also officiated my first wedding this year, which was deeply meaningful in so many ways and quite a God-story surrounding the whole time. God certainly showed up. Another first is that I bought the two-family house next door that had been in probate, had it renovated, and thus began a small rental business. I was certainly not planning on doing this, but the opportunity arose, and it seemed a wise move.  And, I might add, I am surrounded by wonderful neighbors.

There were lasts. This year I lost several loved ones, including Wyndham’s (and my) dear Aunt Emma, my adventurous and kind brother-in-law, Roy, and my dear friend of many decades, Sheila Jones. I know many of you lost loved ones and continue to grieve. My heart is with you. Also, early this month Jacob moved back to MA, which was quite sad and yet also happy…because it was a good and right decision. So glad and grateful he is doing well in the Lowell condo.

There were books.  I’m sure I officially qualify as a nerd if the term is measured by books read. I’ll share my favorites in a post tomorrow, but I had no idea until I put my list together that I read well over a hundred books this year. Many were about the Restoration Movement, many were about hermeneutics, and many were about spiritual formation. There were also various others that challenged my thinking and my heart, helping me to continually learn and grow.  ( think there were perhaps one or two fictions in …well at least one.) I will share some of my favorite reads in a post tomorrow. Today, I finished the Daily Chronological Bible. This is the first time I did a yearly chronological Bible reading. Or rather, I listened to an audio version. I chose to do an audio version since the original Bible hearers heard the Scriptures read to them. This was a great experience though certainly required perseverance.

There were opportunities to learn. Along with what I learned from books, I cannot express how much I love my spiritual formation doctoral program. This new year marks the final year of my classes, which end in July.  Also, a few months ago I began Christian coaching training, which involves a 26-week two-hour class to be followed by supervised coaching training. (I will be offering 4 people 10 hours of free coaching in the spring of 2023, so if you are interested send me a message.) In the fall once classes are over, I plan to begin a spiritual director training program. Somehow, I hope and pray all these will mesh together in a meaningful way to contribute.

I am grateful for all I was able to learn at the ICOC Teachers Conference in February, “The Art of Scripture Reading.”

It was helpful, and conversations with the teachers always help me grow. Expect an article soon with my thoughts on a speech from that conference that reached into some deep recesses of my heart (taught by Sherie Gayle). I look forward to this year’s conference next month. I also greatly benefitted from a 12-week “Forming” workshop excellently facilitated by Byron Parsons, along with several hundred brothers and sisters from around the world. This was an outstanding workshop. I loved it so much that I plan to facilitate a session, along with David Bruce from L.A., early in the year. (To accommodate the time frame needed for this request from overseas, it will be offered on a weekday afternoon. I’ll post more when I know more.) I continually learn from several groups I gather with on Zoom who are involved in Spiritual Formation…and also a group from the Common Grounds Unity Group. (Thanks, John Teal for organizing this). These feed and encourage my heart, refreshing me and calling me to grow.

There were books to write. This year, IPI published another of my books, “What Now, God? Finding God in Transitions.”  I figure that I have encountered so many transitions of late, I might as well share things that I have been learning. You can find it here: https://www.ipibooks.com/products/what-now-god-finding-god-in-transitions. It is also available on Kindle.

There were opportunities to teach. I love to learn and love to teach. This year, I both participated in and taught several workshops on spiritual formation and taught in several teaching days on the role of women in the church for my local church as well as several other churches in other locales. (Thanks, Robert, for including me in many of these opportunities.) I taught a class on “Experiencing God” at the ICOC teachers’ conference and was blessed to teach various classes at the conference in Orlando on topics such as spiritual disciplines, still learning on the journey, adoption, caregiving, grief, and finding God (Hagar…a class for teens). I enjoyed participating in a few podcasts throughout the year as well.  My studies in preparation for teaching teach me far more than I can ever hope to convey, I am sure. I keep praying for wisdom to know how to learn and convey most effectively.

There were opportunities to question. I’m forever curious so question many things these days, looking to see where I need to grow and change while digging deep to find answers. After talking with God, I always need to talk to wise, spiritual people about these questions. When I encounter compelling teachings different from the ways I have previously understood them I also read opposing views and critical reviews to help form my thoughts. I find this helpful. I also realize some things cannot be answered in this lifetime.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Is 55:9) This is actually quite comforting.

There were gatherings with old friends and new friends.  There is nothing like time with old friends and also the joy of finding new friends. I have met and spent some good times with new friends like Jennifer, Mary, and Judy with whom I share some sad things in common, along with many new friends from church and from my new and surroundings in CT. I recently enjoyed memory lane visiting familiar places (where Wyndham and I first lived) in Raleigh with Jan. I love it when Susan and Joan pop by my new house and have loved the visits from afar with the Iiames, McGuirks, Kim E and Kim T., my sister and niece, and others that are likely slipping my mind. I loved spending time at the Orlando conference with many dear “old” friends.

There were opportunities to serve. While I still desire, pray about,  and look for meaningful ways to serve more effectively, I have found several ways to serve that provide meaning. These, I will keep between God and me. From my readings this year, I have grown in my longing to serve my community in ways that I think I have not yet fulfilled. Lots of room to grow here.

There were opportunities to receive.  I finally got Covid last summer before the Reach Conference. I  realize that receiving is often harder for me than serving. I am learning more about the importance of receiving, so I am teaching on the topic “Reflection and Receiving” for a Spiritual Formation Zoom workshop on Jan 14. Participation is free but registration is required. Many excellent classes will be offered. The workshop is slated for 10:00am to 2:00pm PACIFIC time. https://forms.gle/bT124FmQdc1e2zoL9

There was nature to enjoy. A few visits to the mountains and the ocean refreshed my soul tremendously this year, but I need to walk in nature every day…to see, listen, and learn. I’ve also discovered that rain gear and layers of warm clothing, along with crampons (sounds like a very painful menstrual tool but they are actually spikes that fit on your shoes for walking in ice or snow) allow me to walk most every day. Sometimes I take “guided spiritual walks” which I love and will write about (hopefully soon). I also follow 3 animal sites on Instagram….a_puppy_and_a_bunny. (Cutest thing ever about the adventures of a golden retriever, a golden puppy, and a bunny named Smols.) And then there is the site piggy_patch_farm. Finally, there is chunk_the_groundhog.  I realize you may have now lost all respect for me, but hey, I enjoy these, although the piglets are seriously interfering with my former love for bacon. Oh, and of course, I cannot forget the beloved sunsets and ever-moving river I so enjoy.

There is so, so much to be grateful for. I’ll end my musings by simply saying thank you. Thank you, God for loving me and never leaving me. Thank you for being my hope and my salvation. Thank you for being my friend. And thank you, my friends, for enriching my life in more ways than I can ever express.

Happy New Year!

 

 

 

Gratitude, Curiosity, and the Spirit

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At precisely this time, 48 years ago, I was running some last-minute errands  in preparation for our wedding, which would be happening later at 3:00 pm,  December 14, 1974. I was at the store with a friend trying to find a blue garter (what a stupid tradition that was). Wyndham was playing a game of flag football with friends. What else would a groom do on his wedding day? I had just finished my last final of the quarter the day before (the UF used quarters rather than semesters). I had little time for wedding prep, as I had taken a heavy load of 22 hours to finish my studies early to move to join Wyndham. I had seen him once since our engagement in July, as he had moved to North Carolina to begin a new ministry. Though we wrote to each other often, we talked every other week. Long-distance calls were costly. I was a student and he was making 7k per year. (No worries, we got an increase to nearly 9k/year after we married. 🙂 We had to be creative for sure.) This would be my last day ever living in Gainesville, Florida. I would marry and permanently move away from my hometown. Two days later, I would see my first snow.

As I reflect on the precious years I had with my beloved husband, the main emotion I feel is gratitude. So much gratitude. Life wasn’t always easy, but the love and life we shared were beautiful. The last painful years during Wyndham’s illness were rich and precious, though incredibly difficult and even traumatic. I hold them as sacred. Wyndham will always be part of me…it would be impossible for it to be otherwise, and I am grateful he is forever part of me. But life is now quite different.

Three words that best describe my current state of being are gratitude, curiosity, and Spirit. I feel grateful and in awe of the beauty of creation. I feel grateful for the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience,… These are gifts from God. I cannot manufacture them. And what amazing gifts these are. Who else but God can give these?! I am grateful for daily food and water (especially combined with coffee beans) and so much more…so many blessings. I am grateful for my family and my friends. The relationships with my children and their families fill me with inexpressible joy. I love my cozy home and a place to stay warm. I love water, mountains, and sunsets. I’m thankful for animals…especially my Golden buddy, Denver. I’m grateful for the senses God gives me and for words and books and imagination. (I hope next week to share books read in 2022 and gleanings from a few of them.)

I love to learn. I understand more than ever before how much I do not know and cannot ever understand, and yet I long to learn more. The more I learn, the more amazed I become with God. I learn through life experiences, reading, observation, conversations with others, remembering, mistakes, listening more closely than I used to, and by making space to hear and experience God through His Spirit in my life. I value and am thankful for my deep dive into spiritual formation as I enter the final year of my doctoral program. I’m also learning through a Christian coaching certification program. I’m amazed at all there is to learn. I am grateful for curiosity. More than ever, I am gobsmacked (I often think of this word for astonishment as “God-smacked”…in the best way….as if God is saying, “Hey, do you even see what I am doing here?”) that God not only sent Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us…But, gave His Spirit as God in us. A reality, not a metaphor. To know that God became human so I could share His divinity is mind-boggling. This transforming reality requires serious thought and meditation.

So today, I thank you, Wyndham, for our shared precious memories. Little did I know what would lie ahead 48 years ago, but there is no one with whom I would have rather shared 45  of those years. Thank you, God, for always being not only by my side, but inside. I hold on to precious memories, but today, though my eyes may mist a time or two,  they make me smile in gratitude. And stay curious, my friends…marveling and relying on God within.

Three Years and God Still Holds the World

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Three of my granddaughters had just left our house. It was their bedtime, so their mom had taken them home. I did not know it would be the last time they would see their Papa alive, though I was well aware that every day was a gift. I then adjusted Wyndham’s medical equipment, kissed him goodnight, and slipped into the way-too-empty king-sized bed placed alongside his hospital bed, which had been his home for eight months.

I recounted the lyrics to the songs the girls had just sung to him. Not only did the words comfort him, but they also comforted me. One of the songs kept going through my head.

He’s got the whole world, in his hands.

He’s got the whole world, in his hands.

He’s got the whole world, in his hands.

He’s got the whole world in his hands.

As they sang more verses, they substituted the names of every family member, both human and canine, in place of “the whole world.”  What a profound message of truth they sang.

That was three years ago. November 21, 2019. This would be his last day on earth.

Each year, I try to commemorate this day in some special way, always including some form of pay-it-forward. I still don’t know quite what I will do to commemorate the day, but that is okay. I do less planning and orchestrating these days, trying my best to stay in step with the Spirit. Three years later, God still has the whole world in his hands. Thankfully, he holds my hand in his as well.

More than any other emotion, I feel profoundly grateful. I feel thankful to have known, loved, and been loved by Wyndham. I am grateful to be loved by and to love…and to be known by and to know my Abba, Father.

A lot has happened over these last three years, not to mention the life-altering Pandemic we all endured. I try to keep in sync with the Spirit, all the while learning how real those lyrics are – the whole world is, indeed, in his hands. I never know what the new day will bring, but as each day ends I marvel that God holds me. Perhaps this is a reason why I love to watch the sunset over the river. Every day looks different, holding its own beauty. As the sun disappears below the horizon, God’s artistry never disappoints. I reflect on ways God worked throughout the day, sometimes in ways that astound me. I evaluate how I stayed in step or lost rhythm. Some ways he works can make me laugh out loud as his audacious, unimaginable weaving of situations is so remarkably covered with his handprints. These stories include a goose, an eagle, officiating a wedding, and so much more…all remarkable Spirit-involved happenings with crazy back-stories of God at work. Some days are seemingly ordinary, though I still get to breathe his air, experience love, and observe his beauty all around me. Overall, as I reflect on the last three years, several things I’m learning come to mind.

I am learning to make needed space in my life to better hear and see God as I observe and participate in the Spirit at work. It is as delightful as it is scary. I treasure God and my morning walks along the river. Sometimes I talk to him out loud, but mostly I just walk with him and listen. I might ask him how his day is going, as I cannot really imagine some of the emotions he must feel as he watches the world. I hope to bring him joy without not too much frustration. I definitely appreciate and rely on his grace and kindness toward me. I stand amazed that he calls me friend. How do I get to be his friend? I mean, people can’t even score tickets to a Taylor Swift concert, and yet I get to be God’s daughter and friend. Amazing.

I feel so thankful for the ever-presence of God’s mighty, loving hands throughout my transitions over the last three years. I felt him confirming, leading, and comforting me as I retired, sold my house, moved to another state, retooled retirement with a (very) small property business, began work toward a Christian coaching certification, and continue my passion for writing books. I love my new church home here in Connecticut. On the home front, I deeply enjoy my relationships with my kids and grandkids and stay alongside them in schoolwork, as I’m now entering the final year of my spiritual formation doctoral journey which is another definite God-thing. I do geek out sometimes, as full-out nerdiness arises from within because I so love to learn. Every step of the way I need and rely on his guidance, empowerment, and confirmation. I echo Moses’ words in Exodus 33:15, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” I can’t and don’t want to do anything without him.

I still feel sadness, and I am sure that some form of grieving will always be close at hand. The whole world, though in his hands, is not yet made new. There’s a lot of bad and painful stuff out there. I’ve had other friends and family members leave this earth this past year, as have many of you. Even yesterday, I called a friend I have been getting to know since I moved here. We enjoyed deep talks about life and God, and she visited church with me many times. When I texted her, I learned my number had been blocked. I knew she would not intentionally block me, so I felt concerned. I Googled her name only to discover her obituary staring back at me. She had died suddenly a few weeks ago. Sometimes life stinks. In the stink, God still holds me in his hands. It feels safe there, as long as I don’t try to wriggle out.

Over the past three years, I have learned more fully that as a now-single woman, I am not one step removed from God. For this realization, I am deeply grateful, as I believe a distorted view affected me more than I knew. More on that another time.

There is so much God is doing, and I long to join him in his mission. I pray to see the image of God in each person. Tomorrow, as I remember the end of one era and the beginning of a new one for Wyndham and for me, I choose to be thankful. Thank you, God, for the amazing man who was Wyndham, the precious memories I hold, and the family and friends you have given me. Thank you that you will one day, when you return, renew the earth and our bodies. Meanwhile, I am grateful to be held in your hands.

He’s got you and me in his hands. He’s got the whole world in his hands.

 

The times, they are a-changin’

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Bob Dylan had this phrase right. Change happens all around us and in us all the time. In our world and in our circles of people, things just don’t stay the same. It is already the month of May. Perhaps you are graduating soon or have kids leaving the nest. You may have several transitions going on in your life. Maybe you are moving, finding a new job, or even getting a new pet. You may be experiencing happy changes or excruciating losses. But certainly, the times, they are a-changin’.

A few months ago, for reasons I don’t really know, I decided to write Wyndham a letter telling him things that have happened since he left this earth. It felt healing. I began by sharing something more light-hearted, but as I began recounting the changes my mouth nearly dropped open, realizing just how much has happened. The letter was long and personal, so am only including some excerpts:

Babe,

So much has happened since you left here. I miss you and think about you every day. I mainly feel deep gratitude because of the kind of man, husband, dad, and papa you were…and I got to be part of it and you as your best friend. Those last few years were so hard I know…traumatic in so many ways. But we did it with the help of God. You stayed grateful, courageous, cheerful, and faithful and amazed me with that. You were quite something and you still speak though you are gone. Now you are free and with God. I’m happy for you and so inspired by your life and death. But oh, how I miss you.

When change happens, even little things…happy and sad things….you are the one I want to tell. You are the one I want to decompress with. Pray with. Laugh with. Sometimes it takes my breath away to realize I can’t do this even though I’m happy for you. There has been a lot of crazy since you left. Go figure. So many transitions.

Very soon after…Tom Brady left the Patriots. I know you would be interested in that. He won a super bowl for Tampa Bay. The Pats and Red Sox stunk the next season, so you didn’t miss much there. They both got better though. He recently retired and unretired. Drama.

And, of all things, we had a global pandemic. For two years!! It was crazy. We couldn’t travel and had to meet virtually for church for nearly two years. Life shut down. Schools didn’t meet and people worked from home. Across the world, we were isolated. We wore masks everywhere until just a few weeks ago, over two years later. You probably have met a number of people who succumbed to Covid.

Your whole family loves you so deeply it can’t be expressed properly. Emma graduated, and began the Northeastern honors college of nursing. She wants to be a nurse practitioner and is currently studying in London. Lexi just got baptized, which was so exciting, and two others are studying the Bible. You would be so proud of all your grandchildren and of our kids..Oh, and I should tell you that Kevin and Melissa are now serving as lead evangelist and women’s ministry leader for the Boston church. So many changes. I’m sorry to tell you that your sister Jane died last February, and Aunt Emma passed a couple months ago. I feel sure you know these things, but it helps me to say them to you. Oh, and sadly, recently Russia invaded Ukraine and it’s ugly and so sad. We had some meaningful times there. Shawn updates in a prayer time every day.

Kind of a big personal change is that I retired. It was a hard decision but the right one. Oh, and I sold our house and moved to Connecticut near Kristen. Real estate has gone crazy. Kristen was my realtor. She’s a good one, no surprise there. The house I found is perfect for me. Amazingly, the house has a studio apartment in the back where Jacob lives. His was a hard transition, but he is doing ok. You would love it here across from the river. I get to walk along the Connecticut River daily with Denver, which he loves. The boats remind me of you. I know this was a good move for me. God has been good to me. I just started a small real estate rental business. Didn’t really plan on that, but the opportunity came. Crazy, I know. 

Also, I graduated before I retired. I felt your smile. I’m now working hard on my doctorate and loving it, as you know. You’ll also be happy to know that “Paul’s Window” got published. Since then, I had the opportunity to do some virtual teaching in several states and countries and was able to spread some of your ashes in Europe while teaching in person. Your encouragement stays with me. I wrote a book about wisdom I learned from you called “Wednesdays with Wyndham.”  I love the cover with you and Denver on the boat. Next was a book on caregiving. I guess life experience lessons are good to share.

I’m doing okay, as I told you I would, but I miss you every day. A lot. It makes me look forward even more to eternity. I don’t know what it will look like for us, but I know it will be special. I would love to feel your hugs and I so want you to know always how much I love you. You gave me the most amazing 45 years. Whenever I am tempted to feel really sad, I remember the incredible blessing you are in my life. I try to make you proud of me, but I know I don’t need to because you love me for me. I realize more than ever our team of equals was quite something special. Thanks for the way you made me feel so loved and respected. I’m trying to reflect Jesus as brightly as I know how…and also your legacy. I wish I could know what you are doing now. If you are resting or fellowshipping and what it is like to live outside the body. Are there fish there?  It’s another dimension I will never grasp here. I know one day this will be, in your words, a mere blip on the screen. Until then. I love you forever.

The times, they are a-changin’. Certainly, all kinds of changes are often difficult, but I believe there are many things to consider to help us navigate them well. Some of these things I have learned the hard way, but most have been through the urgings and workings of God. For a while, I have been taking notes on the topic of transitions, studying scriptures, and reading books in preparation for writing this book. I now offer it with the prayer that it will minister to and encourage you.

The book has seven chapters. The introduction and chapters include: God Is in the Transitions; Transition and Identity; Mourning Transition; Walking Through Candyland; Preparing for Transition; Raise Your Ebenezer: Marking Transitions; Transitions that Overflow; Courage for the Next Steps; Conclusion; and Appendix: Who God Says We Are.

Each chapter is followed by a different person’s transition story— men and women who share their inspiring stories of finding God in transitions. Though their circumstances and ages vary, they all navigate their challenging transitions with honesty and faith. This book would not be the same without their valuable contributions. Thank you Hannah DeSouza, Angela Christoffel, Adam Birr, Judy McCreary, Chris Condon, Alexandra Ghoman, Erika Walton Sitzberger, Amber Effner, and Pam George.

After each chapter, I also include questions and practices for further reflection and application.

I’m including below the back cover copy, along with a few very kind blurbs from early readers. The book can now be pre-ordered. Thank you for all the encouragement you have shown me with my writing. It means a great deal to me and helps me keep going.

****************

In What Now, God? Finding God in Transitions” Jeanie Shaw digs deep into our hearts and lives using biblical, personal, and contemporary examples while offering wisdom and practical advice for navigating transitions of all kinds. Exploring identity, core values, and transitional habits, she offers insights into both grieving and celebrating change. While vulnerably sharing her transition journeys, she leads us straight to the heart of God, reminding us that we are not alone. After each chapter, voices of men and women, both young and older, share ways they found God in uncertain, transitional times.

Wow, everyone please read this book. As a therapist, I am always looking for books that could be helpful for those I support. What I found was that I needed to read these pages myself. And what an inspiring read it was. Transitions can bring many hardships, hence the diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder is in the diagnostic manual. Jeanie has provided a scripture-filled, Holy Spirit-directed, practical hand up to navigate these kinds of challenging times. And she made me laugh! –Dr. Jennifer Konzen, therapist, author, researcher, professor

Jeanie does a phenomenal job of helping the reader understand that transitions are not only normal and inevitable, but also offer amazing opportunities to receive God’s love, comfort, and support. Grief is often the overlooked component of our spiritual formation, but Jeanie outlines the very intimate way that God can use our pain from transitions to form and mature us, if we are willing. By revealing the Holy Spirit’s invitation to deeper connection, this book most certainly helped me to look at transitions from a fresh perspective and embrace even the most painful transitions in life.—Curtis Reed, Oviedo, FL, Grief Recovery and Transition Coach

In this book, Jeanie has beautifully put into words what all of us have thought, felt, and experienced. She does an outstanding job of showing us how to not just let life happen to us, but instead to let life and its transitions make us into the men and women God wants us to become. This book encourages, instructs, inspires, and comforts. Thank you, Jeanie! —Geri Laing, author of A Life Worth Living, Raising Awesome Kids, and Friends and Lovers

In this wonderful book, Jeanie has invited us into her living room and shared her heart, mind, and soul with us. In doing so, she gifts us with the wisdom that comes only through experiencing heights of joy and depths of sorrow while living in the hands of our ineffable God. Her journey through transitions and the lessons she shares with the reader are life-giving.—Robert Correa, Los Angeles, CA, MDiv

An insightful and excellent writer, Jeanie invites us to walk with her through all kinds of transitions as she points us to the identity we can know in Christ when transitions tempt us to question those identities. I was encouraged, comforted, and challenged…but most of all grateful for the practical suggestions offered to help us prepare for and navigate through transitions. I’m better for having read this book.—Guillermo Adame, San Diego, CA, Financial consultant, elder, former missionary

https://www.ipibooks.com/products/what-now-god-finding-god-in-transitions

 

Dear Tom Brady, you hurt my feelings. Love, a grandmother

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Dear Tom Brady,

You hurt my feelings.

I enjoy football, but to be honest, since I no longer have cable I have only watched part of one football game this season. I know this is heresy to some. However, as a long-time Patriots fan and New England resident, I shed a few tears while reading your retirement posts. And the tears weren’t only because you won’t be playing anymore.

Tom, you hurt my feelings.

I am happy for you and your family. Really. It’s the right move for your family. And I know that in the big (and even little) scheme of things sports will not follow me or anyone else to the grave or thereafter— but you still hurt my feelings.

Why?

Because over the past twenty years I routed for you, defended you through every gate, wore your jersey, and invested time and money in support of you. I bought my grandkids #12 jerseys. My husband loved watching you from his deathbed. He passed away right before you left the Pats. Our family came together and screamed and yelled during each Super Bowl. Thank you for being such a vital part of those times. And, for crying out loud, I even became a Bucs fan when you left the Pats, except for when they played the Patriots. As a grandmother, sometimes to me you were Tommy. I even had a grand-dog named Brady.

But Tom, I wasn’t acknowledged. I don’t mean “I” wasn’t acknowledged, but in your announcement our Patriots Nation, our football community that helped raise and support a goat… was dissed. I’m not angry…just hurt. I have no idea what has gone on behind the scenes but Tommy, we could use some love.

Acknowledgment matters. It’s kind. It’s humble. It’s also good business. I mean, TB12 lives in New England. So please, Tom Brady, if your feelings were hurt remember there are many of us who had nothing to do with that. Our feelings matter, too, and I know you can do better.

With love and appreciation. A grandmother

Transitions – Lots of Them

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Transitions happen. Lots of them. Though I didn’t have a choice concerning the last chapter of losing Wyndham, I have certainly felt the Spirit’s urging and presence in moving forward to new chapters. Since that time, among other transitions, I sold my house of thirty-plus years, bought a new home in CT near my youngest daughter, retired from forty-seven years of full-time ministry, and began my doctorate program. While “ministering” is my lifelong lifestyle as an apprentice of Jesus that won’t change, life is different.

 

I have felt hugs from God throughout the transitions, though it has not always been easy. I find I must look for those hugs. For instance: When I put my house on the market, I felt sad. I would miss the park across the street from my house and my nearby “reservoir walk” a little over a mile away, among other things. However, the park by my old house is busier than I like, and I recently encountered a snake on the reservoir walk. Not a fan of snakes, I had postponed my walks there. God gave me a hug…with a house perfect for me in Connecticut, complete with a quiet park across the street where the gorgeous Riverwalk along the Connecticut River begins.  I pinch myself as I walk each day along the river and through town, amazed that God gave me such a beautiful, serene setting near water. I have met many new friends as I walk, many who have recently moved here, lost their husbands, and retired. This is no accident, I am sure. If this is not enough, there is a studio apartment on the property, perfect for Jacob.

The “new” park is quiet, except on one night a week when it becomes a music venue. Perfect!  And if that is not enough of a hug, as I go by the dock and dock house on the river each day, a lone goose greets me. This is particularly meaningful to me, as I wrote in one of my books about a lone goose that “adopted” my parents after losing its mate. Geese have a mate for life, and when they lose their mate they stay alone, sometimes attaching to a person for their new “mate.” Passing this lone goose each day just feels like a hug to me from God, and from Wyndham.

This past week I had the opportunity to teach on “the role of women in the church” at the European School of Missions in Switzerland. I was encouraged and inspired the current graduating class (after beginning 3 years ago) of the School of Missions and their new contributions to the churches in Europe. A few of these students I knew as preteens, so that was special.  It was wonderful to interact with the incoming class as well. It was so meaningful to be with old friends living in Europe…the Kings, LeNoans, Micha, and of course the McGuirks. It was also a treat to spend time with the Ayasses, who were there helping with their grandchildren during much of the time. It was especially inspiring to see the fruits of the love and labor of the young and “older” McGuirks in Paris, and also John and Rachel, who serve the church in Milan.

Teaching energizes me, as I feel it is a calling from God. It was meaningful and fun to teach with Joey Harris. It felt seamless, as we soon realized we had such  congruent interpretations and understandings of the topic. We taught on the subject for about ten hours, including sessions about ways to read and interpret scripture, the author’s style, presuppositions we bring to interpretation, the lenses through which we read (western culture vs. eastern culture, patriarchal culture, and our CoC and ICOC cultures), blinders to our lenses, cultures of Ephesus and Corinth, God’s parameters, transcending principles, specific verses on women in the scriptures, and essential attitudes of humility and unity. We included various group exercises and discussions throughout.

Joey taught for the next couple of days on Old Testament Survey and OT interpretation, which was all outstanding. Kudos to all the students who put their hearts and minds into days of learning in a language that is not their first one.  

My next stop for next week includes my first residency session for my doctoral program, where I meet my professors and cohort and also participate in a guided spiritual retreat. I am super excited to start and am eager to keep learning.

I have much to write about transitions; in fact, much of my research will stem from this topic. While it is good to be home, I am also grateful for so many memories from years past with Wyndham throughout Europe. It seemed fitting to leave some ashes in a river in the Alps. I include a few thoughts describing this time for me.

On the Bridge

We walked this stream before

Flowing waters toward tributaries form 

Crossing the bridge to the other side

Hands entwined, warm to warm

 

These hands hold memories

Carrying ashes, remnants of living

Now stilled by the cool hand of death

As waters below tease of life still giving

     

    I stand on this bridge called hope

    Connector of life and death that I know

    While your ashes find life in the wind

    Toward life-giving water, still sparkling below

     

    Ashes give birth to life

    As the river moves toward the sea

    And the bridge, through the Spirit

    It still connects you and me.

    When Father’s Day Sneaks Up and Kicks You in the Gut

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    Anticipating Father’s Day is hard for me, and likely for many of you. I enjoy most holidays, but this one always gets me. I miss my husband, who was the safe, wise, and strong place for our kids (and me). I miss my dad, whose huge smile, kidney-chopper hugs, and overflowing Bible verses always made things feel okay. As I watch my grandkids on the ball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts I picture Wyndham’s countless days of coaching and his constant encouragement for the underdog. He was a dad extraordinaire, sensing when his kids needed his words or hugs. He would so love watching their kids play (and graduate!). They were his pride and joy.

    But I’m a lucky one. A blessed one. I had a father who loved me and showed me Jesus, and a husband who loved God wholeheartedly, loved me, and loved his family with a fierce and tender compassion. I guess that’s why it is hard to pass by the cards for Fathers in the stores without purchasing one, or why it’s sad to not think about what I will cook on Sunday.

    Some of you never knew an earthly father, had an absent father, an abusive father, or could never measure up to a father’s dysfunctional demands. Wow. That is some kind of hard. I’m so sorry. Some of you lost dads early in your life, and some are watching your father’s health deteriorate before your eyes. It stinks. It really does.

    I sometimes feel a little lost approaching this celebratory day. To be honest, I was happy last year to have virtual church on Father’s Day. It made it a little easier. When I feel a little lost in loss, for some reason I find it helpful to plan a special commemoration. I’m not sure why, but it helps me in my losses to commemorate and celebrate. Perhaps it will you, too. So, I plan to “share” a special meal (by myself, by choice) with the dads in my life. I’ll pick up a steak to eat, medium rare, in their honor…because that is what they would enjoy. I’ll probably talk to them a bit, telling them why I love and appreciate them. But then I will turn to another father, to the Father who is always there and who stays with me, even with these weird conversations. He never leaves and he always cares. This is my Father who never dies and is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever. I may detect a tear in his eye, too, because I know he hurts with me. I will thank him for my husband, for my dad, and for my son and sons-in-law who are fabulous dads.

    I will then tell him what a good, good Father he is, even though I don’t always understand his goodness. I will thank him for staying with me in the storms, as my solid rock. I will thank him for holding me tightly with his mighty hand and lifting me up from the ashes. I will thank him for holding me close to his heart. I will tell him he is kind, trustworthy, generous, full of love, holy, self-sacrificing, and crazy creative with the world he fashioned. He is a good, good Father. He somehow walks with the living (me) while also walking in another dimension with my physically deceased but spiritually alive husband and dad, who I can no longer see. I believe they are as alive or perhaps more alive than I am, just in a different sphere. He is with them, and he is with me. Of course I can never fully wrap my head around this concept; it is too beautiful for me and beyond human comprehension.

    Abba Father, I wish you a wonderful Father’s Day…it is your day, every day. And Wyndham and Dad, know how deeply you are loved…and always remembered. Every day.

    A Big Transition…A New Chapter

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    A thriller, a comedy, a tragedy, poetry, a fairy tale, and a historical narrative all rolled into one. This is the book I am writing as I continue walking “jeaniesjourneys.” Thankfully, God is the author and perfecter of my life story (Heb 12:2), and we are writing this thing together. I’m starting a new chapter. A scary chapter. An exciting chapter. A sad chapter. A happy chapter. A chapter requiring faith. Lots of it.

    For a while, I have known I would sell my house. It is time to downsize. Amazingly among ministers, I have been one of the few to stay in a house for a long time, over thirty years. My kids went through their elementary, middle school, and high school years based from this house. My grandchildren have visited my house as newborns and most recently the oldest as a high school graduate. They have slept over, played in the park across the street, and built their own memories. My youngest son, who spent his first twelve years in Romania, walked through the front door of this house as a member of our family in August of ‘98. It is more than a house. It is a home. At our wedding, Sam Laing, who now has his own health challenges, read this poem which now hangs on my wall. heap of living It’s authored by one of my favorite poets, Edgar Guest. I will include several stanzas:

    It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home,
    A heap o’ sun an’ shadder, an’ ye sometimes have t’ roam
    Afore ye really ‘preciate the things ye lef’ behind,
    An’ hunger fer ’em somehow, with ’em allus on yer mind.
    It don’t make any differunce how rich ye get t’ be,
    How much yer chairs an’ tables cost, how great yer luxury;
    It ain’t home t’ ye, though it be the palace of a king,
    Until somehow yer soul is sort o’ wrapped round everything.

    Ye’ve got t’ weep t’ make it home, ye’ve got t’ sit an’ sigh
    An’ watch beside a loved one’s bed, an’ know that Death is nigh;
    An’ in the stillness o’ the night t’ see Death’s angel come,
    An’ close the eyes o’ her that smiled, an’ leave her sweet voice dumb.
    Fer these are scenes that grip the heart, an’ when yer tears are dried,
    Ye find the home is dearer than it was, an’ sanctified;
    An’ tuggin’ at ye always are the pleasant memories
    O’ her that was an’ is no more—ye can’t escape from these.

    Ye’ve got t’ sing an’ dance fer years, ye’ve got t’ romp an’ play,
    An’ learn t’ love the things ye have by usin’ ’em each day;
    Even the roses ’round the porch must blossom year by year
    Afore they ‘come a part o’ ye, suggestin’ someone dear
    Who used t’ love ’em long ago, an’ trained ’em jes’ t’ run
    The way they do, so’s they would get the early mornin’ sun;
    Ye’ve got t’ love each brick an’ stone from cellar up t’ dome:
    It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home.

    Let’s just say there has been a heap of living in this home…by us, and likely by some of you who have sat at our table and in our living room. Joy and laughter have rung within these walls, as has precious time around a loved one’s bed, knowing death is nigh.

    It is time for a new chapter, so I put my house on the market for showings last Tuesday. On Thursday, I sold it. my for sale sign

    I have learned that home is not really a physical place, rather it is a place of rest in the deepest part of my soul; a place that only God fills. I carry home with me wherever I go. The memories of loved ones and conversations, good food and fun, arguments and conflict resolutions, soul-searching conversations and discovery, the mundane and the thrilling, sickness and health, laughter and tears….the memories are in my heart and will go with me wherever I go all the way to heaven, my ultimate home.

    That said, I soon realized the stark reality that selling my home would bring. I would have to land somewhere. I prayed fervently for the best place to land… to cut expenses in preparation for my pending retirement, and to provide meaningful ways to serve and love God and people, helping as many as possible make it to heaven. To be honest, something within me questioned whether I should go to a remote place where I could tell people who did not yet know about the amazing news of Jesus. However, given the fact that I don’t know other languages and that my first priorities next to Jesus are my children and grandchildren, I knew I would stay local and contribute to remote places in other ways.

    Local turned out to be about an hour and forty-three minutes from my current home. I plan to move to Connecticut, near my daughter Kristen and her family. She said it was “her turn.” While it is so hard to leave so many I love here and there are so many precious (as well as difficult) memories, I feel the Spirit’s guidance and commendation on this new chapter. Through my wonderful realtor (Kristen), I found the perfect place, ten minutes from her family, that fulfills more wishes for a home than I could imagine. Small enough to be cozy but large enough to host friends and family, full of character and charm, near water and town, and full of so many other “hugs” from God. And, to top it off, there is a studio apartment next to the house—the perfect place for Jacob. We are both excited about our new adventure.

    roses in my yard

    roses in my new yard, overlooking the park across the street which begins the Riverwalk.

    Who knows what all will be written in this new chapter, but with God editing it I am in safe hands. I suppose the upcoming chapters will contain the various genres mentioned above, but thankfully I know how the story ends. Meanwhile, I pray that the heap of living that takes place in my new home will bring joy to many, especially to God. My friend, Susan, who is currently in Connecticut helping her son’s family as he recovers from extensive cancer surgery, rode by my new house while her son was in surgery. Just as she pulled up to my new house, she got the call that the surgery was a success. So, she named my house the “good news house.” I like that name. I think I will stick with that. Please pray for me in this transition as I move to the “good news house.”

    150 Naubuc Ave

    Saturday Studies, Monday Musings, and Wednesday Welcomes

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    My blog will take on a new format, at least for a while. As often as possible, I plan to post personal thoughts on Mondays, share blogs, profiles, and writings of others on Wednesdays, and on Saturdays share things I have been learning.

    My graduate studies over the last couple of years often felt like a drink from a fire hydrant. I recently reflected back on the classes I took and some of the books I read. I won’t bore you with some of the tomes of required reading, but today will share some of my favorite books from the past year and a half.  I simply love to read and to learn. Some books I listen to while in the car, some I read on Kindle, but most books I like to hold, underline, and dog-ear the pages in such a way that I can’t even sell them to a used bookstore. It doesn’t really matter, because I hate to part with books anyway. It’s just a thing. I so “get” Paul’s desire for his books.

    Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
    I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
    When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. (2 Tim 4:11-13)

    I have an annoying (to me) habit of reading several books at the same time… on Audible, on Kindle, and with several always open on my coffee table. I’m not sure this is a good practice, but it happens.  If you have read some of these, I’d love to hear your favorites and what you gained from them. A few of these I have not finished, and three I wrote. 🙂 I put an asterisk by my favorites, though that was difficult. Also, I organized them under the categories of spiritual formation, personal and church growth, service, history, Bible study, suffering and heaven, women, next-generation, and writing. I find book recommendations super helpful, so feel free to send your recommendations along.

    Whenever I am asked about what I have learned in my graduate studies and why I went back to school I sometimes haven’t known quite how to answer. So, in future Saturday posts, I plan to share (interview style) reasons I went back to school, and some takeaways from each of my classes. Summarizing the classes has been a helpful exercise for me, and hopefully, some of my takeaways will encourage you, too. I realize Saturday’s posts might not be your cup of tea, so if not, hopefully, some of the other days will be more encouraging for you.

    Book Recommendations from 2020 and early 2021 by topics

    Spiritual Formation

    A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly

    Celebration of Disciplines by Richard Foster

    Discipline for the Inner Life by Bob and Michael Benson

    Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by Robert Mulholland and Ruth Haley Barton

    Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God by Ruth Haley Barton

    Letters by a Modern Mystic by Frank Laubach

    Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer *

    Life Together in Christ by Ruth Haley Barton *

    Living God’s Word by Duvall and Hays

    Living in Christ’s Presence by Dallas Willard

    Prayer by Richard Foster

    Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser *

    Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton

    Satisfy Your Soul by Bruce Demarest *

    Seasons of the Soul by Bruce Demarest

    Shaped by the Word: The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Formation by Robert Mulholland Jr.

    Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster *

    Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton *

    The Allure of Gentleness by Dallas Willard

    The Art of Forgiving by Lewis Smedes *

    The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

    The Good and Beautiful Community by James Bryan Smith

    The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith *

    The Kingdom Life by Dallas Willard, Keith Meyer, and others

    The Kingdom of God vol 3 by Tom A. Jones

    The River Within by Jeff Imbach

    The Transforming Power of Prayer by James Houston

    When the Soul Listens by Jan Johnson *

    With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray *

    Personal and Church Growth

    40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole

    A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester

    A Praying Life by Paul Miller

    All the Feels by Elizabeth Thompson

    Discipline for the Inner Life by Bob Benson Sr and Michael Benson

    Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero

    Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero *

    Get Your Life Back by John Eldridge

    God is Stranger: Finding God in Unexpected Places by Krish Kandiah

    God of the Towel by Jim McGuigan *

    Holy Ambition: What it Takes to Make a Difference for God by Chip Ingram

    Margins: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Richard Swensen *

    Self to Lose—Self to Find: A biblical approach to 9 Enneagram Types by Marilyn Vancil*

    Spiritual Discipleship by Gordon Ferguson

    The Call by Os Guinness *

    The End of Me by Kyle Idleman *

    The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning

    The God-Shaped Brain by Timothy Jennings

    The Master Plan of Discipleship by Robert Coleman (I find this helpful every year)

    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by Comer *

    Think Like Jesus by George Barna

    Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden

    Wednesdays with Wyndham: Godly Wisdom for Everyday Life by Jeanie Shaw*

    With by Skye Jethani *

    Service

    A Spirituality of Caregiving by Henri Nouwen

    Come Be My Light by Mother Teresa *

    In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen

    The Sacred Journey: Finding God in Caregiving by Jeanie Shaw and Friends*

     History

    Markings by Hammarskjold

    Becoming by Michelle Obama *

    John Wesley: Optimist of Grace by Henry Knight

    John Woolman’s Journal by Ernes Rhys

    Reviving the Ancient Faith by Richard Hughes

    Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram Kendi *

    The Life of Alexander Campbell by Douglas Foster

    Bible Study

    Abusing Scripture: The Consequences of Misreading the Bible by Manfred Brauch

    “Bema Discipleship” Podcast by Marty Solomon *

    Exploring our Hebraic Heritage by Marvin Wilson *

    Jesus: King of Strangers: What the Bible Really Says about Immigration by Mark Hamilton

    Living God’s Word: Discovering Our Place in the Great Story of Scripture by Scott Duvall

    Malestrom by Carolyn Custis James *

    Misreading Scripture Through Individualist Eyes by Richards and James

    Origins by Douglas Jacoby and Paul Copan (Kindle) *

    Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

    Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg *

    Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel

    Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now by Walter Brueggemann

    Searching for a Pattern: My Journey in Interpreting the Bible by John Mark Hicks *

    Spirituality of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann

    The Beast that Crouches at the Door by Rabbi David Fohrman

    The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight

    The Epic of Eden by Sandra Richter *

    The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi by Robby Gallaty

    The IVP Bible Background Commentary (good resource)

    The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey

    Suffering and Heaven

    A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

    All Things New by John Eldridge *

    Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

    Daring to Hope: Finding God’s Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful by Katie Majors

    It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa Terkeurst

    Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference by Philip Yancey *

    Preparing for Heaven by Gary Black

    Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb *

    The Problem with Pain by C.S. Lewis

    The Sacred Journey: Finding God in Caregiving by Jeanie Shaw and Friends (coming soon) *

    The Scars that Shaped Me by Vaneetha Risner

    Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller

    Women (The are the most recent I’ve read, though I have a bookshelf and Kindle full of nearly a hundred books from my studies)

    A Woman Called by Sara Barton *

    Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles by Kathy Keller

    The Bible and Gender by ICOC teachers

    The View from Paul’s Window: Paul’s Teachings on Women by Jeanie Shaw *

    Women in God’s Mission by Mary Lederleitner

    Women in the Church: Reclaiming the Ideal by Carroll Osbourne

    Women Serving God by John Mark Hicks *

    Next Gen

    Faith for Exiles by David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock *

    Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community and Worship by Holly Allen

    Meet Generation Z by James Emery White

    You Lost Me by David Kinnaman

    Writing

    Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

    On Writing Well by William Zinsser

    Style Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph Williams