July 21st, 2025

sloth, salt, sister

I'm Home!

I have been home for one week and will be home for one more. I have been relaxing and spending time with family friends. Sometimes I feel lazy and slothful when I am home without much to do on break. I think I am getting better at resting in an active and productive way, but it still feels kind of lazy sometimes.

Photo Of The Week

This is not really a great photo, but I did not take that many this week. Here is a poem that my mom put on our fridge. Enjoy reading it!

Highlight

I was able to go on walks many mornings this week with my mom. I enjoyed it so much. The weather has been uncharacteristically cool for July in Texas, and my mom is uncharacteristically cool for a mom. I also joined her for her walk with Mrs. Goad, where they often pray for each other and neighbors whose homes we would pass by throughout the walk.

God is Big Even In The Small

My friend Josh and I decided to donate blood because our friend has leukemia, and her mom made a post about donating blood. While Josh got absolutely stabbed by a trainee, I did not feel a thing. I struck up a conversation with another person who had just donated blood about church and was able to invite her to church. She said they did not go much since COVID. I think this is the story for a lot of people. If that is the case for you, you should go back to church. There is a family waiting to welcome you back. Do not let COVID cause anymore damage. God is big even in the small.

Commonplace

This week I enjoyed listening to some podcasts. I particularly enjoyed "Life and Books and Everything" with Kevin DeYoung. He recommends a book by John Murphy called Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office. I have added it to my long-term reading list. I was struck by listening to another podcast with similarly aged reformed Christian men, "King's Hall." The difference between the two is their view on eschatology. While the King's Hall hosts hold to a Post Millennial view and really, Christian Nationalist ideals, Kevin DeYoung holds to an Amillennial view. I noticed how DeYoung's podcast was much more enjoyable to listen to, much more filled with peace and joy and love, while the King's Hall podcast was kind of annoying to listen to, though it does have some good content. It was filled with complaining and a not very peaceful tone, and at least dislike of certain other people groups. While I do not want to discourage this podcast and their content and love for Jesus, I am simply observing the different tones that these two podcasts were characterized by, so as to prove the importance of thinking through theology. Theology affects the way we live, the way we talk, and the way we relate to others.

Birthdays

(July 21) Happy 13th Birthday, Merit! I love you so much. I cannot believe my little sister isn't so little anymore. I am encouraged by the ways you are maturing and your growing love for Jesus, his kingdom, and his people.

What's Next?

I fly to Maryland on Saturday for RYM. This week looks like catching up with more people in Temple, Texas.

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