Weekend Top 10: in the tension of joy and exhaustion edition
A curated list of what I've been up to lately: places, people, books, podcasts, music, links & more for your weekend downtime.
First, a photo from this week!
Christmas caroling in Church of the Apostles’ new neighborhood with a bunch of good church people and some pretty good neighbors, too. This was a bit before I left in tears which you can read about here.
Oof ! I hit my limit pretty hard this week. Moving and other assorted life circumstances of this past year kind of piled up on me mid-week and I’ve slowed way down on pretty much everything. We’ve got some cheery plans for the weekend so I’m hoping to be on my feet more fully for the festivities.
How’s December been for you so far? I’m guessing for most of us it’s a mixture of joy and tension.
For those leaning more toward lots of tension and little joy, may you know the presence of Emmanuel deeply in the exact place you find yourself today. For those with extra joy, we’re counting on you to share!
Here’s what I’ve published this week….
On Patreon:
Second Sunday of Advent: The Hope of Peace Shall Be Fulfilled
Days 8-14 of Advent Daybook 2019 (To receive a new post for each day in Advent, subscribe as a Daybook patron here.)
Now for more online truth, goodness, and beauty I’ve enjoyed this week…
Top 10
Art & Faith
Making technology serve ancient work - stunning!
Justice, Reconciliation, & Social Critique
We’re just a bit older (and not black) but this description of missing the American Dream boat by a mile resonates deeply: Millennials weren’t the only ones gutted by the recession. Gen X has never recovered. by Austin Channing Brown via Vox
Listening & Watching
Some people start with the big classics, but we always start here: Five Great Episodes for Advent by ME (a couple of years ago) via Think Christian
People & Place
Between setting up house in our new place and trying to recreate a homey Christmas, this piece came back to me. I 100% imagine my mother’s and grandmothers’ homes in vignettes like this author. Can you relate? That One Piece: A Vignette Sparking the Magic of Childhood Nostalgia by Kelli Kehler via Design Sponge
Reading & Writing
Spread the word about my brother’s book! Henry North and the Gift After Christmas (The World of Henry North) by Ryan A. Hill
Here are a few more we enjoy every year: Our favorite Advent & Christmas books (for all ages)
Seasonal
I may or may not try any of these recipes but I’m loving this series of 12 book-inspired Christmas recipes with the gorgeous photos and the assorted Christmasy accouterments: 12 Days of Forma At the very least I’ll be trying Bob Cratchit’s Hot Gin Punch!
Spiritual Direction & Disciplines
Occasionally, I invite you to pray the ancient Jesus Prayer as part of a Daybook devotional post. I found this brief overview of the origins and practice (which many believe to be as old as the Church) helpful.
Wholeness & Healing
December can be the darkest month of the year for those experiencing deep grief. I appreciated this first-hand insight into the raw nature of grief: On grief, and not theologizing about it | “My son’s death did not evoke in me an interest in the problem of suffering” by Nicholas Wolterstorff via Christian Century
Work & Callings
My TaskRabbit gig in a stranger’s fancy kitchen (via Curbed) reminded me of My Life As A Rabbit!
Worship, Liturgy, & Church
Let’s add this historic sermon to our sounds of the season.
p.s., Don’t forget to order your copies of Henry North and the Gift After Christmas by Ryan A. Hill!
May your weekend include rest, light, and community. Peace, friends….