Something I’ve really enjoyed this month is writing a poem each day while following this challenge. Have any of my poems been any good? Not particularly, but it’s been nice to have a small creative project each day. 📝
nothing is straightforward
In the most recent issue of Tabletalk, there was an article on the pluses and minuses of technologies like blockchain and a decentralised web. There are many on either side.
As I read through it, I was first reminded again of the fact that the church is usually very late in understanding what is going on in the world. However, in this instance, as these are things that most laypeople will have no real understanding of, I think they got the timing of this right. It isn’t a hot take, but it isn’t ice-cold either.
The second thing I was struck by, and really appreciated, was the thought that went into writing the article. So often, what we read online is entirely one-sided and tries to push things in only one direction. This is understandable because our psyche likes to be told what it likes to hear. One-sided arguments that state the opposing opinion in the worst possible way sells. It creates buzz around a thing. Nuance, however, requires a slow response. The thought going into producing something so well-articulated and balanced shows that there is still a certain… something to pieces of writing that are going to print after going through phases of editing. At least, this is the case with trying to present something well.
In fact, nuance requires not just a slow response but a deliberate delay of response. It requires us to be quick to listen and actually consider things from multiple angles. And this is an action we do too little of.
I won’t rehash the arguments made in the article, it’s well worth a read. But my own personal takeaway is the reminder that nothing is straightforward. We live East of Eden and we await the great culmination of all things. We’re not in the upside-down, but in a jumbled up world. In so much of life, we see the potential for both good and bad. Consider how science and technology can be used to preserve life, through the creation of new medicines, or end life, through the creation of more powerful, more efficient weapons. Consider how the arts are used both to speak truth to power or to mislead and exploit. We can’t necessarily write something off completely. We have to take a slower, more considered approach to things.
Today was another big writing day (3800 words). Then it was trinitarian reading assignments. My brain needed a break and doing a sketch was a good one.
Finished reading: Timothy Keller by Collin Hansen 📚
I’ve had Procreate for a long time but don’t spend enough time using it. I followed this tutorial by Calvin at DrifterStudio and it was fun!
Fridays are long. They start with an early train so I can get some of my sermon writing done before a day in the classroom for my training course. Then another hour or so of writing before getting the train home. Enjoying making some socks and watching a film with my wife. 🧶
Started reading: Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett 📚
Had a couple loaves of sourdough in the oven after church today. Really pleased with how they’ve turned out.🍞
Collect of purity
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
Finished reading: All That Is in God by James E. Dolezal 📚
The start of November has always come with a bit of self-pressure to try and do NaNoWriMo. Not this year. This year, I’m attempting the Poem-A-Day challenge from Writer’s Digest. 📝
this is home
This is the town where I live and serve as the pastor of a small church. It is a place in great need. There are high levels of deprivation. There are high levels of drug and alcohol related deaths. During the summer, the population swells and shrinks daily as cruise ships bring tourists looking for the train to Glasgow.
It’s a place where the gospel witness is small but deeply rooted. It’s a town which once boasted many faithful churches. Now one of the old church buildings is a furniture store. Another has been turned into housing. One lays vacant, seemingly waiting to collapse.
It is a place that needs great prayer. As winter gets closer, the nights darker, there is a growing sense of the desperation found here. Not yet lunch time, watching men down pints as they throw their earnings into the fruit machines.
🎵If jazz piano/trio is your thing, I highly recommend this Tiny Desk Korea session with 송영주 트리오.
Finished reading: How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney 📚
Last session of Christianity Explored tonight. Looking forward to running it again next year.
“Can you so much as dream of a better friend than he has been to you?”
Charles Spurgeon in Morning & Evening
This is the desperation coffee setup.
My Clever Dripper got dropped by someone in the house and it broke. In a fit of desperation I tried using a Melitta-style filter paper in a sieve over a metal bowl with a regular, electric kettle to brew a makeshift pour-over and it is far from the worst coffee I’ve ever had. ☕️
Another script written. I’m quite far behind on reading for my training course so I’m looking forward to having a guest preacher for the last week of October. In the meantime, I’m really excited to preach the genealogy in Genesis 5.
It’s one of those autumn days where no amount of waterproof clothing can keep you from getting drenched on the walk home. 🏴