2024 is formally midway by means of. With July now upon us, I wished to supply a fast life and ministry replace:
Household and private life updates
The final a number of months have been tough, to say the least. We’ve misplaced a number of relations, been coping with well being scares, and extra. The Lord’s been good to us by means of it, nevertheless it’s been lots. Emily and I are each drained, as you’ll be able to think about.
Our youngsters are all going to be in the identical bodily college for the primary (and solely) time since we accomplished homeschooling. Our eldest begins her senior 12 months, our middlest begins highschool, and our youngest begins seventh grade. Numerous transitions in there, as you’ll be able to think about. We’re not fairly able to be parenting all teenagers, however time waits for nobody.
Talking of college, I’m in the course of my subsequent course with Redemption Seminary. The work is pleasing, however I’m undoubtedly feeling stretched (extra as a consequence of time constraints than any sense of being overwhelmed by the fabric).
Lastly, we’re within the midst of getting ready to file our functions for naturalization. If permitted, we might turn out to be Americans, with all rights and duties that entails. Please be praying with us as we undergo the method (and that certainly one of us can be sworn in earlier than our eldest turns 18 so she is granted citizenship with out requiring a separate software).
Church Ministry
Our church is within the means of reestablishing itself. Lord prepared, we can even be returning to Sunday morning gatherings following roughly 2 years of night and afternoon providers.
I’m persevering with to evangelise about as soon as a month, primarily at my church. I’d like to serve a church within the weeks forward, particularly one the place the first preacher/instructor doesn’t usually get a break. Drop a line, and let’s discuss (particularly in case your church is close to Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, and will use some help on the finish of September).
Writing progress
Writing: I’m exhausting at work on a significant writing venture with a deadline that’s quickly approaching. I’m roughly three-quarters of the way in which by means of the venture, and it’s simply the longest work I’ve written. (It’s trying to be practically twice so long as Now What? although, hopefully, simply as useful.)
I’m additionally writing articles on autism and the church, Scripture memorization, and a overview of The Good Present of Weak spot by Eric M. Schumacher. (Quick model: learn it—it’s excellent). Elsewhere on the interwebs, I just lately wrote an article for Thomas Nelson Bibles on a query I want nobody requested: Why does God hate me?
Just a little little bit of studying (and listening)
In between research-oriented and assigned studying for college, I’m practically completed listening to I’m Afraid You’ve Bought Dragons by Peter S. Beagle. Like a lot of my technology, I used to be most aware of Beagle’s title through the animated movie, The Final Unicorn, which he tailored from his novel of the identical title. (And who amongst us will not be haunted by the tune by America featured all through the movie?)
Dragons is a distinct type of fantasy novel than is typical post-Wheel of Time & Sport of Thrones: it has a self-awareness and tongue-in-cheek wit that makes its dramatic moments really feel earned as its characters wrestle with their roles as princes, princesses, dragon hunters, and extra. Whether or not you’re a fan of the style or not, I’m certain you’ll take pleasure in this one.
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