What I've been reading, 1
First off, I've started support raising and such. If you've got a suggestion for a place I should visit or people to talk to, comment below. If you'd like to get my newsletter, click on the link to your right -->
Second, life is going well. I'm starting up a new quarter of teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) Tuesday. I expect it to be fun, as well as challenging.
Third, I thought I'd post some links to things I've been reading lately along with a few comments. For your enjoyment, here we go:
From Relevant Magazine: Why We Need More Women in Ministry:
This isn't your stereotypical "go women, conquer the world" sort of article. Rather, it addresses the fact that women aren't feeling as valued in the church as they feel in their career or other areas of life. When we consider areas of ministry in the church we would be wise to encourage women to use their specific talents instead of automatically putting them on the decorating committee or in children's church.
Tentmaking: The Life and Work of Business as M_ssions, by Patrick Lai
Although I had to return it to the library before finishing it, this book has been really helpful in showing more areas I need to think about as I prepare to leave for Africa. If you're thinking of doing a "tentmaking" venture, or are supporting someone who's engaged in tentmaking, it's a relevant and very thorough resource.
Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo
What a story! You can watch the movie or see the Broadway play, but there's nothing quite as rewarding as reading the book. Hugo tells a 3-fold story of redemption: that of a convict, a prostitute, and an orphan. In addition to that he shows the contrast of a man caught in legalism and despair, who knows no escape from his destiny. The parallels to the Gospel are countless, and I continue to discover more.
Rachel Held Evans: Turning Hate Mail into Origami
Whatever people may say about RHE, she certainly has a gentle soul and a kind heart. The example she sets in dealing with her opponents is laudable. Could you turn your critics' words into works of art?
So there you go. I've read more than that, but those are some of the highlights. What have you been reading lately?
Second, life is going well. I'm starting up a new quarter of teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) Tuesday. I expect it to be fun, as well as challenging.
Third, I thought I'd post some links to things I've been reading lately along with a few comments. For your enjoyment, here we go:
From Relevant Magazine: Why We Need More Women in Ministry:
This isn't your stereotypical "go women, conquer the world" sort of article. Rather, it addresses the fact that women aren't feeling as valued in the church as they feel in their career or other areas of life. When we consider areas of ministry in the church we would be wise to encourage women to use their specific talents instead of automatically putting them on the decorating committee or in children's church.
Tentmaking: The Life and Work of Business as M_ssions, by Patrick Lai
Although I had to return it to the library before finishing it, this book has been really helpful in showing more areas I need to think about as I prepare to leave for Africa. If you're thinking of doing a "tentmaking" venture, or are supporting someone who's engaged in tentmaking, it's a relevant and very thorough resource.
Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo
What a story! You can watch the movie or see the Broadway play, but there's nothing quite as rewarding as reading the book. Hugo tells a 3-fold story of redemption: that of a convict, a prostitute, and an orphan. In addition to that he shows the contrast of a man caught in legalism and despair, who knows no escape from his destiny. The parallels to the Gospel are countless, and I continue to discover more.
Rachel Held Evans: Turning Hate Mail into Origami
Whatever people may say about RHE, she certainly has a gentle soul and a kind heart. The example she sets in dealing with her opponents is laudable. Could you turn your critics' words into works of art?
So there you go. I've read more than that, but those are some of the highlights. What have you been reading lately?
Great to hear from you, Abby! It's been awhile - I had no idea what your plans were. But wow, cool :) I look forward to keeping up on your adventures and supporting you in prayer!
ReplyDeleteI also read that article in Relevant Magazine...thought-provoking, for sure! And now you've inspired me to read Les Mis. The movie is my favorite film ever, but I bet the book would be amazing.
I'm in the middle of a book called "Discipling Nations" by Darrow L. Miller ("Wie dann sollen wir denken" - How then should we think? - in German). It's very good - addresses different worldviews, and is basically saying that the Gospel has the power not just to meet individuals' needs, but to transform entire cultures. The subject of social justice has been on my heart alot lately, and this has been great reading material.
Blessings on you, Abby!