Weekend Daybook: how the light gets in edition
A curated list of what I've been up to lately: places, people, books, podcasts, music, links & more for your weekend downtime.
“There is a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.”
— 1 —
photo from my week
We had the privilege of attending the unveiling of a mural painted by a collaborative of Bridgeport students. The Aim Higher Together To End Gun Violence Mural was unveiled during a ceremony in a park behind Bridgeport’s City Hall on Saturday, September 28. The students created the mural in cooperation with several community artists, mentors, sponsors, and partners, including two of our very favorite neighbors and church community friends, Adiel and Amy Dominguez.
Several of the student artists shared their personal motivations for participating in the project. Each of them had experienced the death of a family member or close friend to gun violence in Bridgeport. I loved being able to observe the way the adult community members supported and celebrated the students, and pray the experience will give them a sense of connection as they continue to grow up. Lord, have mercy.
— 2 —
recent, Biblical reflections on gun reform in the U.S
Ted Cruz takes Alyssa Milano to Bible study — with an NRA edition of the Bible by Shane Claiborne via Religion News Service
Shane Claiborne and Omar Saif Ghobash: Called and Conflicted via OnBeing with Krista Tippett
— 3 —
links on current events exposing our need for
a better vision of justice & mercy
A Pastoral Response to the Hug Seen Around the World by Rich Villodas via Missio Alliance
The Internet Is Overrun With Images of Child Sexual Abuse. What Went Wrong? by Michael H. Keller and Gabriel J.X. Dance via NYT
World Vision Flips the Script on Child Sponsorship by Jeremy Weber via CT
In the ministry’s first major innovation in seven decades, the children now do the choosing.
— 4 —
playlists I made for you to celebrate the many moods of autumn
I consider these personal masterpieces. Listen with pleasure!
— 5 —
photos from my first walk in the Connecticut woods this fall
This autumn I’ve taken a #100WalksChallenge and within that challenge, an autumn walks challenge. In Connecticut, we’re filthy-rich in scenic walk options. I tend to walk by the sea in summer and winter and in the woods in spring and fall.
Here’s what I posted from my first walk in the woods this past week.
Welcome, Fall!
🍁
I took my first autumn walk in the woods this week, just before all of this blessed rain.
🍂
I’m energized by change but terrible at transition. My body fights transition by acting weary, sniffly, headachy, unfocused, and unsettled. Walking anywhere outdoors helps ground me in seasons of transition, and autumn is the best of the best times to walk in the woods. It’s also my third annual season to thank God for this place we live so abundant and diverse in walking landscapes.
🍁
I’m looking ahead to a continued and renewed sense of grounding in our city, home, and church community. I’m looking forward to celebrating a new worship space for Church of the Apostles here in Bridgeport. I’m looking forward to making wedding plans with @kenjedelm . I’m looking forward to celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary just before Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to weekly #workstories2019 guest posts on the blog, various speaking engagements, and writing projects. I’m savoring each conversation with God and those who invite me into their lives as a Spiritual Director. And, yes, I’m looking forward to the pumpkins, cider, doughnuts, and homemade apple crisp.
🍁
Welcome, Fall! I’m excited to get to know you better over many walks in the woods.
— 6 —
lovely links on the pleasure of reading with children
On my all-time favorite YA book (which I re-read every summer) A Ring of Endless Love: Family in Madeleine L'Engle's Young-adult Fiction via Forma
Children Need Stories That Tell the Truth About Life and Death By Rebecca Bratten Weiss via Image Journal’s “Good Letters” blog
Five Children’s Books That Honor the Body of Christ by Aarik Danielson via Think Christian
Tomie dePaola’s books help us find the sacred in stories of service and stillness via America Magazine
Our Favorite October Picture Books via Read-Aloud Revival
— 7 —
posts from same week, different years (the archives)
8 years ago
Autumn in Austin brought major bouts of homesickness. In my first fall away from NY, I slipped home for apple-picking and pie-baking with my sisters.(October 2011)
May your weekend include some rest and some fun with friends and family. Peace...