Concerning Reading, Writing, and Avian Dining Behavior
Third Monday / April '25
Third Monday / April, ’25
Hello! Third Monday posts are more incidental, personal, and situational updates touching on my life in general and on the possibilities and circumstances of ministry. Let me know what you think at randy@greatheartstable.com or in the comments below.
I
I hope yesterday was a good day for you and that you were reminded of how much you are loved. I know that every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, but Easter summons all our attention to this reality. “Jesus lives,” we sing, “and so shall I.” I trust this is a truth that invigorates every moment of your lives, not just as an anticipation of death, but as well as a renewal of the present.
The Lord is Risen!
II
Today marks the release of part two of my interview with Byron Borger and Adam Tisdale on a pastor’s reading life. We began this conversation a few weeks ago and will conclude it in May. This was a fun conversation and it’s our hope that it encourages joy and purpose in your reading.
This episode is available on the podcast side of Greatheart’s Table, You can access it either here or here.
If you do nothing else, go to the show notes for this podcast. The book list that was generated by our conversation is wonderful!
III
My book Something Worth Living For has been out in the wild for over four years now. It was written to be an accessible presentation of historic Christianity using the framework given by the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
One recent reader commented
“You made the theological truths come alive with your personal stories, appropriate allusions to popular culture, and your own transparency.”
Another said,
“I started reading your book on the plane ride home and I CAN’T PUT IT DOWN! So good!!!”
Most gratifying to me was this observation of a college freshman who is not a believer:
“I feel like he’s writing to me. It’s very easy to read and I like it.”
You can get the book anywhere, of course, but I’d be happy to get a copy to you (for less cost than Amazon). You can order it from me here.
IV
Apropos of nothing, really, other than my own fascination, are these recent birding observations.
the common gallinule is considered rare. That’s a curious use of language.
the black-bellied whistling duck does in fact whistle. A lot.
the tufted titmouse prefers take out, flying up to our feeder, grabbing something, and then heading elsewhere to eat it
the cardinal prefers a buffet, insisting on trying the (identical) fare at each of the four perches on the feeder.
the pine warbler dines alone, with a long after dinner cocktail, sitting on the perch well after he’s finished eating, not letting any other near.
V
Remember that if you know of anyone struggling with the decisions of their adult children you can point them to the Off-Script Kids retreat coming up this October. Registration and other information can be found here.
Also remember that I can bring this material to your church in a conference format. Email me and I’ll get more info to you!