Father's Day Edition
The Sunday Night Check-In for June 15
Hello friend, it’s time for the Sunday Night Check-In. Thanks for spending a few moments with me. This week we have five new subscribers, putting us at 655 on our slow way to 700! I just keep up with that for fun, but I do welcome new subscribers and let you know you can always say howdy in the comments. In case you were interested, Hope Remains has been read in 44 states and 29 countries. In Substack world, that’s nothing to brag about. But it’s fun to notice.
It’s Father’s Day in the United States. That’s a complicated day for me (and for many others). One day I hope to write a post about my dad, but right now I am just letting that story heal over. I’m grateful for the spiritual fathers that God placed in my life over the years. They have no idea how important they were and are. It has been a privilege to be a dad to Nicole and to John Robert. I pray that whatever shortcomings have been a part of that experience will be tempered by the love offered. And how sweet to have two grandchildren that I love deeply. However you celebrate or not, I hope you have a great day.
FORSYTHE
At Forsythe this morning we completed our series called Foundations of Fellowship from Ephesians 4. The concluding lesson was THERE IS ONE GOD (Audio and Notes HERE). The message was received well. Next Sunday we begin a new series called SEVEN HABITS OF HOLINESS. Looking forward to exploring the Christian Graces. It has been several years since I preached a series from that particular list. Sunday night our congregation was invited to Jackson Street Church of Christ for a time of singing. There were not as many from Forsythe as I thought there might be, but there was a big crowd and folks from several different congregations present. Andrew Ashley and Grady Lewis led us in singing.
LISTENING
Check out Brandon Lake and CeCe Winans’ new song! Love it!
WATCHING
We are about to begin season 5 of LOST. The story does go off the rails and become difficult to keep up with at this point, but it’s still a lot of fun. And I was excited that ALONE began a new season last week. I love this show! Here’s a season 12 sneak peak:
READING
This week I read THE FISHERMAN’S NET Part One: The Net is Cast by Nathan Holland. This book is available in ebook format only. I met Nathan many years ago. I’ve been impressed by his long time mission in Cape Town, South Africa. You get such a flavor of life in that region by following the story of young Osvaldo finds a rich new meaning in life in the life shared by his mentor Manuel. This story is so captivating - I found it hard to stop reading. If you have ever read any of the amazing novels by Paulo Coelho (think The Alchemist), then you will be right at home with The Fisherman’s Net. The story is told in English but accompanied by an extensive Portuguese glossary with rich references that bring this story alive. I can’t wait for part two!
Manuel lowered himself onto the sand and carefully examined the net. “Come,” he said. “Fixing something teaches you its worth.” He began patiently threading the twine through the frayed strands. After a moment, he added, “I’ve been torn more times than I can count.” He pulled on the frayed net with his fingers. “Fortunately, God never runs out of mending thread.” —Nathan Holland, The Fisherman’s Net
Goodreads tells me I have only read 28 of my goal of 125 books for this year. In our Bible Reading program we are in 2 Kings and moving late in the week into Luke.
PHOTOGRAPHY
My visit to Tensas River National Wildlife Reserve didn’t produce any great photos, but I still enjoyed it. Will share a few from there and just some others around I’ve taken.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT LAST WEEK
A new book with 101 Devotionals From The Holy Lens is coming soon! It is now in the hands of my editor and I look forward to making it available. It has 101 prayers written by those I have come to know and love through their writings on The Holy Lens!
The Holy Lens is transitioning a bit. I’m finding it has been a blessing to cooperate with so many great writers - but it has also become difficult for me to manage well. So, that part of The Holy Lens is coming to an end. I’m still considering ways to continue The Holy Lens either at the current newsletter location or placing it as a feature here at Hope Remains. Simplifying the process is the goal. Things will go on as usual through the month of June, Lord willing.
SOME STACKS I’VE SAVED
God Only Knows - a post I shared last week.
Eavesdropping on the Trinity by Ava Pennington
The Cripple in the Throne Room by Rich Bitterman
Thanks for reading! The night owl has done his work. Night owls and early birders all welcomed here. Take care, friends. Work hard, rest well, and stay connected. The world needs you.
You are appreciated for the hard work at both spaces on Substack. Thank you.
I had two earthly fathers, who were actually the same person. The father I had before Mom died and the father I had after she died. After Mom died, I was given the chance to take a different path with Dad. That new relationship was bittersweet. We could never have the deep relationship of a loving father and child from birth but at least we were able to build one that was not full of hate.