Spill the Beans
The Sunday Night Check-In for May 17th
It’s time for the Sunday Night Check-In. Welcome to new subscribers! Thanks for joining me for just a little news from the week.
I’ll be sending out a special post this week in reflection of the loss of my friend Ronnie Teague. His funeral is tomorrow (Monday) in Haynesville, Louisiana. Maggy and I plan to travel there in the morning. I’m privileged to be a part of the service. I’ll tell you all about him sometime this week.
Also, this week is the anniversary of the passing of our son, John Robert Dobbs. I’m not sure if I’ll send out a separate post or not. This year has a little sting of significance in that he has been with the Lord now for eighteen years. He was eighteen years old when he died. So, we have been without him the same amount of time that we had him. That doesn’t change how much we miss him or how much we love him still. But it is an added dimension to grief.
Have you ever noticed how much math there is in grief? At first, you measure hours, then days, and then weeks. Before you know it, years have passed, and you keep up with them. The heart has its ways of trying to grapple with loss. We have been blessed with so much support and love over the years. It is my belief that we will see him again in that great-getting-up-morning in the regeneration of all things.
Thanks to those who purchased The Heavenward Trail: A Devotional Companion for Colossians. The more I read Colossians, the more I realize that it is a treasure I may have overlooked! Also, I appreciate the energetic responses to Stillwell Crossing! I’m looking forward to releasing book two! If you haven’t joined smart newspaperman Mason and tough investigative reporterJeremy for the mystery set in small-town Mississippi, it’s not too late!
Advance Readers
I’m now accepting up to five advance readers for Stillwell Crossing, Book Two. You will be reading an unedited version and have two main responsibilities! (1) Actually read the book! (2) Write and be ready to post a review when it goes live on Amazon! For your troubles, I’ll send you a signed paperback in appreciation! Let me know in the comments if you’d like to participate. Sometimes people do not follow through on this commitment… so … don’t be like them! I’ll share this one as well …
FORSYTHE
At Forsythe Church this morning, we spent some time looking at Ephesians 4 and how to grow our faith forward. Notes and audio are HERE. Doug White started a new class on Proverbs, so there was much wisdom dispensed in his class. We have two other classes that focus on the text of the sermon and spend more time in discussion of the topic of the day.
LISTENING
Tasha Layton reflects on tough times in life in Meet Me In The Valley.
Although many Substacks have paid subscriptions, my posts are always free! I do have a Hope Remains Gift Registry if you’d like to show some love! Check it out HERE if you are interested. If not, I still love ya!
READING
I finished a few books this week! My Life Vest is Christ Jesus: A Journey of Faith Struggle and Redemption by Steve J. Dubois. I have known Steve for a while now, but I’ve known his wife, Cynde. When her grands were little she would bring them to Trick-R-Trunk and always brought apple dumplings with her. That’s a good memory! Steve’s book is not long, but it is packed with his story of overcoming so many struggles in life. I don’t want to give away too much of it, but it is so heart-felt, I was blessed.
I also read Forgotten Boy: A Chicago Detective Thriller by Todd Luchik. This was a great story that I had a hard time putting down toward the end. I will forewarn you that it is a bit more gritty than I’m used to reading. Though not explicit in either sex or gore, there was more of that than I expected. But it was an exciting tale.
Goodreads says I’ve read 28 books so far this year. I’m behind a bit. I’ve got some fun ones lined up to read, as well as some great spiritual encouragement. Louise Penny has a new book out, co-authored by Mellissa Fung. I’m looking forward to reading that. In our Bible reading program, we are finishing 1 Samuel soon. Philippians follows that, then to 2 Samuel.
SUBSTACKERY
The Truth Will Set You Free. Les Ferguson, Jr. demonstrates resilience when life takes an unexpected turn. He’s done that before. My friend is fully capable.
Biblical Convictions: Anchors in the Storm. Brian Causer is back at it. Every post is a gift. I appreciate his perspective here because the storms will come.
Arthur. Zack Monroe and his wife experience a painful loss. Their reflections are worth your time and remind us that even when we are hurting, we can trust God. (Warning - you’ll need tissue for the tears, but it’s worth it.)
My (Unpopular) Most Important Advice for Young Christians. Kaleb Amos makes a great case for establishing analog rhythms.
That’s all the beans I have to spill this time! If it weren’t so late… but maybe I can swing by Standard Coffee soon.
Thank you! If you read this far, bless you! This night owl has done his work. Take care, friends. Work hard, smile often, rest well, and stay connected. The world needs you now more than ever!
Your book picture is getting more and more impressive every month. You have been busy.
Please add Simon and me to your prayer list. We lost his mother just a week ago and we are both missing her very much. Trying to focus on his Dad now who is on his own and grieving. Thank you so much for your presence in our lives. Keep doing your thing!
🙏 for you and Maggy. Anniversaries are hard.😢