Hello friends - especially the new friends who have subscribed this past week - thanks for letting me check in with you. I have several recent pictures of cardinals that I have not shared yet, so I will have some of those in this post. That way, even if you fall asleep reading my words, you’ll like my pictures. Everybody likes the Cardinals. Except, I have a friend who doesn’t like birds at all, but I shall not name them. Most everybody likes birds!
This week’s poll (Ok, it might be a little one-sided).
At Forsythe Church. Last week on Wednesday I began a study of the Lord’s Supper. This morning I continued my journey through Mark’s Gospel by considering the two stories he intertwines about the synagogue leader whose daughter was dying and the woman who had had twelve years of bleeding who touched the hem of his garment and was healed. These are two pretty amazing stories that remind us to trust even when we cannot know everything that is happening. Next Sunday we plan to continue into Mark 6 with our lessons.
SOCIAL MEDIA
I got an email this week that I had been on Linked In for 10 Years! Unfortunately, Linked In has been one of those social media places where there are a lot of people in the house, but it feels like nobody’s home. I’ve seldom been able to get much traction on interaction there And there’s the whole creepy ‘someone looked at your profile’ and ‘if you pay us we’ll tell you who!’ So I did pay for a month and I’m wondering why these companies are looking at my profile. I think they are confusing me with someone who is qualified to work at their place! Social media keeps trying to adjust to the times and it’s hard to keep up. Facebook is the king, no doubt, as well as its connected media outlets like Instagram, Whatsapp, and Threads. It’s a necessary evil for companies and churches. I enjoy most of it, though. I’ve tried many others for periods but ended up dropping out. I think I didn’t drop out of Linked In because I forgot about it. Substack’s Notes is enjoyable, but not as populated. What is your most comfortable and enjoyable social media outlet?
READING
Right now I’m reading Ted Galdi’s Elixir. It’s a pretty fast-paced thriller that I’m enjoying. Of course, I’m engaged with several books that relate to Mark’s Gospel as I make my way through. I am really enjoying Travis Bookout’s Cruciform Christ: 52 Reflections on the Gospel of Mark. I highly recommend it. As I mentioned last week, I’m enjoying C. S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters. I am reading three or so chapters per week, so I’m taking my time. There’s so much to think about in each chapter. In my Bible reading group we have just concluded Mark and started Exodus in the past few days.
How about a gallery of Cardinals?
My friend Doug said recently, “Years are short, Days are long.” I don’t know if he made that up or is quoting something he heard, but it sure is true. January is fleeting and February is upon us. I like February. It’s the month that my favorite grandson was born. Maybe I’ll get a photo with him to post here.
Substack Posts I’m Recommending For You
I’m Stubborn Like That - Mark Starlin’s post will give you a smile.
When Church People Act Like Jesus by Scott Sauls
Trying to Take Charge of Jesus, a reflection by Richard Myerscough
This week in The Holy Lens we will be praying through the Christian Armor. I’d love for you to join us in a picture, passage, and prayer for each day.
Out with a smile.
“If you live to be one hundred, you've got it made. Very few people die past that age.” - George Burns
Say goodnight Gracie. I loved George Burns and have read a few of his books.
Hope you enjoyed the Cardinal Edition of Hope Remains. I have more Cardinal photos but no need to post them all in one newsletter.
I hope you have a good week ahead. I’m certainly going to try. Work hard, rest well, and stay connected. The world needs you.
Here!
I'm here! plus it's my birthday!