We've had two weeks of intensely hot weather here. It started in May and just didn't let up. The hot dryness meant withering flowers and browning lawns. But today it's supposed to be cooler and rainy. I know the plants and flowers will drink up any moisture we receive.
In my traveling days, my husband and I sought out places in the world that had perfect weather. We visited Quito, Ecuador for a variety of reasons and were pleased to discover that that second highest city in the world (at 9350 feet above sea level) boasts temps of constant 45 degrees to 75 degrees. So, no sleet or snow, and no heat. That suited us. But it came with a downside- thin air. So, no-go after all.
I wonder what the temps were in the Garden. I wonder what Jesus will consider earth's perfect climate when He remakes the world and we are living on the New Earth. I can't wait to find out!
Meanwhile, perhaps to distract you or edify you or at least interest you during this long wait for weather perfection on earth, here are a few things to read.
Women, Moms & Kids
Kim Shay at Out of the Ordinary with a wonderful essay on being ordinary.
I'm reading Christina Fox's book Idols of a Mother's Heart. I like it so far. Here's the blurb-
Even good things can become idols if we give them central importance in our lives. Having children changes everything, and as mothers, we risk looking for life, purpose and meaning in motherhood. While being a mother brings its unique set of challenges, these years of raising children and helping them grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord provide an opportunity to grow in our own Christlikeness as well.Someone else on Twitter mentioned Fox and recommended these books also by that author.
Sufficient Hope, Closer Than A Sister, A Heart Set Free: A Journey to Hope, Through the Psalms of Lament.
Ruth Clemence offers ideas on 5 Ways to Approach Washing Up, as in dishes. She wrote the following, and intrigued as to how to turn a mundane disliked task into glory for God, I read on-
Is there a household chore that you really don’t like? For me, the washing up is top of the list because it is never really done. We don’t have a dishwasher and it can be a real battle to stand at the kitchen sink throughout the day to be greeted with more dirty plates. But you know what I’m starting to realise? That means that my family have been fed. Rather than grumbling at the conveyor belt of utensils and the dance of the cutlery, I am turning soap-soaked hands into worship to the Lord.
Jen Oshman opines on the darndest things six-year-olds say, her daughter remarked on God's gifts. Cute!
Abigail Dodds has A Manifesto for Women on Instagram
Most of us who are on social media didn’t put a lot of thought into it before joining–especially if we’re under 40. I jumped on because I wanted to connect with people, plain and simple. I thought it would be fun to share pics of my kids with people I love that live far away. Because none of us can see into the future, we didn’t really know what we were signing up for. We didn’t know how social media could rewire our brains and change the way we interact with the world. We didn’t know it would turn every experience into a spectacle to be consumed by our "followers" and ourselves, as Tony Reinke points out in his fantastic new book. [Ed. Note- The book is Competing Spectacles, I'm reading it too and it IS fantastic] We also didn’t know that Insta would become a place for words and massive influence. Micro-blogging, not merely pictures.
Susan Lafferty was at a conference in Thailand and while walking on the beach and seeing the sand-smoothed shells, mused on God's Inner Work. I admire people who can take a mundane thought or scene and make a practical application out of it.
Church & Theology
Ligon Duncan opines about Serious and Sensitive Preaching About Hell. Hell and brimstone preaching is so important, especially in these snowflake-meltdown days. The Gospel has been watered to 'accept Jesus" and 'He loves you' rather than 'repent and believe because otherwise you'll go to eternal punishment for your sins'.
Jenny-Lyn de Klerk on Owen on Church Discipline, (done in love) another topic that is pretty well abandoned these days
If you are following the controversy over women, preaching, and what seems to me to be the near collapse of the SBC then you will enjoy this one by Josh Buice on Egalitarianism and the Radical Role Dysphoria
Canadian pastor Darryl Dash writes about The Time Has Come for True Comfort. At the outset of his essay, he listed three terrible things that happened in his life in one week. Does it seem that way to you lately? Sudden tragedies appearing all over the place in people's lives? He refers us to our true comfort. I think we all need to read this one...
Culture & Fun
World reviews Godzilla: King of the Monsters. I loved the original Godzilla, the 1954 movie. It had more heart than you'd think and was pretty interesting. It spawned a franchise of 43 further Godzilla movies, of which, this is the 43rd. Can spectacular CGI generated special effects enhance a movie that was originally made 65 years ago with a man stomping around in a rubber suit? Read to find out...
I finished watching the Australian series on Netflix called Clash of the Collectibles. I enjoy learning about what is collectible and why, and the Netflix show did not disappoint. As a bonus, it was low key, with soft music (no pounding Wagner to trump up drama) and the two men 'competing' were friendly toward each other.
Kovels is a go-to source for antiques and collectibles since 1953. Their newsletter is always interesting. In the vein of Clash, here is their summary of how to prepare for a visit to swap meets and flea markets this summer.
Kristy Kapp at Kapp's Kitchen teaches how to make breakfast pizza. It looks yummo!
Need some gift ideas for artists? My Modern Met has a few and they are gorgeous.
My Modern Met also has some ideas for Father's Day card ideas. Hurry, Father's Day is June 16. Did you forget?
This summer, whether you're washing dishes or going to the movies or hunting antiques or posting to Instagram or musing on God's inner work in your heart,
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)