Greatest Hits and a World in Bloom
a compilation of beauty and blasts from the past
Happy Friday, Blue Roomies!
And welcome to a big bunch of new subscribers and followers, particularly those from Lakeside Chautauqua (Ohio). We had a lovely week together on the shores of Lake Erie, talking hope from a number of different angles. I got in some good running and walking as well as some writing, and pleasant conversations over ice cream and coffee with some of the residents and vacationers there.
It’s Thursday evening and I’m newly home, trying to give myself time and space to re-enter the world of kid schedules and temps in the upper 90s. So by way of unofficial orientation for all our new and recent subscribers, here are some “greatest hits” and other Blue Room classics, followed by some photos from the week.
First, where did The Blue Room come from? Here’s the story:
There's a place for everyone in The Blue Room
Hello friends, Today we welcome a bunch of new subscribers to the Blue Room, and also welcome longtime subscribers to a new platform. It’s our first day at Substack! With the changeover, I thought I’d share once again the story of The Blue Room, and why it’s been such a resonant image for me for so long:
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Here’s more about the book I’m writing:
The Book I'm Writing
The idea for my latest book began with a cow. I wrote in Hope: A User’s Manual about a farmer in Cambodia who worked in the rice paddies until he lost his leg from the explosion of an abandoned landmine: He was outfitted with a prosthetic leg, which caused a great deal of pain when standing in the water of the rice paddy each day. The man struggled more a…
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This week we talked about holy indifference as a spiritual practice that helps us cultivate hope. Here’s more about that. And if holy indifference feels a little too standoffish, try radical acceptance on for size.
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And here’s a recent sermon I preached. Speaking of which, I’m preaching this Sunday July 21 at 10:15 EDT, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon VA. Join us in person or via livestream.
And now: ahhh… Lakeside in bloom:
In addition to the beautiful flowers, the yard adornments were charming:
Steady on, friends.
I’m reading this sitting in IAD full of hope that my flight to Dallas to scoop up my 3 Texas granddaughters for Trinity’s VBC on Monday will leave before my return flight tomorrow does. And full of hope I will make it back to help with live stream on Sunday and hear an absolutely fabulous sermon. Haven’t heard it yet but know enough to know …
Thanks for the words and wonderful pics
And now we know the rest of the story 😉 I’m so glad that you were able to take some time for rest and refreshment. What beautiful pictures!