Some things I like
and think are worth sharing :-)
It’s one of my favorite conversations in real life. You know. The nerdy kinds with nerdy friends that start unassumingly with: what have you been reading / listening / watching lately? that then escalates enthusiastically with the ever sensible rating of: OMG IT CHANGED MY LIFE. THE BEST. 10/10. SO GOOD I’M DED.
That’s kind of the vibe of this little newsletter hehe. A hodgepodge of things I’ve been enjoying and think is worth sharing with those who would like to digest with me. I’ve been looking for a space to mull over good things with others. (Yet without the angst of social media platforms that my poor little heart and soul and brain often cannot handle.)
Here goes!
a comic strip
For my birthday this year, I gifted myself the entire collection of Calvin & Hobbes. Growing up with this small boy and his stuffed tiger in the panels of our black-and-white daily local newspaper (and full color on Sundays!) was a hoot. Now reading it as an adult is even better. Bill Watterson is a genius. Enjoy this. And this. Okee, last one.
a book
Last week, I finished The Magician’s Nephew for probably the dozenth time over the last three plus decades. (I’ve been in a a bit of a “comfort-read” mode for certain genres of books this year, but did try Kenneth Branaugh’s audiobook version that was wonderful.)
I was struck by two quotes:
Polly and Digory stared at one another in dismay. “Well, I do think someone might have arranged about our meals,” said Digory. “I’m sure Aslan would have, if you’d asked him,” said Fledge. “Wouldn’t he know without being asked?” said Polly. “I’ve no doubt he would,” said the Horse (still with his mouth full). “But I’ve a sort of idea he likes to be asked.”
“But please, please - won't you - can't you give me something that will cure Mother?' Up till then he had been looking at the Lion's great feet and the huge claws on them; now, in his despair, he looked up at its face. What he saw surprised him as much as anything in his whole life. For the tawny face was bent down near his own and (wonder of wonders) great shining tears stood in the Lion's eyes. They were such big, bright tears compared with Digory's own that for a moment he felt as if the Lion must really be sorrier about his Mother than he was himself. 'My son, my son,' said Aslan. 'I know. Grief is great.”
These two aspects of the lion’s character is exactly what God’s been teaching me lately about His own character. (Am I in Narnia right now? 🥹)
an album (and a cover)
I definitely gave a little squeal when I saw 1989 (Taylor’s Version) drop on Spotify two weeks ago. YGG, Taytay, YGG. (you go, girl <3) My favorite song still is Clean (even made a piano+violin arrangement from 2015 that isn’t tooo cringey)
a podcast
I’ve been recommending The Witch Trials of JK Rowling ad nauseam to my friends and love hearing what they think. My one-liner takeaway: how can we grow as a society to move away from polarizing and fear-mongering “other-ing” and toward listening, compassion, and empathy, while still holding firm to our differing convictions?
a worship setlist
A behind-the-scenes peek at my process as I pray and prep to lead worship next week. The passage is 1 Samuel 9-10 and highlights trusting in God’s wisdom. Keeping in mind a general flow of God-Man-Christ-Response, here’s what I’m plunking around on the piano:
Holy Holy Holy [Reginald Huber (C)]
How Great Is Your Faithfulness [Matt Redman (F)]
All My Boast Is In Jesus [Gettys (F)] or King of Kings [Brooke Fraser (C)]
confession & assurance: Majesty (Here I Am) [Delirious (G)]
sermon response: Ancient of Days [CityAlight (C)]
a tv series
I’m into my 2nd rewatch (I know, I know, like I said earlier, I’ve been in comfort-mode 🙈) of Disney’s Amphibia, and every episode of Season 3 thus far has left me in fits of giggles and welling tears. I am a big fan of children’s shows who take character development and good storytelling seriously without taking itself seriously. Shout-out to my brother who introduces me to the best animated tv series (nerd alert: we even have a shared spreadsheet to rank the recommendations). Perhaps one of these days we’ll record one of our phone calls where we deep dive into what makes shows like this so special.
a propagation
I’ve got a day job I like where I work exclusively with my mind. That’s why I like hobbies where I can work with my hands. Enjoy the jungle in my kitchen:
Thank you for reading! I hope this added value or levity to your life 💛
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love,
reb