It’s officially autumn. What did I do this month? A lot. I bought a baseball bat, mostly because I was so sold by the Q&A on Amazon. One of the questions was: “Assuming the bat doesn’t function as expected, what’s the return policy for bloodstains?” The answer: “Depending on whose blood is on it, it might be worth more.” Hilarious. Who knew so many of us were looking for bats to combat the anarchy on these streets? (A note for posterity, if you call the police, they can do nothing and may not show up. This time of 2022 is a time of every man for himself + his guardian angel + bat).
I read Eric Metaxas’ new book, Letter to the American Church, which was brilliant and mirrored a lot of my thoughts in one of my favorite posts on this page, Leadership (inspired by Metaxas’ Bonhoeffer biography). My favorite book this month was Good Morning, Monster. This book was a shift in perspective. I learned so much about the world and myself. Obsessed. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. Another fascinating read from the month was The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish.
This month, I also completed my course on C.S. Lewis (free course at Hillsdale College). It was marvelous. This course helped me see some of his writing in a different light. I also saw reruns of the old show, Just Shoot Me (very 1997).
I learned a lot this month. I processed a lot, as well. A new season begins. I got new towels and started lighting the cozy candles. I am excited to see all fall has in store for us. An important election season hangs before us. There is a lot at stake.
The important thing, no matter how September went for you is that we move forward. Plow forward. We are fighters. We are still standing. Like any good batter, we are ready to run home.
xx
Top Post of the Month: Jeanne Damas’ Library
Articles
“You’re not the American Dream, Kim, you’re the American Nightmare.” Piers Morgan on the Kim K ‘American Dream’ feature (Source)
I found rest to be a recurring theme this month. Loved Rest is Necessary by Katherine May.
Loved this article on the art of noticing. Excerpt: “Ernest Hemingway said, ‘You should be able to go into a room and when you come out know everything that you saw there and not only that. If that room gave you any feeling you should know exactly what it was that gave you that feeling. Try that for practice.’ Now take that idea, and consider how a place makes you feel. Feelings are not something we can see, but rather that we can sense. Tap into that.”
In support of the weekly marriage meeting.
Quotes
“If Yahweh rested on the seventh day of creation, it would be foolish of us to believe that our success depends on our continued labor.” Louie Giglio
“We’re haunted. We’re spiritual. We’re sinners and saints; we’re drunkards and preachers. We create astoundingly soulful pieces of art, astoundingly soulful music.” Alton Brown on being Southern
“I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had the courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.” Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
“This one is for those doing holy work outside the safety of a sanctuary… Your sermons flow through lesson plans and medical reports, your prayers are whispered over a scared patient or frustrated co-worker and your worship flows from your car in rush hour. Ministry is wherever you are and wherever you go because you know the One who breaks chains and sets captives free and you don’t need a title of pastor to proclaim His name. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus in unexpected places, for being on a mission and commission where people are most vulnerable. You are the best of us as you go undercover and undetected as ambassadors of Christ.” @Raisedtostay
“If all experienced God in the same way and returned Him an identical worship, the song of the Church triumphant would have no symphony, it would be played like an orchestra in which all instruments played the same note.” C.S. Lewis
“It is far easier to ignore God’s call than to acknowledge it and rise to fulfill it, but it is more difficult and painful than anything to love with the results of ignoring God’s call. Let the reader understand.” Eric Metaxas, Letter to the American Church
“In religious terms, the apocalypse involves a sudden vision of the heavens opening and revealing their secrets— secrets that make it easier to understand earthly realities.” Catherine Gildiner
“There is a rite of passage when you are young and in the city: walking all night.” Sara Billups
“It’s important that we remind ourselves – life doesn’t need to make sense all the time. The miracle is that things are happening even if we can’t see it all clearly. So trust in that, and focus on following your curiosities, focus on how you feel, and listen to your instincts. Don’t project too much about where that’s going to lead you. Because – trust me – life will probably take you to someplace better than you ever dared to dream of.” @Violette_Fr
“You misunderstand repentance if you believe it is asking God for forgiveness.” @riyoung31
“It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” J. Krishnamurti
“I don’t think he is a narcissist. I think he is just pathetic.” Jesus Enrique Rosas on Prince Harry
“Love means vulnerability; people who love you can also hurt you. Making oneself vulnerable is the ultimate bravery.” Catherine Gildiner
“Judge someone by their questions rather than their answers.” Voltaire
“The coolest thing to get canceled for is for speaking the truth.” Sudan Archives, Dazed
“We have to rediscover not just the law of free speech. We also have to rediscover a culture of free speech.” David French
“Your emotional intelligence and intuition will offend everyone who can’t run a game on you.” Steve Harvey
“God defines justice– not activists. God defines marriage– not government. God defines wisdom– not the university. God defines evil– not the majority. God defines history– not kings. God defines sin– not psychologists. God defines happiness– not our feelings.” Justin Bullington
“Love isn’t something we fall into; it’s someone we become.” Bob Goff
“You can’t dismiss your wife’s emotions and feelings without making her masculine. A massive part of femininity has to do with emotions. Emotions of every kind, with more passion behind them, and more prone to change. This is not a flaw; it’s a feature. But many men see this as a flaw, or at the very least, an annoyance. You want your wife to be more feminine, bro? You want her to be carefree and gentle and nurturing and joyful and kind? You want her to be submissive and dress femininely and have a heart that trusts you? Then stop being dismissive, or even mocking, of that which is at the core of her femininity; her feelings and emotions. One of the most basic things a woman needs from a man in relationship is to truly believe that he cares about how she feels. She needs to know that he will not only hear her feelings as legitimate, but also fight to protect her and make changes to avoid her being hurt. Vulnerability is a key element to a woman’s feelings. If you dismiss her feelings, she will become less vulnerable and build the walls up around her heart. If walls get built up, the more hard traits that resemble masculine nature come out. So if you have made the mistake of thinking your wife’s feelings are frivolous things and treated them as such, repent to her and to God. You have attacked something innate to how she was created, and have not honored her as the weaker vessel.” @the.masculine.mandate
“Normal is not strong or tough enough to withstand the impacts of life’s major blows.” Elena Cardone
“Talk about your blessings more than you talk about your problems.” Unknown
Videos
Generally speaking, very on point regarding all family, parenting and a must if you are following the Britney Spears drama.
People I am Intrigued By
Catherine Gildiner
Elena Cardone
GABRIELA YARELIZ 