It’s been a minute since I’ve posted a “lately” update. Enough time to need to remind myself what it is:
What’s “Lately?”
From the first edition, in February 2023 - “From time to time I’ll collect some random things floating in my mind and ask others to contribute, and share them all with you. Notes, verses, podcasts, videos, books, etc. They say sharing is caring.”
C.S. Lewis has a profound insight on the human heart desiring to praise something/someone “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation.”
Here’s a few things that I’ve enjoyed or am enjoying as we near the shift toward summer:
Tucson
Karen and I got to visit Tucson last weekend with the Garcias to hear Hermanos Gutiérrez in concert, and though I couldn’t talk Anthony into getting onto a horse (he’s got a lil fear, and went down to Bisbee), we had a nice morning going through a little slice of Saguaro National Park. 8/10 - Would recommend. What was a 10/10 you ask? No question, the quesadilla from El Guero Canelo. Legit Sonoran flavors.
Tech
Merlin Bird App. - I may be entering midlife, but birdwatching is biblical too. This app makes identifying avian species a little easier for a colorblind guy like me.
WisprFlow - this AI app was recommended by an author I follow. It makes voice-to-text on my laptop so much easier and simpler than anything else I've come across, a real game changer for writing emails and quick communication.
Books
The top novel for me of the year so far has been “Theo of Golden”. Chris Whitakers “We Begin at the End” was a tense page turner.
In non-fiction, I’ve appreciated the recent release of “Jesus Changes Everything” by Stanley Hauerwas. Though I don't agree with Hauerwas on everything theologically, I appreciate his no-nonsense approach to following Jesus and the short chapters make reading aloud with my boys helpful.
Music
John Mark Macmillan - Cosmic Supreme
The author of one of the most sung Christian songs of the last 20 years (How He Loves was released in 2005?!?!) dropped a new album that is somewhat of a return to some more singable church songs.
I’ve particularly enjoyed these two:
Citizens - Living Proof
A newer EP with some upbeat pop/rock songs. Below is one of the tracks “Morning Glory, Don’t You Worry.” A little bit different. A little bit fun.
What have you been enjoying these days? Drop me an email and perhaps I can compile a few from the good folks at Union for the next edition.