FIVE ON FRIDAY - May 16, 2025

 

Here are the things that have had my attention this week. Thanks for reading!

1. Verse I've been memorizing

"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Romans 12:12 CSB

This verse is actually the verse I picked to not only memorize, but to seek to truly live out this year. I am a natural pessimist and a recovering "chronic worrier." It isn't hard for me to get focused on problems and then escalate to discouragement. I prayerfully chose this verse to help me be intentional about being disciplined to rejoice. It also reminds me to be patient and to be persistent in prayer (another area that I am working to improve in this year). 

2. Book I have been reading

THE GRASSHOPPER MYTH

This is a ministry book written by pastor Karl Vaters. He's the author of five books on church leadership. Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.

Having read about half of this book, I already wish it had been available 30 years ago. Vaters powerfully combines his personal narrative of struggle and revelation of his place in kingdom work with essential, practical ministry principles aimed at uplifting those in smaller church congregations. I'm excited to read the rest!

3. Quote I have been pondering

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” 

I came across this quote by Pablo Picasso in Matthew Dicks' book "Someday Is Today." The quote encapsulates the urgency of pursuing dreams and taking action now. I'm also a recovering procrastinator and quotes like this remind me of the importance of "doing now" what needs or should be done according to my values and desires. 

4. Podcast I have been listening to 

I've been listening to The Art of Manliness hosted by Brett McKay off and on for a few years. According to the site, "The Art of Manliness Podcast is a podcast that aims to help men become better men." I've found a lot of good stuff on the podcast over the years. 

A recent, helpful episode I listened is Podcast #955: The Power of NEAT — Move a Little to Lose a Lot; McKay interviews Dr. James Levine, a professor, a co-director of the Mayo Clinic’s Obesity Solutions Initiative, and the inventor of the Treadmill Desk (yes, it's a real thing). They discuss how regular, simple movement during the day can help lose and keep off extra pounds. Since I am participating in the Healthy Eating and Activity Lab study at the University of Tennessee, the topic appealed to me. The episode is pretty entertaining and very informative. 

5. Song I am listening to

I can't get enough of Josiah Queen's My Promise Land ... seriously, K-Love plays it at least once an hour. But it is a great song, and it is at least partially based on Moses' words to the Lord in Exodus 33. After the Israelites had sinned against God, He threatens to send them to the "Promise Land" without His presence. Moses then intercedes for the Israelites, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here." (33:15). Moses and the people understood that the land God had promised to them would mean nothing without the Lord's presence there. God is our Promise Land!

Bonus: Dad Joke I Am Digging 

Thanks again for reading. Have and awesome weekend!