We have been able to spend some time back in Minnesota this summer. Being surrounded by lakes has been like going back to being a kid.
Back to our roots
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The Law of Nature
First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in.
Lewis, C. S.. Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis Signature Classics) (p. 8). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
Fun on the lakes
Visiting family and friends throughout Minnesota and Iowa has allowed us to step back into some of our favorite places. Here are some photos.
Adoption Fundraiser on Etsy
Crystal has been hard at work creating new jewelry to raise awareness and funds for our international adoption. You can take a look at what she has made over at the new Etsy store here. Additional items will be added in the next two weeks.
Reading the Bible together
Any committed Christian is capable of initiating a good conversation on a biblical text. In reality, your fears in this area of personal work betray two Screwtape-like lies that every Christian must resist. First, that gospel growth depends on us and on our abilities. This is simply not the case. Our proficiency in the Bible is not the final arbiter in seeing spiritual growth occur. The Holy Spirit can and does use timid people just like us. The second lie we fight against is disbelief—disbelief in the potency of God’s word. We need to be reminded that God does his work in his way, and it is his word that accomplishes whatever he desires in the world.
Helm, David. One-to-One Bible Reading (Kindle Locations 176-181). Matthias Media. Kindle Edition.
Picos pictures
More photos from this incredible area of Spain, about 4 hours from our home.
Right and Wrong
But the most remarkable thing is this. Whenever you find a man who says he does not believe in a real Right and Wrong, you will find the same man going back on this a moment later. He may break his promise to you, but if you try breaking one to him he will be complaining ‘It’s not fair’ before you can say Jack Robinson.
Lewis, C. S.. Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis Signature Classics) (p. 6). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.
Running through the mountains
Here are some photos from a race in the Aquiliano Mountains behind our house. You can click here to read the race report.
Walking with God through Pain and Suffering
Book: Keller, Timothy. Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. Penguin Books, 2013.
Point: Christianity has the unique answer to meaningful suffering because Christianity is about Christ, the suffering yet conquering King.
Path: This book is divided into three parts, Worldview, Theological, and Practical. All are well articulated and helpful.
Sources: Keller’s standard bibliography ranging from contemporary theologians and philosophers to ancient sources.
Agreement: This is the first book I would hand to someone dealing with, or walking alongside someone in the midst of suffering.
Personal App: Suffering is an incredible opportunity to see my inadequacy and God’s sufficiency.
“God allows evil just enough space so it will defeat itself.” (Keller)
Riaño
During a short trip to the Picos de Europa, I found a village I want to spend more time in. It sits alongside a reservoir which has now covered several villages. The mountains rise up from the turquoise water, inviting us to explore.
