It is so peaceful.
The problem with playing the “Last Christmas” game is that you can’t watch a single video. You never when and where that song is going to pop up.
Tap Room Tuesdays Donations
Each year the community that we call, Tap Room Tuesdays picks a local organization to support at the end of the year. This year, we are gathering donations for the Brick Elementary Food Pantry and the Lincoln Clothes Closet. If you would like to donate anything to the cause, you can drop things off on our porch until December 16 or you can order from Amazon and ship them to me: Amazon List
Here are the items that we are collecting:
Weigh in Wednesday!
9/22/2025 - 259.9 12/3/2025 - 243.2
Total loss - 16.7 lbs
Need to lose to reach 195: 48.2
Slow and steady wins the race. #195by50
Today’s Advent readings:
Psalm 124; Isaiah 54:1-10; Matthew 24:23-35
#Advent2025
The house looks so pretty tonight. I pinch myself often that we get to live here. So very grateful.
If you are following along with the daily Advent readings here are the ones for today:
Psalm 124; Genesis 9:1-17; Hebrews 11:32-40 #Advent2025
I listened to this podcast episode today about the liturgical calendar. I grew up in a church that used it and then as I moved into adulthood the churches that I was part of didn’t.
I love the idea of subverting time…
As we walk through Advent, I thought it might be helpful to share the daily passages to read during this season.
December 1: Psalm 124; Genesis 8:1-19; Romans 6:1-11
#advent2025
Watched: Landman S2E2, Sins of the Father 🍿
The conversation between father and son in this episode was poignant.
“Remember how you raise your son is how he will raise his. That cycle is real hard to break.”
I am seeing a rising generation of men doing just that and creating new cycles. Ones that are redemptive and beautiful.
I think I am going to try and create a custom landing page for The Pastor Next Door. Do you think landing pages are worth it? If so, what would do you think should be there?
Right now, I have a simple list of recent blog posts.
Finished reading: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson 📚
The second book of the Mistborn trilogy. It’s such a fun read and the characters are just a blast!
Advent Begins - A Season of Longing
Advent begins today.
Advent is a season of waiting, hoping, and trusting. We wait again for the coming of Christ. We hope that in Christ’s coming all things will be made new. We trust that faith will one day become sight.
Each year we return to particular passages to ponder in light of this season of hopeful waiting. This year is no different. We will reflect and hope and pray.
As I grow older, I’m finding something new stirring in my soul. When I was younger, Advent brought a sense of excitement. It was a spiritual challenge to imagine—again and again—what it might feel like if Christ had not yet come. The philosopher Peter Rollins practices something he calls Atheism for Lent, and for a time I tried to take on a similar mindset during Advent.
But now something new has sprouted in me. The only word I have for it is longing.
I am grateful for time spent with family.
Happy Thanksgiving!
