My mom used to say that she could tell how busy I was by how little I was blogging. My plan is to get back into blogging a little more regularly (I feel like that’s been a recurring plan, but anyway), but to tide you over till then, here’s I’ve been up to the last couple months:
Celebrated East Side’s 2nd anniversary and a number of baptisms. We had a wonderful time thanking God for what he’s done in the life of East Side parish (it’s hard to believe we’re already two years in!) and in the lives of many individuals who had committed — and recommitted — themselves to Christ.
Went on vacation with Carolyn’s family. It was a great time of rest, rejuvenation, and reading; and I also got to go offshore fishing for the first time — we caught a few! The couple books I stormed through while in sabbath mode are two I’d highly recommend: Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, and Christena Cleveland’s Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart. (Y’all know books are my love language by now, right?)
Officiated two weddings, including that of my dear friends John and Bethany (above). John and Bethany were both part of small groups I led, at various points, and their relationship and story is such a testimony to the gospel and to the goodness of God. It was an absolute privilege to perform their ceremony. (You can see some highlights from their beautiful wedding here.)
We got a dog! Carolyn and I would like you to meet our pup — well, if you’re friends with, or following, either of us on social media, you’ve probably already met him. He’s a mini-goldendoodle and just turned four months. We named him Asher, which means “happy” in Hebrew, because we felt like he was going to be a source of happiness, not just for us but anyone he encountered. (This is not to say that he’s been a source of constant happiness, as anyone who’s ever had a puppy — or a baby — can attest; but he’s a mostly chill, pretty smart, mildly introverted dog. And we’re grateful for that.)
Also, his full name is Asher Russell Rodgers Fung. Or ARRF. (It just worked out that way.) #gohawks
Blogged for Sojourners: “Learning to Walk in the Desert.” Excerpt: “I used to be afraid of the desert. … To me, the wilderness was a place not only of nothingness but, worse, of negation. … To be in the desert was to be deserted by God.”
Preached three out of five weeks at The District Church for our Creating Healthy Boundaries series, which you can listen to here:
- Creating Healthy Boundaries for Your Soul
- Creating Healthy Boundaries in Your Friendships
- Creating Healthy Boundaries in Your Work
The other two sermons were “Creating Healthy Boundaries in Your Family” and “Creating Healthy Boundaries in Your Dating and Marriage,” which you should also go listen to.
Celebrated our first anniversary. This is last on the list, but by no means the least. We had a low key evening, hitting up a really good restaurant in Georgetown called After Peacock Room (go check it out). So grateful for the grace of God this year.
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And with that, back to life (back to reality).