September and October 2024 Monthly Summary

In France

In Seattle

Strength and Grace

This fall has been full! Overall, it’s been a time of increased strengthening, increased refinement, and developing deeper roots in certain communities. These months also sharpened my leadership and facilitation.

• In October, I submitted the complete draft of my doctoral thesis. By next week, I will have submitted the final, polished version. From there, we will schedule my defense ideally before Christmas.
• In September and October, I developed, led, and reflected on a retreat with my Generations of the Nations team in Central Western France. I enjoyed connecting with this team, reflecting on our limitations, and understanding more of France’s current needs. Apart from strengthening relationships, this trip filled in crucial background knowledge in order for me to support France in the future. I believe that visiting the people and land also imparted a kind of strength to navigate my current context.
• In Seattle, I spent a significant amount of time writing. I was apple to go apple-picking with friends and make applesauce. While the end of October brought some rain, it has been overall crisp and beautiful, with lots of autumn colors at their best.
• In Seattle, I also got to behold the launch of Adoration House’s new building and Ancient Gate coffee shop in University District. As someone who works in this general area, I’m excited to watch how this city-wide prayer and worship ministry will influence the wellbeing of our city.

Worship

Music

Verses

Media

Books

Letters to an American Lady by C.S. Lewis

“It is nice to be still under the care of St. Mary Magdalene: she mus tby now understand my constitution better than a stranger would, don’t you think. The allegorical sense of her great action dawned on me the other day. The precious alabaster box which one must break over the Holy Feet is one’s heart. Easier said than done. And the contents become perfume only when it is broken. While they are safe inside they are more like sewage. All very alarming.

Yours,

Jack

(pg 35-36)

TV Series

Lately, I’ve been enjoying the 2006-2012 Sci-Fi series “Eureka.” I have most especially enjoyed how the characters become visibly better versions of themselves throughout the arch of the show. The series humanely explores topics like faith and spirituality, family, adoptive family, transformation, and grief.