4 Things in the Life...
11.27.25
Something I am doing…
If you are old enough to remember, this one brings out my inner “Galloping Gourmet.” 1
One of the joys of life that has emerged is cooking. I have always enjoyed creating something that “might” be delicious. Randomly, I would fall upon some recipe that looked scrumptious and take it on as a personal challenge. But that is about it. Very spasmodic. That would equal an occasional pot of soup or stew, and then an attempt at a singular, multi-hour masterpiece, at least in my mind.
Over the last several years, however, I have taken on more of the daily. Not that Robi is not cooking. She still does, and she is good at it, but gradually, with her working late into the evening, I have just tried more and more to move into the regular.
Before I say another word, please “take what I am saying with a grain of salt.” (see what I did there?) I am not going on some cooking show, although I love watching them. I am simply slowly expanding the canon of things that I am capable of pulling off. Wednesday night, I proudly made some crispy baked mini potatoes with some salt, pepper, and a profuse dosing of paprika. Paired with that, I butter-basted some wild-caught salmon and then sautéed asparagus in the remainder of the butter and garlic. It all came out pretty good...that is, if you like butter.
On Thanksgiving, with the direction of my lovely daughter, Karli, I took on the never-before challenge of roasting the turkey.
I guess you can actually teach old dogs new tricks.
Something I am planning for…
I have been working on my 2026 reading list. I read about a book a week, so I will choose about 50+ titles. I will not plan out the entire list. I will leave some for ones that come up along the year, but I do like to have a decently balanced diet of different genres. It will be heavily weighted with theology, the church, and Christian formation stuff, of course, but I also want to weave in books on philosophy, psychology, culture, and political issues. Oh, and I will continue my lifelong pursuit to be a fiction reader. And the peanut gallery shouts out in one accord, “GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!”
Let me know what you are reading or suggestions for something you think I should read. I would love to hear.
If you are interested, I can send you what I have so far. I have about half of the 50+ selected.
A quote I am thinking about…
“Jesus is the kingdom of God in person. He is God’s eschatological reality made present, giving rise to a new social possibility called church. On the cross, the principalities and powers of this world are defeated. The cross bears witness to the fact that we don’t have to make the world turn out right, nor do we have to follow the dictates of prosperity and power. On the cross, God incarnate refused to save the world by coercion. And neither should we try to. By enduring suffering, God gave us an opportunity to live in the world without killing those who would kill us.”
Jesus Changes Everything, Stanley Hauerwas
This book sings the song that enlivens my soul.
3 things I am grateful for…
As I sit here on Thanksgiving morning, my mind is filled with gratitude. Here are a few thoughts I woke up with this morning.
I am thankful for my health. My body and I have had a bit of a combative relationship...particularly when I am not paying attention. Today, we are on speaking terms.
I am thankful for my lovely wife, Robi. She is a constant flow of life toward me, and I hope I am reciprocating as well. She is a one of one.
I am thankful for Karli. She is currently living with Robi and me as she prepares to relocate to LA in the New Year. I consider it a great gift for our lives to have her close for this time, even as Robi and I brace for her departure.
I hope you are paying attention to what is going on in your lives and accenting the things you are grateful for. It can change the landscape of your journey.
Be peace, my friends!
Rob
Graham Kerr was a fun and flamboyant TV presence in Seattle during the late 60s and early 70s, paving the way for chefs like Gordon Ramsay.
I love this new phase of your life with cooking. Last night I came home to a lovely plate all prepared for me with the salmon, potatoes and asparagus. And my lovely daughter had cleaned up the kitchen after her dad. I could really get used to this! I am looking forward to the turkey you are going to cook today!
Based on your inspiration, I just started reading the Hauerwas book that you quote here with such a powerful, rich quote. Another book I am reading is “ Brains Need Friends” by a neuroscientist just confirming what I believe is true. And with that, I am so very thankful for your friendship and love for me.❤️❤️❤️
Say, you can send me your 2026 reading list. And, do you have a list of your top ten of all time?