Double the Joy no. 56: Joys that Echo

July 3rd, 2024

Jul 03, 2024

Thank you very much for the various responses and replies I received from my last newsletter, regarding perspective, my reading, etc…I read them all and am grateful for the interaction with my words.

Speaking of perspective, I got a very large dose of such on a trip to Northern California. We were primarily there to visit the Redwood trees, but we also had a wonderful opportunity to travel along part of the Pacific Coast Highway and to stay a few minutes from the Ocean.

The size of the trees is incomprehensible.

The ocean too, but I have been to the Pacific before and to the Atlantic on numerous occasions in many locations. Not to mention the Gulf. The trees were the main attraction here and primary motivation for the trip. Tree joy was something I shared with my mother-in-law who joined our trip (and our nephew). In looking back through my pictures, I realize that it is hard to capture the enormity of the Redwoods. Though I did try and models do help!

Tree joy was accompanied by lighthouse joy, including touring a still working lighthouse (Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City, CA). Three of the five of us toured that lighthouse and that was a unique joy. The first picture below is from the grounds of a lighthouse in Oregon.

One of my favorite pictures, in the non-peopled category, was also of the Battery Point Lighthouse.

Despite my earlier words, there certainly was ocean joy, particularly in experiencing the rugged coastline of Oregon and California.

There was much joy found during our trip, which are small echoes of eternity and the Creator who made Redwoods, the ingenuity to build lighthouses, vast oceans, and people we love and who love us. I am grateful to have experienced these joys and to see beyond them to the Lord of all. Amazingly, among these giant sights and vistas, I am seen and loved beyond measure.

Reading Joy

Since the last newsletter, I did finish Endurance and The Shadows of Men. I have more I want to reflect upon from Endurance and will likely write about soon.

While on our vacation, I read Don Winslow’s The Power of the Dog - the first of three novels that follow various characters involved in the “war on drugs” - set over the course of a few decades. I cannot recommend this book, due to the content, though it was compelling and gave me deeper insight into various aspects of that “war”. Though fiction, I am sure much of it was rooted in reality and remains very relevant. Just yesterday, I saw news of violence between Mexican drug cartels that left many dead.

On the Nightstand:

The Map that Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology by Simon Winchester — I loved Winchester’s The Professor and the Madman (never saw the movie adaptation), but the science versus religion angle in this book has almost caused me to set it aside. I have proceeded for now. Found this book (and three others) in a thrift store in California.

The Unwavering Pastor by Jonathan K. Dodson — just started reading this one yesterday, but have already been encouraged by the early chapters.

Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara — a novel set during WW2 and within the Japanese-American community. The primary plot line is a sister (the main character) investigating the suspicious death of her older sister. So, a little bit of history, Japanese culture, and mystery wrapped together. I will finish this one soon.

J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life by Paul Miller — I will return to this one soon. Has been a very helpful lens to think through our life in Christ.

I am also done listening/reading the Minor Prophets, which has been challenging, but also encouraging.

Listening Joy

Cobb wrote: “Find Me in This Cave” is a prayer for those walking with anxiety and/or depression, written with specific friends in mind.

While the topic itself does not evoke joy, I am always thankful for songwriters who are honest about the struggles of real life. I will never advocate for a pretend joy.

A reader & friend shared this song with me, for which I am thankful.

Creating Joy

I have made a second mosaic during my Sabbatical, which was a surprise for Lydia. I wanted to continue to play with the glass insets, as well as implementing some new elements to my mosaic outside of what I often do. This one, includes flowers that I took from a plate I found at a thrift store. The green and the flowers are to evoke growth, while recognizing our past (wedding date and a portion of Ruth 1:16, which were a part of our vows). The tile used for the T is slightly textured, which I wanted to express our uniqueness.

I have ideas for my next project, which may be a triptych, but many times there is a gap between my imagination and what I am actually able to accomplish.

That’s not a pug or canine of any kind!

I know, but I do have a soft spot for owls and this one was at a zoo in Eureka, CA.

We had hoped to see Red Pandas - another animal that brings immeasurable joy, but it was not to be. Oh well. The zoo was something of a disappointment, overall, but they did have this phenomenal mosaic at the entrance.