Reading · Marydean Draws · RSS Amplifier

Hello there and happy Friday!

Around my house this week, we are gearing up for our return to school with registration for middle school for my youngest son this week. He started kindergarten from my home office during COVID lockdown, and now he’s starting 6th grade!

He got to pick an instrument for middle school band yesterday, and I’m so excited to watch him grow and learn.

My girls have started their high school volleyball season, the last for my oldest, a senior this year! Goodness, I don’t know how my heart will take it all.

Book Recommendation:

One summer when I was in college, I worked at a Baptist summer camp for girls in North Carolina. They would invite missionaries to come and talk to the campers. I was talking to one of the older visiting missionaries one time, and he said to me, “You know, after learning about other religions, I don’t think Christianity is unique.”

That was a lot to take in, but I’ve thought about his words many times over the years, and think that this missionary, who I’m sure had come to respect other people, cultures, and religions (as have I), had missed something important about the God of the Bible.

I have been reading “Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith”* by Michael Reeves. It has been so helpful in getting words around this central reality about God. Reeves argues that before God was Creator and Ruler, he was eternally Father, defined by his relationship to the Son. This is what “makes Christianity absolutely distinct” (Reeves).

The Trinity created humans, not because they were needed to serve God or love God, but because they love. They share that love “with and through the Spirit” (Reeves).

Reeves also includes stories about church fathers through history and what they have said about the Trinity. It’s not a very long book and is written in a very accessible style. Highly recommended!

My illustration from the recent Luke study, inspired by Reeves’ book

Published this week:

My study of Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism and genealogy. I ask “Why was Jesus baptized?” “Why does the genealogy come at this point in the story?” “Why does Luke’s genealogy start at Joseph and go back to Adam?” There’s also a fun coloring page.

NEW on the Podcast:

I recorded the second chapter of the Jesus Speaks to Women study this week:

I hope these podcast episodes are a way to share the studies with those who might not read them on Substack. You can find The Pictured Word podcast on most podcast platforms.

2027 Calendars

I’m starting the design and layout of the 2027 hymn calendars. If you have any suggestions for this year’s calendar, let me know! (Also, there are a few 2026 hymn calendars left on sale).

Happy weekend everyone.

*Affiliate link, for which I get a small commission on any purchases.

If you are able and want to support my work, you can become a paid subscriber for only $5/month of $50/year by clicking on the button below or HERE.