There was an Asbury Revival in my University of Kentucky college/teenage years—the 1970’s—and I succumbed from atheism to joyful Christianity. Off campus, on the corner of Maxwell and Mill Street, there was a grand old abandoned 5-story school with 2 basement levels that became “Christ Center.” It was led by Asbury graduates, and became a haven for troubled college students (like me) and a large assortment of young adult humanity. I wrote a few stories about that experience in my writing class at UK with Kentucky poet and author Wendell Berry. There is just too much of those years to tell in this Comment—but the idea of another Asbury revival is truly exciting!
It has been a week. My mom called asking if I could make plans to go home and stay with my grandmother while she was out of town in March. This worried me a little because when I was home at Thanksgiving my grandma was perfectly capable of staying home alone so long as her phone was nearby. Then I got a call Tuesday night that my grandma was at the local ER being stabilized for suspected kidney failure and awaiting transfer to one of the larger regional hospitals. She's stable currently and probably in for a few more days in the hospital, but it is looking like dialysis is going to be part of her future. My mom filled me in on some details from the past several months, and while I don't know how much of this could have been prevented, I am now extremely frustrated with how the medical team handled everything leading up to where we are now. Also, because of all of the above I've had to cancel my ice skating class that was supposed to start this weekend. 😭😭
In between all this I'm trying to find a new house and not spend too much time thinking about why my neighbors have decided to be such gigantic jerks (I suspect it's just one of them, but I'm counting the other one as complicit). Hopefully I'll be able to see some places tomorrow and get the ball rolling.
RE: Zac Hanson - his aunt is a nun in the Orthodox Church! I've met her a couple times, and she has a truly wild story about surviving this awful bridge collapse. She seemed incredibly kind.
1. The tweet about asking mom because she'll know what to do - it's my parenting long game. Have to remind myself a LOT about it.
2. HARD YES to walking bacon.
3. I sometimes will jot down key words so I can remember my full response to the voice memo. Makes me look even more legit so long as no one can see my journal.
Next Friday is my birthday and I’m kicking off A Year of Favorites (h/t Amanda Soltoff). One of my absolute favorites is to receive fun or meaningful postal mail; anything’s better than medical bills and political junk. So I’m putting out a selfish request: I’d love to get a card or trinket from you guys! Even better if it’s personalized to your life or your own favorite things: a local postcard or a sticker that speaks to you; any little fun thing that you’d like to share. This is my own mini version of Jamie B. Golden’s “plan your own birthday party.” 🥳
All of my mailing details are on the Lil Swipes Birthday roster. Add your own if you want to share!
Jules, first of all, I love that you're asking for this and I love the idea of a year of favorites. Unfortunately I posted you a card last Monday before I knew about your wish. I actually wanted to put something fun in the envelope but my brain has not been braining very well lately so I couldn't think of anything... But hey, If you're doing a year of favorites I might get another chance!
P.s If you're planning your own party, you can plan it for a few months after your birthday, right? that's what I'm doing this year. 😂
Phew. That WaPo article felt..... familiar. I'm almost 25, so by no means am I a Teen of Today, but when I was 15 I started seeing a therapist because of my depression (and, unknown to my parents, suicidal ideation). So many girls I knew in school had such a hard time - and instagram was like, new! Twitter was new! I knew girls who dealt with sexual harassment. I wish I knew more how to help them back then.
This is a niche recall, but if anyone has seen Parks & Rec, you might recall the episode when they go to London and Ben is doing a talking head about how British people love him, and he says that a boy used to punch him and say, "Bong, bong, bong" as if he were the clock, Big Ben, and in the moment, Ben realizes that that boy may have in fact been bullying him and not trying to be his friend? That's how I feel pretty often. I will recall different memories and it's like, oh! That boy wasn't being nice to me. He was pretending to like me because that was the joke - that anyone would ever like a fat girl like me!
I've been in therapy for 10 years because depression has such a hold on me (trying a new Lexapro + Welbutrin combo starting tomorrow, fingers crossed!). I can't imagine being a parent right now, especially a parent of a daughter. That article was sobering and since March of 2020, I have just been wondering, what about the kids?
Anyway. This week has been tough - my 29 year old brother is making me ashamed to be related to him and like at what point do I stop trying to have a relationship? That's what I am debating.
Lots of snow here in SLC this week and it's healed a small part of my drought-ridden heart. Celebrating lots of birthdays this week. Hanging on until the sun starts to shine again. ❤
Hello from a rural outskirt of San Antonio, where it’s a chilly 53 today after several days of 80s! That WaPo article has me feeling extremely conflicted. My oldest daughter is 13, and up until this year (7th grade), she’s been homeschooled. We don’t do social media except Pinterest, and her friends are a ragtag bunch. We have a lot of open conversations and big feelings, but a pretty healthy, eye-rolling outlook on her peers. But this article…whew. I’m wondering if I should let her read this (or at least a distilled version/bullet points) or is the suggestion enough to trigger her? She wasn’t afraid of the dark until she saw a Veggie Tales about being scared of the dark. How much preventative maintenance is too much? I’m just thinking out loud, anyone else thinking the same way?
Man, the Bible Binge episode with Erin and Jamie talking about Asbury was such a fascinating listen. I grew up in and remain in the Episcopal church, so revivals are not something I've ever given much thought to, but it was so interesting to hear their perspectives on what's going on there! I've seen so many takes on social media about it and I loved the balance Erin and Jamie found in that episode.
Pretty average week over here other than the fact that yesterday my newest niece Austen was born! Both baby and my sister are doing great, and I'm so excited to meet Austen in less than two weeks! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend snuggled up with my kindle.
Love the name Austen…. With a name like “Mary” I love unique names!! And grew up Methodist, converted to Catholic after great Catholic college & now kinda “just a Christian,” I’m so not familiar with revivals. You’ve convinced me I need to listen & learn!
Just stopping by quickly to say hello as I'm moving this weekend 👋 Hope you're all well and I'm looking forward to reading about all of your treasures once I'm all packed and out of here!
Good morning from the Twin Cities, where we got about 16" of snow in the last two days and it's currently -5 outside. I'm in the office today, because that is how we roll. Our snowplows (including one recently named "Blizzo") have been hard at work clearing the roads. My joy and delight yesterday was that our sweet neighbor across the street came over and cleared our driveway with his snowblower, since ours hasn't been working. God bless that man!!
Grateful for a weekend to do some more indoor cleaning and looking forward to next week's "warmup" back up to the 30's. Only 80 or so more days until last frost!
Feb 24, 2023·edited Feb 24, 2023Liked by Erin H Moon
Good morning from the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. It’s a balmy 16 degrees. While we wait for hiking temps (we’re shooting for above freezing) I always look forward to Fridays so I can read Erin’s posts.
I do not have the stamina yet to read the Washington Post article. But I can testify…We have a 21 year old daughter who graduated from high school as COVID blanketed the planet. She is a junior in college now, but has never been able to truly rally. Social media, predatory boys and sadness have plagued her. I’m hopeful that she will be able to find her way to joy and wholeness soon.
On a less ominous note…. I’m glad to have the time to settle in the Lil Swipes comment box and read yours! Stay warm, or happy or at least hopeful. 🙂
Happy Friday, friends! The sunny weather here in NC has had me feeling so much lighter and invigorated. I'm just ignoring the MI weather I'll soon have to adjust to...
I finally passed all my background checks and physical for the new job and all the last day, moving day, start days are finally set. I'm moving 2 week!!!
I met up with my Nana who lives her in NC yesterday and while she's disappointed I won't be as close she was super sweet and said she'd never seen me so happy ❤
🌳I spent the day in Greenville with my college bestie on Monday and it was so nice. We had a lovely walk and a good catch up. It's so freeing having a friend who's known you for 10+ years; you don't have to explain, they just know
🧙♂️ I'm listening to Beyond the Wand and it's so fun! I love that Tom reads it; it feels like he's just telling you about his life
🧩 I just finished The Twyford Code.. has anyone else read it? I really enjoyed it, but I also don't feel like I full understood the ending and I need to talk about it.
That's all from me! I can't wait to catch up in the comments
Love the comment about a friend who has known you so long. My parent’s & sibling have passed, was married 1st time years ago & it is “Freeing” to be w/people who know exactly what you’re talking about when you mention those people, college, early years etc. 🤗. So glad u found that in your move!
My best friend and I have been onto Purse Bacon for years, since I caught her pulling some out of her purse to feel her toddler. I recently tried to break the ice with a new family at church by showing them my purse bacon (leftover from the church breakfast that morning. I was initially embarrassed but now I realize that purse bacon has the potential to be a shibboleth.
And all the yes to Sister Beth's book. I'm not an audiobook person but you HAVE to listen to it. I have been gutted several times and I'm not quite done yet. I'm even more obsessed with her and it has me googling "beth moore saint icon" because she's definitely made my list.
G’mornin dear ones. All in for the walking bacon!! Pure genius. “Over-peopled” this week & this enneagram 2 needs to refill while so many dear ones in life are HURTING DEEP. God will guide, I need to lean in & listen. Blessed to live in NW FL & Feb is usually beautiful, cool, sweater-weather. It’s 78 sticky degrees forever, 98% humidity, and pollen is knee-deep. Flonase all around. Dense fog all day long. Phone warnings chiming in er’y morning & night. Like it’s creepy “murky” outside. Curious if anyone else gets energy-zapped by gloomy weather? Snow/Ice used to do this to me in MD for years… hate the weather everyone is fussing with these days. Be gentle with yourselves & turn off the critical inner voices. Lent & love.
There was an Asbury Revival in my University of Kentucky college/teenage years—the 1970’s—and I succumbed from atheism to joyful Christianity. Off campus, on the corner of Maxwell and Mill Street, there was a grand old abandoned 5-story school with 2 basement levels that became “Christ Center.” It was led by Asbury graduates, and became a haven for troubled college students (like me) and a large assortment of young adult humanity. I wrote a few stories about that experience in my writing class at UK with Kentucky poet and author Wendell Berry. There is just too much of those years to tell in this Comment—but the idea of another Asbury revival is truly exciting!
So awesome & thanks for telling the story!! And you had a writing class lee by Wendell Berry??? SO. AWESOME!
It has been a week. My mom called asking if I could make plans to go home and stay with my grandmother while she was out of town in March. This worried me a little because when I was home at Thanksgiving my grandma was perfectly capable of staying home alone so long as her phone was nearby. Then I got a call Tuesday night that my grandma was at the local ER being stabilized for suspected kidney failure and awaiting transfer to one of the larger regional hospitals. She's stable currently and probably in for a few more days in the hospital, but it is looking like dialysis is going to be part of her future. My mom filled me in on some details from the past several months, and while I don't know how much of this could have been prevented, I am now extremely frustrated with how the medical team handled everything leading up to where we are now. Also, because of all of the above I've had to cancel my ice skating class that was supposed to start this weekend. 😭😭
In between all this I'm trying to find a new house and not spend too much time thinking about why my neighbors have decided to be such gigantic jerks (I suspect it's just one of them, but I'm counting the other one as complicit). Hopefully I'll be able to see some places tomorrow and get the ball rolling.
Oh, Beth, that's a lot! Hope it all gets better soon!
RE: Zac Hanson - his aunt is a nun in the Orthodox Church! I've met her a couple times, and she has a truly wild story about surviving this awful bridge collapse. She seemed incredibly kind.
Wow that's amazing!
1. The tweet about asking mom because she'll know what to do - it's my parenting long game. Have to remind myself a LOT about it.
2. HARD YES to walking bacon.
3. I sometimes will jot down key words so I can remember my full response to the voice memo. Makes me look even more legit so long as no one can see my journal.
4. I am so excited to read Sister Beth's book.
🎉 Shameless Birthday Request
Next Friday is my birthday and I’m kicking off A Year of Favorites (h/t Amanda Soltoff). One of my absolute favorites is to receive fun or meaningful postal mail; anything’s better than medical bills and political junk. So I’m putting out a selfish request: I’d love to get a card or trinket from you guys! Even better if it’s personalized to your life or your own favorite things: a local postcard or a sticker that speaks to you; any little fun thing that you’d like to share. This is my own mini version of Jamie B. Golden’s “plan your own birthday party.” 🥳
All of my mailing details are on the Lil Swipes Birthday roster. Add your own if you want to share!
http://bit.ly/lil-swipes-birthdays
Jules, first of all, I love that you're asking for this and I love the idea of a year of favorites. Unfortunately I posted you a card last Monday before I knew about your wish. I actually wanted to put something fun in the envelope but my brain has not been braining very well lately so I couldn't think of anything... But hey, If you're doing a year of favorites I might get another chance!
P.s If you're planning your own party, you can plan it for a few months after your birthday, right? that's what I'm doing this year. 😂
Ahhhhhh happy birthday! I’ve put a note on my calendar to send you a card next week!
💗💗💗
Phew. That WaPo article felt..... familiar. I'm almost 25, so by no means am I a Teen of Today, but when I was 15 I started seeing a therapist because of my depression (and, unknown to my parents, suicidal ideation). So many girls I knew in school had such a hard time - and instagram was like, new! Twitter was new! I knew girls who dealt with sexual harassment. I wish I knew more how to help them back then.
This is a niche recall, but if anyone has seen Parks & Rec, you might recall the episode when they go to London and Ben is doing a talking head about how British people love him, and he says that a boy used to punch him and say, "Bong, bong, bong" as if he were the clock, Big Ben, and in the moment, Ben realizes that that boy may have in fact been bullying him and not trying to be his friend? That's how I feel pretty often. I will recall different memories and it's like, oh! That boy wasn't being nice to me. He was pretending to like me because that was the joke - that anyone would ever like a fat girl like me!
I've been in therapy for 10 years because depression has such a hold on me (trying a new Lexapro + Welbutrin combo starting tomorrow, fingers crossed!). I can't imagine being a parent right now, especially a parent of a daughter. That article was sobering and since March of 2020, I have just been wondering, what about the kids?
Anyway. This week has been tough - my 29 year old brother is making me ashamed to be related to him and like at what point do I stop trying to have a relationship? That's what I am debating.
Lots of snow here in SLC this week and it's healed a small part of my drought-ridden heart. Celebrating lots of birthdays this week. Hanging on until the sun starts to shine again. ❤
Fingers crossed that your new meds combo will be the right one!
This image from the WaPo article brought tears to my eyes https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/EH7D4X76XRCJMCOQSZD4M3ROHI_size-normalized.jpg&w=916 — so beautiful. Sending you love.
Cheering you on! And I feel that Parks scene you mentioned IN MY BONES every time I watch it too. 😩
Rooting for you as you find your way.
Hello from a rural outskirt of San Antonio, where it’s a chilly 53 today after several days of 80s! That WaPo article has me feeling extremely conflicted. My oldest daughter is 13, and up until this year (7th grade), she’s been homeschooled. We don’t do social media except Pinterest, and her friends are a ragtag bunch. We have a lot of open conversations and big feelings, but a pretty healthy, eye-rolling outlook on her peers. But this article…whew. I’m wondering if I should let her read this (or at least a distilled version/bullet points) or is the suggestion enough to trigger her? She wasn’t afraid of the dark until she saw a Veggie Tales about being scared of the dark. How much preventative maintenance is too much? I’m just thinking out loud, anyone else thinking the same way?
Man, the Bible Binge episode with Erin and Jamie talking about Asbury was such a fascinating listen. I grew up in and remain in the Episcopal church, so revivals are not something I've ever given much thought to, but it was so interesting to hear their perspectives on what's going on there! I've seen so many takes on social media about it and I loved the balance Erin and Jamie found in that episode.
Pretty average week over here other than the fact that yesterday my newest niece Austen was born! Both baby and my sister are doing great, and I'm so excited to meet Austen in less than two weeks! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend snuggled up with my kindle.
Love the name Austen…. With a name like “Mary” I love unique names!! And grew up Methodist, converted to Catholic after great Catholic college & now kinda “just a Christian,” I’m so not familiar with revivals. You’ve convinced me I need to listen & learn!
It was such a great episode!!
the mmmbop hanson is actually coming to a town very near me (Just up the road a piece) so weird!
Just stopping by quickly to say hello as I'm moving this weekend 👋 Hope you're all well and I'm looking forward to reading about all of your treasures once I'm all packed and out of here!
Good luck moving! I moved two years ago and it was zero fun, so you are in my thoughts and prayers! 💛
Thank you! I never want to move again. But I'm currently living with my parents so I also want to move as soon as possible 🤷♀️😂
Good luck! <3
Thank you! ❤
Good luck! I hope it all goes smoothly 💗
Thank you! ❤
Good morning from the Twin Cities, where we got about 16" of snow in the last two days and it's currently -5 outside. I'm in the office today, because that is how we roll. Our snowplows (including one recently named "Blizzo") have been hard at work clearing the roads. My joy and delight yesterday was that our sweet neighbor across the street came over and cleared our driveway with his snowblower, since ours hasn't been working. God bless that man!!
Grateful for a weekend to do some more indoor cleaning and looking forward to next week's "warmup" back up to the 30's. Only 80 or so more days until last frost!
I also saw the Zac Hanson news this week. I also discover some other past news about him that was extremely discouraging ☹️ https://www.pedestrian.tv/music/zac-hanson-offensive-pinterest-apology-hansongate/
Oh DO NOT LIKE
Yeaaahhh ☹️
Good morning from the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. It’s a balmy 16 degrees. While we wait for hiking temps (we’re shooting for above freezing) I always look forward to Fridays so I can read Erin’s posts.
I do not have the stamina yet to read the Washington Post article. But I can testify…We have a 21 year old daughter who graduated from high school as COVID blanketed the planet. She is a junior in college now, but has never been able to truly rally. Social media, predatory boys and sadness have plagued her. I’m hopeful that she will be able to find her way to joy and wholeness soon.
On a less ominous note…. I’m glad to have the time to settle in the Lil Swipes comment box and read yours! Stay warm, or happy or at least hopeful. 🙂
Spent several years in Lubbock, and for all the jokes about not having seasons, those South Plains winters can be ROUGH. Stay warm!
Cindy! You're in my place! I grew up right outside of PDC! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Erin! I know, silly. I am part of your Bible Binge crew and have been listening closely. 🧐
Thanks for providing thought provoking stuff for us all the way around. Your parents should be proud.
I love it! Say hi to The Lighthouse for me! ❤️
Happy Friday, friends! The sunny weather here in NC has had me feeling so much lighter and invigorated. I'm just ignoring the MI weather I'll soon have to adjust to...
I finally passed all my background checks and physical for the new job and all the last day, moving day, start days are finally set. I'm moving 2 week!!!
I met up with my Nana who lives her in NC yesterday and while she's disappointed I won't be as close she was super sweet and said she'd never seen me so happy ❤
🌳I spent the day in Greenville with my college bestie on Monday and it was so nice. We had a lovely walk and a good catch up. It's so freeing having a friend who's known you for 10+ years; you don't have to explain, they just know
🧙♂️ I'm listening to Beyond the Wand and it's so fun! I love that Tom reads it; it feels like he's just telling you about his life
🧩 I just finished The Twyford Code.. has anyone else read it? I really enjoyed it, but I also don't feel like I full understood the ending and I need to talk about it.
That's all from me! I can't wait to catch up in the comments
Loving all your treasures!!!
Love the comment about a friend who has known you so long. My parent’s & sibling have passed, was married 1st time years ago & it is “Freeing” to be w/people who know exactly what you’re talking about when you mention those people, college, early years etc. 🤗. So glad u found that in your move!
My best friend and I have been onto Purse Bacon for years, since I caught her pulling some out of her purse to feel her toddler. I recently tried to break the ice with a new family at church by showing them my purse bacon (leftover from the church breakfast that morning. I was initially embarrassed but now I realize that purse bacon has the potential to be a shibboleth.
And all the yes to Sister Beth's book. I'm not an audiobook person but you HAVE to listen to it. I have been gutted several times and I'm not quite done yet. I'm even more obsessed with her and it has me googling "beth moore saint icon" because she's definitely made my list.
I'm looking forward to reading it too!
Purse bacon sounds amazing! I'm known for always having purse veggies when traveling, lol
G’mornin dear ones. All in for the walking bacon!! Pure genius. “Over-peopled” this week & this enneagram 2 needs to refill while so many dear ones in life are HURTING DEEP. God will guide, I need to lean in & listen. Blessed to live in NW FL & Feb is usually beautiful, cool, sweater-weather. It’s 78 sticky degrees forever, 98% humidity, and pollen is knee-deep. Flonase all around. Dense fog all day long. Phone warnings chiming in er’y morning & night. Like it’s creepy “murky” outside. Curious if anyone else gets energy-zapped by gloomy weather? Snow/Ice used to do this to me in MD for years… hate the weather everyone is fussing with these days. Be gentle with yourselves & turn off the critical inner voices. Lent & love.