Was a good time catching up with family and friends back home over the two weeks we were back, and also spending time with Jon and his family in Sydney. The only downside to flying Scoot to Sydney was the lack of entertainment on the 7-8 hour flight. But that also meant that i was able to read on the plane!
1) I finished reading The Winter of Our Disconnect by Susan Maushart, introduced by Chris. - About a family with three tweens/teens who went without their computers and smartphones for six months, and their experience. Very interesting read, and definitely makes one think about the effect of technology on our every day life, and especially on relationships. I have no doubt that technology is here to stay - our young people have not known a world without such technology! And it can be very effective not just for advertising and convenience, but even lifestyle evangelism and mutual encouragement, as evident from our Whatsapp group chats. Yet it can also harm how we relate to one another if not carefully checked. Definitely a difficult time for believers of today in general, and for parents especially i feel.
2) On the way to Sydney i read the short and easy-to-read book Heaven Is Fr Real by Ps. Todd Burpo about his then 4-year-old son's near death experience, and visit to heaven. Pretty amazing stuff. The son was able to relate things about people he had never met before, and Biblical facts he wouldn't have learnt before. What a comfort to know that Jesus is the first face we will see when we get there.
3) The book i read on the flight back from Sydney was from Jon and small enough to fit in my handbag - In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon. A real inspiring read about how change can be realised when some disciples put into practice the answer to the question "What would Jesus do?" in their daily lives.
4) At my parents' place i managed to skim through John Stott's book The Radical Disciple, where near the end of his pilgrimage on earth he reflects on 8 characteristics of Christian disciples that are often neglected, including Nonconformity, Creation care, Simplicity, and Dependence. What a privilege to be able to glean reflections from such a forerunner. Much to ponder upon and apply.
Now, back in SF and trying to get into the routine of things once more.. Working on my grad school applications and getting more involved in my volunteering. So much time to read. Yet as Ps. Ed always says, how true that Truth alone doesn't change lives; only Truth Applied changes lives. Oh for the strength and wisdom to Apply!