coffeehousetheo

Life notes on theology and the search for the perfect cup of joe.

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Working through the biblical story of Jonah and the church leader. Was reading through the Psalm of chapter two and stopped when I read this verse. How easily we get distracted on a daily basis from our calling to be faithful when so many things are begging for our attention. They may be good things but are they pulling you away from what is most important?

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(Five and Hoek Coffee: Wheaton, IL)

"In everything that follows, we want to speak up on behalf of those who are tempted to despair, for whom the word of grace has become frightfully empty. For integrity's sake someone has to speak up for those among us who confess that cheap grace has made them give up following Christ, and that ceasing to follow Christ has made them lose the knowledge of costly grace. Because we cannot deny that we no longer stand in true discipleship to Christ, while being members of a true-believing church with a pure doctrine of grace, but no longer members of a church which follows Christ, we therefore simply have to try to understand grace and discipleship again in correct relationship to each other. We can no longer avoid this. Our church's predicament is proving more and more clearly to be a question of how we are to live as Christians today. "- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship

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Photo credit: RB Creative @2023

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New Years Resolutions. To have the courage and faith of Elijah. 1 Kings 18:20ff.

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Ran into a few friends at @moodybible @ericcredmond and some other theology professors in the house. #adjunctlife #adjunctprofessor #historicaltheology #womenintheology https://www.instagram.com/p/ChtPXhAj4k-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Teaching Historical Theology this week @moodybible. Grateful for @ivpress book Water from a Deep Well to introduce the class to this exciting field of theology. #adjunctlife #adjunctprofessor #womenintheology https://www.instagram.com/p/ChiB6_aJ7f6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Chemex, home brew for the patient and purist. I thought about buying a Chemex years ago, but decided it was not for me when I received a smaller pour over contraption that didn’t deliver very good coffee. The last few years I have been a faithful and committed French Press user. I also use a Nespresso during the week when I don’t have time to wait even for my French Press to deliver me a solid strong cup of coffee. Knowing that I’m a coffee snob at heart, my lovely and committed husband bought me a Chemex, thinking it would deliver a gift to the heart. I had not explained my previous dissent of the idea, so I did what every grateful person at Christmas would do, appreciate the gift. I asked him to read the directions as I worked through my first filters and Chemex brew. The result was pretty good, but I almost lost interest after the bloom and how long it was going to take for me to enjoy my morning cup. The result was a pure brew, that was very smooth to the finish. I put it on my shelf near my cookbooks, and it sat there for a few weeks, as my other methods brought a more robust strong result in less time. So, that is my review. The Chemex was definitely designed for someone who has time, patience and will appreciate the purity of its finish. For me however, I will pull it out when my French Press needs to be washed and my Nespresso is out of order-which the case this morning. I prefer a full body cup of flavor and creme finish. A noble attempt and love gift from my husband, for that I’m grateful.

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I’m currently reading through the Old Testament. I’ve been in Leviticus for a couple of weeks now, and quite frankly, its hard to get through the very detailed but important statutes that God established for the nation of Israel. These are not just statutes but a way for the nation of Israel to be allowed to abide with Him and sometimes regulations that were specific for the health of the community. I’ve read through the Priestly instructions, purification rituals/ceremonies and the legal language of this book. Part of the reason for reading through the Old Testament for me is to remember the narrative and larger story of God’s redemption of his people and eventually, me a gentile. It also is a book that reflects heavily on the holiness of God. That fellowship requires sacrifice and acknowledgment of sin and a way for atonement and forgiveness. The priests were responsible for these atoning practices on behalf of their people. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord” was part of my reading this morning. It struck me, as I know this from other passages in scripture, yet it was foundational for the community life. It still requires sacrifice, to put one’s interests in place of our own. I wonder how our world would look like if we leaned into this exhortation here in Leviticus. To love our neighbor, not because it is the right thing to do but because of the recognition that they bear the image of God thus recognizing their importance and His holiness. If I think about the needs and good will of my neighbor it changes how I engage with them, listen and respond to our possible different opinions, and actions. Loving our neighbor takes intentionality and sometimes the sacrifice of our own needs for the sake of another’s.

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Summer calm.

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Waiting. When I think about coffee, I think about community.  My first experience with coffee was when I was a freshmen in college.  An 8 o’clock class, you know the survey class that everyone had to take at the crack of dawn. Coffee became a necessity, but also a part of my day that involved other friends grabbing a cup of joe before we raced to grab our seats.  Once coffee was now part of my morning routine, it also invited community in the evening.  I was invited to go on a date, meet up with friends, or it provided a quiet space for me to be alone. 

As time passed, my affair with coffee was only indulged when my husband and I ended up moving to the Pacific Northwest.  There are wonderful coffee trucks or huts on nearly every corner.  

Now, I have children of my own, a couple of teens, and one who is venturing into the college years soon.  I’m glad she is starting to understand not only the medical benefits of the coffee bean, but also the community I know she will begin to develop around seeking out that perfect cup.  

For now, as coffeehouses continue to remain somewhat open, I’m making my own cup at home while earnestly waiting for community again.  

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Greek word of the day- Lithos which means stone. I keep tripping up on this one for some reason, so this is my word of the day. I’m reviewing my greek grammar and vocab in preparation for my PhD applications that I’m going to start narrowing down and start to connect with supervisors on.

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New Coffee Blend to try: Not for the strong coffee drinker, more for a good dessert, as this one has strawberry and almond and milk chocolate notes. Willing to try some other roasts from Dollop. Thier bag alone is a pretty piece of art. So I need to figure out something creative to do with it. Or my kids will.

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