{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Micro.blog - David Swanson","home_page_url":"https://micro.blog","feed_url":"https://micro.blog/posts/dswanson","_microblog":{"about":"https://micro.blog/about/api","id":"10726","username":"dswanson","bio":"Christian, husband, father, & pastor on the South Side of Chicago. When I get confused I think about Ida B. Wells.","pronouns":"","is_following":false,"is_you":false,"following_count":75,"discover_count":0},"author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/avatar.jpg"},"items":[{"id":"94049197","content_html":"

It has been hot in the Black Hills this week. This has meant getting out early which, like this morning’s hike to Buzzards Roost, leads to some quiet and beautiful scenes.

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\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/07/15/it-has-been-hot-in.html","date_published":"2026-07-15T15:01:27+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-15 15:01","date_timestamp":1784127687,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93961493","content_html":"

@davoh I stopped by there initially but wound up at Sheridan.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93961493","date_published":"2026-07-14T03:48:18+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-14 03:48","date_timestamp":1784000898,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93957860","content_html":"

@mwerickson truly. You ever make it out this way?

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93957860","date_published":"2026-07-14T01:29:42+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-14 01:29","date_timestamp":1783992582,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93955066","content_html":"

Very glad I thought to bring my folding kayak to the Black Hills. Not pictured: the osprey hanging out on the tree limb about twenty feet above the shore.

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\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/07/13/very-glad-i-thought-to.html","date_published":"2026-07-13T23:34:29+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-13 23:34","date_timestamp":1783985669,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93929489","content_html":"

On Saturday I began a leisurely two-day drive to the Black Hills which included a wonderful breakfast with @davoh in Sioux Falls. I’m staying at the Wheaton College Science Station for the week, a beautiful place which offers these sorts of views a mere 20-minute hike from my cabin.

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\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/07/13/on-saturday-i-began-a.html","date_published":"2026-07-13T14:49:10+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-13 14:49","date_timestamp":1783954150,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93925535","content_html":"

@davoh wonderful company and conversation over a fantastic meal! Thanks again.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93925535","date_published":"2026-07-13T13:10:57+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-13 13:10","date_timestamp":1783948257,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93836385","content_html":"

@davoh thank kindly! Just sent an email with my phone number.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93836385","date_published":"2026-07-11T17:09:59+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-11 17:09","date_timestamp":1783789799,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93833500","content_html":"

@dswanson also, I will be driving through your neck of the woods tomorrow and again on Friday on my way to and from the Wheaton College science station in Rapid City. Any coffee shop or lunch recommendations for me? 

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93833500","date_published":"2026-07-11T16:01:34+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-11 16:01","date_timestamp":1783785694,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93830203","content_html":"

@ablerism I think a day or two in San Jose would suffice. We stayed in the small community of Esterillos on the Pacific coast. Just what we like: less touristy, quiet, access to outdoors. Didn’t need to plan everything ahead; easy to get the lay of the land once we were there. We loved it!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93830203","date_published":"2026-07-11T14:36:45+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-11 14:36","date_timestamp":1783780605,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93656200","content_html":"

@davoh thanks! I’ve read one of Law’s guides and found it very helpful.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93656200","date_published":"2026-07-08T16:32:43+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-08 16:32","date_timestamp":1783528363,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93476429","content_html":"

@davoh thanks for this! A question: I’ve got two months left of my sabbatical. Anything you’d recommend if I want to take up this sort of sketching?

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93476429","date_published":"2026-07-05T14:10:04+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-05 14:10","date_timestamp":1783260604,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93474502","content_html":"

We spent a few hours at Catarata El Salto yesterday morning before returning to our rental home where five macaws were noshing on the beach almond tree next door.

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\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/07/05/we-spent-a-few-hours.html","date_published":"2026-07-05T13:14:39+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-05 13:14","date_timestamp":1783257279,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93474213","content_html":"

@ablerism been saying that a lot during this visit.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93474213","date_published":"2026-07-05T13:07:46+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-05 13:07","date_timestamp":1783256866,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93474196","content_html":"

@mwerickson I’m having a hard time accepting our departure tomorrow.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93474196","date_published":"2026-07-05T13:07:04+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-05 13:07","date_timestamp":1783256824,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93398924","content_html":"

@jaheppler nice! Wasn’t my favorite of his books, but anything by Lopez is worth reading in my experience.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93398924","date_published":"2026-07-03T23:46:01+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-03 23:46","date_timestamp":1783122361,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93398840","content_html":"

Costa Rica’s national parks are spectacular. Yesterday we arrived early to Manuel Antonio and beat the crowds and today I about had Carara to myself… aside from a troop of monkeys and a whole bunch of birds.

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\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/07/03/costa-ricas-national-parks-are.html","date_published":"2026-07-03T23:42:30+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-03 23:42","date_timestamp":1783122150,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93247093","content_html":"

Another stops-you-in-your-tracks morning on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

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\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/07/01/another-stopsyouinyourtracks-morning-on-costa.html","date_published":"2026-07-01T12:52:48+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-01 12:52","date_timestamp":1782910368,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93194832","content_html":"

@mwerickson thanks! So far that hasn’t been difficult. :-)

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93194832","date_published":"2026-06-30T16:05:39+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-30 16:05","date_timestamp":1782835539,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93077732","content_html":"

@philosopher it certainly is for our family!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/93077732","date_published":"2026-06-28T16:18:49+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-28 16:18","date_timestamp":1782663529,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93052754","content_html":"

After two wonderful weeks staying with the Casa Adobe community, this morning our family made the drive to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and our little beachside home for the next week.

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\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/06/27/after-two-wonderful-weeks-staying.html","date_published":"2026-06-28T02:22:37+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-28 02:22","date_timestamp":1782613357,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92237733","content_html":"

@ablerism co-sign! A bonus is walking into our apartment to the smell granola my wife has baking in the oven.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/92237733","date_published":"2026-06-15T19:18:39+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-15 19:18","date_timestamp":1781551119,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"92186009","content_html":"

A 9-hour layover in Miami was a good reason to spend some time exploring Little Havana: a delicious Central American breakfast, a perfectly balanced cigar enjoyed in the shop where it was rolled, and a refreshing cup of freshly squeezed papaya-watermelon juice. Now southbound to Costa Rica with the Florida...

dwswanson.micro.blog","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/06/14/a-hour-layover-in-miami.html","date_published":"2026-06-14T23:04:32+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-14 23:04","date_timestamp":1781478272,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"91392219","content_html":"

@mwerickson this is excellent.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/91392219","date_published":"2026-06-02T13:18:03+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-02 13:18","date_timestamp":1780406283,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"92186069","content_html":"

Wearing my A Rocha USA hat while watering the New Community Outreach gardens. Love that I get to support these two incredible organizations!

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/05/27/wearing-my-a-rocha-usa.html","date_published":"2026-05-27T13:53:09+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-27 13:53","date_timestamp":1779889989,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"91008153","content_html":"

@mwerickson a good day!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/91008153","date_published":"2026-05-27T13:52:28+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-27 13:52","date_timestamp":1779889948,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90947555","content_html":"

Paddled my new folding kayak about an hour south from our neighborhood beach. Now enjoying some day-off reading with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop.

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/05/26/paddled-my-new-folding-kayak.html","date_published":"2026-05-26T15:29:48+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-26 15:29","date_timestamp":1779809388,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90773834","content_html":"

We Are Not Helpless: “As we reclaim our God-desired agency over the small decisions, gentle words, and generous actions which make up a human life, we find that we are not as helpless before the systems of violence as we were led to believe.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/05/23/we-are-not-helpless-as.html","date_published":"2026-05-23T14:36:57+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-23 14:36","date_timestamp":1779547017,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90659586","content_html":"

@todd excuse the ignorant question, but does local models mean that you use it to search your own work only? 

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/90659586","date_published":"2026-05-21T19:59:00+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-21 19:59","date_timestamp":1779393540,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90659349","content_html":"

@johnchandler so you are using it to search and organize your previous work and research? Am I getting that right? 

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/90659349","date_published":"2026-05-21T19:57:02+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-21 19:57","date_timestamp":1779393422,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90561427","content_html":"

Church folks: Is there any way your pastor could use AI for sermon preparation that would be OK with you?

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/05/20/church-folks-is-there-any.html","date_published":"2026-05-20T13:54:59+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-20 13:54","date_timestamp":1779285299,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90486432","content_html":"

@mwerickson that’s more than enough of a recommendation for me! Thanks. 

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/90486432","date_published":"2026-05-19T14:09:43+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-19 14:09","date_timestamp":1779199783,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90459490","content_html":"

@mwerickson how is this book? I think I’ve read everything Wiman has published, but haven’t picked this up yet.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/90459490","date_published":"2026-05-19T03:34:53+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-19 03:34","date_timestamp":1779161693,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90459320","content_html":"

@mwerickson it was a genuine honor.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/90459320","date_published":"2026-05-19T03:29:57+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-19 03:29","date_timestamp":1779161397,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90417396","content_html":"

I recently had the privilege of preaching for a seminary commencement. I spoke about the temptation of relevancy pastors face. “A Christianity that has appropriated the tools of consumer capitalism expects measurable and impressive results from its ministers.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/05/18/i-recently-had-the-privilege.html","date_published":"2026-05-18T14:29:13+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-05-18 14:29","date_timestamp":1779114553,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89182196","content_html":"

After the stillness of winter, it’s always such a lift to hear the birdsong return to Jackson Park. Thanks to the ruby-crowned kinglets, white-throated sparrows, yellow-rumped warblers, and all the others who joined me for my walk this morning.

\n\n
\n\"\"\"\"\"\"\n
\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/04/28/after-the-stillness-of-winter.html","date_published":"2026-04-28T16:36:24+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-28 16:36","date_timestamp":1777394184,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88986099","content_html":"

The Crowd Has Departed: To those who value efficiency and power, the work we’ve given ourselves to will typically appear foolish and weak.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/04/25/the-crowd-has-departed-to.html","date_published":"2026-04-25T14:15:59+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-25 14:15","date_timestamp":1777126559,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88724233","content_html":"

Such a gift to spend the weekend in beautiful Seattle, but I’m glad to be home for a walk through Jackson Park to welcome back migrators like these yellow-rumped and palm warblers.

\n\n
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\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/04/21/such-a-gift-to-spend.html","date_published":"2026-04-21T18:12:52+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-21 18:12","date_timestamp":1776795172,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88516814","content_html":"

Against Inevitability: “But if inevitabilism is an invention than it isn’t inevitable. Altman’s version of utopia isn’t a foregone conclusion, even if his investors want us to think it is.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/04/18/against-inevitability-but-if-inevitabilism.html","date_published":"2026-04-18T14:12:36+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-18 14:12","date_timestamp":1776521556,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88343616","content_html":"

@todd have you ever driven my her house on MLK Drive?

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/88343616","date_published":"2026-04-16T00:56:48+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-16 00:56","date_timestamp":1776301008,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"88254636","content_html":"

@davoh sign me up!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/88254636","date_published":"2026-04-14T20:10:09+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-14 20:10","date_timestamp":1776197409,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"88055532","content_html":"

Jesus doesn’t need our weapons: “The problem with a vision of a violent Jesus who justifies our warmongering is not that it makes our Savior too powerful; it makes him weak, embarrassingly weak.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/04/11/jesus-doesnt-need-our-weapons.html","date_published":"2026-04-11T16:29:13+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-11 16:29","date_timestamp":1775924953,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"87804116","content_html":"

@johnjohnston thanks!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/87804116","date_published":"2026-04-07T23:28:27+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-07 23:28","date_timestamp":1775604507,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87804114","content_html":"

@mwerickson thanks! Good to have spring arriving in the Midwest.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/dswanson/87804114","date_published":"2026-04-07T23:28:23+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-07 23:28","date_timestamp":1775604503,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87785648","content_html":"

A beautiful morning in Jackson Park made even better by the cherry blossoms and the first palm warbler of the season.

\n\n
\n\"\"\"\"\n
\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/04/07/a-beautiful-morning-in-jackson.html","date_published":"2026-04-07T18:33:23+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-04-07 18:33","date_timestamp":1775586803,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"86863521","content_html":"

A good morning with the birds of Jackson Park, including kinglets, flickers, and this handsome blue-winged teal.

\n\n
\n\"\"\"\"\"\"\n
\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/03/24/a-good-morning-with-the.html","date_published":"2026-03-24T15:31:28+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-03-24 15:31","date_timestamp":1774366288,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"85146647","content_html":"

A Plea to Pastors: “The vows you and I took when we said yes to this strange vocation include fidelity to Jesus Christ alone. Yet the people in your congregation are being tempted to place their hopes in a leader obsessed with his own greatness.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/02/27/a-plea-to-pastors-the.html","date_published":"2026-02-27T14:07:01+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-27 14:07","date_timestamp":1772201221,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"85148835","content_html":"

A Plea to Pastors: “The vows you and I took when we said yes to this strange vocation include fidelity to Jesus Christ alone. Yet the people in your congregation are being tempted to place their hopes in a leader obsessed with his own greatness.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/02/27/a-plea-to-pastorsthe-vows.html","date_published":"2026-02-27T14:04:03+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-27 14:04","date_timestamp":1772201043,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"84256082","content_html":"

A plea to pastors: “But some things are worth fighting about and faithfulness to Jesus and loyalty to his kingdom are some of those things.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/02/14/a-plea-to-pastors-but.html","date_published":"2026-02-14T12:44:17+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-14 12:44","date_timestamp":1771073057,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"83454585","content_html":"

Ending the day with a “know your rights” webinar. I’m grateful for Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and other local orgs who train Chicago residents to be good neighbors.

\n\n

Find trainings here.

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/02/02/ending-the-day-with-a.html","date_published":"2026-02-03T00:47:09+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-02-03 00:47","date_timestamp":1770079629,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"83292045","content_html":"

In today’s newsletter, with help from the “kneel-ins” at southern churches in the 1960s, I’m thinking about that anti-ICE church protest in St. Paul.

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://dwswanson.micro.blog/2026/01/31/in-todays-newsletter-with-help.html","date_published":"2026-01-31T16:06:55+00:00","author":{"name":"David Swanson","url":"https://dwswanson.com/","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2Fdswanson%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"dswanson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-01-31 16:06","date_timestamp":1769875615,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}}]}