{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Micro.blog - Matt Erickson","home_page_url":"https://micro.blog","feed_url":"https://micro.blog/posts/mwerickson","_microblog":{"about":"https://micro.blog/about/api","id":"10138","username":"mwerickson","bio":"I’m Matt Erickson, and I serve as the Senior Pastor for Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I write regularly about pastoral ministry and spiritual formation in various publications, as well as regular meanderings on my blog.","pronouns":"","is_following":false,"is_you":false,"following_count":26,"discover_count":0},"author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://avatars.micro.blog/avatars/2025/49/10138.jpg"},"items":[{"id":"94413430","content_html":"

@frjonjordan Congratulations on reaching this stage of the journey!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/94413430","date_published":"2026-07-21T18:33:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-21 18:33","date_timestamp":1784658827,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"94413408","content_html":"

@ayjay Thanks for sharing this online resource. I haven’t had the chance to read the latest issue of Comment but I look forward to exploring this more.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/94413408","date_published":"2026-07-21T18:33:24+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-21 18:33","date_timestamp":1784658804,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"94397665","content_html":"

“The Counterintuitive Blessing of Meekness” - the fourth in a series I am writing on the Beatitudes.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/21/the-counterintuitive-blessing-of-meekness.html","date_published":"2026-07-21T13:50:23+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-21 13:50","date_timestamp":1784641823,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"94359294","content_html":"

@dswanson That looks really good. Can’t wait to take a look at it.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/94359294","date_published":"2026-07-20T21:20:03+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-20 21:20","date_timestamp":1784582403,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"94326488","content_html":"

“We should feel with our whole heart that we have no one to rely on except God, and that from Him and Him alone can we expect every kind of good, every manner of help, and victory.” - from Unseen Warfare, p. 85.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/20/we-should-feel-with-our.html","date_published":"2026-07-20T12:54:02+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-20 12:54","date_timestamp":1784552042,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"94272220","content_html":"\n

Finished reading the beautiful and moving Another Day Sabbath Poems, 2013-2023 by Wendell Berry 📚

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/19/finished-reading-the-beautiful-and.html","date_published":"2026-07-19T11:15:04+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-19 11:15","date_timestamp":1784459704,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"94227394","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 19 July 2026 - with Brian Zahnd on sacred storytelling, are choirs changing, Byung-Chul Han’s latest, Nicholas Carr on the scrolly chair, early church unearthed, Alan Jacobs on the 3 careers of Vide Chenoweth, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/18/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-07-18T13:03:25+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-18 13:03","date_timestamp":1784379805,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"94116654","content_html":"

I stumbled upon this picture I took of a Sawyer Beetle in northern Wisconsin. I just happened to be taking a photo of a lake and then turned a bit more and found this little creature nearby.

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/16/i-stumbled-upon-this-picture.html","date_published":"2026-07-16T16:39:53+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-16 16:39","date_timestamp":1784219993,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"94050259","content_html":"

@ayjay I appreciate you writing this post. I never met Vida Chenoweth, but her work in ethnomusicology almost led me into that direction near the end of my time as an undergrad, through the insightful direction of Dr. Kathy Kastner, even though I wasn’t a music major. Her 3-part story intrigued me.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/94050259","date_published":"2026-07-15T15:20:17+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-15 15:20","date_timestamp":1784128817,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"94041786","content_html":"

“Acknowledging Our Tears” - the third in a series on the Beatitudes exploring what it means that those who mourn are blessed.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/15/acknowledging-our-tears-the-third.html","date_published":"2026-07-15T12:24:03+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-15 12:24","date_timestamp":1784118243,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93955092","content_html":"

@dswanson Amazing.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93955092","date_published":"2026-07-13T23:35:58+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-13 23:35","date_timestamp":1783985758,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93929311","content_html":"

@ayjay At first I thought that was a Radiohead album cover

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93929311","date_published":"2026-07-13T14:45:45+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-13 14:45","date_timestamp":1783953945,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93872268","content_html":"

For today:

\n\n

“We wait in hope for the Lord;\n he is our help and our shield.\nIn him our hearts rejoice,\n for we trust in his holy name.\nMay your unfailing love be with us, Lord,\n even as we put our hope in you.” (Psalm 33:20-22)

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/12/for-today-we-wait-in.html","date_published":"2026-07-12T11:35:38+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-12 11:35","date_timestamp":1783856138,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93825820","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 11 July 2026 - with articles about after your spiritual heroes let you down, finding worth beyond our works, Nadya Williams on JD Vance and America’s fatherhood crisis, Pope Leo and Caleb Williams, church seizure in Tehran, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/11/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-07-11T12:40:19+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-11 12:40","date_timestamp":1783773619,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93717492","content_html":"

Last night Kelly and I watched Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or winner and Oscar-nominated It Was Just an Accident. I loved this film. It is at time comedic, thrilling in a slow-burn way, and very painful all at the same time. 🍿

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/09/last-night-kelly-and-i.html","date_published":"2026-07-09T16:08:22+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-09 16:08","date_timestamp":1783613302,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93707880","content_html":"

@ablerism Oh, that’s a beautiful reflection. Thank you for sharing.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93707880","date_published":"2026-07-09T13:13:58+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-09 13:13","date_timestamp":1783602838,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93707359","content_html":"

@KyleEssary Thanks for the recommendation, Kyle. I had heard of the book but may take a look at it.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93707359","date_published":"2026-07-09T13:01:19+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-09 13:01","date_timestamp":1783602079,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93664882","content_html":"

@ablerism So many of us would be so different. Love that a 16-year-old is pondering that.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93664882","date_published":"2026-07-08T19:23:08+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-08 19:23","date_timestamp":1783538588,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93663256","content_html":"

Grateful for this generous review of The Pastor as Gardener by Josh Olds at “Life is Story.”

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/08/grateful-for-this-generous-review.html","date_published":"2026-07-08T18:56:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-08 18:56","date_timestamp":1783536960,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93646742","content_html":"

I wrote about “Living Poor in Spirit” - the second part of a series on the Beatitudes

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/08/i-wrote-about-living-poor.html","date_published":"2026-07-08T13:21:18+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-08 13:21","date_timestamp":1783516878,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93603132","content_html":"

@ayjay Congratulations!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93603132","date_published":"2026-07-07T19:20:59+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-07 19:20","date_timestamp":1783452059,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93601034","content_html":"

\n\n

I just finished reading: Being as Communion Studies in Personhood and the Church by John Zizioulas. 📚

\n\n

Friend, I have read a lot of theology but this was one of the most difficult theological reads I’ve ever experienced. Not sure if it was me or not. Have you read it? What were your thoughts?

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/07/i-just-finished-reading-being.html","date_published":"2026-07-07T18:47:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-07 18:47","date_timestamp":1783450063,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93470018","content_html":"

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;\n when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.” (Psalm 17:15)

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/05/as-for-me-i-shall.html","date_published":"2026-07-05T10:55:48+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-05 10:55","date_timestamp":1783248948,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93469987","content_html":"

@dswanson Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures from your sabbatical.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93469987","date_published":"2026-07-05T10:54:48+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-05 10:54","date_timestamp":1783248888,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93245800","content_html":"

“Even Now God’s Blessing Is Available” - the first in a series on the Beatitudes

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/07/01/even-now-gods-blessing-is.html","date_published":"2026-07-01T12:25:31+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-07-01 12:25","date_timestamp":1782908731,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93211442","content_html":"

Grateful to be up in northern Wisconsin for a week, speaking at a family camp at Fort Wilderness. So much beauty I can barely take it all in!

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/30/grateful-to-be-up-in.html","date_published":"2026-06-30T21:39:47+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-30 21:39","date_timestamp":1782855587,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93211352","content_html":"

@ayjay Yes, this has been one of my great disappointments of shifting my blog over to Substack.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93211352","date_published":"2026-06-30T21:36:56+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-30 21:36","date_timestamp":1782855416,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"93133957","content_html":"\n

Currently reading: Being as Communion Studies in Personhood and the Church by John Zizioulas 📚

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/29/currently-reading-being-as-communion.html","date_published":"2026-06-29T17:11:21+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-29 17:11","date_timestamp":1782753081,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93131964","content_html":"

I officiated a funeral for a dear friend and mentor yesterday, Dr. Marc Erickson, who was the founding pastor of the church where I have served for the past 16 years. Although we share the same last name, Marc was no family relation but was a spiritual father to me.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/29/i-officiated-a-funeral-for.html","date_published":"2026-06-29T16:33:43+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-29 16:33","date_timestamp":1782750823,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"93131770","content_html":"

@dswanson Beatiful! Enjoy yourselves.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/93131770","date_published":"2026-06-29T16:29:19+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-29 16:29","date_timestamp":1782750559,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"92885832","content_html":"

So glad to finally see my article “Preaching from Difficult Passages: Habakkuk” see the light of day after a lot of transitions at Christianity Today.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/25/so-glad-to-finally-see.html","date_published":"2026-06-25T15:07:17+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-25 15:07","date_timestamp":1782400037,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92881446","content_html":"

Writing a sermon for this weekend’s memorial service for the beloved founding pastor of Eastbrook Church, Marc Erickson (no relation to me), who passed away last week. There are few messages so difficult to craft as this one for me. I appreciate your prayers!

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/25/writing-a-sermon-for-this.html","date_published":"2026-06-25T14:03:48+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-25 14:03","date_timestamp":1782396228,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92807358","content_html":"

I wrote about “Attentiveness: the natural prayer of the soul,” including thoughts on distraction, attention, Simone Weil, prayer, and the life of Jesus.

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@ayjay That is a fascinating idea, Alan. I have never thought about having a notebook just for brief movie reflections. I love the freedom of just writing a brief paragraph of thoughts on a film, without having to do an extended analysis. Thank you for sharing.

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It was a joy to join Douglas Gardham for the latest episode of his podcast “Better Than Not” to talk about my book The Pastor as Gardener, as well as a whole host of other things, including my own spiritual awakening, the importance of hope, the power of literature, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/23/it-was-a-joy-to.html","date_published":"2026-06-23T13:25:37+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-23 13:25","date_timestamp":1782221137,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92683698","content_html":"

@KyleEssary Wow! That’s a lot. Congratulations on your son’s wedding.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/92683698","date_published":"2026-06-22T19:27:05+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-22 19:27","date_timestamp":1782156425,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"92672426","content_html":"

Last night, my wife, Kelly, and I finished watching The Salt of the Earth about photographer Sebastião Salgado and directed by Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and Wim Wenders. This is a beautiful movie based on stunning and harrowing photographic journeys that left me deeply moved. 🍿

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/22/last-night-my-wife-kelly.html","date_published":"2026-06-22T16:44:26+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-22 16:44","date_timestamp":1782146666,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92567691","content_html":"

And then, right on time I read Wendell Berry’s “Sabbath Poem III” (2021):

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\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/20/and-then-right-on-time.html","date_published":"2026-06-20T19:36:31+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-20 19:36","date_timestamp":1781984191,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92567635","content_html":"

@ayjay That’s amazing. What a gift to hear from him!

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@ablerism You’re welcome!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/92567524","date_published":"2026-06-20T19:34:13+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-20 19:34","date_timestamp":1781984053,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"92551012","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 20 June 2026 - World Refugee Day, a Pastor and a Philosopher walk into a Garden (or a minefield?), Victor Glover on encountering God in space, being human with technology, Robert Coles’ passing, beauty, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/06/20/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-06-20T13:15:23+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-20 13:15","date_timestamp":1781961323,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"92359353","content_html":"

@frjonjordan I’ve never been to that spot but have have similarly in other ancient spaces. I’m so glad you can enjoy this experience.

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@frjonjordan What a wonderful gift. Thank you for sharing this photo.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/92287148","date_published":"2026-06-16T13:39:45+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-16 13:39","date_timestamp":1781617185,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"92238185","content_html":"

“Is Pastoring More Like a Startup or a Garden” - This past week saw the release of part 2 of my podcast conversation with Randy Knie and Kyle Whitaker for their podcast “A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk into a Bar.”

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@ReaderJohn This was too tricky and put things as opposites that I didn’t feel like needed to be opposites. I also questioned Manny of the ways the questions were phrased, which is what I think you were getting at. I guess that’s what happens with taxonomies like this.

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@drwalt Probably, but I was just offering a general list that could fit either option. What do you think?

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@drwalt Great question. Although I might rephrase the question to “most influential” or “most significant” mystics since the Reformation, if we use the date 1517 for the Reformation, I think we could suggest the following: Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Blaise Pascal, Madame Guyon, George Fox, Evelyn Underhill, Archimandrite Sophrony, Howard Thurman, and more.

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@JohnBrady That was what I was thinking too. I also wondered if they meant in the English-speaking world.

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@ayjay I can’t wait to read it. I’ve gifted Austin’s books to my kids over the years and hope to pick this one up for one of them soon. I only wish he were coming through Milwaukee again!

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@ablerism I imagine you would love it. This seemed like one of Wenders’ best documentary works, IMHO.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/91783423","date_published":"2026-06-08T21:27:22+00:00","author":{"name":"Matt Erickson","url":"http://mwerickson.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Favatars.micro.blog%2Favatars%2F2025%2F49%2F10138.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"mwerickson"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-06-08 21:27","date_timestamp":1780954042,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}}]}