{"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":"100410071","content_html":"

My latest in a series of essays on prayer is “Praying with Words and without Words,” which includes a poem I wrote about when our words come to an end in prayer.

\n\"\"\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/11/03/my-latest-in-a-series.html","date_published":"2026-11-03T14:18:14+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":"2026-11-03 14:18","date_timestamp":1793715494,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"100343950","content_html":"

@davoh Thank yo for sharing that reflection. I could definitely hear Parker Palmer infusing your writing, such as: “I wish that that faculty retreat had instead focused on character.” It’s helpful for me to get a view into the challenges you face as you teach.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/100343950","date_published":"2026-11-02T14:18:59+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":"2026-11-02 14:18","date_timestamp":1793629139,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"100284722","content_html":"

Happy All Saints Day!

\n\n

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/11/01/happy-all-saints-day-therefore.html","date_published":"2026-11-01T13:13:18+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":"2026-11-01 13:13","date_timestamp":1793538798,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"100235828","content_html":"

@dswanson 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, “We are generous stewards—faithful caretakers—of all God has given us.”

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/100235828","date_published":"2026-10-31T16:29:13+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":"2026-10-31 16:29","date_timestamp":1793464153,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"100231353","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 31 October 2026 with Mandy Smith preaching Christmas, Winn Collier on the beauty and trouble of church, Gen Z worship attendance, NT Wright on Isaiah, moving at the speed of Jesus, a church full of friendships, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/31/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-10-31T15:08:15+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":"2026-10-31 15:08","date_timestamp":1793459295,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"100095952","content_html":"

I’m grateful for Winn Collier’s recent essay, “The Church is a Beautiful and Troubling Thing.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/29/im-grateful-for-winn-colliers.html","date_published":"2026-10-29T16:33:58+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":"2026-10-29 16:33","date_timestamp":1793291638,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"100023010","content_html":"

I concluded a three-part reflection on learning prayer from the life and teaching of Jesus here.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/28/i-concluded-a-threepart-reflection.html","date_published":"2026-10-28T13:08:10+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":"2026-10-28 13:08","date_timestamp":1793192890,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99923785","content_html":"

Last garden harvest of the season.

\n\"\"\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/26/last-garden-harvest-of-the.html","date_published":"2026-10-26T20:15:12+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":"2026-10-26 20:15","date_timestamp":1793045712,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99922743","content_html":"

Yesterday, I officiated a funeral for a long-term member of our church, and it was a beautiful celebration of faith and life. Her husband passed away three years before. I can still picture them worshiping in our congregation with one arm around each other and the other arm raised in praise.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/26/yesterday-i-officiated-a-funeral.html","date_published":"2026-10-26T19:56:07+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":"2026-10-26 19:56","date_timestamp":1793044567,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99801902","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 24 October 2026 with news of a church attack in Jordan, David Swanson’s theology of racial reconciliation, Brad East on deleting social media, empathy at the midterms, Matthew Loftus’ ‘Resisting Therapy Culture,’ and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/24/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-10-24T13:07:10+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":"2026-10-24 13:07","date_timestamp":1792847230,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99801872","content_html":"

@ayjay Wow! We’ve never experienced that here. As autumn arises, we do see them becoming more aggressive but not to that level!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/99801872","date_published":"2026-10-24T13:06:13+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":"2026-10-24 13:06","date_timestamp":1792847173,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99772047","content_html":"

@ayjay This is a sad conclusion for me to read. The squirrels in Milwaukee don’t eat all the veggies we make in our raised beds. Is this a Waco, TX, situation?

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/99772047","date_published":"2026-10-23T22:44:43+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":"2026-10-23 22:44","date_timestamp":1792795483,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99685627","content_html":"

@ayjay I loved this book when I read it a few years back. There is something special about an inside view into the real, earthy friendship of two people through their personal letters.

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“As I have said more than once here at BookNotes, The Pastor as Gardener is a splendid, well written book shaped by the metaphor of gardening and informed by the agrarian localism of Wendell Berry.” I’m so grateful to be included in this wonderful list by Byron Borger.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/22/as-i-have-said-more.html","date_published":"2026-10-22T14:13:34+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":"2026-10-22 14:13","date_timestamp":1792678414,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99614651","content_html":"

@ablerism I’m glad to hear that’s the case. We have a few students there from our church family and I hope they benefit from reading it!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/99614651","date_published":"2026-10-21T13:07:30+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":"2026-10-21 13:07","date_timestamp":1792588050,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99548987","content_html":"

@ablerism That is such a moving and beautiful book.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/99548987","date_published":"2026-10-20T12:08:13+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":"2026-10-20 12:08","date_timestamp":1792498093,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99548901","content_html":"

Today, I continued my writing on prayer with part 2 of “Praying Like a Master,” which explores parts of Jesus' teaching in Matthew, chapter 6.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/20/today-i-continued-my-writing.html","date_published":"2026-10-20T12:05:25+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":"2026-10-20 12:05","date_timestamp":1792497925,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99403081","content_html":"

Watched: The Secret Agent 🍿

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/17/watched-the-secret-agent.html","date_published":"2026-10-17T16:11:23+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":"2026-10-17 16:11","date_timestamp":1792253483,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99393174","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 17 October 2026 with Rich Villodas on formation, Brad Jersak on “Vulnerable God,” Mark the Monk speaks, “Can Religion Save Democracy”, psychiatrist Paul McHugh on gender, Chuck DeGroat on ministry scandals, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/17/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-10-17T12:15:35+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":"2026-10-17 12:15","date_timestamp":1792239335,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99285728","content_html":"

@frjonjordan As are your photos from your travels!

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@adders I feel the same way, which is why I shared it.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/99285716","date_published":"2026-10-15T16:28:10+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":"2026-10-15 16:28","date_timestamp":1792081690,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99282831","content_html":"

The brilliance of autumn at the golden hour.

\n\n

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/15/the-brilliance-of-autumn-at.html","date_published":"2026-10-15T15:30:31+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":"2026-10-15 15:30","date_timestamp":1792078231,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99233894","content_html":"

@davoh Great idea.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/99233894","date_published":"2026-10-14T19:59:18+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":"2026-10-14 19:59","date_timestamp":1792007958,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"99227608","content_html":"

Yesterday I received a text from one of my college kids that just said this, and it brought such a warm joy to my heart: “Love you dad!”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/14/yesterday-i-received-a-text.html","date_published":"2026-10-14T17:58:57+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":"2026-10-14 17:58","date_timestamp":1792000737,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99209549","content_html":"

Such a good word: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/14/such-a-good-word-see.html","date_published":"2026-10-14T12:18:36+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":"2026-10-14 12:18","date_timestamp":1791980316,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99148477","content_html":"

I wrote about the life of prayer here, with special attention to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 and how it relates to both our deep desire for prayer and our deep difficulties with prayer at the same time.

\n\"\"\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/13/i-wrote-about-the-life.html","date_published":"2026-10-13T12:45:59+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":"2026-10-13 12:45","date_timestamp":1791895559,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"99103082","content_html":"

I am grateful for this generous review of The Pastor as Gardener in The Living Church.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/12/i-am-grateful-for-this.html","date_published":"2026-10-12T17:15:42+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":"2026-10-12 17:15","date_timestamp":1791825342,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98599006","content_html":"

@ablerism One of our friends has been hosting something like this on Monday nights. Everyone brings something and it’s all very casual, fun, and relational. So many joy-filled conversations. Good on you for doing this!

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@frjonjordan Congratulations!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/98596198","date_published":"2026-10-03T11:45:25+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":"2026-10-03 11:45","date_timestamp":1791027925,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98596189","content_html":"

@ayjay A wonderful collection by a wonderful writer with such attention to the world.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/98596189","date_published":"2026-10-03T11:45:11+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":"2026-10-03 11:45","date_timestamp":1791027911,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98596102","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 3 October 2026 with Dorothy Day on love, The Death of Religion?, Mary Ho on servant leadership, reviewing Tracy Daugherty’s bio of Cormac McCarthy, Pope Leo in France at Notre-Dame, U2’s new liturgical album, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/03/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-10-03T11:42:19+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":"2026-10-03 11:42","date_timestamp":1791027739,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98505037","content_html":"

@thebigbabooski :)

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/98505037","date_published":"2026-10-01T20:07:37+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":"2026-10-01 20:07","date_timestamp":1790885257,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98491770","content_html":"

If you’ve ever thought of buying my book The Pastor as Gardener: A Renewed Vision for Ministry, Eerdmans is offering 40% off in October for Pastor Appreciation Month. Pick up a copy for yourself and a pastor you appreciate here.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/01/if-youve-ever-thought-of.html","date_published":"2026-10-01T15:51:56+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":"2026-10-01 15:51","date_timestamp":1790869916,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98487585","content_html":"\"\"\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/01/092409.html","date_published":"2026-10-01T14:24:09+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":"2026-10-01 14:24","date_timestamp":1790864649,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98485319","content_html":"

As a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, I am still in disbelief at how this season is unfolding into the postseason. After three consecutive 100-loss seasons to the playoffs? It is hard to even imagine.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/10/01/as-a-lifelong-chicago-white.html","date_published":"2026-10-01T13:46:34+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":"2026-10-01 13:46","date_timestamp":1790862394,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98424785","content_html":"

@JimRain It is a beautifully written novel with so much to leave one pondering. I’m glad you read it!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/98424785","date_published":"2026-09-30T13:27:22+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":"2026-09-30 13:27","date_timestamp":1790774842,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98371951","content_html":"

@ayjay I am so disappointed for your sake to read about this fiasco. I hope you’re able to figure out next steps soon.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/98371951","date_published":"2026-09-29T15:40:32+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":"2026-09-29 15:40","date_timestamp":1790696432,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98364678","content_html":"

I wrote about “Praying into God’s Power and Love” this morning.

\n\"\"\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/09/29/i-wrote-about-praying-into.html","date_published":"2026-09-29T13:09:39+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":"2026-09-29 13:09","date_timestamp":1790687379,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98309866","content_html":"\n

Currently reading: The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day 📚

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/09/28/currently-reading-the-long-loneliness.html","date_published":"2026-09-28T13:57:55+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":"2026-09-28 13:57","date_timestamp":1790603875,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98304346","content_html":"

@ayjay Congratulations!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/98304346","date_published":"2026-09-28T12:00:33+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":"2026-09-28 12:00","date_timestamp":1790596833,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98205912","content_html":"

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 26 September 2026 with Doug Sikkema on formation with great books, Christians arrested in Algeria, Chris Smith on worship services, preaching with images, Alan Jacobs on Malick IRL, Clare Coffey on AC aesthetics, and more.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/09/26/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-09-26T11:43:12+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":"2026-09-26 11:43","date_timestamp":1790422992,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97994441","content_html":"

@ayjay I just put this in my “to read” list right before seeing you post this.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97994441","date_published":"2026-09-22T21:13:29+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":"2026-09-22 21:13","date_timestamp":1790111609,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97973123","content_html":"

I wrote “A Litany for Pastors based on Matthew 23” - praying toward true humility and future fruitfulness.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/09/22/i-wrote-a-litany-for.html","date_published":"2026-09-22T13:26:50+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":"2026-09-22 13:26","date_timestamp":1790083610,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97711702","content_html":"

@dswanson Good books stand the test of time. Especially when written by such gifted and insightful authors.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97711702","date_published":"2026-09-17T18:05:06+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":"2026-09-17 18:05","date_timestamp":1789668306,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97699157","content_html":"

@dswanson Both are wonderful books. Thanks for the reminder on both of them! I haven’t returned to either for quite some time, and maybe this is a good prompt.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97699157","date_published":"2026-09-17T13:50:52+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":"2026-09-17 13:50","date_timestamp":1789653052,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97653979","content_html":"

@ayjay I just received an email suggesting ways to promote a book that sounds like the book I’ve written but is not. I wondered if others were receiving emails helping to promote my book with their name on it. So perturbing but also sometimes makes me laugh.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97653979","date_published":"2026-09-16T19:46:43+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":"2026-09-16 19:46","date_timestamp":1789588003,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97653908","content_html":"

@JimRain Amen and amen.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97653908","date_published":"2026-09-16T19:45:05+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":"2026-09-16 19:45","date_timestamp":1789587905,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97639854","content_html":"

@ablerism Oof. I didn’t know about Dillard until I read your post. That’s hard to hear. Berry’s passing has gutted me in a very deep way, and this adds to it. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Teaching a Stone to Talk, and The Writing Life are all so meaningful to me.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97639854","date_published":"2026-09-16T14:21:06+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":"2026-09-16 14:21","date_timestamp":1789568466,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97479127","content_html":"

@jaheppler Definitely worth the read!

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97479127","date_published":"2026-09-13T20:06:47+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":"2026-09-13 20:06","date_timestamp":1789330007,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97426744","content_html":"

@ablerism Wow. What a deep connection with that day through the friendship Brian had. Thank you for sharing this photo and perspective, which hit me as so meaningful.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/97426744","date_published":"2026-09-12T18:17:34+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":"2026-09-12 18:17","date_timestamp":1789237054,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}}]}