{"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":"91089951","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ayjay\">@ayjay</a> I needed that. So funny.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/91089951","date_published":"2026-05-28T17:16:11+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":"2026-05-28 17:16","date_timestamp":1779988571,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"91088369","content_html":"<p>Sometimes when hiking my beloved Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin there are portions that are not that exciting.</p>\n\n<p>It reminds me of how life is also like this. Sometimes we keep walking even when things are not evidently beautiful or interesting.</p>\n\n<p>Sometimes we just need to take the next step.</p>\n\n<p><img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/4740/2026/image-1-iat-boring.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/28/sometimes-when-hiking-my-beloved.html","date_published":"2026-05-28T16:47:38+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":"2026-05-28 16:47","date_timestamp":1779986858,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"91081411","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/eastbrad\">@eastbrad</a> A good find, especially for pilgrims!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/91081411","date_published":"2026-05-28T14:37:53+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":"2026-05-28 14:37","date_timestamp":1779979073,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"91081384","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/joshuapsteele\">@joshuapsteele</a> I felt that as well. I really resonated with Kingsnorth’s writing in this book but felt that there were gaps and such broad brushstrokes at times that it bothered me. Still, I think it’s a lover’s quarrel I have with his writing here.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/91081384","date_published":"2026-05-28T14:37:21+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":"2026-05-28 14:37","date_timestamp":1779979041,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"91081325","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/KyleEssary\">@KyleEssary</a> Beautiful! One of the places I hope to visit someday.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/91081325","date_published":"2026-05-28T14:36:08+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":"2026-05-28 14:36","date_timestamp":1779978968,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"91016720","content_html":"<p>Looking through some old photos I found this one that my wife took of me staring up at “The Tree of Life” (Étienne de Boré Oak) in New Orleans' Audubon Park this past New Year’s Eve. The massive oak was planted around 1740. What is it about huge, old trees that is so captivating?</p>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/4740/2026/img-3728-m.jpg\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/27/looking-through-some-old-photos.html","date_published":"2026-05-27T16:24:44+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":"2026-05-27 16:24","date_timestamp":1779899084,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90948319","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/dswanson\">@dswanson</a> Beautiful!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/90948319","date_published":"2026-05-26T15:47:37+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":"2026-05-26 15:47","date_timestamp":1779810457,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90939785","content_html":"<p>Beautiful hiking all weekend with my wife, Kelly, along the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. One special treat was an evening hike at the golden hour that brought such beauty and so many unexpected wonders.</p>\n<img src=\"https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/4740/2026/img-3302-m.jpg\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\">\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/26/beautiful-hiking-all-weekend-with.html","date_published":"2026-05-26T13:16:27+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":"2026-05-26 13:16","date_timestamp":1779801387,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90633135","content_html":"<p>God reminds us and invites us into gratitude today:</p>\n\n<p>“Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me.” (Psalm 50:23a)</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/21/god-reminds-us-and-invites.html","date_published":"2026-05-21T13:24:30+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":"2026-05-21 13:24","date_timestamp":1779369870,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90560916","content_html":"<p>In preparation for Pentecost Sunday: <a href=\"https://mwerickson.substack.com/p/the-holy-spirit-is-like\">“The Holy Spirit is Like…Three images of the Holy Spirit in Scripture”</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/20/in-preparation-for-pentecost-sunday.html","date_published":"2026-05-20T13:46:31+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":"2026-05-20 13:46","date_timestamp":1779284791,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90497888","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/frjonjordan\">@frjonjordan</a> That’s a very classy and beautiful design! Looks great!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/90497888","date_published":"2026-05-19T17:00:41+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":"2026-05-19 17:00","date_timestamp":1779210041,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90488033","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/dswanson\">@dswanson</a> I’d love to hear what you think of it.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/90488033","date_published":"2026-05-19T14:32:27+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":"2026-05-19 14:32","date_timestamp":1779201147,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90483255","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/dswanson\">@dswanson</a> I just finished the book last night and I would highly recommend it. It is so personal, so curious, so deeply insightful to see two friends talk about faith and life through email/letters.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/90483255","date_published":"2026-05-19T13:16:51+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":"2026-05-19 13:16","date_timestamp":1779196611,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90443638","content_html":"<p>I really enjoyed <a href=\"https://josephlear.substack.com/p/matt-erickson-talks-pastor-as-gardener\">this conversation with Joseph Lear</a> about my book <em>The Pastor as Gardener</em>. His questions were thoughtful and engaging with the material of the book. Don’t miss the 40% discount code he mentions to buy a copy of the book for yourself or someone you know in ministry.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/18/i-really-enjoyed-this-conversation.html","date_published":"2026-05-18T21:03:22+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":"2026-05-18 21:03","date_timestamp":1779138202,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90429358","content_html":"<p>Christian Wiman on Jesus in _Glimmerings_: <a href=\"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/18/christian-wiman-on-jesus-in.html\">mwerickson.micro.blog</a></p>","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/18/christian-wiman-on-jesus-in.html","date_published":"2026-05-18T17:24:35+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":"2026-05-18 17:24","date_timestamp":1779125075,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":true,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90428113","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/dswanson\">@dswanson</a> What an honor…and what a great line!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/90428113","date_published":"2026-05-18T17:08:54+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":"2026-05-18 17:08","date_timestamp":1779124134,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"90345367","content_html":"<p>A good word for preachers and service leaders today:</p>\n<p>“I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;\nI speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.\nI do not conceal your love and your faithfulness\nfrom the great assembly.” (Psalm 40:10)</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/17/a-good-word-for-preachers.html","date_published":"2026-05-17T10:55:27+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":"2026-05-17 10:55","date_timestamp":1779015327,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90316459","content_html":"<p>I love <a href=\"https://renovare.org/articles/perfection-is-friendship-with-god\">this statement</a> from Gregory of Nyssa: “We regard falling from God’s friendship as the only thing dreadful and we consider becoming God’s friend the only thing worthy of honor and desire. This, as I have said, is the perfection of life.”</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/16/i-love-this-statement-from.html","date_published":"2026-05-16T21:18:35+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":"2026-05-16 21:18","date_timestamp":1778966315,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90291745","content_html":"<p>Hello, friends. Here is “<a href=\"https://mwerickson.substack.com/p/the-weekend-wanderer-16-may-2026\">The Weekend Wanderer</a>” for 16 May 2026 with Gregory of Nyssa on life’s meaning, Francis Omondi in Dadaab Refugee Complex, is the USA a Christian nation?, Trygve Johnson on the future of the church, and more.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/16/hello-friends-here-is-the.html","date_published":"2026-05-16T12:53:50+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":"2026-05-16 12:53","date_timestamp":1778936030,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"90103543","content_html":"<p>I found this book review I wrote that was never published for Makoto Fujimura’s 2025 book <em>Art Is: A Journey Into the Light</em>,  and thought I’d share it <a href=\"https://mwerickson.substack.com/p/portals-for-light-and-life\">here</a> since this is a wonderful book (mentioned in “My Top Reads of 2025”).</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/13/i-found-this-book-review.html","date_published":"2026-05-13T18:40:03+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":"2026-05-13 18:40","date_timestamp":1778697603,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89932602","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ayjay\">@ayjay</a> I am really, really enjoying the series of essays you are posting on <a href=\"https://cosmosmalick.net\">Cosmos Malick</a>. Thank you!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/89932602","date_published":"2026-05-11T17:27:34+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":"2026-05-11 17:27","date_timestamp":1778520454,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"89927819","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn\">@ReaderJohn</a> Ha, ha! You are so right. I sometimes feel I’m becoming Eastern Orthodox on the inside, although I’m in a different tradition. Gregory of Nyssa has been one of my key theological conversation partners over the past three years.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/89927819","date_published":"2026-05-11T15:34:09+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":"2026-05-11 15:34","date_timestamp":1778513649,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"89924536","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781625645845/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\"><p></p>\n\n<p>I just finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781625645845\">Beauty A Theological Engagement with Gregory of Nyssa</a> by Natalie Carnes 📚 This was a wonderful book, though not quite what I expected, but was rewarding reading.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/11/i-just-finished-reading-beauty.html","date_published":"2026-05-11T14:08:08+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":"2026-05-11 14:08","date_timestamp":1778508488,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89880864","content_html":"<p>“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.” (Luke 6:43-44)</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/10/no-good-tree-bears-bad.html","date_published":"2026-05-10T11:18:29+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":"2026-05-10 11:18","date_timestamp":1778411909,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89847220","content_html":"<p>Here is “<a href=\"https://mwerickson.substack.com/p/the-weekend-wanderer-9-may-2026\">The Weekend Wanderer</a>” for 9 May 2026 with lessons on faith from the garden, Black churches mobilize, Alan Jacobs on Terrence Malick’s biblical imagination, World Relief’s family separation report, literature for the common good, and more.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/09/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-05-09T12:51:47+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":"2026-05-09 12:51","date_timestamp":1778331107,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89763328","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/eastbrad\">@eastbrad</a> Wilco?</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/89763328","date_published":"2026-05-07T13:09:25+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":"2026-05-07 13:09","date_timestamp":1778159365,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"89655767","content_html":"<p>Friends, I am trying to research more fully the contextual situation that led Christians to flee to the desert in what we know as the Desert Fathers and Mothers movement. Not looking for a collection of sayings, but more about the historical-social milieu. Any recommended resources?</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/05/friends-i-am-trying-to.html","date_published":"2026-05-05T17:42:07+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":"2026-05-05 17:42","date_timestamp":1778002927,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89652401","content_html":"<p>I really enjoyed Andrew Camp’s thoughtful questions and engagement with “The Pastor as Gardener” on The Biggest Table podcast. He explored themes I had not fully thought of with my work. I was so grateful for <a href=\"https://share.transistor.fm/s/f7508810\">this conversation</a>!</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/05/i-really-enjoyed-andrew-camps.html","date_published":"2026-05-05T16:59:42+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":"2026-05-05 16:59","date_timestamp":1778000382,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89563871","content_html":"<p>Last week I traveled to the Middle East to visit friends and church partners. It was certainly an interesting time to travel because of the global conflicts in that region, but conversations I had with ministry partners made it even more interesting: “<a href=\"https://mwerickson.substack.com/p/hearing-an-apt-word-in-the-middle\">Hearing an Apt Word in the Middle East</a>.”</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/04/last-week-i-traveled-to.html","date_published":"2026-05-04T12:45:30+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":"2026-05-04 12:45","date_timestamp":1777898730,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89464688","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780300279764/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\"><p></p>\n\n<p>Just finished reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9780300279764\">Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark Mysticism, Art, and the Path of Unknowing</a> by James K. A. Smith 📚 I liked it, but felt it was slow at the start but grew on me near the end. Smith reframes philosophy through mysticism, pointing toward John of the Cross, Teresa, and others.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/02/just-finished-reading-make-your.html","date_published":"2026-05-02T18:22:45+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":"2026-05-02 18:22","date_timestamp":1777746165,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89447731","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/KyleEssary\">@KyleEssary</a> Thank you so much, Kyle.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/89447731","date_published":"2026-05-02T12:32:05+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":"2026-05-02 12:32","date_timestamp":1777725125,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"89447413","content_html":"<p>Here is <a href=\"https://mwerickson.substack.com/p/the-weekend-wanderer-2-may-2026\">“The Weekend Wanderer” for 2 May 2026</a> with Kenneth Tanner on the Road to Emmaus, Christian persecution in Egypt, David Swanson on changes to racial reconciliation, Mike Sacasas on AI, and more.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/02/here-is-the-weekend-wanderer.html","date_published":"2026-05-02T12:23:34+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":"2026-05-02 12:23","date_timestamp":1777724614,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89391904","content_html":"<p>I’m thankful for Joseph Lear’s thoughtful and generous engagement with my book, <em>The Pastor as Gardener</em>. Read his review and take advantage of the 40% discount on purchasing the book offered at the end of the post: “<a href=\"https://josephlear.substack.com/p/pastor-as-gardener-by-matthew-erickson\">Pastor as Gardener by Matthew Erickson: A Review and Endorsement</a>.”</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/01/im-thankful-for-joseph-lears.html","date_published":"2026-05-01T15:40:01+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":"2026-05-01 15:40","date_timestamp":1777650001,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89391365","content_html":"<p>I was grateful to write <a href=\"https://www.jsonline.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/04/28/trump-budget-usaid-humanitarian-christians-hiv-world-relief/89720933007/\">an OpEd</a> with the help of World Relief staff about our international budgeting. “As a pastor and a former humanitarian worker…witnessing the devastation of HIV during my tenure at World Relief, my understanding of what it means to care for my neighbor has changed irrevocably.”</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/05/01/i-was-grateful-to-write.html","date_published":"2026-05-01T15:31:03+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":"2026-05-01 15:31","date_timestamp":1777649463,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89081500","content_html":"<img src=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781509515103/cover.jpg\" class=\"mini_cover\">\n<p>Currently reading: <a href=\"https://micro.blog/books/9781509515103\">Saving Beauty</a> by Byung-Chul Han 📚</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/04/27/currently-reading-saving-beauty-by.html","date_published":"2026-04-27T06:41:42+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":"2026-04-27 06:41","date_timestamp":1777272102,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"89043726","content_html":"<p>There’s nothing quite like being with believers in another part of the world that will give challenging and helpful perspective on what is happening to Christianity in America.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/04/26/theres-nothing-quite-like-being.html","date_published":"2026-04-26T15:19:05+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":"2026-04-26 15:19","date_timestamp":1777216745,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88771454","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://mwerickson.substack.com/p/three-ways-to-read-1-corinthians\">“Three Ways to Read 1 Corinthians 13: spiritual formation through Scripture”</a></p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/04/22/three-ways-to-read-corinthians.html","date_published":"2026-04-22T11:19:22+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":"2026-04-22 11:19","date_timestamp":1776856762,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88634140","content_html":"<p>I rewatched <em>The Taste of Things</em> this past weekend and I loved it just as much the second time. The beauty of the storyline as well as the sensory nature of the film is so wonderful.</p>\n","summary":"","url":"https://mwerickson.micro.blog/2026/04/20/i-rewatched-the-taste-of.html","date_published":"2026-04-20T13:30:26+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":"2026-04-20 13:30","date_timestamp":1776691826,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"88255357","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ayjay\">@ayjay</a> I really appreciated this post. I resonate so deeply with the patience required by Malick’s films. As with Andrei Tarkovsky, I find in them an invitation to slowing and attentiveness to life. Have you read Jamie Smith’s <a href=\"https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300279764/make-your-home-in-this-luminous-dark/\">new book</a>? He echoes your words here in his third chapter on <em>hesychia</em>.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/88255357","date_published":"2026-04-14T20:21:31+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":"2026-04-14 20:21","date_timestamp":1776198091,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87933260","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/bbowman\">@bbowman</a> I love that question. Do you have a favorite book or two (or three or…) by Williams? I’m a big fan of his work but always love to hear from others.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87933260","date_published":"2026-04-09T19:44:36+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":"2026-04-09 19:44","date_timestamp":1775763876,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87918798","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn\">@ReaderJohn</a> That is an achievement. Congratulations!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87918798","date_published":"2026-04-09T16:18:46+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":"2026-04-09 16:18","date_timestamp":1775751526,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87907681","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/bbowman\">@bbowman</a> This entire trilogy by Williams is a gift.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87907681","date_published":"2026-04-09T13:17:57+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":"2026-04-09 13:17","date_timestamp":1775740677,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87862237","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ayjay\">@ayjay</a> Egad! I’m thrilled.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87862237","date_published":"2026-04-08T20:04:27+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":"2026-04-08 20:04","date_timestamp":1775678667,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87804576","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/dswanson\">@dswanson</a> That is so true. We need signs of life in days like these. Thanks for sharing your joyful discoveries.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87804576","date_published":"2026-04-07T23:43:33+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":"2026-04-07 23:43","date_timestamp":1775605413,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87787844","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/dswanson\">@dswanson</a> So beautiful!</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87787844","date_published":"2026-04-07T19:05:55+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":"2026-04-07 19:05","date_timestamp":1775588755,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87700515","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ayjay\">@ayjay</a> I would love to see how you would craft something like this.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87700515","date_published":"2026-04-06T15:06:43+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":"2026-04-06 15:06","date_timestamp":1775488003,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87545651","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/ayjay\">@ayjay</a> Wait. What does this mean?</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87545651","date_published":"2026-04-03T18:55:29+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":"2026-04-03 18:55","date_timestamp":1775242529,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87482313","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/drwalt\">@drwalt</a> I must admit I do like writing all over the books I read. And I also pull quotations and write them in my journal. I wrote a down few pages of quotations from <em>The Scent of Time</em>.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87482313","date_published":"2026-04-02T18:19:01+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":"2026-04-02 18:19","date_timestamp":1775153941,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87469313","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/drwalt\">@drwalt</a> One article I read described his writing as aphoristic, which rings true with what I’ve read so far. The comparison with Emerson is an interesting suggestion.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87469313","date_published":"2026-04-02T15:04:01+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":"2026-04-02 15:04","date_timestamp":1775142241,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"87469265","content_html":"<p><a href=\"https://micro.blog/JohnBrady\">@JohnBrady</a> I’ve already experienced that overlap you mentioned just in reading <em>The Scent of Time</em> and <em>The Burnout Society</em>, which have some similar chapters. Still, I am fascinated with his writing because I find him addressing themes of great interest to me about action, contemplation, time and more.</p>\n","url":"https://micro.blog/mwerickson/87469265","date_published":"2026-04-02T15:03:08+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":"2026-04-02 15:03","date_timestamp":1775142188,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}}]}