Category Archives: BookNotes

Monday-Friday Ministry: Finding God’s Calling in Your Career

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When speaking of faith and work in the same conversation, few concepts are as misunderstood as “vocation.” For many, the word conjures images of clergy or missionaries, perpetuating the myth that only certain professions are truly “sacred.” However, this narrow view not only diminishes the value of most people’s daily work but also contradicts the rich Christian understanding of vocation.

The concept of vocation, derived from the Latin word “vocare” meaning “to call,” has evolved throughout Christian history. The Protestant Reformation, particularly through the work of Martin Luther, revolutionized this idea by asserting that all legitimate work could be a calling from God. This perspective challenges us to reconsider how we view our careers and daily tasks.

Here’s a brief exploration of the concept of vocation, moving from theological foundations to practical application. It addresses common challenges and misconceptions while offering guidance on how to discern and embrace one’s calling in various career contexts. By the end, I hope you will see your work through a lens of divine purpose, regardless of your specific job or industry.

Understanding Vocation in Christian Thought

In Christian theology, vocation extends far beyond one’s job. It encompasses the totality of our lives – our roles, relationships, and responsibilities. The Bible provides numerous examples of diverse callings: from shepherds and fishermen to government officials and businesspeople. Each played a crucial role in God’s plan, illustrating that no single type of work holds a monopoly on divine purpose.

Discerning God’s Calling in Your Current Job

Identifying your vocation doesn’t necessarily require a career change. Often, it involves recognizing God’s purpose in your current role. This process begins with self-reflection: What are your unique gifts and talents? How do they align with your values and the needs around you? Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking counsel from trusted mentors can provide valuable insights in this discernment process.

Finding Purpose in Seemingly Mundane Tasks

One of the greatest challenges in embracing our work as a calling is finding meaning in routine or seemingly insignificant tasks. Yet, it’s often in these mundane moments that we have the greatest opportunity to serve others and glorify God. A janitor maintaining cleanliness contributes to public health. An accountant ensuring accurate records upholds integrity and stewardship. By connecting our daily tasks to larger purposes, we can cultivate a sense of meaning and fulfillment.

Overcoming the “Monday Blues”: Seeing Work as Worship

Reframing our perspective on work can transform our entire week. Rather than dreading Monday, we can approach each day as an opportunity for worship through our labor. This doesn’t mean every moment will be enjoyable, but it does mean that every task can be infused with purpose. Practicing mindfulness, offering our work as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), and cultivating gratitude can help us see our daily labor as an act of devotion.

Challenges in Embracing Your Work as a Calling

Of course, viewing work as a calling isn’t always easy. Many face job dissatisfaction, career transitions, or the struggle to balance multiple roles. It’s important to acknowledge these challenges while not letting them overshadow the potential for meaning in our current circumstances. Sometimes, embracing our vocation might mean seeking a new job that better aligns with our gifts and values. Other times, it might mean finding new purpose in our present role.

Practical Steps to Embrace Your Job as a Divine Calling

  • Develop a personal mission statement that reflects your values and sense of purpose.
  • Set intentional goals that align your daily work with your broader calling.
  • Practice regular reflection, assessing how your work is contributing to God’s purposes.
  • Seek opportunities for growth and service within your current role.
  • Cultivate relationships at work, recognizing that your calling often involves how you interact with others.

The Transformative Power of Viewing Work as Vocation

Embracing our work as a calling can profoundly impact not only our job satisfaction but our entire lives. It bridges the gap between our faith and our daily activities, infusing routine tasks with divine purpose. As we begin to see our work through this lens, we may find increased motivation, greater resilience in the face of challenges, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Remember, your calling is not just about what you do, but about who you are becoming through your work. Whether you’re a teacher shaping young minds, a business owner creating jobs, or a parent nurturing the next generation, your work matters to God and plays a crucial role in His ongoing creation and redemption of the world.

As you move forward, consider how you can more fully embrace your current work as a divine calling. Look for God’s purpose in your daily tasks, seek opportunities to serve others through your role, and remain open to how God might be shaping you through your work. In doing so, you may find that every day – even Monday – becomes an opportunity to live out your faith in meaningful and impactful ways.


Resources for this second-of-four articles in a series entitled Faith at Work come from the books listed below.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

The Biblical Foundation of Work: Rediscovering God’s Purpose in Our Daily Labor

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For people of faith in 2024, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of compartmentalizing our lives. We often separate our “spiritual” activities on Sunday from our “secular” work throughout the week. However, this division is foreign to the biblical worldview. The truth is, our work – whether in an office, a factory, a home, or anywhere else – is deeply connected to our faith and central to God’s design for humanity.

To understand the true significance of our daily labor, we need to explore the biblical narrative of work. This journey through Scripture reveals a profound truth: work is not just a necessary evil or a means to an end, but a fundamental aspect of our purpose as human beings.

Today I’m launching a four-part series, Faith at Work: Exploring the Disconnect Between Sunday Worship and Monday Work.

This synoptical research and reading first came up in a conversation with two friends who (individually) I meet with weekly in a discipling relationship. Both are highly intelligent and successful businessmen in their respective fields (finance and manufacturing) in large, worldwide corporations. Both have a strong family environment and are active in our church.

Yet, over a period of weeks, and in separate conversations, this topic came up:

How can I connect my work to God’s work?

God as the First Worker

Our story begins in the very first chapter of the Bible. Genesis 1 portrays God as a worker, carefully and skillfully creating the universe. Each day, God labors to bring order out of chaos, to separate and define, to fill and to bless. At the end of each day, God steps back and evaluates His work, declaring it “good.”

This image of God as a worker is crucial. It tells us that work is not beneath God, nor is it simply a task for humans. Work is part of God’s nature, and as beings created in His image, it’s part of our nature too.

Humans as Co-Creators

In Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15, we see God giving humans a mandate: to “fill the earth and subdue it,” to “rule over” creation, and to “work and take care of” the Garden of Eden. This is often called the “cultural mandate,” and it establishes humans as co-creators with God.

This role as co-creators applies to all types of legitimate work. Whether we’re developing new technologies, teaching children, growing food, or keeping our communities clean, we’re participating in God’s ongoing work of creation and cultivation.

The Impact of the Fall

The harmonious relationship between humans, their work, and creation was disrupted by the Fall. In Genesis 3:17-19, we see that work becomes toilsome and frustrating. The ground is cursed, requiring sweat and struggle to yield its fruit.

It’s crucial to note, however, that work itself is not a punishment. The difficulty and frustration in work are consequences of sin, but work remains a fundamental part of human purpose. Even after the Fall, work retains its inherent dignity and potential for meaning.

Christ’s Redemptive Work

The story doesn’t end with the Fall. Through Christ, God initiates a plan of redemption that encompasses all of creation – including our work. Jesus, described as a carpenter, dignifies manual labor through His own life. Many of His parables draw on workplace scenarios, showing the spiritual significance of ordinary work.

In His teachings and through the writings of the apostles, we see a vision of work redeemed. Paul encourages believers to “work heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), suggesting that all work can be an act of worship when done with the right heart.

Why This Matters

Understanding the biblical narrative of work transforms our perspective on our daily labor. It helps us see that our work, whatever it may be, has intrinsic value and spiritual significance. We’re not just earning a paycheck; we’re participating in God’s ongoing work in the world.

This biblical foundation challenges us to reject both the idol of workaholism and the temptation to view work as a necessary evil. Instead, it invites us to see our work as an integral part of our faith journey, an opportunity to serve God and others, and a means of personal and cultural flourishing.

As we move forward in our exploration of faith and work, this biblical foundation will serve as our compass. It reminds us that our daily labor, in all its forms, matters to God and plays a crucial role in His grand narrative of creation, fall, and redemption.

In the words of author Tom Nelson, “Our work, whatever it is, matters to God and has eternal significance.” As we embrace this truth, we open ourselves to a more integrated, purposeful, and joyful approach to our daily work.

Resources for this first-of-four articles in a series entitled Faith at Work come from the books listed below.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Creating Welcoming Spaces: Insights from Christine D. Pohl’s “Making Room”

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For the most part, the term “hospitality” has lost its moral dimension and, in the process, most Christians have lost touch with the amazingly rich and complex tradition of hospitality.

Christine D. Pohl

Although hospitality was central to Christian identity and practice in earlier centuries, our generation knows little about its life-giving character. Making Room revisits the Christian foundations of welcoming strangers and explores the necessity, difficulty, and blessing of hospitality today.

Combining rich biblical and historical research with extensive exposure to contemporary Christian communities – the Catholic Worker, L’Abri, L’Arche, and others – this book shows how understanding the key features of hospitality can better equip us to faithfully carry out the practical call of the gospel.

Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by Christine D. Pohl explores the concept of hospitality from a Christian perspective, examining its significance both in historical and contemporary contexts. Pohl argues that hospitality is not just a peripheral activity but a central aspect of Christian life and tradition.

The book is divided into three main sections:

Biblical and Historical Foundations Pohl discusses how hospitality is rooted in biblical teachings and practices, drawing from both Old and New Testament examples. She highlights how early Christians practiced hospitality as a way to live out their faith and serve others, particularly the marginalized and the stranger.

Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities In this section, Pohl addresses the challenges that modern society poses to hospitality, such as increased mobility, urbanization, and a focus on individualism. She emphasizes that despite these challenges, there are still opportunities to practice and revive the spirit of hospitality in today’s world.

Practical Implications The final section provides practical suggestions for individuals and communities who wish to embrace and practice hospitality. Pohl offers guidance on how to incorporate hospitality into everyday life, stressing that it involves more than just welcoming guests; it is about creating spaces where people feel valued and cared for.

Making Room is a thoughtful and insightful exploration of hospitality within the Christian tradition. Christine D. Pohl successfully integrates theological reflection with practical advice, making the book both scholarly and accessible. Her examination of biblical and historical examples is thorough and provides a strong foundation for understanding the importance of hospitality in Christian life.

One of the strengths of the book is Pohl’s ability to connect historical practices with contemporary issues. She provides a clear-eyed analysis of how modern societal trends have affected the practice of hospitality, while also offering hope and concrete steps for re-engaging with this essential Christian practice.

The book’s structure is well-organized, with each section building upon the previous one, leading to a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Pohl’s writing is engaging and her arguments are well-supported by both scripture and historical evidence.

Making Room is particularly valuable for readers who are involved in church leadership or community service, as it provides actionable ideas for fostering a culture of hospitality. However, its relevance extends to anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Christian practice and improving their interpersonal relationships.

Overall, Christine D. Pohl’s Making Room is a significant contribution to the conversation about hospitality in the Christian tradition. It challenges readers to reconsider the role of hospitality in their lives and encourages them to make space for others in meaningful and transformative ways.

Key Themes and Recommendations

Embracing the Spirit of Hospitality: Pohl emphasizes that hospitality is not merely about hosting events or having guests over; it’s fundamentally about cultivating a welcoming and generous spirit. This means extending kindness, openness, and warmth in everyday interactions, not just in formal settings. It involves a mindset of valuing others, regardless of their background or status.

Creating Space for Others: The practical application of hospitality involves both physical and emotional space. Pohl suggests that creating a welcoming environment starts with one’s home or community space. This can include:

  • Intentional Design: Making physical spaces more inviting and accessible. This might mean rearranging furniture to encourage conversation or ensuring that spaces are inclusive and comfortable for all guests.
  • Generosity in Sharing: Being willing to share one’s home, resources, and time. For instance, inviting neighbors for meals or offering temporary accommodation to those in need can be practical expressions of hospitality.

Building Genuine Relationships:Pohl advocates for fostering genuine relationships as a core element of hospitality. This involves:

  • Listening and Empathy: Taking the time to listen to others’ stories and experiences, and showing empathy and understanding. This helps build trust and deeper connections.
  • Regular Interaction: Engaging in consistent, meaningful interactions rather than one-off gestures. Building relationships over time demonstrates a commitment to hospitality.

Serving the Marginalized and Vulnerable: A significant aspect of hospitality in Pohl’s view is extending care and welcome to the marginalized and vulnerable populations. Practical ways to do this include:

  • Community Outreach: Engaging in local service projects or supporting organizations that serve those in need, such as food banks or shelters.
  • Personal Involvement: Offering support directly to individuals in challenging circumstances, whether through volunteering time, providing resources, or simply offering companionship.

Overcoming Barriers to Hospitality: Pohl acknowledges that various barriers can make practicing hospitality challenging, such as busy schedules, financial constraints, or societal norms. She suggests:

  • Prioritizing Relationships: Making hospitality a priority despite a busy lifestyle by scheduling regular gatherings or setting aside time for meaningful interactions.
  • Creative Solutions: Finding creative ways to practice hospitality within one’s means. This could include potlucks instead of formal dinners or virtual meetings to connect with distant friends.

Cultivating a Hospitable Community: Finally, Pohl discusses the importance of fostering a hospitable culture within communities, such as churches or neighborhood groups. This involves:

  • Encouraging Participation: Creating opportunities for members of a community to practice hospitality, perhaps through organized events or service initiatives.
  • Modeling Hospitality: Leaders and influential members of a community can set an example by demonstrating hospitable behaviors and encouraging others to do the same.

As noted above, final section of Making Room offers a pragmatic and heartfelt approach to incorporating the principle of hospitality into everyday life. Christine D. Pohl’s recommendations are designed to help individuals and communities move beyond theoretical understanding to actual practice, emphasizing that hospitality is a lived experience that reflects the values of kindness, generosity, and inclusivity. The practical suggestions provided are meant to inspire readers to make hospitality a natural and integral part of their daily interactions and community engagement.

Tears, Triumphs, and Taste: Unpeeling “The Core of An Onion”

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As Julia Child once said, “It is hard to imagine a civilization without onions.”

Historically, she’s been right – and not just in the kitchen. Flourishing in just about every climate and culture around the world, onions have provided the essential basis not only for sautés, stews, and sauces, but for medicines, metaphors, and folklore. Now they’re Mark Kurlansky’s most flavorful infatuation yet as he sets out to explore how and why the crop reigns from Italy to India and everywhere in between.

Featuring historical images and his own pen-and-ink drawings, Kurlansky begins with the science and history of the only sulfuric acid–spewing plant, then digs through its twenty varieties and the cultures built around them. Entering the kitchen, Kurlansky celebrates the raw, roasted, creamed, marinated, and pickled. 

Including a recipe section featuring more than one hundred dishes from around the world, The Core of an Onion shares the secrets to celebrated Parisian chef Alain Senderens’s onion soup eaten to cure late-night drunkenness; Hemingway’s raw onion and peanut butter sandwich; and the Gibson, a debonair gin martini garnished with a pickled onion.

Just as the scent of sautéed onions will lure anyone to the kitchen, The Core of an Onion is sure to draw readers into their savory stories at first taste.

In his latest culinary exploration, renowned food historian Mark Kurlansky takes readers on a journey through the pungent world of onions in The Core of An Onion. Known for his deep dives into singular food subjects like frozen food, salt, and milk, Kurlansky now turns his attention to this ubiquitous allium that has shaped cuisines and cultures around the globe for millennia.

Kurlansky peels back the layers of the onion’s history, tracing its origins and spread across continents. He reveals that onions were likely first cultivated in Central Asia over 5,000 years ago, quickly becoming a staple in diets from China to Egypt. The book explores how onions played a crucial role in sustaining ancient civilizations, providing essential nutrients and flavors to often bland diets.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Core of An Onion is Kurlansky’s examination of the vegetable’s cultural significance. He uncovers how onions have been revered, feared, and even worshipped throughout history. In ancient Egypt, for instance, onions were considered symbols of eternity due to their concentric ring structure, and were often buried with pharaohs to ensure their passage to the afterlife.

The author doesn’t shy away from the onion’s notorious tear-inducing properties. He delves into the chemistry behind this phenomenon, explaining how cutting an onion releases sulfur compounds that react with the moisture in our eyes to form sulfuric acid. Kurlansky also highlights some lesser-known facts about this chemical reaction. For example, chilling onions before cutting can reduce tear production, as the volatile compounds are less active at lower temperatures.

Kurlansky’s research unearths fascinating tidbits about onions that even culinary enthusiasts might not know. For instance, the book reveals that onions were once used as currency in the Middle Ages. In 12th-century Europe, onions were sometimes accepted as rent payments and even as wedding gifts. Another surprising fact is that onions have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Ancient Greek athletes consumed large quantities of onions, believing they would lighten the balance of their blood.

The book also explores the onion’s role in modern agriculture and cuisine. Kurlansky examines how the development of sweeter onion varieties, like the Vidalia onion from the southwest region of Georgia, has changed consumer preferences and agricultural practices. He discusses the ongoing debate among chefs and food scientists about whether cooking destroys the health benefits of onions, presenting evidence from both sides.

Equally intriguing is the focus on the genetic diversity of onions. Kurlansky reveals that there are over 700 species in the Allium genus, which includes onions, garlic, and chives. He explores how this diversity has led to a wide array of flavors and uses across different cultures, from the mild shallots favored in French cuisine to the pungent red onions commonly used in Indian dishes.

Throughout The Core of An Onion, Kurlansky weaves in recipes and cooking techniques from various cultures, demonstrating the onion’s versatility in the kitchen. He challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with this often-under appreciated ingredient, encouraging them to explore its full potential beyond mere aromatic base.

In typical Kurlansky style, the book is meticulously researched and engagingly written, making it accessible to both food history buffs and casual readers. By the end of The Core of An Onion, readers will have gained a newfound appreciation for this humble yet influential vegetable that has shaped human history and continues to play a crucial role in global cuisine and culture.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Got History? The Whole Truth About a Childhood Favorite

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According to the Greek creation myth, we are so much spilt milk; a splatter of the goddess Hera’s breast milk became our galaxy, the Milky Way. But while mother’s milk may be the essence of nourishment, it is the milk of other mammals that humans have cultivated ever since the domestication of animals more than 10,000 years ago, originally as a source of cheese, yogurt, kefir, and all manner of edible innovations that rendered lactose digestible, and then, when genetic mutation made some of us lactose-tolerant, milk itself.

Before the industrial revolution, it was common for families to keep dairy cows and produce their own milk. But during the nineteenth century mass production and urbanization made milk safety a leading issue of the day, with milk-borne illnesses a common cause of death. Pasteurization slowly became a legislative matter. And today milk is a test case in the most pressing issues in food politics, from industrial farming and animal rights to GMOs, the locavore movement, and advocates for raw milk, who controversially reject pasteurization.

Profoundly intertwined with human civilization, milk has a compelling and a surprisingly global story to tell, and historian Mark Kurlansky is the perfect person to tell it. Tracing the liquid’s diverse history from antiquity to the present, he details its curious and crucial role in cultural evolution, religion, nutrition, politics, and economics.

Mark Kurlansky – renowned for his deep dives into singular subjects like cod, salt, and frozen foods – turns his keen eye to another ubiquitous food item in “Milk!: A 10,000 Year Food Fracas. This comprehensive exploration takes readers on a fascinating journey through the cultural, economic, and nutritional impacts of milk throughout human history.

Kurlansky begins by challenging our assumptions about milk, reminding us that for most of human existence, the consumption of animal milk was far from universal. He traces the origins of dairying back to around 10,000 years ago, coinciding with the advent of agriculture and animal domestication. This revolutionary change in human lifestyle set the stage for milk to become a significant part of our diet and culture.

The book delves into the biological aspects of milk production and consumption, explaining how humans developed the ability to digest lactose into adulthood – a trait not shared by all populations. This genetic adaptation played a crucial role in shaping migration patterns and cultural practices around the world.

Kurlansky doesn’t shy away from controversy, addressing the ongoing debates surrounding milk consumption. He presents various perspectives on milk’s nutritional value, its role in modern diets, and the ethical concerns surrounding industrial dairy farming. By doing so, he invites readers to think critically about their own relationship with this common food.

The global scope of Milk! is impressive. Kurlansky takes readers on a world tour spanning thousands of years, exploring how different cultures have incorporated milk into their culinary traditions. From the nomadic Mongolians and their fermented mare’s milk to the cheese-loving Europeans, the book showcases the diversity of dairy products and their cultural significance.

One of the book’s strengths is its examination of milk’s economic impact throughout history. Kurlansky details how milk and its derivatives became valuable commodities, influencing trade routes, economic policies, and even warfare. The rise of industrial dairy farming and its effects on traditional agricultural practices are also scrutinized.

The author doesn’t limit his focus to cow’s milk. He explores the use of milk from various animals, including goats, sheep, camels, yaks, and even reindeer, highlighting how different environments and cultures have shaped dairy consumption patterns.

Kurlansky’s narrative is enriched with anecdotes, historical recipes, and cultural tidbits that bring the story of milk to life. He discusses milk’s role in religion, literature, and art, demonstrating its pervasive influence on human culture.

The book also addresses contemporary issues surrounding milk production and consumption. Kurlansky examines the environmental impact of large-scale dairy farming, the rise of plant-based milk alternatives, and the ongoing debate about raw milk consumption.

Milk! is not just a history book; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of a food that has been both revered and controversial. Kurlansky’s engaging writing style makes complex scientific and historical concepts accessible to a general audience.

Milk!: A 10,000 Year Food Fracas offers readers a comprehensive and entertaining look at a food that many of us consume daily without much thought. By tracing milk’s journey from a revolutionary nutritional discovery to a global industry, Kurlansky invites us to reconsider our relationship with this seemingly simple food. Whether you’re a dairy enthusiast or a skeptic, this book provides valuable insights into the complex role milk has played in shaping human society.

I read it over breakfast with half and half in my tea and late at night with a cold glass of whole milk and a chocolate chip cookie – but that’s me!

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

From Block Parties to Placemaking: Insights from “The Great Neighborhood Book”

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Abandoned lots, litter-strewn pathways, or rows of green beans and pockets of wildflowers? Graffiti-marked walls and desolate bus stops, or shady refuges and comfortable seating? What transforms a dingy, inhospitable area into a dynamic gathering place?

How do individuals take back their neighborhood?

Neighborhoods decline when the people who live there lose their connection and no longer feel part of their community. Recapturing that sense of belonging and pride of place can be as simple as planting a civic garden or placing some benches in a park.

The Great Neighborhood Book explains how most struggling communities can be revived, not by vast infusions of cash, not by government, but by the people who live there. The author addresses such challenges as traffic control, crime, comfort and safety, and developing economic vitality. Using a technique called “placemaking”—the process of transforming public space—this exciting guide offers inspiring real-life examples that show the magic that happens when individuals take small steps and motivate others to make change.

The Great Neighborhood Book by Jay Walljasper is a comprehensive guide that offers practical strategies for revitalizing and strengthening local communities. This insightful work provides readers with a wealth of actionable ideas to transform their neighborhoods into vibrant, connected, and thriving spaces.

One of the key themes Walljasper emphasizes is the importance of fostering social connections. He suggests organizing regular community events such as block parties, potlucks, or outdoor movie nights. These gatherings create opportunities for neighbors to meet, interact, and build relationships, laying the foundation for a more cohesive community.

The book also highlights the value of creating shared spaces. Walljasper encourages readers to establish community gardens, which not only beautify the area but also provide a collaborative project for residents. He proposes converting vacant lots into pocket parks or playgrounds, giving neighbors a place to congregate and children a safe area to play.

Improving walkability is another crucial aspect Walljasper addresses. He advises advocating for wider sidewalks, better street lighting, and traffic-calming measures to make neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly. This not only enhances safety but also encourages people to spend more time outdoors, increasing the likelihood of spontaneous interactions with neighbors.

Walljasper emphasizes the power of local businesses in creating a strong neighborhood identity. He suggests supporting existing local shops and working to attract new ones that cater to community needs. Farmers’ markets, for instance, can become weekly social hubs while promoting local agriculture and healthy eating habits.

The book also explores the concept of “placemaking” – the art of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being. Walljasper provides ideas for small-scale interventions like installing benches, creating public art, or setting up Little Free Libraries to make streets more inviting and foster a sense of place.

To address safety concerns, Walljasper advocates for community-based approaches. He suggests forming neighborhood watch groups, but also emphasizes the importance of simply being present and engaged in the community. The more people are out and about, the safer and more vibrant a neighborhood becomes.

Walljasper doesn’t overlook the power of nature in creating livable neighborhoods. He encourages tree-planting initiatives, the creation of wildlife habitats, and the incorporation of green spaces into urban design. These efforts not only improve the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood but also contribute to environmental sustainability and residents’ well-being.

The book also delves into the realm of civic engagement, urging readers to participate in local government and community organizations. Walljasper provides guidance on how to effectively advocate for neighborhood improvements and navigate local bureaucracies to effect change.

Throughout The Great Neighborhood Book, Walljasper emphasizes that creating a great neighborhood is not solely the responsibility of city planners or elected officials. Instead, he empowers readers to take initiative and make positive changes themselves, often starting with small, achievable projects that can snowball into larger transformations.

By offering a mix of big-picture thinking and small-scale, doable actions, Walljasper’s book serves as both an inspiration and a practical toolkit for anyone looking to improve their local community. It reminds us that vibrant neighborhoods are built through the collective efforts of engaged residents who care about their shared spaces and each other.

The Man Who Chilled America: Clarence Birdseye’s Frozen Revolution

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Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man by Mark Kurlansky is a captivating biography that explores the life and innovations of Clarence Birdseye, the man who revolutionized the frozen food industry. This engaging work delves into the story of an unlikely inventor whose curiosity and determination led to groundbreaking advancements in food preservation and distribution.

Kurlansky’s book traces Birdseye’s journey from his early years as a naturalist and fur trapper in the American West and Labrador to his later career as an inventor and businessman. The author paints a vivid picture of Birdseye’s insatiable curiosity and his knack for observing and learning from the natural world around him.

One of the central focuses of the biography is Birdseye’s development of the quick-freezing process for food. Inspired by his experiences in Labrador, where he observed how fish frozen quickly in the extreme cold remained fresh when thawed, Birdseye set out to replicate this process artificially. His invention, which involved freezing food at extremely low temperatures while under pressure, would go on to transform the food industry and the way people eat.

The book not only details Birdseye’s most famous invention but also explores his numerous other patents and innovations. From paper-making machines to light bulbs, Birdseye’s creative mind seemed to know no bounds. Kurlansky presents these inventions within the context of early 20th-century America, a time of rapid technological advancement and changing consumer habits.

Throughout the biography, Kurlansky weaves in historical context, exploring how Birdseye’s innovations intersected with broader societal changes. The rise of suburban living, the increasing prevalence of home refrigerators, and changing attitudes towards convenience all played a role in the success of Birdseye’s frozen food empire.

The author also delves into Birdseye’s personal life, including his marriage, family relationships, and business partnerships. These elements help to humanize the inventor, presenting him as a complex individual rather than simply a historical figure.

Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man offers readers more than just a biography of an inventor. It presents a snapshot of American innovation, entrepreneurship, and the profound impact that one individual’s curiosity can have on society. Through Birdseye’s story, Kurlansky explores themes of perseverance, the importance of observation in scientific discovery, and the sometimes-serendipitous nature of invention.

The book also raises interesting questions about the nature of progress and its unintended consequences. While Birdseye’s frozen food revolution brought convenience and variety to millions of dinner tables, it also contributed to changes in agricultural practices and food distribution systems that continue to be debated today.

Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man is a fascinating exploration of an often-overlooked figure in American history. Mark Kurlansky’s engaging narrative brings Clarence Birdseye and his era to life, offering readers insight into the mind of an inventor and the societal forces that shaped and were shaped by his innovations. This biography serves as both an entertaining read and a thought-provoking examination of the relationship between individual ingenuity and broader cultural and technological change.

Mark Kurlansky’s writing style in Birdseye is characterized by its accessibility and engaging narrative approach. Known for his ability to bring historical subjects to life, Kurlansky combines meticulous research with a storyteller’s flair. His prose is clear and informative, yet he maintains a sense of wonder and excitement about his subject matter. This style, evident in Birdseye, is also a hallmark of Kurlansky’s other notable works, including Salt: A World History, Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World, and The Big Oyster: History on the Half Shell.

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Hosting with Heart: Bringing Five-Star Hospitality to Your Living Room

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Will Guidara was twenty-six when he took the helm of Eleven Madison Park, a struggling two-star brasserie that had never quite lived up to its majestic room. Eleven years later, EMP was named the best restaurant in the world.

How did Guidara pull off this unprecedented transformation?

Radical reinvention, a true partnership between the kitchen and the dining room – and memorable, over-the-top, bespoke hospitality. Guidara’s team surprised a family who had never seen snow with a magical sledding trip to Central Park after their dinner; they filled a private dining room with sand, complete with mai-tais and beach chairs, to console a couple with a cancelled vacation. And his hospitality extended beyond those dining at the restaurant to his own team, who learned to deliver praise and criticism with intention; why the answer to some of the most pernicious business dilemmas is to give more – not less; and the magic that can happen when a busser starts thinking like an owner.

Today, every business can choose to be a hospitality business – and we can all transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Featuring sparkling stories of his journey through restaurants, with the industry’s most famous players like Daniel Boulud and Danny Meyer, Guidara urges us all to find the magic in what we do—for ourselves, the people we work with, and the people we serve.

In the world of high-end restaurants and luxury hotels, the concept of “unreasonable hospitality” has gained traction, championed by industry leaders like Will Guidara. But what if we could bring this ethos into our own homes, transforming everyday gatherings into extraordinary experiences? Let’s explore how to apply these principles to create unforgettable moments for our guests, right in our own living rooms and dining tables.

At its core, unreasonable hospitality is about going above and beyond expectations, creating moments of delight and connection that surprise and touch our guests. In a home setting, this doesn’t mean spending lavishly or stressing ourselves out. Rather, it’s about thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to make others feel special.

Start by truly knowing your guests. Pay attention to their preferences, interests, and needs. Did your friend mention loving a particular type of tea? Have it ready when they visit. Is your nephew obsessed with dinosaurs? Create a dinosaur-themed place setting just for him. These small gestures show that you listen and care, making your guests feel truly seen and appreciated.

Create a welcoming atmosphere from the moment your guests arrive. This goes beyond a clean house – think about the sensory experience. Perhaps it’s the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, or a carefully curated playlist that sets the right mood. Consider personalizing the entrance, maybe with a chalkboard sign welcoming your guests by name.

During the visit, be present and attentive. Put away your phone and give your full attention to your guests. Anticipate their needs before they arise – have extra blankets ready for movie night, or offer a cool drink before they even realize they’re thirsty. It’s these proactive touches that elevate hospitality from good to exceptional.

Don’t be afraid to surprise and delight. If you’re having a dinner party, consider an unexpected intermission with a palate cleanser or a quick, fun activity. Or end the night with personalized goodie bags filled with each guest’s favorite treats. These unexpected moments of joy are what people will remember long after the event.

Flexibility is key in unreasonable hospitality. Be prepared to pivot if things don’t go as planned. If the weather ruins your backyard barbecue plans, quickly transform it into an indoor picnic adventure. Your ability to handle hiccups with grace and creativity will impress your guests more than a perfectly executed but rigid plan.

Remember, the goal is to create meaningful connections and memories. Sometimes, this means breaking from tradition or expectations. If your book club usually sticks to discussing the book, surprise them with a themed experience based on the novel’s setting. Transform your living room into a Parisian café or an English garden, depending on the book’s locale.

Lastly, extend your hospitality beyond the visit itself. Follow up with a thoughtful message or small gift that references a moment from their time with you. This shows that their visit made an impact on you too, deepening the connection.

Bringing unreasonable hospitality into our homes isn’t about perfection or grandeur. It’s about infusing love, thoughtfulness, and creativity into every interaction with our guests. By focusing on creating moments of surprise, comfort, and genuine connection, we can transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences that nurture our relationships and create lasting memories.

221B Baker Street: Where the Legend Began

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Nearly 135 years after he first appeared in print, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective Sherlock Holmes continues to captivate audiences around the world. The eccentric but brilliant Holmes, along with his faithful friend Dr. Watson, has transcended the original stories to become a true pop culture icon.

At the core of Holmes’ lasting popularity is Conan Doyle’s skill in crafting intricate mysteries filled with memorable characters, vivid atmospheres, and unpredictable twists. Holmes himself is a complex figure – arrogant yet forensically gifted, cold yet harboring flashes of warmth and humor. Watson serves as an everyman narrator, allowing readers to experience the marvels of Holmes’ deductive reasoning through relatable eyes.

Many literary critics and historians believe Holmes’ Victorian-era adventures also provide a comforting nostalgia and escape, with Holmes as a restorer of order and justice in an increasingly chaotic, industrialized world. The stories romanticize late 19th century London while indulging the thrill of new forensic sciences like fingerprinting, ballistics, and toxicology analysis.

While the original canon of 60 stories ends with Holmes alive but retired, later authors have imagined his life continuing, allowing for endless retellings and updates. The 20th century saw Holmes revived in novels, plays, radio dramas, and eventually film and television adaptations. Recent major interpretations include the films starring Robert Downey Jr., the BBC series Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch, and CBS’ Elementary procedural.

In these new versions, each writer leaves their own stamp on the character. Some, like the Robert Downey Jr. films, adopt a more comic, action-oriented tone, while others like Sherlock aim for a modern, sleeker vibe. Regardless of the approach, all celebrate Holmes’ deductive brilliance and the game of intellectual cat-and-mouse between the detective and his adversaries.

Today, Holmes has become bigger than any single take, a true multi-media phenomenon inspiring works in formats as diverse as Japanese anime, strategy board games, and the immersive experience of live mystery theaters. With each generation, Holmes lives on, reinvented again to reflect our endless fascination with puzzle-solving, forensic science, and that most fundamental question:

What really happened?

In 1887, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the world to one of literature’s most enduring characters: Sherlock Holmes. The detective made his debut in the novel A Study in Scarlet. Released in a magazine entitled Beeton’s Christmas Annual, it was an inauspicious start, setting the stage for a legacy that would span four novels and 56 short stories, captivating readers for generations to come.

A Study in Scarlet not only presents the enigmatic detective but also introduces his faithful companion and chronicler, Dr. John Watson. The story begins with Watson, a military doctor recently returned from service in Afghanistan, seeking affordable lodgings in London. Through a mutual acquaintance, he meets Sherlock Holmes, and the two agree to share rooms at 221B Baker Street – an address that would become one of the most famous in fiction.

From the outset, Holmes is portrayed as a unique and brilliant individual. His vast knowledge of specific subjects, combined with his apparent ignorance of other common topics, immediately piques Watson’s curiosity. Holmes’s keen observational skills and deductive reasoning are quickly demonstrated, astounding both Watson and the reader.

The novel showcases Holmes’s unconventional methods as he tackles a perplexing murder case. Two corpses are discovered in separate locations, each with the word “RACHE” – German for “revenge” – written in blood nearby. As Holmes investigates, readers are treated to his innovative techniques, including the use of magnifying glasses, chemical analysis, and the study of footprints and other minute details often overlooked by conventional police methods.

Conan Doyle’s Holmes is a complex character. Described as tall and lean, with piercing gray eyes and a hawklike nose, his physical appearance is as striking as his intellect. He is portrayed as aloof and occasionally arrogant, yet possessing a dry wit and an unwavering commitment to justice. His famous deerstalker cap and pipe, while not explicitly mentioned in A Study in Scarlet, would later become iconic symbols associated with the character.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Holmes’s character, as revealed in this first novel, is his disdain for emotion and his focus on cold, hard logic. He views detective work as a science, emphasizing the importance of observation and deduction over intuition or guesswork. This analytical approach sets him apart from other fictional detectives of the time and contributes significantly to his enduring appeal.

A Study in Scarlet also introduces readers to Holmes’s nemesis: Scotland Yard. While the police are not portrayed as incompetent, they are shown to be out of their depth when faced with particularly challenging cases. This dynamic sets up the recurring theme of Holmes being called in to solve mysteries that baffle the authorities.

The novel’s structure is noteworthy, divided into two parts. The first follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the London murders, while the second takes readers to America for an extended backstory explaining the motive behind the crimes. This format allows Conan Doyle to explore themes of revenge, justice, and the far-reaching consequences of past actions.

A Study in Scarlet laid the foundation for what would become a cultural phenomenon. Sherlock Holmes’s methods of deduction, his quirky personality, and his partnership with Watson became the template for countless detective stories that followed. The novel’s success prompted Conan Doyle to write more Holmes adventures, eventually creating a character so beloved that fans mourned when the author attempted to kill him off, only to later demand his resurrection.

In essence, A Study in Scarlet not only introduced a captivating mystery but also birthed a literary icon whose influence on detective fiction and popular culture continues to this day, more than a century after his first appearance.

Inspired by

Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.

During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.

It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.

Jesus’ Model of Local Engagement: Your Neighborhood as a Mission Field

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Think about the homes and people in your immediate vicinity. This is your opportunity to represent Jesus to those around you. Acts 17:26 suggests that your living situation is not random, but purposeful.

Your current location is a chance to practice loving others as Jesus taught.

Viewing your neighborhood as a mission field can transform your perspective and actions. You might spend more time there, interacting with and serving your neighbors differently. God has placed you there to show love to those nearby.

Jesus exemplified this approach. As Alan Roxburgh points out in Missional: Joining God in the Neighborhood, Jesus often appeared in everyday settings and used ordinary examples in his teachings. His stories frequently focused on common activities and needs.

The practice of “staying” in your neighborhood doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about recognizing the divine in daily life and engaging with your community in simple, relatable ways.

JESUS…

…asked for a drink of water.

…attended a wedding.

…was a guest at someone’s house.

…grieved with friends. 

…told stories, even jokes.

…went fishing.

…made breakfast on the beach for his friends.

…threw raging parties.

…gave his friends nicknames like Rock and Sons of Thunder.

…prayed for his friends. 

…called them by name.

…shared his life.

…made wine.

…visited the sick.

…saw people and their potential.

…even during his worst moments, he blessed his neighbor.

He was touchable, authentic, and available. He was a best friend and the best neighbor.

How can you follow the examples of Jesus presented above?

Inspired by:

Missional: Joining God in the Neighborhood and The Neighboring Life Study Guide