In my weekly Works & Wonders article, I combine a brief devotional with other interesting and uplifting bits and pieces I gleaned throughout the week. These can be stories, poems, songs, articles, quotes, and just about anything else I found especially enjoyable in the week. I hope you enjoy this week’s collection! It includes:
- Every virtue in its fullest form
- Happy birthday x 2
- “Oh Canada” in America
- Engineering the disposable diaper
- Ben Sasse on 60 Minutes
- “Spread the Ashes”
- Rove No More
1.
Devotional: Every Virtue in Its Fullest Form
None of us is perfect, none of us complete, none of us without weakness and sin. For that reason, none of us perfectly exemplifies godly character. Though we may have grown in humility, we will still at times take advantage of people we are meant to lead with love. Though we may value mercy, we will still be tempted to overwhelm or even abuse others with our strength. Though we may display the virtue of gentleness, we will still at times succumb to outbursts of anger. God, and God alone, perfectly exemplifies every virtue in its fullest form. To paraphrase Sam Storms, he is high and humble, strong and sensitive, righteous and gracious, powerful and merciful, authoritative and tender, holy and forgiving, just and compassionate, angry and gentle, firm and friendly—all of these in perfection, each of these without ever diminishing the others. He is a God who is worthy of our praise, our adoration, our delight. What a blessing it is to have the privilege of knowing this God—knowing him in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Every Christian can attest that as we come to know him, we will inevitably and wondrously come to delight in him.
2.
Happy Birthday x 2
It is a dual birthday in our family today, so happy birthday to Aileen and Michaela! Aileen turns 50 today, and Michaela turns 20. I’m so thankful for both of them. While today is a big day, tomorrow promises to be even bigger, since Michaela is due to be married! We are excited to celebrate with her and Caleb. Here’s a pair of photos of the two of them, one from 2008 and one from a couple of years ago.
3.
“Oh Canada” in America
I thought this was a neat moment, not least because of the recent tensions between Canada and the U.S. By way of context, the Boston Bruins were about to face off against the Buffalo Sabres. Cami Clune began singing “Oh Canada” when her mic suddenly cut out. The Buffalo crowd promptly picked up the words and finished it out for her. It was a neat moment. (I believe Buffalo is the only American city where the Canadian anthem is sung even when no Canadian team is playing.)
4.
Engineering the Disposable Diaper
There are innovative wonders in this world that we probably take for granted. One of them is the disposable diaper. I am old enough to remember using cloth diapers and safety pins to change my little sister. But I’m thankful that we now have access to something much better! This article from Works in Progress describes the extreme engineering that led to the diapers we (almost) all use today.
5.
Ben Sasse on 60 Minutes
Few things are more encouraging than seeing Christians honor the Lord when given the opportunity. Ben Sasse was given that opportunity on 60 Minutes and did wonderfully. If you’re outside the U.S., you may need to watch it on X/Twitter rather than YouTube. Note that there’s one bleeped-out swear word.
(Can’t see it? Try YouTube or X/Twitter)
6.
“Spread the Ashes”
I have been listening to NEEDTOBREATHE since their very first album, or possibly even earlier, since there are usually singles that precede albums. I have enjoyed their various sounds and styles and have appreciated how they haven’t ever stopped writing songs with distinctly Christian themes (even as they’ve never become a worship band, as have so many other artists). I especially enjoyed this live version of their new song “Spread the Ashes.” I am terrible at interpreting song lyrics, so I would not have a ton of confidence in my understanding of it, but I think I’ve got it!
7.
Rove No More
A few weeks ago I mentioned how much I appreciate Indelible Grace, an artist collective based in Nashville, Tennessee. Between 2000 and 2015, the group collective released a new album every year or two, but then they stopped. The last original album, Look to Jesus: Indelible Grace VII, was released in 2015.
Until now, that is. On May 1 we finally got Rove No More: Indelible Grace VIII. The strongest song on the album, which not surprisingly is first on the track list, is “All Ye Weary and Distressed.” You’ll find lots of other good tracks as well. You should be able to listen to the album on YouTube or wherever else you listen to music.
