This week we're talking about what we've been reading lately, the authors we'll automatically read whenever they release something new, books we wish we could experience again for the first time, and Amy's very exciting discovery that you can put a library book on hold online instead of wandering around the library trying to find it.

Then the conversation takes a turn when Patty shares what happened after deleting social media for a few days.

Spoiler: she suddenly has a LOT of free time.

That extra time led her from Philippians into a deep dive on Paul, the letters he wrote, what was happening when he wrote them, and why words written almost 2,000 years ago can still feel uncomfortably relevant today.

We're talking about rejoicing even when circumstances aren't ideal, choosing what we allow our minds to dwell on, complaining less, and how putting down our phones might actually create some room for something better.

A little book club, a little Bible study, and a pretty accurate picture of where we are right now. 💚

Scriptures Referenced

Philippians 4:4–9

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:11–13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 2:14–15

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Feeding of the 5,000

Matthew 14:13–21
Mark 6:30–44
Luke 9:10–17
John 6:1–15

Near the end of the episode, Amy talks about reading the story of the five loaves and two fish across the Gospels and what has been standing out to her: God can make plenty from our little.

Links:

Document about Paul's letters: https://cartoonistbible.com/the-bible-bookshelf/pauls-letters/?shem=aimgspe

Kids Bible stories told by a kid: https://open.spotify.com/show/4jsAyqOhxSsnSu9P0Awu9K?si=188a4eb6d5d64188