Out Walking: Changes are Coming

A Blog Sabattical

Jerry Read Smith

Changes are Coming

I've been busy on sabattical. New design and new content will come on line February 1st! Please visit the site then.

Welcome to OutWalking, a likely over-ambitious source of reflection on the true, the good, and the beautiful in the world. (more). . .

Carmichael, Amy: That Way and No Other: Following God through Storm and Drought (Plough Spiritual Guides: Backpack Classics)
This is a beautiful collection of the missionary to India's wisdom, prefaced by a mini-biography. If you can't devote the time to read Elizabeth Elliot's 1987 bio of Carmichael, this is a good place to start.
Kenyon, Jane: The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon
While there is nothing new in this collection, this slim volume brings together a fine selection of Kenyon's accessible poems--many memorable. And, it has a dog on the cover. What more need I say?
Sayers, Dorothy L.: The Gospel in Dorothy L. Sayers: Selections from Her Novels, Plays, Letters, and Essays (The Gospel in Great Writers)
Sayers, an Inkling contemporary of C.S. News and J.R.R. Tolkien, was also prolific. This is a mini-biography and collection of bits of her stories, plays, essays, and more.
Miller, Paul E.: J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life
Long book, but short chapters--yet not short on humility and dying to self, which are at the heart of Tripp's ruminations. Don't read it in a hurry, or as a how to, but let it settle into your life experience.
Rankin Wilbourne: Union with Christ: The Way to Know and Enjoy God
The author winsomely explores a doctrine lost to history: union with Christ. It's the key to our identity and transformation. Highly recommended.

RUTTER,JOHN: Very Best of John Rutter
Beautiful, gospel-laced choral music in a pandemic time. It's a great way to start the day.
Jill Phillips: Kingdom Come
During this time of physical distancing and more, I've not wanted my usual melancholy (singer-songwriter) or happy (Beach Boys) songs. Rather, I gravitate to earthy hymns and praise songs that speak the truth but encourage me to look to God. This is one of my favorites, though you can put the needle down anywhere in Phillips' catalog and do just fine.
BILL FAY: Countless Branches (deluxe Edition)
What a discovery. Bill Fay is a dear soul writing beautiful, humble songs. Rich listening to bolster the soul.
Van Morrison: Three Chords and the Truth
That unmistakable voice. On this one, some of that old magic Van has still shines. Listen, and then go back and play "Tupelo Honey." It do go on, don't it?
The Innocence Mission: See You Tomorrow
A three-song teaser for now, but this soon-to-be released album will soothe and calm with its simple strums and deceptively simple (yet profound) lyrics.
The Beatles: Abbey Road Anniversary [3 CD/Blu-ray Super Deluxe]
Of course, you have to be a die-hard fan to listen to all the session tracks here: demos, alternate versions, studio chatter. But I love it. But you have to appreciate the remixed and remastered version of the songs anyway. Superb.