June 2026

Horse Shows and Church History

1. Dissertation Work

Not much to report on the dissertation front. Have been busy with other projects. I have, however, collected all of my required readings for the comprehensive exams. Now all that is left to do is find time to read all 11,500 pages. I made a pie chart to track my reading completion.

2. Books & Reading

I read Amor Towles’s A Gentleman in Moscow on the plane rides from Grand Rapids. Highly recommend.

Been busy chipping away at the 2,400 pages I need to read for this semester for my “Cross of Christ” class. I’m ahead on class reading, so I hope to knock out several books for Comps this semester as well.

3. Semester Snapshot

I spent a week in Grance Rapids for class, visited Calvin University, and saw the rain roll in on Reed Lake. For my class, I’ll have to do three book reviews and a Greek exegesis paper on 2 Corinthians 5.

My room's view at Grand Rapids, Reed Lake, and Calvin University

4. Church & Ministry

We finished our 150th anniversary celebration as a church. You can read a bit about our history and see some of the work I’ve done here:

I also presented a paper at the Particular Baptist Theological Society. You can listen to my paper here:

You are now allowed to call me “top-notch.”

5. Family Updates

We saw my sister compete in some local horse show competitions, Charlotte got back from a week at Skyranch’s horse camp, finished her dance recital, and Henry is busy with the swim team this month.

6. Looking Ahead

I have two classes in August and will present a paper at the Evangelical Theological Society in November.

7. Prayer Requests

Pray I’ll be able to get through this semester’s paper. It is an advanced Greek exegesis paper, which is well outside my comfort zone.

8. What I’ve Been Listening To

Moe, which is what I listen to when I mow.