Welcome back to The Living Room. This is a recurring space where I share the things that have been filling my mind, strengthening my faith, inspiring creativity, and shaping intentional Christian living.
Here’s what’s filled my Living Room this July. I pray something I share would make good company in your walk.
I’m really enjoying the topic of what heaven might like.
I mentioned this book in last months Living Room issue, and what drew me to it was a video from With the Perry’s where they had a discussion on heaven. And Jackie said something that resonated so much. Speaking on the book, she said:
“He talks about how we often think of heaven in these terms that aren’t even in the Bible. Like we all just gon’ be floating in the clouds with white dresses or whatever on and just looking weird and just not doing nothing productive—just up there. That’s boring!” – Jackie Hill Perry
And I’m not gonna lie, I felt that. Because, yes—this idea that most of us have been presented sounds so vague and honestly… dry and flavorless. We know Heaven is going to be the best thing we’ve ever experienced, but we don’t really have words for it. I mean, how do you explain what you don’t quite know?
The critical thinking and reasoning behind what Randy thinks we can expect, has been eye opening and the words he’s put to it has already shifted my perspective to be more excited about our true home.
Here’s a snippet from the book:
My Bible study group and I have chosen to watch The Chosen for the next…. what’s sure to be quite a long time. Each week we watch an episode and then we break out our handy-dandy interactive Bible study book:
Honestly, I’m loving this way of doing Bible study. We’re watching, reading, writing, and conversing around the series and it’s been really fun. We’re currently on week 3, and I’ll be sure to give a more in depth peek at this next month.
Substacks
This article by Mark Goering from Multiplying Disciples is worth reading, saving, and re-reading. Talk about a wake-up call! This really had me thinking about some of the habits that I’ve formed and where they might be stifling my ability to reach the people around me. If I’m being honest, habit 2 is me and I am habit 2. You know how you kind of know or suspect a thing, and then you hear, watch, or read something that directly confirms that suspicion? That was this post for me. Check it out.
WATCHING
YouTube
Honestly, I might recommend a With the Perry’s video every month. Their conversations truly edify and this one did not disappoint. It was the best YouTube video I watched all month.
To begin with, this video interested me because the concept of “deconstructing” is one I’ve seen quite a bit over the years. I’ve never taken the time to deep dive into what deconstructing your faith actually is or how it’s done best; all I’ve seen is people piecing things together and ultimately arriving at: leave the faith/church. But what the Perry’s and pastor Gay do here in this video is masterful. They get underneath why and how people begin to deconstruct and give excellent references as to how to do this in a healthier—more constructive way.
They covered heavy hitting topics like affirming LBGTQ, slavery and Christianity being “the white man’s religion”, church hurt, and more. HIGHLY recommend.
Sometimes I get into these moods where I want to deep dive into the science, history, and archaeology that surrounds Jesus. I like seeing biblical things from outside of the biblical perspective and I love when science, history, and archaeology align and give even more evidence that our God walked this earth.
I’ve heard about the Shroud of Turin but I hadn’t watched or read anything on the topic, and boy this did not disappoint. The shroud Jesus was wrapped in left us supernatural, mind-boggling characteristics that we could examine, study and marvel about thousands of years later. Ain’t God good? The story and science behind this has gagged me.
LISTENING TO 🎧
This album is not new, and it never gets old. Is there a word for that?
My favorites seem to be ever-rotating but More Than Anything, Lift Up Your Voices, and Ultralight Beam are currently heavily repeated.
PURCHASES 🛍️
However, the show had to go on! I bought a new water bottle and I bought these beautiful Christian stickers to go on it. I’m in love with the way it’s turning out, and I’ll likely add a few more small stickers to fill in some of the gaps.
GATHERING
This month, I spent time with ladies that I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with at my church. Our lead, Michelle, invited us over to her beautiful home where we had dinner and really just spent some time chatting about what’s going on in our lives. It was such a good time. We ended the night sharing some of our prayer requests on index cards with each taking a few home to pray into.
This is the kind of fellowship and community bonding we all need. <3
These are the things I’ve allowed into my Living Room this month. They’ve shaped thoughts, strengthened my faith, and nudge me a little closer toward Christ.
Thanks for spending some time in my Living Room this month. 
Now I’d love to hear from you.
What’s been filling your Living Room lately?