Some fragmented thoughts about a powerful substance, Jesus's vexing instruction, cooking with my mom, and medieval notions about salt's sacred importance
Hi Jeff. This morning during my quiet time I was thinking about your writing on Salt, and something a cattleman's once told me intermingled with your words. He said, "People always tell you that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink, but that's not true. All you have to do is salt its oats." Perhaps if we flavor the world with love and healing, those around us won't be able to help but drink freely the water of life. Just thought I'd share my random musings.
Congratulations on your book launch! I've never been a gardener, but your writings make me want to be. Thanks for salting my oats!
I do pray for you, and now I will also pray for your mom. Your words are so helpful to me these days, gardening and cooking and loving and trying not to lose hope. I cannot wait to read your book. ❤️
I'm looking forward to your talk in NYC this week! I really have appreciated your writing, especially this most recent entry on salt. It's given me hope as I've been confronted with hurtful actions I've done in the past year. It's not been a wonderful process. Yet, here I am, still alive, being salted, brined, and cured or so it seems. Maybe the salt of the earth is helping me find myself again and how I can exist in relation with others again, by counteracting the bitterness and enhancing the sweetness.
So well said: " I believe in a difficult love". Me too.
I love the salt comments too. Right now I have in my pantry Himalayan, Kosher flakes, Sel Gris (Tamis) De Guerande (my go to for salads), and Abrabian sea salt flakes. Each one different. Thank you! And prayers.
I ordered your book. Can not wait to read it. I lost my mother in November 2024 and my father in February 2025. I am grieving very differently then my siblings for many reasons
Love the explanation of salt of the earth. Makes so much sense.
So excited for your book to reach Kansas City so I can read it. Thanks for your notes, as always. I am praying for you as you navigate the tour. So excited that Barbara Brown Taylor is a part of it. You introduced me to her books. I'm currently reading Altar To the World slowly.
Looking so forward to your book Jeff. There is something about you, your writing, your authenticity and wit that moves my soul. Sitting with the birds this morning and asking Creator to be near to you as you do the necessary yet not fun “promote/sell” piece. Be gentle with yourself.
Jeff, you signed off with a, "Pray for me" closing. I am doing that now. May the warm and welcoming space you have cultivated online be a radiant presence at every stop on your book tour. May the ease with which you express God’s love in writing flow effortlessly into conversations, opening hearts and paving the way for a joyful sharing of this new book. Blessings on your journey!
I've always struggled with the 'salt of the earth' passage, and your beautiful, learned expression of its meaning makes so much sense. And yes, it's only 6am but I want to roast a chicken. I am so excited for your book launch and can't wait to read it! And see you at the RVA event on May 6!
"A difficult love." And the notion that like salt we counteract bitterness and boost what is sweet. Timely ideas for my weekend. Looking forward to your book. Praying for you and your tour.
Just a tiny bit sad that there aren't any Colorado dates on your tour, but I'll get over it ;-) and I'm very much looking forward to reading your book. I wish you safe and happy travels on your tour and hope it brings lots of great connections with readers and new friends.
The parts of the book that cover your relationship with your parents were my favorites. Those passages are both encouraging and convicting to me. To be able to love and honor them while having such a deep chasm between you is so beautiful to me. I aspire to the level of humility and kindness you express with them.
I read this post while waiting for a pot of homemade chicken soup to finish melding its flavors, having fretted a bit over just how much salt to add. Let's hope I got it just right!
The anticipation of reading your book is giving me a burst of joy in these difficult days. I hope you'll find some joy in the uncomfortable process of promoting your work. You have the support and prayers of so many behind you, including me.
Just finished "Good Soil". Thanks
Hi Jeff. This morning during my quiet time I was thinking about your writing on Salt, and something a cattleman's once told me intermingled with your words. He said, "People always tell you that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink, but that's not true. All you have to do is salt its oats." Perhaps if we flavor the world with love and healing, those around us won't be able to help but drink freely the water of life. Just thought I'd share my random musings.
Congratulations on your book launch! I've never been a gardener, but your writings make me want to be. Thanks for salting my oats!
I do pray for you, and now I will also pray for your mom. Your words are so helpful to me these days, gardening and cooking and loving and trying not to lose hope. I cannot wait to read your book. ❤️
I'm looking forward to your talk in NYC this week! I really have appreciated your writing, especially this most recent entry on salt. It's given me hope as I've been confronted with hurtful actions I've done in the past year. It's not been a wonderful process. Yet, here I am, still alive, being salted, brined, and cured or so it seems. Maybe the salt of the earth is helping me find myself again and how I can exist in relation with others again, by counteracting the bitterness and enhancing the sweetness.
So well said: " I believe in a difficult love". Me too.
I love the salt comments too. Right now I have in my pantry Himalayan, Kosher flakes, Sel Gris (Tamis) De Guerande (my go to for salads), and Abrabian sea salt flakes. Each one different. Thank you! And prayers.
I ordered your book. Can not wait to read it. I lost my mother in November 2024 and my father in February 2025. I am grieving very differently then my siblings for many reasons
Love the explanation of salt of the earth. Makes so much sense.
Praying for strength and endurance for you
Can’t wait for my copy to arrive. Praying for you. I so understand the touring and promoting is a challenge. Pay for me too, please?
Pray that is. Don’t pay.
So excited for your book to reach Kansas City so I can read it. Thanks for your notes, as always. I am praying for you as you navigate the tour. So excited that Barbara Brown Taylor is a part of it. You introduced me to her books. I'm currently reading Altar To the World slowly.
Barbara is an extraordinary sage and a stellar writer! Glad you are reading her words.
Looking so forward to your book Jeff. There is something about you, your writing, your authenticity and wit that moves my soul. Sitting with the birds this morning and asking Creator to be near to you as you do the necessary yet not fun “promote/sell” piece. Be gentle with yourself.
Jeff, you signed off with a, "Pray for me" closing. I am doing that now. May the warm and welcoming space you have cultivated online be a radiant presence at every stop on your book tour. May the ease with which you express God’s love in writing flow effortlessly into conversations, opening hearts and paving the way for a joyful sharing of this new book. Blessings on your journey!
I've always struggled with the 'salt of the earth' passage, and your beautiful, learned expression of its meaning makes so much sense. And yes, it's only 6am but I want to roast a chicken. I am so excited for your book launch and can't wait to read it! And see you at the RVA event on May 6!
We just had some leftover roast chicken for breakfast—in a bowl, with rice and beans and egg. Works great. :)
Does RVA mean Richmond, VA? That is where I live! Can’t find any info about Jeff being here, but I’d love to see him. Please let me know.
Hi there! Yes it does! He will be at Book People on Ridgefield Parkway on May 6 from 6-8pm. Hope to see you there!
What a random spot, but I’ll be there!
Always loved hearing your faith in context to your ethnicity, and enjoyed seeing the non-western paintings that you pick.
"A difficult love." And the notion that like salt we counteract bitterness and boost what is sweet. Timely ideas for my weekend. Looking forward to your book. Praying for you and your tour.
Just a tiny bit sad that there aren't any Colorado dates on your tour, but I'll get over it ;-) and I'm very much looking forward to reading your book. I wish you safe and happy travels on your tour and hope it brings lots of great connections with readers and new friends.
I love Colorado. I just haven't gotten any invitations that would make it viable to visit, but if I do, I'd be glad to return.
The parts of the book that cover your relationship with your parents were my favorites. Those passages are both encouraging and convicting to me. To be able to love and honor them while having such a deep chasm between you is so beautiful to me. I aspire to the level of humility and kindness you express with them.
I am praying for you this week, Jeff.
I read this post while waiting for a pot of homemade chicken soup to finish melding its flavors, having fretted a bit over just how much salt to add. Let's hope I got it just right!
The anticipation of reading your book is giving me a burst of joy in these difficult days. I hope you'll find some joy in the uncomfortable process of promoting your work. You have the support and prayers of so many behind you, including me.