10 Favorite Things In 2022
Modjeska Canyon, California
2022 was a year filled with God’s goodness. Here are ten of my favorite moments and discoveries.
#1 - Family walks in Modjeska Canyon
Los Angeles Public Library photo collection
Living in Orange County (a verifiable concrete jungle), the 25-minute drive up Chapman into the Santa Ana mountains feels like escaping into another world. A wilder world, where playground safety signs feature mountain lions and rattlesnakes.
Tucked away in these mountains is Modjeska Canyon, a single-road community planted at the base of the steep Santa Anas. This year we’ve enjoyed walking the canyon as a family, pausing to admire the eclectic homes, or to greet the horses and turkeys.
#2 - Touring La Sagrada Familia
In May, my friend JD and I spent a few days in Barcelona. When the missionary family we were staying with offered to take us into the city, they insisted we tour La Sagrada Familia, the iconic basilica built (in part) by Antoni Gaudí. This building truly defies description, but in short, it’s a masterpiece of sculpture and architecture that plays magnificently with light and tells the story of the gospel in the grandest form imaginable.
#3 - Officing at Bridge Church
I have a huge value for local presence: living and working close to home. However, I work at a church plant which means we have no office, thus I would bounce from coffee shop to coffee shop each day.
One morning, weary from the daily shuffle (and the annoyance of packing up my laptop every time I go to the bathroom), I texted a friend who works at a local church, asking how much they would charge to rent an office there. Later that day he replied: “We don’t want your money. Come hang out.”
Later that week, they literally handed me keys to the building and gave me my own office. I can’t describe the blessing this place has been this year. Bridge is not just an office space—it’s a home, a sanctuary for prayer, a reminder that God’s kingdom teems with hospitality. Callie, in reference to their community garden which features a mini vineyard, calls it “the grape field church.”
#4 - Morning Coffee
One thing I love about Southlands Santa Ana, where I pastor, is the conglomerate of college (and post-college) students. Several mornings a week I meet one of them at a local coffee shop, to process life or study scripture.
#5 - Advent Blocks
I’m always on the lookout for new, creative ways to disciple my kids. This year I discovered Advent Blocks, a brilliant and engaging way to teach the storyline of scripture through the Advent season. I loved this experience so much that I’ll devote a whole post to it in the new year.
#6 - Sermons
As a sermon junkie, here’s a few of my favorites from this year.
Walking In the Power of God | Tori Mayo, The Well (Austin, TX)
The Message of Daniel | Mark Dever (Capitol Hill Baptist)
The Timing of Jesus | Tim Keller
Singing | Tim Keller
#7 - Books
The Intentional Father, Jon Tyson
This book offers tangible, inspiring stories of a father discipling his son, then beckons the reader to follow suit, using whatever resources and creativity God provides.
Adorning the Dark, Andrew Peterson
Since I read mostly nonfiction theology-type stuff, Andrew’s musings on creativity—his call to audaciously create in the face of self-doubt—kindled my desire to write and dream.
#8 - Favorite Quote
Full disclosure—I might have picked this quote hoping that my wife will let me order more books in 2023. I doubt it will work, but it’s always worth a try.
“Even when reading is impossible, the presence of books acquired produces such an ecstasy that the buying of more books than one can read is nothing less than the soul reaching towards infinity... we cherish books even if unread, their mere presence exudes comfort, their ready access, reassurance. ”
#9 - Favorite Albums
Judah’s new album was by far the one I played the most this year. It tackles some raw topics like death and divorce. We had the chance to see Judah live this year, and between the incredible musicianship, bizarre gyrating, and disco-ball helmet, this band continues to blend youthful zeal and lyrical depth in a delightful way.
Also, whenever this album plays, Callie asks: “Daddy, where is the lion? I don’t hear it.”
No “Fancy Like” here. Wade is modern country at its best: gritty songwriting, memorable melodies, and wonderfully late-90’s alt guitar tones (think Third Eye Blind’s debut album).
#10 - Editing
Most skills are hard-won by years of intentional practice. It’s rare to stumble upon something you’ve been practicing for years without knowing it, which is how I feel about editing.
Early in 2022, the lead pastor at Southlands asked me to edit his forthcoming book, Psalms for the Saturated Soul. As I dug into the manuscript, I immediately found myself in a world I loved: slicing up sentences, refining ideas, collaborating with a friend, fueling passion for his project.
A few weeks later, I got an email from a nonprofit director in Alabama who I’d never met. After a brief Zoom meeting, he hired me to edit his book.
From there, it turned into more opportunities to write or edit for The Gospel Coalition, The Chosen, Dwell Bible App, Craft & Character podcast, and a dissertation for the lead pastor of Northwest Gospel Church.
Thanks be to God that he saw fit to awaken a dormant skill, which provided for our family in a scarce year, but also opened my eyes to a new way I can herald his kingdom.
