Working from Home

I am now writing from home. I have an office in my home which is now "grand central station" for my book project. I have completed fourteen chapters, with only three to go. I do not have too many more weeks to write this summer because I leave for India next week. Nevertheless, I'm pressing ahead and hope to have at least 150K words written by the end of the summer, and complete the last 30k this Fall.

Home from Scotland

Julie and I returned from Scotland on June 10th. We immediately went to Maine where I "graduated" from the three year training program for academic leadership which I have been involved in known as the Lexington Seminar. Four young (relative term!), but tenured, faculty were chosen through the ATS to learn more about academic leadership, particular the dean's office. It was a very insightful and helpful program and I will miss my three colleagues very much. We had some great times together over the last three years.
I am now returning to my schedule of writing. I am completing chapter twelve of the book - with six chapters to go.

Ten Chapters Complete

Today I completed chapter ten of the Trinitarian Missiology I am writing. We are coming to the end of our time here in Edinburgh. I am still on track to complete the book by December of 08. The more I reflect on this theme, the more I am convinced that mission studies has lacked a proper theological foundation. I hope that my book helps the study of missions.
When I reached the halfway point of the book two weeks ago, we took a few days off and visited Gladstone's library in Wales. It is a beautiful place and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in finding a quiet place to write. I hope to spend a sabbatical there someday.

Theology of Culture - Theology of Religion

I have dedicated the last few weeks to working out my theology of culture and a theology of a religion. I have worked in both of these areas for years, but have never articulated either one within a Trinitarian framework. It has been a bit slow-going, but I've made quite a bit of progress. Overall, I have completed six chapters, which is about 1/3 the way through the overall project.
Julie has been writing some beautiful hymns. Her most recent hymn has been a wonderful setting of the Christ hymn in Philippians. She was also really happy that a local organist has given her a set of keys to the church so she can go down and practice the organ regularly.
In a few weeks both Jonathan and Bethany will be converging on Scotland - Jonathan from Pennsylvania and Bethany on her way back home after a semeseter in Tanzania.
I also had a wonderful lunch yesterday with my doctoral mentor, Dr. John Brockington. It was great to get caught up with him and to express to him how much I appreciated all the guidance he gave me through my doctoral program.
I hope everyone in the USA is doing well. I'm actually glad to be over here during much of the election cycle... it is still reported on here, but it is more of a distant noise than a daily scream.

The Sending Father

I am making good progress towards my goal of a Trinitarian based missiology. I have written the first four chapters, all under the heading "The Sending Father." The book is projected to be approximately 21 chapters, so I am almost 1/5 the way through. I am keeping close track of my writing pace and I am about where I should be at this point.
On the family side, Julie and I are having a great time here. During Holy Week our church has a special service each night, which we are attending as a way of focusing on the passion of Christ during this special time. Julie actually played the piano on Sunday at church! The organist called her up and asked if she would accompany him. That was a great experience for her. Julie walked up to the Mound yesterday and we met for lunch at a nearby Chinese restaurant. The weather has been cold (my UK standards) and windy, but we haven't had as much rain the last week - which is nice.