Below is an excerpt from my book Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent. When I began seminary, I bought a pine forest-scented candle for my apartment. That summer I had discovered how watching a burning flame had the power to quiet my soul and help center my attention on my own thoughts. Candles have aided thousandsContinue reading “Four Weeks Book Excerpt: Scent”
Author Archives: Jeff Nelson
Assembling a Squad
A few weeks ago, I helped facilitate a gathering of people in various stages of preparation to enter authorized ministry. (This was the same gathering during which I wondered if my hotel might be haunted.) One of my responsibilities was to moderate conversation among participants who were closer to the finish line. This was aContinue reading “Assembling a Squad”
A Few Blackout Poems
I’ve been making blackout poems for several years now. I was inspired by Austin Kleon to explore the practice: his first book was a collection of blackout poetry he created from newspaper columns. My go-to source is old secondhand books that I think nobody will miss, which is why observers may note a yellow-ish qualityContinue reading “A Few Blackout Poems”
Jeffrey A. Nelson 