In the tradition of the Church worldwide, today, January 6, is called The Feast of the Epiphany.

This will be published on Friday.

Desert times are hard to predict, and more difficult to understand. We never chose to enter the desert, more often than not it swallows us up. (I once had a seminary professor who said, dryly, that if you choose to enter the desert, you’re on a tour.)

This month on the Conversations blog, we’ve asked our writers to share their experiences, expertise and support on the topic of ‘desert times.’ Whether you’re in the desert now, have been in the past, or simply hope to shore up your knowledge of this season in order to have some discernment through it in the future, we pray that you will find something that speaks to you.

Grace & peace,

The Editors

As I’ve walked through deserts with several directees in the last few years, they always ask for ideas for staying connected to God, even a little bit. Here is what seems to work best.

Although we’ll have two more posts next week about reading that has been forming the souls of our blogging community here at Conversations Journal, we thought we’d give you a Memorial Weekend Roundup of all the suggested reading. We hope that you’ll pick up one of these books and let the words speak to you about the love God has for you and for the world. Happy long weekend, everyone!

Mostly Dead Folks by Jan Johnson

Jan says that her reading list these days consists of “mostly dead folks” and shares a love for rereading. She suggests Dallas Willard’s The Divine Conspiracy and a classic text, The Cloud of Unknowing.

A Good Book Finds Me by Alice Fryling

Spiritual director Alice Fryling shares how books become her spiritual directors. She suggests Dr. David Benner’s newest, Soulful Spirituality.

The Silent Language of Love by Don Simpson

NavPress editor Don Simpson talks about one of his favorite books of all time. He suggests Into The Silent Land by Martin Laird.

Glittering Vices by Bob Fryling

IVP Publisher Bob Fryling admits a love-hate relationship with the seven deadly sins. He suggests Glittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung.

In The Pages of a Magazine by Juanita Campbell Rasmus

Pastor Juanita finds herself face to face with God when she thought she was just “checking out” by reading “O” magazine. She suggests an article, “6 Steps to See Yourself More Clearly” by Martha Beck.

A Traveler Toward the Dawn by Fil Anderson

Speaker and retreat leader Fil Anderson talks about cherished biographies. He suggests A Traveler Toward the Dawn: The Spiritual Journal of John Eagan, S. J.

More Glittering Vices by Valerie Hess

Spiritual director Valerie Hess seconds Bob Fryling’s book recommendation. She suggests Glittering Vices by Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung.

More Than Just Kid’s Stuff by Nathan Foster

Author, professor and dad Nathan Foster remarks on the transformative power—and complex theology—of children’s books. He recommends C. S. Lewis’ Narnia series, Kate DiCamillo’s The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel The Secret Garden.

Caring for A Good Life by Stephen Macchia

President of Leadership Transformations, Inc. Stephen Macchia reflects on a spiritual classic. He recommends The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis.

Where God is Leading Us by Trevor Hudson

Pastor and speaker Trevor Hudson recalls a transformative encounter with God through prayer. He recommends Jim Manney’s A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer: Discovering The Power Of St. Ignatius’ Examen.

Finding Everything Belongs by Lyle SmithGraybeal

Coordinator of Renovaré USA, Lyle SmithGraybeal talks about slowly working through books and taking devotional time. He recommends Everything Belongs by Fr. Richard Rohr.

As we wait on the cusp of this week, waiting to spill over into that night of betrayal and all that comes after, consider what, by the waiting, God might be moving in your soul.

* * *

A few more resources for this holy, holy week:

A reflection on what “vigil” means by Stephen Smith of The Potter’s Inn.

A Celtic prayer for sleep and a reflection on the kneeling Christ by Mama:Monk.

While we will be continuing with a few posts on the issue of spirituality and the body this week, we would also like to provide you with a list of resources, online and offline, that will be a support to you in your journey with Jesus this Passion Week. Below are just a few that we’ve found recently. If you have more, please post them in the comments section, or email suggestions to our Senior Editor at tara@conversationsjournal.com.

I don’t know about you, but I came into Lent all gung-ho about engaging in the disciplines of this season. You may call me a masochist, but Lent really is one of my favorite times of year. Despite the fact that it always seems to sneak up on me, Lent is a season of attentiveness, of awareness, of being clear-eyed about ourselves and our world. Things I definitely need more of in my life.