As New Year’s Day 2020 dawned, many expected a year of clear vision. We could clearly see our priorities and accordingly set attainable goals, perhaps in an ambitious list of 20, like walking 20 minutes a day. And then the world toppled sideways. Our intentions for how we’d conduct “normal” life fell out the window … Continue reading The Welcoming Prayer
Category: Bible Study
What’s Your Message?
On our way to a new destination a few weeks ago, we noticed a billboard across from where we had stopped at a red light. Sponsored by JewBelong, it read: “So you eat bacon? God has other things to worry about.” It made us laugh, and I appreciated the message of grace. We all do, … Continue reading What’s Your Message?
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Reverend Ricketts, Reptile Wrangler
A funny story about the importance of listening well & fact-checking: My husband Dave has been a pastor at our church for 15+ years. Our church tries to prioritize being FOR our local community, loving our neighbors well. If you know Dave, you know he is all in. Dave is also an environmentalist. And a … Continue reading Reverend Ricketts, Reptile Wrangler
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Get with the Christmas Program, Darlin’.
How to engage gentle spiritual practices that can offer rest and joy during the holiday season. Today's post comes from my new writer-friend, Emily Rowntree. In the midst of your holiday bustling, pause for four minutes to read this article that will add much-needed perspective to all the busyness of this season. Also, as you … Continue reading Get with the Christmas Program, Darlin’.
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What is Your Spiritual Gift?
Do you appreciate the insights you receive from personality assessments? Not fluffy magazine quizzes like “What’s Your Home Decor Personality?” but assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Enneagram Personality Test, and the Five Love Languages? Psychologists and thought leaders have invested years of research into these typologies that can help us understand … Continue reading What is Your Spiritual Gift?
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Advent Peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -John 14:27 The second week of Advent focuses on peace. I, however, have a few things on my mind that have tied knots … Continue reading Advent Peace
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The Joy of Collaboration
Do you have someone with whom you enjoy collaborating? I am so grateful for the gift of a friend who has become my favorite creative collaborator. Nancy is a full-service creative: photographer, artist, hand letterer, graphic designer - you name it, she probably does it - and she and I have collaborated on assigned tasks … Continue reading The Joy of Collaboration
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Five Types of Prayer to Refresh Your Joy
How do you feel about prayer? I’ll admit I have mixed feelings. I grew up in churches. I attended a Christian college and seminary. I have been involved with countless ministries. I have worked at churches. And I have prayed silently and out loud in every one of those contexts. Still, for much of my … Continue reading Five Types of Prayer to Refresh Your Joy
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Remain in God’s Love
“Remain in God’s love.” That phrase from John 15 caught me. What does it look like to remain in God’s love? According to the passage, we remain in God’s love by keeping God’s commands. But what does that mean? Do we step outside of God’s love when we don’t keep God’s commands? That can’t be … Continue reading Remain in God’s Love
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More Than These
Five Minute Friday prompt: Excuse This morning I practiced lectio divina before I took the dogs out for a walk. From John 21, I heard “Do you love me more than these?” and “Follow me.” It was the phrase “more than these” that really caught me. The resurrected Jesus has appeared to his disciples on … Continue reading More Than These
