Category: Bible Study

Merry Merry

In my work as Church Communication Director, I have the privilege and honor of working with a talented graphic designer, an artist in her own right and also thankfully, my friend, Nancy Ingersoll. She gave me permission to share her beautiful Silent Night which she created for an Advent art display of peace-ful imagery. Please … Continue reading Merry Merry

Advent 4 – Knowing Peace

Around the time Teen hit middle school I began encouraging him each time he walked away: "Be your best you," meaning make good choices and do your best and stay true to yourself. You can be yourself, but it takes intentionality to be your best version of yourself. So maybe it shouldn't have surprised me … Continue reading Advent 4 – Knowing Peace

Advent 3 – Making Peace

Our friendship burned hot and fizzled furiously like a sparkler on Fourth of July. I can't explain it, but the first time we laid eyes on each other we decided to become fast friends. Within a week I had invited her in to all of my intimate circles. We had coffee so often Guy asked if … Continue reading Advent 3 – Making Peace

Advent 2 – Finding Peace

Ironically, during a week in which I've intentionally focused on expecting peace, I've found distress more often. The same hour I learned about the mass shooting in San Bernardino, I also heard that a neighbor, husband of an acquaintance, was in a suicidal stand-off with police. He alternately pointed a pistol at his temple and his mouth and, after hours of … Continue reading Advent 2 – Finding Peace

Advent 1 – Expecting Peace

Stating the obvious: we do not live in a peaceful world. War and rumors of war. School shootings. Crime in all its variety. Job stress. Illness. Divorce. Even in my everyday mundane suburban life, peace seems elusive. So today's title made me wonder: do I expect peace? Maybe my faith is too small. Maybe my … Continue reading Advent 1 – Expecting Peace

Summer Reading – Non-fiction

Sustain Summer! That's my theme over here. So what if school started Weeks Ago? So what if it's Raining in Cali today (yippee! SO happy it's raining, and yet, I still maintain... It. Is. Summertime)? Fall officially begins September 23rd, which means No Matter What the activity calendars have decided, summer reigns until September 22nd. And that … Continue reading Summer Reading – Non-fiction

Generous and Free

Warning: Reading the Bible can lead to unexpected changes in behavior. “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.” Psalm 112:5 NIV I read this verse in the morning, as I often do, and asked God what He wanted to say. I reflected on our recent … Continue reading Generous and Free

The Church: Traveling Together

What seems like a bazillion years ago, I participated in a high school marching band (sorry, no humiliating pictures available - I did look, I promise). Before freshman year, I registered to be the pianist/accompanist for Beginning Orchestra; unbeknownst to me, everyone quit and the band director transferred me to Marching Band. And the trombone, because the … Continue reading The Church: Traveling Together

Salvation: Search & Rescue

Mother's Day Sunday afternoon the neighbor's cat caught a small bird, a sparrow, perhaps? Neighbor was able to rescue the terrified bird from the over-excited cat's mouth - Have you ever seen a pet cat with a bird in its mouth? They're funny about it, growl-y and amped, racing about but not injurous - and brought … Continue reading Salvation: Search & Rescue

Jesus: The Way

As we planned and lived last year's Costa Rica summer, guides took on an importance like never before. Before we left we had maps and guidebooks and websites, all of which we continually referenced throughout the trip. But once on the ground, we also relied on new friends and strangers to point the way; just after we … Continue reading Jesus: The Way