Tribe. Family. Village. Stakeholders. My people. Words that envision community. It is the way we are made. Even the most introverted among us best flourish alongside friends, albeit a smaller ensemble. In true community, the face you project is the real you. It’s amidst the people where vulnerability does not feel risky. Feelings laid bare…
Blog
Why Choose the Church?
Over the years I have struggled as people walk away from my home church. Relocation for employment or family reasons have taken some members. Others have chosen to leave due to differences of opinion, theology, or purposes. Regardless of the reason, it hurts nonetheless. One particular conversation highlighted the frequency of movement among Christ-followers… “Good…
Our Journey to Holiness
Some moments stir a soul to reflection… the hush of winter’s first snowfall the unceasing rhythm of ocean’s kissed beach the pink, purple, and golden hues of yesterday’s sunset Within a breath’s span, they transport us and set apart ordinary time. Unexpected holiness drops into the day. Intricate interplay of innumerable details converge for beauty surreal….
3 Hidden Benefits of Trust
I got a pedicure once. I thought I was going to die. A friend invited me. I had never had one, so I thought “why not?” I sat on the pedi – throne and put my feet in the warm soak. Then the harvesting began. Tools to clip. Tools to scrape, Tools to carve. My…
Finding Ordinary Perseverance
Another ordinary day passed. Another day to get dressed, go to work, make dinner, and do the dishes. Also another day to chat with neighbors, meet a friend for coffee, and curl up in my warm bed at night. But it’s also another day with no burning bush moments like Moses, no Damascus Road experiences…
New Go-To Resource on Marriage
Whether you are newly engaged or celebrating your 50th anniversary, I recommend Dorothy Greco’s Making Marriage Beautiful. This book gave me the words for emotions and feelings I never knew how to express. Every chapter explores topics to which I found myself nodding and reading out loud to my husband. Greco’s willingness to be vulnerable…
Conversation with God
Recently, I met a friend for lunch. We had not seen each other for a while but had stayed in touch via Facebook and each other’s blog writing. After catching up on families, we moved on to our writing plans and goals. But then the conversation stalled. I shifted in my chair. The lull in…
How Roman Roads Show God is in Control
With forethought and perfect knowledge, God chose the time and the place for Jesus’ birth on earth. Numerous geopolitical factors would come together to create fertile grounds for the fulfillment of the journey’s cosmic purpose. It’s a remarkable reminder to us that, truly, God is in control. With the same care that we consult a…
Book Review: Crossing The Waters
We all have books that become milestones in this life’s journey. Crossing The Waters just became my latest marker. Leslie Leyland Fields led me through the hard parts of faith so I could more honestly examine my own life as a Christ-follower. Fields tackles the difficult issues of suffering, the existence of hell, broken relationships,…
Tension between Art and the Church
A framed copy of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night hangs in my office at church. The back story of this work of art profoundly shaped my understanding of the body of Christ. Ten years ago I volunteered as an art docent at my daughter’s elementary school. Each month we studied a different artist and led…
