“While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ” – Luke 24:15 (NRSV) Dear Community, Anxious or restless, passionate or unplugged, there are many intense feelings and concerns within our country, communities, families, and even within ourselves as today, the US election seasonContinue reading “An invitation and practice for election day”
Author Archives: Gwen Lantz
Thank you, Thank you!
We are grateful for each of you! Thank you for reading along with our latest series on beauty and its power to transform us and draw us closer to God and one another. We are also grateful for the outpouring of support with the launch of our first book, Comfort & Joy: Readings & PracticesContinue reading “Thank you, Thank you!”
Comfort: Beauty is a gift
“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” – James 1:17 Beauty is a gift The lumpy brown and red soilIs silent. The night closes in. Death waits. Time slowly rushes by. AContinue reading ” Comfort: Beauty is a gift”
Joy: Beauty as a counterweight to despair
In Monday’s reflection Sherah-Leigh reminded us of the powerful counterweight beauty can be in the face of despair. With intention choose an activity this week that activates a joyful response to the beauty you are experiencing. Here are some ideas, but the possibilities are endless! May the beauty found in God’s creation renew your spirit!Continue reading “Joy: Beauty as a counterweight to despair”
Comfort: Beauty Draws Us Towards God
“The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.” -Psalm 19:1-2 Have you ever noticed that we often find more of what we seek? So what if we set out to find beauty? Perhaps in the search for beauty we alsoContinue reading “Comfort: Beauty Draws Us Towards God”
Joy: Beauty and Human Connection
Recently my brother and sister-in-law took my mother to see an Amish quilt exhibit that was on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Their retelling of the visit included obvious delight and connection found in their mutual enjoyment of the beautiful and historic works of art created by Amish women in the late 1800’sContinue reading “Joy: Beauty and Human Connection”
Thank you for the celebrations!
It has been a busy season for Some Comfort and Joy! Sherah-Leigh and I have enjoyed watching our book make its debut into the world. Such a big event is full of excitement and, of course, all the ups and downs of anything full of expectation! A definite highlight for both of us has beenContinue reading “Thank you for the celebrations!”
Comfort: Childlike Wonder
“O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” – Psalm 8:1 I clearly remember taking my two-year-old son for a walk down a gravel lane. I had a time oriented goal and place in mind. While he’s now a middle schooler, it seems like a short time ago that weContinue reading ” Comfort: Childlike Wonder”
Joy: Beauty in Creation
One part of experiencing beauty is slowing down and engaging with the world around us. I have found connecting with all five senses in a conscientious and thoughtful way helps to slow me down and draws me closer to God. Perhaps the same can work for you. Find a spot where you can relax. SlowlyContinue reading “Joy: Beauty in Creation”
New Series on Beauty & Creativity Starts Next Week
The seasons are changing as we flip the calendar pages and make our way forward toward Advent 2024. Before we arrive in the Christmas season there are weeks left in what is referred to in the church calendar as ordinary time. I love that name – ordinary time. It is what makes up most ofContinue reading “New Series on Beauty & Creativity Starts Next Week”
some comfort and joy 