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!”
Category Archives: Beauty Series 2024
Blessing
Just as every good and perfect gift comes from above May the beauty of your life be an offering to the world Just as a tree planted by a stream yields fruit in all seasons May the beauty of your flourishing bring much joy Just as the earth is full of God’s good creatures MayContinue reading “Blessing”
Joy: Beauty is a Gift
“Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above.” -James 1:17 The crunch of leaves underfoot, the riot of color in waving petunias, overhearing a giggle shared between young siblings. There are many ways that beauty breaks into the ordinary of our lives. Something given voluntarily without payment in return. Something bestowed or acquired withoutContinue reading “Joy: Beauty is a Gift”
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 is a Counterpoint to Despair
“God has made everything suitable for its time;” –Ecclesiastes 3:11 One of my morning rituals is to read through the newspaper. Of course there is no shortage of griefs. From droughts and famines, wars and rumors of war. On the days this practice proves more devastating than delightful, I remind myself it is important toContinue reading “Comfort: Beauty is a Counterpoint to Despair”
Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God
Spend time today with a form of sacred beauty. Perhaps it’s a beloved scripture passage, a song that makes your heart swell, or taking a walk in a place that brings peace to your soul. Consider the places and spaces in which you feel the presence of God. In the face of limitations, whether thatContinue reading “Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God”
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”
Comfort: Experiencing Beauty as Human Connection
“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:8 Often the best memories come from the times when things didn’t go to plan. At least we’ll haveContinue reading “Comfort: Experiencing Beauty as Human Connection”
some comfort and joy 