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”

Comfort: Beauty in Creation

“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” –Psalm 104:24 When you don’t know any differently, it is easy to take the seemingly ordinary parts of life for granted. While I have a deep love for the rhythm of the year andContinue reading “Comfort: Beauty in Creation”

Joy: Imagine Healing for a Friend

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’’‘ -Luke 5:20 Do you have a friend who is sick or troubled? Take some time today to pray for them.  As you pray, imagine complete healing for them or their situation. Pray for God’s wholeness and reconciliation in your friend’s circumstance. IfContinue reading “Joy: Imagine Healing for a Friend”

Comfort: Jesus Taught Friendship

When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”  And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. – John 11:28-29 How wonderful to have Jesus’ friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus recorded inContinue reading “Comfort: Jesus Taught Friendship”

Comfort: Listening with Kindness

“They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.”  Job 2:13 NRSV The ability to be present with ourselves and with others can be a difficult skill to develop. Not only is the outside noiseContinue reading “Comfort: Listening with Kindness”

Comfort: Radical Release

“When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.” -Ruth 1:18 Motherhood is a fraught endeavor. Whether you long to be a mother, have a strained or enmeshed relationship with your own mother, have gained a mother-in-law or become a mother-in-law, our culture is quick to pointContinue reading “Comfort: Radical Release”

Friendship Series for July!

The lyrics from a song about God’s faithfulness danced through my mind as I prepared with Sherah-Leigh to share our new series on friendship. Meaningful friendships through different stages of my life have been one way that I have experienced God’s goodness and faithfulness. Healthy friendships are a gift from God and can also beContinue reading “Friendship Series for July!”

Joy: Maundy Thursday

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods.His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords:His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1-3 Mix together Jesus’ commandment to love one another, the last supper, and Passover and you have some sense of MaundyContinue reading “Joy: Maundy Thursday”

Comfort: Parable of Yeast

“And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” – Luke 13:20-21 As a mother of two I find myself wanting to protect my children from the bumps andContinue reading “Comfort: Parable of Yeast”

Joy: Confession

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” -John 3:16 Sometime today light a candle as a symbol of your need for God’s love and mercy.  Spend some time reflecting and confessing particular areas in your own walk where you need mercy.  It is hard to admit our shortcomings, but admittingContinue reading “Joy: Confession”