God formed Man and Woman* out of dirt from the ground and blew into their* nostrils the breath of life. The Man and Woman* came alive—living souls! -Genesis 2:7 (The Message) *my own addition Between the snowy winter weather that drives us indoors (if you live in some parts of North America) and our allContinue reading “Counterbalance: The Comfort of Embodiment”
Tag Archives: devotional
Advent Hope
“In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country…” -Luke 1:39 In this season it is easy to be consumed with a sense of urgency. There is much to be prepared. Today, like Mary, despite your haste, wonder and preparations, may you experience a blessing. ThereContinue reading “Advent Hope”
Advent is coming…
No matter how you are approaching this Advent season, there is good news. The words of scripture, written long ago, demonstrate again and again that God is at work. God is present. God is always surprising God’s people by moving and making something new. In the midst of a weary world and fragile hope, weContinue reading “Advent is coming…”
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”
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: 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”
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”
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”
some comfort and joy 