“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”
Tag Archives: reflection
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”
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: Faithful Friends
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’’‘ -Luke 5:20 Tucked amidst the account of Jesus’ calling of the disciples are a few stories of healing. Likely the intention of the writer was to illustrate the unique and impressive power that Jesus possessed. Yet within a theologically dense passage aboutContinue reading “Comfort: Faithful Friends”
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”
Joy: Releasing Our Control
“When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.” -Ruth 1:18 Radical acceptance is the spiritual discipline of “letting go and letting God”. Acceptance empowers those around you, whether they are friends or family, and acknowledges your own humanity. As with all disciplines it doesn’t just happenContinue reading “Joy: Releasing Our Control”
some comfort and joy 