Where is God? A lesson from bulbs
“Where is God in this mess?” “Does God even hear my prayers?” I hear these kinds of questions a lot--from others, and from my own heart. And in some of the situations where I sit [...]
When good things end: some thoughts on The Practice
The only constant in life is change. This is particularly true in dynamic organizations like Willow Creek, the church I’ve been a member of for three decades. While I have remained at my church, it [...]
The “crisis” in the blogosphere
According to Christianity Today, as a spiritual blogger, speaker and author, I’m part of a “crisis in the church.” I agree there's a crisis, but I disagree on what exactly that crisis entails. Me, [...]
Disappointment with God: A Lenten Lament
I didn’t expect to usher in Lent feeling angry at God, but that’s how it went down. On Shrove Tuesday, my fervent prayers for a dear friend that I love and walk beside went unanswered. [...]
Be encouraged
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing--The Apostle Paul, in his letter to believers. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) My mother and I, in a flash of ambition, sort through [...]
Two essentials for transformation
Are people capable of change? Are you changing (for the better)? Am I? My books and teaching focus on spiritual transformation—that is, spiritual change. I’m prepping to speak later this week on transformation, how experiencing [...]
Empty nest? Not so great.
So I have been an “empty nester” for exactly one week. So far, it totally sucks. I do not like it one bit. I am irritable and difficult--I admit this. Something feels off balance, and [...]
Bring it! (or, How to figure out your true priorities)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that [...]
Words every kid needs to hear
My son, my youngest child, turned 18 yesterday. By some definitions, an adult. A letter from the Selective Service showed up in today’s mail. (Gulp). I will always be his mother, and he will continue [...]
Four questions to facilitate spiritual formation in small groups
Life change happens in small groups. If we ask ourselves and our groups the right questions, we can create environments for transformation. If you lead a small group, one of your goals might be to [...]