How to increase your Bible knowledge
Have you ever sat in church listening to a sermon, and the pastor says something like, "Well, in the original language, the word in this passage meant..."--and kind of felt a sort of longing, or [...]
The empty table (and some thoughts on filling it)
As a treat to myself on a fall afternoon, I pull out my trusty Le Creuset dutch oven. At 3 in the afternoon, I chop onions, garlic, rosemary, and parsnips; brown beef ribs marbled with [...]
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 [...]
The Gift of Christmas Present (Part 1)
The Christmas season is one of joy, and angst. We long to have a meaningful, simple Christmas season, but we get sucked into consumerism and a Black Friday frenzy that spilled, this year, into Thursday. [...]
All the time you need
“You have all the time you need to do the things that God has called you to do.” The words of a wise friend, they snagged on my busy soul—all the time I need? Really? [...]
You’re loved when you’re lamenting
The Bible is full of uplifting, encouraging words. But it also has some pretty clear examples of sadness, despair, the blues. The Psalms of lament are just as true as the Psalms of ascent. Because [...]
What new thing is God doing?
The new year ushers in a desire for change, for a revamping--of habits, decor, ideas. So it's fitting, right? A new look for the blog: I'd love to hear what you think. And a new [...]
Hungry for rest
Best Christmas hymn lyric: "the weary world rejoices." It was kind of a theme at our house during the holiday season. We went a little slower, a little simpler. The tree decor, minimalist; the meals, [...]
Spiritual loneliness
Our world, wired, connected--full of countless ways to communicate instantly. I can Skype with someone across the globe, text to someone thousands of miles away, instant message, well, instantly. In some ways, we can fool [...]
The favor of God
The sun has not shone here in the midwest for days. In this deep and dark December, I'm aware of my own shortcomings, my own mistakes--the darkness of pride, discontent, anger inside me. Life has [...]