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 [...]
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? [...]
Four alternatives to family devotions: family spiritual practices
Family devotions have often felt like an epic fail for us. When my children were small, my husband and I wanted to be what we thought were good Christian parents, so we read Bible stories [...]
The Repercussions of Neglect
The timing of a recent trip was perfect, and imperfect. I left feeling weary, overwhelmed by nasty weather and too much work, my Midwestern world persistently clinging to winter. Everything was brown and soggy, buds [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]