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 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. [...]
“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? [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 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 [...]
One of my favorite blogs to read is my friend Tim Fall's. Because Tim is not just writing, he's engaging in community. Today, he's reviewed Deeply Loved. Click on over and visit--and be sure to [...]