You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. – Romans 2:1 Hey Beloveds, let’s chat. As Pride month comes to an end, I’m having some feelings. Yesterday I got home from church camp with my daughters. It was their first time to experience our rustic little camp with outdoor worship, camp food Read more…
My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Psalm 6:3 As I drove my girls to mom’s house today they started asking questions about the tornado. “But mom, why didn’t it knock down those trees?” Mae Belle asked pointing out the window. So many of their questions I do not have answers for and I count this one among them. But I did tell them about the group of volunteers staying in Read more…
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30 The other day after school, Mae Belle did something uncharacteristic. We were outside at a friend’s home, and Read more…
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 I’m getting nervous about Fall programming, and I’m weary from not gathering with my people. We spent the summer getting creative and making plans but trying not to hold them too tightly. But I want it so badly – for our children and youth ministry Read more…
My church has a Sunday School class, called Hands of Faith, that makes things for people. The idea of the group is that ordinary stuff can become sacred stuff, so while they meet they are always doing something with their hands that will benefit someone else. They have knit tiny hats for preemies; they have made prayer squares for people hurting; and they have even turned old grocery bags into mats for the homeless. They Read more…
The gym where I used to work out has branded itself a “judgement free zone.” Supposedly, at Planet Fitness, you can work out in peace, without worry or shame about your size or shape. Isn’t that a novel idea? I’m not going to Planet Fitness anymore because, you know, germs, but I have been thinking a lot lately about the so-called Judgement Free Zone. We are getting ready to launch a new season of small Read more…
“Don’t Hesitate” by Mary Oliver — from her book Swan: Poems and Prose Poems If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it. … Joy is not made to be a crumb. Yesterday I received an unexpected call from a friend in our “bubble.” She asked if we wanted to get together that afternoon. Even though I had a pile of work in front of me, I knew I needed to Read more…
Darkness is my closest friend… — Psalm 88:18 Last night I enjoyed a delicious cup of mint tea before bed. I bought it just last week and was eager to try the new flavor. I didn’t realize until approximately 11:15pm, after I finished my book and wasn’t the least bit tired, that the tea was caffeinated. (By the way, who makes mint tea caffeinated?) (This is the satanic tea I recommend you stay away from Read more…
What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid; for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him. – Genesis 21:17 This week our Food Bank freezer started having issues so we called a guy. We thought a simple shot of freon might do the trick, but we were told it would Read more…
Plans I decided two years ago, after reading the book “Breaking Busy,” which I am obsessed with, that I would go back to a paper planner instead of using the calendar on my phone. I found a beautiful one that I carried with me wherever I went, and last fall I replaced it with the same brand and style but a different color scheme. Only, unlike the first version, this one malfunctioned almost immediately. Only Read more…
