Pondering Resurrection (Part 2—Going Low)
As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you. —...
Looking Into Brokenness
Recently, I was granted the privilege of leading worship for a Women’s Connection gathering where I attend church. Though I had been preparing for it, it was not on my mind when I had the experience...
Pondering Resurrection
The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised...
Whose Feet Would Jesus Have You Wash?
Today is Maundy Thursday. It is the day of Holy Week on which Christians commemorate Jesus celebrating Passover with his disciples, washing their feet, and giving them a "new commandment." The word...
Joy and Suffering: A Holy Paradox
I’ve met joy in the wake of sadness—mostly through the intimacy I’ve found with God and other people. — Nicole Zasowski, What If It's Wonderful? It’s been a hard few months for our family. We lost...
Let’s Talk About Sin
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. — Ezekiel 36:26 Earlier this week, I was revisiting some old...
Hope that Pierces Darkness
Most of us have probably experienced the heartbreak of dashed hope. Truly, such experiences can be crushing. But perhaps some of our unrealized hopes were merely wishful thinking. And yet, the longings we experience for that which is true and beautiful flow from the source of all hope. This is a hope that can never be destroyed, a hope we are invited to enter now—a tree of life that never fails to bear fruit. Jesus himself is our living hope! (1 Peter 1:3)
2022: Let Your Heavenly Dad Heal Your Hurts
When I was praying about this new year and what God was doing, I felt this relief flood over me. Jesus would still be working big things, but I felt His desire to restore us all to rest after this...
Give Me a Heart of Flesh: A Lesson from the Grinch
I have loved Dr. Seuss for as long as I can remember. There’s just something about the whimsical drawings and made up words that make me smile. (I mean who doesn’t love gruvvulous gloves?) As a child, I checked out The Lorax from our tiny local library more times than I can count. The mere thought of “truffula trees” still brings me joy. When my children were born, I filled their shelves with their own copies of Dr. Seuss’ treasures.
What Having a Hurting Heart During the Holidays Taught Me
Feelings get magnified during the holidays. During the hard years, the holidays seem to bring a constant light to the struggles. I remember a couple years ago my life felt like it exploded and I had...
Standing Outside the House
I had stayed home and didn’t wander off, but I had not yet lived a free life in my father’s house. My anger and envy showed me my own bondage. — Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son You’re...
Resisting the Domino Effect
When I asked the Holy Spirit what I could write on today, I heard, “Your mom.” My mom? What about my mom? He said, “What do you like about your mom?” The first thing that I thought of is that she...