Two years ago I had the privilege of speaking to an extraordinary church. Like many churches who find themselves meeting in borrowed buildings, this little group met in a cafeteria. Folding chairs were arranged in rows in lieu of church pews. A long line of stainless steel counter-top stretched behind the congregants where a sound booth ought to have been. The words to Christmas hymns were not projected onto a flimsy silver screen, but onto stark white painted cinder blocks. Congregants … [Read more...]
How to Celebrate Advent…for all ages
If you’ve been around here very long you know I love the Advent season. Though I didn’t know much about it growing up, it’s been a life-giving practice in my adulthood. If “Advent” is new to you, it’s simply the four week period leading up to Christmas. Churches often have a special scripture reading and light a candle each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Individuals and families might light candles on an advent wreath and read a daily or weekly devotional that prepares their heart to … [Read more...]
Cluttered Faith
I turned the doorknob with the precision of a safe cracker and closed their bedroom door. There couldn’t be so much as a click-clack to wake any of my five napping kiddos. I was too tired. Tired of meeting needs and feeling needy. Tired of being a grump and dealing with grumpy kids. Tired of trying so hard to be a faithful example and failing so often. Tired of praying for things to get better while circumstances remained unchanged. I tiptoed over squeaky floorboards toward my living room and … [Read more...]
Where is the Bright, New Day?
If your personal suffering has you straining into the distance aching for a shred of hope, or if national conflicts have you wishing for a better country, read on. I've invited my friend Glenna to be our guest this month. She's a singer, speaker, adoptive mom, and a survivor of several long-term trials. She knows a little something about finding hope, and like an experienced guide, she leads us to the certain hope of our bright new day. Every Sunday night we have movie and charcuterie … [Read more...]
When “Let Go and Let God” is Bad Advice
Around here, and maybe in your back yard too, the crops are drying up. Days are shorter. Evenings are cooler. Sunflowers have bowed their heads and corn stalks have gone crispy. The landscape isn't as lovely as it was this summer, but brown fields mean harvest time is coming. It's a perfect metaphor for the benefits of hanging on in brown and dry seasons of life. Today we have a guest who has written beautifully about "hanging on." My friend and fellow author, Jennifer Dukes Lee is with us today … [Read more...]
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