"How do you manage your prayer life?" I asked my senior pastor. "How do you invest in so many people's lives and, then find time to pray for the growing list of needs that you become aware of?" His wise reply spoke to another need. One that I didn't realize I had. He responded that … Continue reading PERMISSION TO TAKE A BREAK FROM COMMUNITY
Tag: Faith
The French sky was a brilliant blue and the humid air was stifling as we sat down to form a circle on a large patch of dry grass in the center of a dusty campground. We looked at one another, wondering who would speak first, and in what language. Eva was from Germany and … Continue reading WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT COMMUNITY FROM A COMMUNITY CALLED TAIZE
My outdoor dining table. It is lovingly referred to as "The Table". And it tells most of my favorite stories. Last year I attended a "Storyline Conference" led by Donald Miller. A guest speaker, Sarah Harmeyer, shared about a desire to really know her neighbors that led her to ask her dad to build a … Continue reading BECAUSE THE SIZE OF YOUR TABLE DOESN’T MATTER
This morning I am thankful to be living in the calm that comes after the storm. Because October was a very stormy month. Not the kind that brings needed rain, the kind that brings relentless turmoil. In early October we tore up our patio for an outdoor renovation project. And then two days later my 14-year-old … Continue reading MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE
The kitchen is my favorite room in our home. It is a beautiful space, crafted to meet both my design tastes and functional preferences. But that is not the central reason that I love this room so much. I love it because my kitchen is where meaningful moments in my home so often start and … Continue reading A WELL-FURNISHED KITCHEN
For anyone whose life is connected to an academic calendar, September is a season of transition. Transition from summertime recreation to a renewed sense of productivity. For me it is always a time to closely examine the roles that define me and give my life purpose. In the past I have struggled during the … Continue reading ANCHORED IN TRUTH & COMMUNITY
One of my favorite Old Testament stories is found in Exodus 17. The Israelites are under attack from the Amalekites and Moses tells Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” So Joshua … Continue reading WHEN OUR HANDS GROW TIRED
