Anyone who knows me at all knows that hospitality is my jam. My table is where my purpose, passions, skills, resources, and the needs of my community intersect. Hospitality has grown to be about so much more than hosting overnight travelers or having company over for dinner. It isn't something I practice for one-time events … Continue reading PRACTICING HOSPITALITY TO MYSELF
Tag: Personal Growth
Last night I gathered around my table with the community of young women who have become my family. It is hard to believe how much has happened since we last met. It seemed appropriate to take a break from our current book discussion and spend the evening sharing about how we are feeling about the … Continue reading HURTING & HEALING IN COMMUNITY
"I am still learning how to shepherd this long work after the initial burst." This is the quote that leapt from my laptop screen yesterday, as I read a post entitled "The Ministry of Saying Goodbye (and Sticking Around)" by D.L. Mayfield. The "burst" she's referring to is the whirlwind of publishing her first book, … Continue reading SHEPHERDING OUR WORK
One of my favorite Old Testament stories is found in the Book of Exodus. It is a story about a great victory that is won through faithfulness and community. In Chapter 17 the Israelites are triumphant because of Moses' faithfulness to God's leading, as well as God's faithfulness to His people. But this epic battle … Continue reading VICTORIES ARE WON WITH COMMUNITY
"We can't be brave in the big world without at least one small safe space to work through our fears and falls." ~Brene Brown My Monday Night Girls make up one of my small, safe places. This spring, we are reading and discussing "Rising Strong" by Brene Brown. Her prior book, "Daring Greatly" explores … Continue reading WHAT COMMUNITY TEACHES ME ABOUT VULNERABILITY & GRACE
I love to set a beautiful table. It makes me happy. But setting a beautiful table is the easy part. It's a controlled environment. I can place everything exactly how I want it. However, if I want my table to stay perfect, then it has to stay empty. And there's really nothing beautiful about that. … Continue reading PERFECT MEANS EMPTY
In the United States we live in a culture that upholds the values of work, productivity, and progress. These values aren't negative. Amazing achievements have resulted from these efforts. But when we apply these values to our relationships, sometimes the simple beauty and the unique gift of presence can be missed. The value of engaging … Continue reading THE GIFT OF PRESENCE IN COMMUNITY
