The other day I was driving down the canyon to Salt Lake City, enjoying the view of the snow covered mountains and a few minutes to myself. As I drove, I was listening to an audio book and heard the narrator read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, … Continue reading God Is . . .
I needed to get to sleep, but I wasn’t worried about it. I wasn’t worried about anything. Surprising, actually. I was facing my dissertation defense the next morning, but I wasn’t stressed. I wasn’t worried. My mind wasn’t spinning. I was just awake. And completely at peace. I was surrounded by an overwhelming sense of … Continue reading The Gift of a Sleepless Night
21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 2/5/2020
Last week I asked what vision of “the good life” was driving our words and actions. While culture tells us one thing, Jesus’ words tell us something different. If we let them, they’ll turn our cultural expectations of what blessing looks like upside down. The money, power, and social acceptance that we so frequently associate … Continue reading God’s Vision of “The Good Life”
When we get up in the morning, what is motivating our choices? Jamie Smith suggests that our vision of “the good life” is a key driver. But how do we envision “the good life”? What do we think will make us happy? Fulfilled? Our culture provides all kinds of answers: being young; being skinny; having … Continue reading What Really Drives Our Poor Choices?
Finding an Answer I Wasn't Even Seeking Back in November I went to what my husband calls my “Bible geek conferences.” While reconnecting with friends from all over the world is probably my favorite part of these meetings, the exhibit halls full of “Bible geek books” runs a close second. I usually go with a … Continue reading Why Do I Do the Things I Hate?
Recently we’ve been talking about the spiritual discipline of confession. (Speaking of confession, I love this song!) We've looked at the Scriptural call to confess our sins—to God and to one another. We've considered what confession is, including self-examination, acknowledgement of our sin, accepting God’s forgiveness, and changed lives. At one point I suggested that … Continue reading How Can Confession Actually Change Things?
Thank you so much for joining me this year! As we get ready to start a New Year I took a look back at this year's most popular posts. If you're relatively new to my blog, here are a few "old favorites" that keep getting visitors: My Son Needed the Love of the Church. I … Continue reading The 5 Most Popular Posts of 2019
Merry Christmas! Today I pray that your day is filled with wonder and awe at the gift of the Incarnation of our loving God. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 12/25/2019
Maybe our frequent cultural conception of sin as being simply personal, something between me and my God, needs to be reconsidered. Even if my sin doesn't have an impact on another person, how is the body harmed when I am not fully experiencing the work of the Spirit in transforming me into the image of Jesus?
Life Beyond #Blessed 