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
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”
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?
When the New Year knocks at the door, many people adopt New Year’s resolutions. Others choose theme words, theme verses, or even 30-day challenges to start the year, hoping to kick start a new habit. Two years ago I started journaling in January. (No, I’m not about to insist that you start!) It wasn’t so … Continue reading When Did You Last Take a Good, Hard Look?
As we start this New Year I can think of no prayer that I would rather pray than the high priestly blessing. Not only does it serve as my prayer for each of you today, but in her book Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters Carmen Imes has talked about the fact that this … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/1/2020
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?
As Christmas draws ever closer, we turn to the theme of joy. 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 Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 12/18/2019
The practices of self-examination and confession help us to see the ways in which we contribute to a fallen world, but they also invite us to take these things to our God who makes all things new, bringing life from death.
Life Beyond #Blessed 