I’ve been thinking about humility recently. Humility is something I give lip service to, but in practice it isn’t something I’ve valued very much. I know God values humility, though, because he tells us so.
Tattoos are forever
Lean In
She sits on a thin, dirty mattress in her room, if you can even call it that. It’s more like a dark, damp, hopeless cell. The ragged blanket wrapped around her does little to protect her from the chill. She no longer notices the overwhelming stench of unwashed bodies permeating the space. The door is locked from the outside, holding her prisoner to the nightmare she is currently living. Walled in.
Seeking Your Purpose
When I dream about becoming the woman God has created me to be, it’s often associated with a long list of items that I have to do. How I can muster enough strength to stop worrying, focus on the positive, stop spending excess money, be more patient. I make these mental lists in my mind and when I don’t achieve them, I get upset with myself, causing a cycle of guilt. I want to live out this dream to be the best wife, mom, daughter, sister, co-worker, but it is honestly futile if I am doing it on my own strength.
More Than a Song
When I say “12 days of Christmas,” my guess is most of you think of a song. If I ask if you know what Epiphany is, would you connect the two? Now, many of you have probably heard the word epiphany used to describe that peak “aha!” moment when a character in a book or play, for example, has a sudden realization that brings all the pieces of the story together to make sense. You may have even used this word yourself when something has clicked into place for you in your mind (I’ve just had an epiphany!).
An Unlikely Place, An Unlikely Rescue
The season of Advent seems like the perfect time to remind us all of this important truth: appearances are limited in their ability to tell the whole story.
First century Palestine was a tangled web of political bullying and economic power mongering. The military of Rome and the religion of the Pharisees reigned with iron fists that opened only to snatch more money from the overtaxed Jews. The gods of power and wealth and position were worshipped by a corrupt government that demanded total allegiance from the oppressed.
Joyful Expectancy
I recently had a job performance evaluation. Categories were “Exceeds Expectations,” “Meets Expectations” and “Below Expectations.” These boxes are pretty black and white. Easily defined. And our expectations tend to be that way. Without even realizing it, we rate others, ourselves, our experiences and even God by these standards. Before I left for South Asia to do mission work…
How to Find Hope in Hard Times
When Waiting is the Plan
Have you ever been stuck on a runway waiting for take-off? The minutes tick by slowly as you worry about not making your connecting flight or not beginning the vacation for which you are paying. You get impatient and think about how you can’t really “begin” your trip until you get to your destination.
On Giving Thanks for Pain
When I was twelve years old, I started a running career that I thought would be little more than a social outlet. That was 30 years ago. Over these decades and countless miles, I’ve endured fatigue, sprained ankles, sore muscles, and excruciating neck and back pain that drove me to the chiropractor more than once. Despite these relatively minor issues, I feel fortunate to have enjoyed so many years of running without a debilitating injury.
Spirit of the Season
Love Songs
“Guiding Light” by Foy Vance is the song my husband and I danced to at our wedding. One of the first times we hung out was at a Foy Vance concert, and his music always evokes memories of our relationship. But long before I met my husband, there were other love songs that would latch on to my emotions and take me for a ride — but I’d never been in a dating relationship before I met my husband, so how could that be?
Finding Unlimited Help Within the Limits
Three Reasons to Take Our Masks Off
What is your priority?
Discipleship: Why We Need to Practice
I like the idea of practicing because it extends freedom. I find grace in practicing. There is room for mistakes and room for improvement in practicing. In time, the mistakes are fewer and expertise yields beauty. I need that: grace and room for mistakes but also a kind of learning that leaves me with something worthwhile, something beautiful.
Young and Old: Connecting to Make the Most of It
Who Am I?
Who am I? Do I matter? Where do I belong?
Over the summer, our Jennersville pastors Doug Walker (student ministry) and Johnny Johnston (campus pastor) taught on these questions adolescents strive to answer before entering their adulthood. As they popped up on the screen, I thought, “as an adult, I still ask these questions!” In my twenties I struggled with depression, mostly because my answer to these questions were:
4 Lessons from an Accidental Disciple
In the years I’ve spent in camp ministry, I’ve had the privilege of meeting a variety of people from all over the world, who have encouraged me personally and professionally. One particular camp volunteer offered clarity and hope to me in the midst of a confusing, difficult season as a twentysomething working in ministry.
Brad Paisley: I thought I loved you then
My husband and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary later this month. This Brad Paisley song with the words “I thought I loved you then” has been our theme song for many years. (It was not the song we danced to at our wedding…we eloped…a fact he has not lived down in 35 years!) Young love is wonderful and exciting, but “old” love is even richer and has so much more depth.