My aunt Barb has been diagnosed and treating uterine and ovarian cancer for about two years now. She has been through a few rounds of surgery, chemo, and radiation. Some of it has been successful! Some of the cancer has returned. It has been an up and down journey, but she has had quite a…
Competing Goals
One of my goals for this renewal leave was to cook more meals in the evening for myself and my husband. It is something I love to do, and I use about two more pots or utensils than I need and make a lovely delicious mess every time. But I love to cook. I love…
Manipulate or appreciate?
Henri Nouwen writes: It is impressive to see how prayer opens one’s eyes to nature. Prayer makes men [and women, I’d add] contemplative and attentive. In place of manipulating, he who prays stands receptive before the world. He no longer grabs but caresses, he no longer bites, but kisses, he no longer examines but admires…. Instead of an…
The itch
Last week, I got into some poison ivy. First, on the disc golf course as we were looking for a shot that was too long and in the rough. I noticed it after traipsing through. Then, in my very own backyard. We had a gigantic bush of the stuff, all viney and spread out everywhere. …
What season do you inhabit?
Today in my organic ministry class, we were invited by Diane Glass to notice what season best describes our hearts, our relationships, our work. It is one thing to notice the physical and environmental season that surrounds you… even on a cool and muggy July day. But I had never considered the seasons as a…
How long?
As I have sat each morning with my daily devotions it is wonderful to be immersed in one psalm for the entire week. What I find is that each day as I read it, a different verse or sentiment speaks to my soul. These past two weeks have included hopeful laments… the cries of the…
truth and reconciliation
I read a post earlier today that dives into the words Bree Newsome said as she was arrested this weekend: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? What I loved about the author’s wrestling is that she…
Intersections and the Body of Christ
Sometimes it is better if I keep my mouth shut. The world doesn’t always need to know what I think. And frankly, most of the time I can glimpse only one piece of the complicated fabric we call life. I have one, limited perspective to share. So instead, here are a few of the voices that…