Resolutions vs. Self-Reflection
2023 is here! For many, the arrival of the New Year also means the arrival of resolutions. Goals emerge, such as exercising more, volunteering, and strengthening relationships with others. Others search for their “one word” of the year to help guide their faith and their relationship with God.
A Calm in the Storm
Hail Mary, Full of Grace - the Lord is with you.
I really get caught up in the “senses” this time of year. Christmas music takes on a life of its own. And the Christmas movies - oh my goodness - I so enjoy those. I am struck by the ones I’ve caught glimpses of in the last week: the Grinch, Disney’s A Christmas Carol, and Home Alone. Isn’t it interesting that all 3 of those movies deal with a heart change for the main characters - Greedy Grinch, Stingy Scrooge, and Curmudgeony Kevin all have “their heart strangely warmed” in the end?
The Gift of Presence
Completely spaced out, I was on the phone with one of my kids as I continued to type on the keyboard, organizing things for the holidays. I tend to forget things if I close them, so I have this bad habit of keeping multiple tabs open as I search for presents, recipes, and planning documents.
Sorry, hon, what did you say?
Our Rest
Genesis 2: 1 - 2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which he had made.
God intended for us to get OUR REST. What robs you of your rest? Here are some Rest Wreckers…
Removing the Blindfold
“That moment marked the beginning of a journey of understanding just how vast God’s love is for us. For the first time in my life, I couldn’t see a boundary. No mountains, no tree line, nothing separating the ocean from the sky. They seemed to go on forever.” Read more online!
Shadow
I will be the first to admit that merging scientific and religious metaphors is tricky business. I have always believed that science and religion are two paths to the same truth. When it comes to matters of God’s creation, Science asks “how” and religion asks, “why”. One of our Long’s Chapelers psychologist by trade, in a Bible Study last year, told our whole group that he thought the Bible was the most amazing psychological text book ever written.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is the month when you see pink everywhere. Through the worldwide campaign, this month is devoted to education and awareness about the disease as well as the importance of early detection. The “pink” month can feel different for some folks - some wear pink to celebrate, some observe the month quietly, some feel grief, and some may feel unseen or misunderstood.
Spiritual Discipline of Friendship
Our recent Be-You-Tea-Full Thrift-Tea Fashion Show featured models from teens throughout adulthood, and also included a precious preschooler. This was intentional, because we want to create a safe space in which every woman, no matter what age or season they’re in, feels welcome and loved. Where intergenerational spiritual friendships can be nourished to grow and thrive.
You Matter
September is Healthy Aging Month. I encourage you to celebrate by reinventing yourself this month! It’s never too late, and you are worth it! September is the perfect time to begin something new, especially if something new improves your physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being.
Grief, Grace, Growth, and Gratitude
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV
Have you ever ripped a bandage off a wound too soon? Not only does it start bleeding again, but yanking those hairs out by the roots is a level of pain all of its own.
Maybe we need to get to the root of our pain in order to heal.