‘Tis the season for spring cleaning. Though there are debates regarding how spring cleaning came to be a tradition, many individuals view spring as the best time to deep clean their homes. If you are anything like me, then your home isn’t the only thing that needs to be deep cleaned. Just as dust gathers on drapes and grime accumulates … [Read more...] about Spring Cleaning for the Heart
spiritual growth
Why Gratitude Isn’t a Panacea During Tough Times
When many of us plan for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we envision large gatherings around the dinner table and loved ones sprawled out in the living room opening gifts. Unfortunately, things will look different for many of us this year. The risk of spreading COVID will lead many of us to choose smaller gatherings or perhaps even no … [Read more...] about Why Gratitude Isn’t a Panacea During Tough Times
What Does God’s Peace Look Like?
In order to prepare my heart for the Thanksgiving holiday, I usually begin each November with a post on the topic of gratitude. However, to be honest, I’m not thinking about gratitude that much today. I’m quite distracted with thoughts of the election (which is tomorrow) and with the deep divisions that characterize our nation right now. … [Read more...] about What Does God’s Peace Look Like?
Habakkuk: Remembering God’s Faithfulness When He Seems Silent (Book Review)
Sometimes it can be challenging to read the Old Testament. It can be difficult to understand how words written so long ago are relevant to us today. This year, with all we’re facing as a nation and world, I think many of us find it easier to connect with portions of the Old Testament. Consider, for example, Habakkuk. I don’t generally hear … [Read more...] about Habakkuk: Remembering God’s Faithfulness When He Seems Silent (Book Review)
Paper Chain Prayer Calendar for Lent
It seems like we were celebrating the start of 2020 just yesterday. In reality, it’s been nearly two months! We’re already to Ash Wednesday and Lent. Though I’m not Catholic (or part of a Protestant tradition that follows the liturgical calendar), I believe that all Christians can benefit from observing the various seasons of the liturgical … [Read more...] about Paper Chain Prayer Calendar for Lent
Why Do the Deaths of Public Figures Touch Us Deeply?
A few weeks ago my husband and I were watching the news. One of the main stories was the death of Kobe Bryant. As we watched video of fans placing flowers, stuffed animals, balloons, etc. at makeshift memorials for the famous basketball player, my husband asked me a really interesting question. He asked why people were so affected by his … [Read more...] about Why Do the Deaths of Public Figures Touch Us Deeply?
Moving Beyond Political Correctness to Kindness
I hear the term “politically correct” on a regular basis. Usually I hear it when someone is trying to describe individuals from a particular social identity group (individuals of a particular religion, individuals with a particular skin color, etc.). Until recently, I hadn’t given much thought to the term. However, I’ve thought about it … [Read more...] about Moving Beyond Political Correctness to Kindness
New Year, New Hope
Very little actually changes between December 31st and January 1st, yet many of us feel a sense of hope on January 1st that we didn’t feel on the previous night. We have a brand new year in front of us. This is a blank slate of sorts. We can change. Our situations can change. This sense of hope is particularly apropos because we celebrate … [Read more...] about New Year, New Hope
