Blog
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What I Read in 2022
Books of 2022: Six endorsements for wonderful Christian books and six general-market recommendations. (Here are the round-ups from past years.) I’ve read about 35 books this year, which is down by about 15 or 20 in a usual year. Two reasons for that – one is that after 16 years of running the Woman Alive…
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The joy of giving thanks
Happy Thanksgiving! I love the American holiday of Thanksgiving—a time set apart for family, friends, feasting, and turning our hearts toward gratitude. Living in the UK, we’ll host our gathering on Saturday, but we’re grateful to be able to go to the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral this morning to sing our praises to God…
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“Prayerful Noticing” by Alison Roberts: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I’ve got such a treat for you with Alison’s wonderful ponderings about prayer and life and shifting an outlook through a simple practice. I’ve written about the way of praying that is the examen, but Alison’s pared-down approach is one that I could incorporate into my life. Her vivid descriptions will capture your imagination; enjoy!…
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“Prayerful Remembrance” by Kate Nicholas: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I appreciate Kate’s statement that we can move forward as we look back. In fact, one of the 7 ways to pray in my book is the prayer of examen – just that! Kate encourages us to chart out our soul’s stories in writing as an act of prayerful remembrance. I hope you’ll consider doing…
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Preparing for Christmas
The Advent and Christmas seasons will be here in seemingly the blink of an eye! If you think the season will be busy for you, why not get yourself a copy or two of Celebrating Christmas, a gorgeous book of my dad’s art with my reflections? Its short readings and beautiful paintings pack a lot…
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“Prayer Journalling” by Vicki Cottingham: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I love hearing how God brings Scripture alive in the lives of his people, and appreciate Vicki sharing her experience of Bible journalling and how through it God revealed an area of lack in her life. I trust you too will find encouragement here. How could you journal with the Bible today? My son and…
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Praying with a Painting: Blossoming like trees
I’m happy to share this wonderful painting by my dad that I recently featured in my monthly newsletter. I love the movement and color as I imagine the trees clapping their hands, all worshiping God together, even as they prepare to hibernate for the winter. We all need times of rest and repair, moments to…
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“Anytime Is Prayer Time” by Joy A. Mead: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
So encouraging to read Joy’s reflections on her early-parenting years and how God met her through them. She shares how she turned the mundane moments of sweeping up the breakfast crumbs into a time of communion with God. Whatever your season of life, I think you’ll be inspired. Reflecting back to my time as a…
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“Enjoying the Waiting Room” by Ruthann Yeaton: 7 Ways to Pray blog series
I’ve appreciated getting to know Ruthann recently and have been moved and inspired by how she is negotiating life after the death of her husband. Her prayer life is blossoming and she’s feeling God’s nearness. I think you’ll be inspired too! I have been journaling my journey as a widow since the passing of my…
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Praying with a Painting: Blessing the land
We’ve enjoyed some beautiful sunsets and sunrises lately, which this wonderful painting of my dad’s evokes in my mind. This scene makes me think of visiting the farms of my relatives from both sides in the Midwest. I appreciated the wide-open spaces, the cats running around the barn, the rows of corn ready to be…
