Blog
-
Watercolor Wednesday: The Color of Life
Color makes for intrigue – just look at the splashes of vibrancy my dad uses in this painting. Why not turn his artwork into a writing prompt? Who is this woman? Who or what is she waiting for, and why? What happens next, and what went on before?
-
Devotional of the week: Spirit led (4 in Fruit of the Spirit series)
…Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. Galatians 5:15–21 Paul, true to…
-
Five-Minute Friday: Moving Beyond Sloth
In the past couple of months, when people would ask me how I am, I’d often reply, “Tired.” I have been weary to the bone; tired in body and spirit. Writing two books in quick succession, powering through my MA in Christian spirituality all in a too-compressed time period, and some personal issues have left…
-
Watercolor Wednesday: Harnessing the Wind
I’ve been remiss in sharing my dad’s paintings! Sorry if you’ve missed the way he expresses what he sees through his art. I’m back, and promise to be more consistent. I love this sailboat painting of his – it’s a biggish work that we have hanging in our hallway. I see motion and freedom and…
-
Devotional of the week: Free from; free to (3 in Fruit of the Spirit series)
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:7–14) In the text we’re reading this week, Paul doesn’t shy away from strong language. If it doesn’t put you off your cereal or sandwich, think through exactly what he’s saying in verse 12. Yes, this is no…
-
Devotional of the week: True freedom (2 in Fruit of the Spirit series)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1–6 When we think of the fruit of the Spirit, often we will think of this list as found in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Many a sermon has…
-
New Devotional Series: Living a Fruitful Life – The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
I’ve had a bit of a break from posting devotional thoughts, but am delighted to share this one on the fruits of the Spirit. As it’s Lent, the season of preparing for Easter (why should you observe Lent?), it seems appropriate to focus on how God can bring forth fruit in our lives. Thank you…
-
Why Lent?: How to Enrich Your Faith Before Easter
As one who grew up in a church that uses set prayers in its services and observes seasons and rituals, I’ve known the season of Lent from my childhood. For me it’s an important time to prepare myself for Jesus’ death and resurrection; it’s a yearly reminder of my sins, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross,…
-
Five Minute Friday: Replenish the empty stores
“How long did it take for you to write the books and complete the MA?” “Three years,” I said. “And how long do you think you’d give someone else to do that?” “Hmmm…. Probably five years.” “So you’re two years ahead! You can take some time off.” As I think about a conversation with…
-
Watercolor Wednesday: A Day in the Mountains
On a day in January, when I’ve lived in England twenty years, I think back to the ski trips in the mountains of the American West Coast, or the hills of Minnesota where I grew up, and I get a bit nostalgic. If you have mountains to gaze at today, enjoy them for me!
