I spoke briefly last week about community. There is something amazing that happens when a group of people gathers together, digitally or otherwise, for a single purpose that is greater than them. There is release in knowing someone sees your warts but chooses you anyway But this pales in …
Community Dudes and Early Risers
Community is a tough word to define, depending on context. The “community center” means the place designed for a geographic area. The “community of believers” generally speaks to geography in part, but also a similarity of beliefs. And then there is Community, the sitcom filled with pop culture …
When Two Strangers Took Stuff From My House
Last Saturday, I had two complete strangers roll into my house and take most of my furniture. When they were done, I thanked them. And gave them donuts. These two strangers attend the same church as my family, and they came to help us move. Even though I had not met them, they came to help us …
A well woman
I am so excited to be sharing my stage today with Neil Rees. After nearly 30 years as in Christian missions in Spain Neil returned to the UK last year and now leads CLM church in Ormskirk. He is passionate about making Christianity real - whatever culture we live in - a subject that is the focus of …
You are Never Alone
Today, I am sharing part two of Joanne's story. Part One is here. Her story is one of triumph and faith through crazy disasters. She is truly one of my heroes. I am so excited to share her story. Be sure to read her story in her own words here. There are no easy answers on how to stay steadfast in …
Epilepsy and Guilt
Everyone in my family feels guilty because of my epilepsy. Often the first thing I hear from someone once I begin to recover from a seizure is, “I’m sorry.” They apologize for not catching me in time when I fall. For not noticing more quickly I was seizing. For the embarrassment I must feel over the …
Not Safe But Good
If you read my post yesterday, you saw that I was struggling with some things that occurred in a writing group I am involved with. I am a better writer because of the teaching and community in this group, but I felt constricted over certain events. So I did what any writer does – I wrote about it. …
There is No Plan Q, Not Even a Plan B
I have been dealing with epilepsy for 4 months, averaging 2 seizures a day. I expend energy every day trying to find the imaginary pattern to my seizures. Do I have a seizure when I sleep less? Does it happen when I sleep in too late? What if I drink too much milk? What about coffee in the …
Now Comes the Hard Part
We’ve been talking about thinking small to respond to the enormous tragedy that happened in Sandy Hook a few weeks ago. I took a break to focus on a few other topics, but wanted to finish that series tonight. If you thought sincere love and hospitality was a challenge, wait until we read what the …
Adele fatigue, seizure fatigue
I hate to admit it, but we have watched several singing competition shows in our house – American Idol (first season only), The Voice, The Sing-Off, and we even tried Duets. Maybe I should not admit this in the blogosphere, but I have enjoyed most of the episodes, even with the knowledge that this …
Do YOU Believe in Back-Handed Grace?
Have you ever found yourself grateful to God that things aren’t worse? I used to think of that as back handed grace, and almost offensive to the goodness of God. It just never seemed like I was operating from a place of strength when I said something like, “Well, it could always be worse. Thanks …