Church can be complicated. It's a place we go to feel at home, to find our place. Yet how many times have you walked into a gathering of the saints and felt foreign, invisible, a misfit, out of place? Oh my sisters, we can change this! For we need each other; in fact we were [...]
I can't think of a purer Daddy-daughter moment: the unfettered joy of her wrinkled nose and full mouth, and the deep satisfaction of his father's heart that's even bigger than that cookie. My husband often reminds me of the heart of Father God toward me and each one of His children. I had a moment yesterday [...]
The Quakers say it this way, when a member of the community comes to an impasse. When way closes, way will open. Such beauty and mystery in six small words. They resonate in my soul as truth, although I can't quite explain them. Sometimes the melody is sweet and hopeful; other times frustrating, clanging. How might one [...]
Suburban life is filled with convenience, but with those conveniences come a price. We lose touch with nature, with wide open spaces, with quiet. Mind, body and spirit, we need these experiences to maintain wholeness in the midst of a hectic lifestyle. These few intentional activities can do wonders to rejuvenate young and old -- and even [...]
Years ago I was laid out by a slipped vertebrae and disc in my lower back. During that season of pain, I found hope and freedom in places I would never have known if it weren't for the pain. That's the thing about the hard places, isn't it - they teach you how to see [...]
Last night was my long-awaited 40th birthday party. I rarely have expectations for an event centered on myself, but for the big 4-0, I was expectant. I deeply wanted what my husband had for his 40th: dozens of friends traveling from near and far bearing gifts and toasts and reasons why he is the best. [...]
Ears to the ground, I can hear the train a’ comin'......... the end of the school year. Some moms can’t wait till summer. I am not one of those moms. I think of endless hours of heat and sibling arguments and messes and empty space I am completely responsible for filling and I want to [...]
Caught up in a stream of joy Rushing with the royal throng To the center of Your heart Into the inner chamber To receive oxygen-love Red with life and breath and warmth Now flowing down and outward Propelled by rhythmed muscle Sent to give it all away Delivering nourishment, Strength, sustenance, and healing To this beautiful [...]
“Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.” Daniel 4:9 King Nebuchadnezzer demanded interpretation of his dream OR ELSE. After all, his kingdom could be [...]
Rachel Norris 