The Beauty that Remains
During our year in France studying language, we would pass through a courtyard garden every day. The garden was home to flowers of many kinds. In bright pinks, yellows, and purples, they dotted the pathways and sidewalks, making our walks to school or church more enjoyable and beautiful. There was one rose bush that was […]
Remaining for a Purpose + Creamy Sweet Potato and Squash Soup
Can I make a confession? Sometimes, during this crazy pandemic year, I’ve wished I was somewhere else being forced to remain. America or Thailand have been the most often visited places during my daydreams. When I’m done wallowing and wishing my toes were in the sand, breathing clean air or letting my eyes soak in […]
Tree of Abiding
It seems that the older I get, the less complicated I need things to be. I have enough trouble remembering where my keys are, what I walked into a room for, or the right name to say when I call one of my kids. Anyone else afflicted with this? In addition to my family, there […]
This Week’s Theme: Remain
Stay here, Father? In this season of waiting, this country with closed borders, this situation that feels unending? While remaining (or not remaining) may not have been what we envisioned for this season, there is an anchor for our soul that keeps us steadfast through the storms and the stillness. Our God is unchanging, and […]
A Guided Prayer Practice for Those Who Remain
Lectio Divina, or a devotional reading of Scripture, invites us into contemplative prayer. Whether or not you are familiar with the practice, I invite you to find a quiet space and time to use the following guide. Commune with the Holy Trinity as you or someone you love remains on the field. Silencio Light a […]
Top 10 Reasons I Love Remaining
Our triune God values remaining. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. (John 15:4) In John 15:4-10 the word “Remain” is used eight times. Eight. The passage could almost read […]
And Yet We Stay
There have been the hard days. Days when I felt it in my body. Days when my waist grew from trying to distract myself from the noise of cultural adaptation. Days when my waist shrunk, first because of self-care, and then because i was too heartsick to feed myself. Days when my hair fell out […]