Every time I’ve been on social media lately, I’ve logged off feeling like I need to take a shower. The vitriol in the public sphere seems to be reaching a fevered pitch. We must speak truth in love. We must stand against injustice. We must be a people of action, not just words. But … More When it Gets Ugly Out There * 10 Minute Devotional
I’ve taken on too much this semester. You know the feeling. You’ve done it too. Maybe not this semester, but at some point you have taken on too much. Feel the tightening in your chest, the pressure bearing down on your shoulders, your racing thoughts. There is not enough time; there will never be enough … More Weary & Burdened * 10 Minute Devotional
It’s kind of a mess out there, isn’t it? Tensions are running high. Democrat vs. Republican. Black Lives Matter vs. Blue Lives Matter. Young vs. Old. Rich vs. Poor. Us vs. Them. Policies vs. People. So much is broken. When I get up to preach these days I feel a lot of weight on my … More Doing Good Anyway * 10 Minute Devotional
My husband thinks its adorable that I change into pajama pants the minute I get home. (I married well in that he thinks it’s adorable and not some sort of neurosis.) I like to be comfortable! Really, who doesn’t? The problem comes when I decide that comfort is the ultimate goal of my spiritual life, too. … More God of Discomfort * 10 Minute Devotional
A few months ago, Daryl and I arrived home in separate cars around the same time. He parallel parked (we live in a townhouse and park on the street outside) and walked over to me, a big grin on his face, his arms open wide for a hug. I couldn’t meet his gaze. My … More Chin Up * 10 Minute Devotional
We have a video of my then two-year old niece sitting in a university auditorium watching a choir and orchestra rehearse. She was bouncing around, climbing over and under the seats and just generally being a toddler. Then the musicians started practicing the Hallelujah Chorus. Suddenly she fell utterly silent and still. “What is that song?” she whispered, … More A Brand New Song * 10 Minute Devotional
As a 90s youth group kid, I spent a lot of years singing songs that haven’t aged particularly well. There is the line in “Knowing You” that tells God “you’re the BEST,” like he’s a super good mailman or something. There are the dorky motions to “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” There is the overwrought chorus to … More Where’s the Help? * 10 Minute Devotional
I live in California. AKA paradise. Except for home prices, traffic, and the occasional earthquake, it’s pretty amazing here. One of my favorite parts of southern California is the palm tree. You can’t throw a rock in my neighborhood without hitting one. You can’t drive a block without spotting one. To me, palm trees say: … More Let Your Roots Be Crazy * 10 Minute Devotional
My husband hates awkward conversations. Back when we were dating, there would be a natural pause in the conversation and he’d turn red and look at me with fear and say, “Well, this is awkward.” I think conversational silences are nice – a way to breathe and regroup and think and just be together. But … More Seasoned with Salt * 10 Minute Devotional
My three year old son is rarely blatantly disobedient. Sure, he’ll occasionally steal a toy from another kid on the playground, and I’ve had to tell him more than once that his feet do not belong on his dinner plate. But by and large he’s an easy kid. A good listener. Which is why I … More The Wages of Cin-namon * 10 Minute Devotional
Courtney Ellis 