I struggled to make friends in high school. Part of it was my bookish, introverted nature. The larger part was that I assumed I only needed one friend. I bought into the BFF thing, believing that there was one person out there who could be my be-all and end-all in the friend department. I was wrong. … More 10 Friends Every Woman Needs
I love date night. From my first days with Daryl, I looked forward to catching up on life. I lived for our occasional road trips together because they meant hours to just hang out with my very favorite person. When we got married, we kept the date nights going. Every couple of weeks or so we’d head … More 10 Questions for Date Night
[Newbornlandia, week six. In which my eyes no longer open all the way because: TIRED.] A couple of weeks ago my husband preached a sermon on humility. It was one of his best (ironic, I know, being that it was on humility – you can find it here if you’re interested). Sitting in the congregation that Sunday I … More Saying Yes and Other Lessons in Humility
At the ripe old age of 33, I’ve been to more funerals than most my age. Some I’ve attended as a friend or family member, but most I’ve officiated at as a pastor. Each one has been as unique as the person who died, each has been an honor, and each has had its own lessons … More 10 Lessons from Funerals
I’ve been thinking a lot about help lately. Since the birth of our second son, we have had loads of help. My mom stayed with us for three weeks. Late one night Wilson cried for a couple of hours and refused to be soothed by all the usual remedies. His tummy was full, his diaper was … More Top 10 Ways to Help a New Mom
So how? How can we settle down the busyness, the anxiety, the constant swarm of activities and practice God’s blessing of Sabbath rest? If we want to take seriously God’s words of life—knowing that these commands are made for us, that, as Jesus says in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath is made for people,” to help … More The How – Sabbath Part 3
Why do people say rude things to pregnant women? It’d be comical if it wasn’t so annoying. Now that Baby #2 is on the outside, I’m not on the receiving end of these comments anymore. (Can you HEAR the hallelujahs?) But for those of you who are currently pregnant, feel free to send this link to everyone you … More Top 10 Things Not to Say to a Pregnant Woman
If you haven’t read it, start with last Friday’s introductory post on Sabbath here. Have you ever been given a gift you didn’t really want? When I graduated high school one of my favorite teachers gave me four rolls of quarters at my graduation party. Sure, it was $40, but it seemed a really odd … More But Why? Sabbath Practice Part 2
Churchgoers have a pastor. Pastors have pastors, too. Folks who have mentored us, worked alongside us, prayed for us, listened to us. Folks who invite us in from the cold when the tough gets going, who help us to gather around the warm fireplace of Scripture and friendship and encourage us to remember once again … More My Friend Eugene
I once rode a hospital elevator to visit a friend recovering from surgery and this really good looking guy got on. This was back in my single days, so I entertained a brief fantasy about how his name was probably Sean and he’d notice my stylish leather jacket and ask me to dinner and we’d go … More Fully Known, Fully Loved
Courtney Ellis 