Brilliant pastor Stephanie Lobdell has written her first book. It will be the first of many, I have no doubt, because she writes with eloquence and grace, as one who has both traveled a difficult road and found God faithful in surprising ways along the journey. Signs of Life: Resurrecting Hope Out of Ordinary Losses … More Signs of Life: Resurrecting Hope Out of Ordinary Losses
Looking for some food for thought this Holy Week? Check out these five good reads. (And don’t look now, but these are all written by women. Brilliant, theologically minded women. Pretty sure Jesus is smiling about that one.) Fleming Rutledge’s “Redeemed by Death and Resurrection,” an excerpt from her book, The Crucifixion. “A declaration of amnesty … More 5 Good Reads for Holy Week
A heartening lesson from the one who went before us. … More Seen, Heard, and Understood
Our senior pastor preached a couple of weeks ago on the John 14 and the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used for the Spirit in this passage can be translated dozens of ways, from comforter to encourager to helper to guide. Dale Brunner translates it “true friend.” The NRSV and the NIV … More Encourager, Guide, Comforter… Doula? * 10 Minute Devotional
Because we all need a little pick-me-up now and then. 1. Don’t text. Call. Hearing an actual human voice when you’re down can feel like a lifeline. If your friend is introverted, he probably won’t pick up. That’s okay. Leave a message with a boost in it. If you’re calling an extravert, boom, you just made her … More 10 Ways to Encourage a Friend
The fam is taking a little breather from normal life this weekend. I’ll be back with a fresh post (by a great guest-writer!) tomorrow, but for today, please enjoy one of this blog’s greatest hits — also featured on Huffington Post! — from 2016. 10 Things Not to Say to a Postpartum Mom Postpartum women face … More 10 Things Not to Say to a Postpartum Mom (Greatest Hits)
If I could have a conversation with myself ten years ago, this is what I’d say. 1. Following fashion trends is overrated You’ll think those flared jeans are dorky in five years anyway. Stick to the classics, have some fun with your wardrobe, and don’t worry as much about keeping up with the fads. Save … More 10 Things I’d Tell My 20-Something Self
There’s a hilarious and right-up-to-the-line of inappropriate viral video about moms and swimsuits out there this week. It’s hilarious because it is true. Most swimsuits out there just aren’t designed for a normal mom who wants to have a normal day at the beach (i.e., swimming, chasing kids, fixing lunches, changing diapers, moving around and not … More 5 Reasons to Make Peace With the Mommy Swimsuit
The knock at the door was followed immediately by a yell. “I have a smoothie for you!” My friend Katie was at my seminary apartment uninvited. Again. Katie always seemed to forget that I’m an introvert. (Pretty sure that “introvert” is just Latin for “call before you come over.”) She handed me a blueberry-yogurt-pineapple concoction … More Essential Friendship * 10 Minute Devotional
Nothing is sacred That boy you like? That sweater you saved up for over a month to buy? The verbal tic you can’t seem to get over? That boy will be told of your feelings. That sweater will be borrowed (without asking) and stained. That verbal tic will be mocked incessantly. Welcome to having siblings. 2. … More 10 Lessons Siblings Teach You
Courtney Ellis 