We turn into the open gate, the familiar crunch of gravel under our tires. Stepping out of the car, the scent of the pine forest fills my nostrils, evoking twenty-five years-worth of fond memories in this place. Already late for the first evening meeting, we head for the auditorium nestled in the trees. A towering, thickly forested mountain juts skyward in the background. Such beauty. Every year, I breathe in the sight. We hurry to join the others from our church network. For a good chunk of our lives, we have worshiped alongside these people, experiencing stirring messages and Continue Reading
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Why I long to see gender equality in the Church
It was a simple enough assignment—reflect on the last eight weeks of class and share how I’ve grown spiritually by studying Luke-Acts. Little did I know I’d need a box of tissues at the ready. After discussing what I learned from the three texts we had read, I began to articulate something that touched me deeply. Permit me to share a portion of my recent spiritual formation essay: "One thing that was emphasized in this class is Jesus’ intentional and constant outreach to the oppressed and excluded, particularly women. Addressing this topic has a two-fold effect on Continue Reading
How Jesus’ Incarnation inspires awe in believers
Judah stretched and yawned, absently fondling the soft ears of the sheep lying nearest him. Shepherd’s Field was quiet at night, as usual. The tiny town of Bethlehem lay just down the road. Not much going on there tonight, either. Judah didn’t mind. He was a thoughtful lad, an animal-loving daydreamer. The older shepherds often teased him about his wandering imagination. “The boy’s mind must be in the heavenlies again!” Zebediah would say, causing the others to chuckle and shake their heads. Despite the teasing, Judah enjoyed his apprenticeship as a Levitical shepherd. It Continue Reading
How joy and celebration reveal what is sacred about human life
It’s been a perfect August vacation afternoon. The smoke and rain have cleared enough for my husband and I to enjoy a lakeside hike in Grand Teton National Park. The mountains’ jagged grey peaks jut high into the sky, ribbons of snow still clinging along north-facing crevices. A family of Canadian geese glide on jade-colored waters which mirror the mountains. A white-footed hare forages near the trail. It’s quiet. My soul drinks in the scene the way a thirsting desert wanderer gulps fresh water. Such beauty. Such magnificence. We’re still marveling at what we’ve seen as we make Continue Reading