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Interrupting the Shame Cycle
Thanks to the generosity of my sister in funding the trip, my mom and stepdad are in town for a week-long visit. It’s so great to have them here—the girls are absolutely in grandparent heaven: And we’re all enjoying the chance to visit and catch-up in person. But in addition to the good times, my mom and I have been tempted to slip back into a really unpleasant relational cycle. It looks something like this: 1. My mom feels like she’s “not good enough.” That we’re unhappy with her in some way. That she doesn’t measure up. 2. She says something self-deprecating that implies I’m being critical of her. (Which,…
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Visual Theology – The One Anothering Verses of Holy Scripture
Are you following the visual theology posts of Challies.com? I am and I absolutely love them. Today’s visual theology was particularly beautiful. I immediately forwarded it on to my pastors, elder, and husband as a thank you for not only calling us all to live out the one-another verses in Scripture, but also for praying for us and helping us to obey. Enjoy! (You’ll need to click through to the high-res version to read all of the verses and really see its beauty.)
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If You Fly Regularly, You REALLY Need to do TSA PRE-CHECK
In just over four months, I have flown 25,366 air miles. That’s a lot of flights! And a lot of airports. Today? I just had one of THE BEST, most WONDERFUL experiences in airports EVER. It started badly: I saw hundreds and hundreds of people in the TSA security line at the Las Vegas airport. (Apparently, they process over 100,000 people EACH DAY. Yeek!) But there was a First Class/Premier flyer line (always a blessing) with only four people in it. So that was great—but wait! There’s more. When the agent scanned my boarding pass, it directed me to the TSA Pre-Check Line and there I experienced EASE and COMFORT…
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Ken Sande to Leave Peacemaker Ministries
Just in case you haven’t already heard the news … Ken Sande is stepping down from his leadership position at Peacemaker Ministries. You can read his personal letter here to learn more about the decision. Of course the entire Peacemaker family will miss having him in the office (he will still remain a close ministry supporter and friend). But we are all cheering him on as he is so excited to develop his new paradigm (“relational wisdom”). I remember the first time he showed me its graphic on his iPhone when we were seated across the aisle from one another on a late flight home to Billings earlier this spring.…
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Five Sets of FIVE Peacemaking Books Being Given Away Today at Challies.com!
I rarely look out of airplane windows when I travel. I just fly too much to find it interesting. But even I was ensorceled by the landscape surrounding Las Vegas as we made our approach last night. What a beautiful state! What a beautiful city. (It really is! There is so much more to Las Vegas than the seven-deadly-sins-encouraging-Strip.) And how I love the way the church where I am speaking this weekend (at their women’s retreat) loves their community. The members and leaders have such a heart for the people of Las Vegas and such confidence in the saving, justifying, sanctifying, adopting power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.…
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Ken Sande’s Endorsement of “Redeeming Church Conflicts”
How blessed we were by Ken Sande’s generous offer to record an endorsement video for “Redeeming Church Conflicts.” A number of other endorsements are also included: Dennis Johnson (Westminster CA), Timothy George (Beeson Divinity School), Glenn Waddell (Birmingham Theological Seminary), Bob Kellemen (Biblical Counseling Coalition), Andrew Zeller (sangre de Christo Seminary), and Nancy Guthrie (author and speaker). (PS—If you enjoy the video, would you please consider posting it on your blog or FaceBook account? That would be super! Thanks!)
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Trailer for “Redeeming Church Conflicts”
We enjoyed many still photos on our videotaping day. Brooke Moore Photography always goes above and beyond the call to get the shot. We are thrilled with our new professional headshot photos: And chuckling over some silly/poetic shots the photographer wanted to take … But our favorites are the backstage pics. They really give you a sweet peek into our day. You’ll see Ken Sande working hard to prepare: And the team gathering at the beginning of the day to pray: May God be glorified! We did our best. Now we entrust our feeble efforts to the Lord—-may He use them for His glory and the building up of…
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Tried to Avert My Ears
During our long cuddle and talk times today, Sophia and I discussed many topics. One of my favorite nuggets from the day had to do with the topic of how greater freedom brings greater responsibility. I was giving her a bunch of hypotheticals (which she just LOVES) and she was sharing about different situations she’s been in with other children her age. In one retelling she told me: “I tried to avert my ears, Mom.” And I thought to myself, “What a fun turn of phrase. And a wise choice.”
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Ye who think of sin but lightly …
STRICKEN, SMITTEN AND AFFLICTED Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree! ‘Tis the Christ by man rejected; Yes, my soul, ’tis He, ’tis He! ‘Tis the long expected prophet, David’s Son, yet David’s Lord; Proofs I see sufficient of it: ‘Tis a true and faithful Word. Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning, Was there ever grief like His? Friends through fear His cause disowning, Foes insulting his distress: Many hands were raised to wound Him, None would interpose to save; But the deepest stroke that pierced Him Was the stroke that Justice gave. Ye who think of sin but lightly, Nor suppose the evil great,…
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Love Makes Us Vulnerable
There were just so many great comments and insights during the Q&A for Grace Redeemer’s Women’s Retreat! I only wish I could have enjoyed learning from those women even more. What depth. What patience with my weaknesses! What faith in the Son of God and love for His Bride. Truly, ladies, I was honored to be with you all! And since so many of you noted it on your feedback cards, here is C.S. Lewis quote that I paraphrased when we talked about how risky it is to love: ‘To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If…
