Today I Retreated
Today I retreated. I went on an Infinitum retreat in Bowen Island, B.C. outside of Vancouver. This was not the typical retreat I go on. Normally the retreats I attend are more times of spiritual renewal through sessions: musical worship, teaching, maybe some breakouts or workshops. These weekends usually also have some rest elements, like […]
Today I Choose Curiosity
“I can’t believe they’re spraying gas on the plane!” The words came from an inexperienced flyer seated around me. I looked out the window curiously, wondering what could have possibly made her think that was happening. When you’re sitting at the gate ready to take off, there’s a lot going on. Meals and snacks are […]
An Unexpected Gift of Cross-Cultural Communication
One of the many blessings and excitements of my work is the opportunity to travel to a different culture, over and over again. I’ve visited the same community of San Ramón, Costa Rica five times over the course of two years. The more I am there, the more I can see the gifts of this […]
What You Wish You Knew About Intimacy
This post was written by Angela Griffith, the Christian Sexpert. Learn more at thechristiansexpert.com. Christians receive a lot of conflicting messaging about sex and our sexual selves, especially women. Our greater American society is certainly over-sexualized. In response, many churches tried to overcompensate as a way to protect their young people, but we wound up […]
So We’re Not Heroes
Have you seen the new Netflix movie, KPop Demon Hunters? After hearing “Golden,” the hit song from the movie on TikTok, I finally watched it. It’s on par with Frozen, Moana, or Encanto as far as catchy tunes go! Don’t be surprised if you see lots of Mira’s, Rumi’s, and Zoey’s for Halloween this year. […]
The Gift of Dependence
I just got home from another ministry event. It was the Abide Conference, a one-day experience of learning what it means to abide in God’s love. This is an event my friend Cyndi Staudt and I have collaborated on for two years now. Each conference has been the definition of the “immeasurably more than all […]
Today I Said Thank You
Today I said, “thank you.” I wrote thank-you cards to the men and women who recently joined me on a mission trip in Costa Rica. Really, I should call them reflection cards. Because unlike a regular “thank you” card where I express gratitude for them coming, I shared reflections from their experience on the trip. […]
Today I Made Plans
Today I made plans. Usually I would specify, “I planned a trip” or “I made a meal plan.” Not today! Today’s plans were both general and specific, as I set up my calendar for the month. One of my favorite monthly routines is to set up my schedule. I also do a smaller version of […]
The Secret of Abiding
What does it mean to abide? If you’ve read John 15, you’ve probably asked this question. Or maybe your translation says “remain” instead of “abide.” What does it mean to “remain” in God? If we look at this question from a theological standpoint, it honestly seems a bit silly–because God is always with us. You […]
Navigating Feelings
Few things in life are more confusing than feelings. Both our own and others’. Navigating feelings is a journey that truly doesn’t end. We learn to acknowledge and appreciate our own feelings, but not all at once. It can be hard to value your own joy when no one around you is ready to feel […]