Why Is Worshiping God Together So Beautiful?

Why Is Worshiping God Together So Beautiful?

Before I was married, I worshiped with a lovely community of believers in Portland, a church planted in the days following World War 2, in which early services were conducted in Norwegian. Some of my friends and colleagues in ministry were second or third generation church members with roots deeply planted in that community and… Continue reading Why Is Worshiping God Together So Beautiful?

Prayers from a Mother’s Heart Because We’re All Mothers Together

Prayers from a Mother's Heart

When I have visiting grandchildren on a Sunday morning, sometimes I get to sit with them in the church nursery. It's a break for their mother and a treat for me. On a Sunday morning nursery date with Ruthie, we had a packed house with every rocking chair occupied and mums sitting on the floor… Continue reading Prayers from a Mother’s Heart Because We’re All Mothers Together

2 Good Reasons to Keep Showing Up at Your Church

2 Good Reasons to Keep Showing Up at Your Church

When my husband and I were still a โ€œyoung couple,โ€ we used to laugh over an imagined scenario at our church: Whatever happened to that young couple with all the boys?โ€ โ€œHavenโ€™t you heard?  They divorced โ€“ someone said that they just grew apart, that they didnโ€™t know each other anymore.โ€ โ€œNo!  They were here… Continue reading 2 Good Reasons to Keep Showing Up at Your Church

What Is Truth and Why Is It Important?

What Is Truth and Why Is It Important?

I'm planning a party for the kids who attend the church I call home. On the first Sunday in September, we will celebrate Promotion Sunday--and we'll do it with Promotion Sundaes! Before we start a new year of classes, we're going to pile ice cream and sticky toppings into bowls and pause to give thanks… Continue reading What Is Truth and Why Is It Important?

What to Do When You Think You’ve Found the Perfect Church

As the old saying goes, if you think you've finally found the perfect church, run like crazy before you ruin it.

Church has been the influence that has pushed me, challenged me to a greater faithfulness, and stretched me outside my comfort zone. It has also been the pebble in my shoe, the sandpaper which has knocked off some of my rough edges. There's no doubt about it:ย  Church can be difficult. By definition, church is… Continue reading What to Do When You Think You’ve Found the Perfect Church