I have an obsession with bodies of water. If it is an ocean, lake, pond, river, swimming pool or hot tub, then I want to be near it, on it or in it. I grew up being around water: fishing, sailing, floating, tubing, etc. We had to drive across a bridge every day to get…
Tag: God
We Need Each Other
In July, I had the great privilege of joining our Senior High students and adults on their mission trip to Indianapolis, Indiana. As many know, I have lots of experience with children birth – sixth grade, but I have always been a little intimidated by them once they move on to junior high and high…
Let’s Taco ‘Bout It
For a while now, I’ve wondered what it would be like to have set hours out in the community on a regular basis. As part of our #WithOurNeighbors emphasis this summer, I decided to spend Thursday nights at Rosa’s Café. Every Thursday night this summer (except for VBS Open House and 4th of July), I…
The Journey
This week I am on vacation, so this blog was written in anticipation of some time away in one of my favorite places: the mountains of Colorado. I know some people are beach people, but I am a mountain person. I long for the cooler weather, the sound of a gurgling stream or river, the…
Finding Shelter
The arrows fly, ten thousand fall Still, You protect me through it all The waters rise, the oceans rage Still, You’re the One the storm obeys From the opening notes, the song Shelter by Vertical Worship caught my attention. They speak of the reality of God’s presence in the face of the chaos of life….
Pain and Light
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:18-19 The Caregiving: Space for Grace Support group that I lead here at FUMC…
The Ribbon
Rachel started it. She brought some ribbons she’d made to church the Sunday after General Conference. Then, the next day, she brought more to our Open Hearts Group meeting. Everyone wanted one. We decided we’d make more and put them out at church—in case other people might want to wear one. By the way, if…
There Won’t Be Enough Movie Nights
Aimee and I went on a daytime date on Sunday to see Avengers: Endgame. Again. I cried. Again. That’s not what this blog is about. We got home and my daughters wanted to know if we liked it, and why we wanted to see it a second time. I tried to explain it to them,…
Jen’s Top 10
We receive so many well wishes and support each year in the days leading up to Vacation Bible School (VBS) and this year was no different. We hear things such as: “I hope you all have a great week!”, “I know it will be a great success!” and “I can’t wait to hear how many…
Closer to God
How many times in my life have I been envious of those who get up an hour early each morning for devotional/scripture reading and prayer time? I imagine them in a comfy chair in a clean room with a cup of coffee or tea and a candle lit. These people always seem to have an…
Being Uncomfortable
In a conversation last week I was told, “growth only happens when people are uncomfortable”. And let me tell you, it has been rattling around in my brain ever since! It seems there are a multitude of applications for this idea. Comfort is no place for change and growth. It’s not just that growth causes…
A Testimony of God’s Goodness
Home for me was the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. When I was twelve, something happened that changed the life of my family and me. My little brother (who was ten) and I were playing with a box of matches when we accidentally lit a fire on some stubble my father kept in the…
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