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Category Archives: Living Simply
The Contemplative Life
I’ve always been intrigued by the writings of monks and priests—Thomas Merton, Brennan Manning, Brother Lawrence. Manning used to spend months alone in a cave, with no companion except God, and though part of me cringes at the idea of such solitude, another part of me understands it. I live continually with a relentless longing to beContinue reading “The Contemplative Life”
Our Beloved Church Props and the Presence of God
How have we, the American Church, managed to make the Sunday experience so complicated while simultaneously stripping it of the presence of God? Perhaps it’s because we suspect that God is insufficient—that His sweet, savage presence is not enough—and so we’ve overwhelmed and burdened ourselves with props. We tell ourselves we’re promoting God with ourContinue reading “Our Beloved Church Props and the Presence of God”
2016: Holding Nothing Back in Pursuit of God
Do you already feel defeated in your resolution to pursue God in 2016 like never before? Let’s talk about that. (Forgive the video editing glitches, I’m still learning!)
A Word About Fasting
My husband is at a monastery for a few days this week. Those who know him would find this comical: he’s a long-haired, tattooed hippie with a disreputable past who loves his motorcycle and ragged jeans. Even so, when I talked to him last night, he said the monastery felt familiar. The reason for thisContinue reading “A Word About Fasting”
The Trouble with Hoarding
One of the things that the Old Testament manna represents is the basic necessities of life, which God provides when we seek Him above and beyond anything else. The Message puts it this way: “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will beContinue reading “The Trouble with Hoarding”
A Post-Christmas Confession
I admit: I’m always giddy with relief when Christmas is over. The reason for this is that every year, it becomes more painful and even embarrassing to witness the great, sad irony of Christmas: the effort we put forth trying to convince ourselves and the world that Jesus is the Reason for a season thatContinue reading “A Post-Christmas Confession”
What Are You Waiting For?
What would we do if Jesus walked into our living rooms tonight and said, “I’ll make you a deal: detach yourself from all of this. Stop chasing the American dream and instead live on minimum resources, and I promise you’ll never regret it. Stop believing the lie that a responsible Christian must have a 401(k),Continue reading “What Are You Waiting For?”
How to Shave $29,852 Off the Cost of a Wedding
According to CNN, the average cost of a wedding has hit the 30-thousand-dollar mark. Someone, please, please tell me … WHY? Expensive weddings make me cringe. I understand the desire to gather one’s family and friends, wear a pretty dress, and commemorate the day with quality photos. But this does not require $30,000, or evenContinue reading “How to Shave $29,852 Off the Cost of a Wedding”
Neither Poverty Nor Riches
The American concept of “enough” is so warped that we equate being horribly in debt with success. We do not own our houses; they own us. Even the most affluent among us is often just a paycheck or two away from disaster. But the writer of Proverbs 30 prayed, “Give me neither poverty nor riches,Continue reading “Neither Poverty Nor Riches”
