Liturgy of Joy

Thanksgiving or gratitude are words commonly used throughout the season of Fall, especially in November. And then easily discarded, our focus moving toward hope, peace, and joy in a new season. Yet, gratitude is a concept best woven into our daily rhythms beyond one season. Thanksgiving is a word that might actually lead us on…

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Liturgy of Peace

Our English word for peace holds meaning for more than one type of peace. Peace can refer to inner peace, tranquility, or outer peace, a state in which no war exists. The Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, refers to the appearance of calm and tranquility. In Greek, the word for peace Eirenen means unity and…

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Liturgy of Hope

Mary, a young girl, was likely in the throws of planning her wedding, anticipating her future, when her life was interrupted. Having a baby out of wedlock could easily have left her feeling hopeless. Yet, when faced with the unexpected, Mary did not appear to lose hope. Instead, she responded to the angel, “Let it…

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Reflections on the Opposing Sides of Comfort.

I’ve been wrestling with comfort, defining and understanding a healthy approach to comfort. Google comfort, and you are likely to find quotes and articles about stepping out of your comfort zone in order to achieve greatness. Article after article will tell you that living in your comfort zone keeps you in a mental state that…

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A New Perspective On Creativity

The word creative was not a word I ever considered when identifying myself. I am not spontaneous or easygoing, a talented artist, a musician, or a poet. Instead, I am structured, a planner, and an organizer of people and things. Yes, I had preconceived notions of what it looked like to be a creative person….

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Choosing Joy in the Midst of Hard Things

Have you noticed how hard things tend to happen in clusters, some say in threes? The dishwasher breaks, the garage door won’t open, and of course, you get a flat tire. But those are just minor annoyances. Perhaps, you are in the midst of a challenging season of parenting when a dear friend finds out…

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