I am creating a series of art and poems based on the words Jesus spoke to women. This poem is based on the story of the woman at the well from John 4. I learned to see myselfthrough their gazea useful objector a cautionary talemy worth measured by the weight I carry I carry it wellin this one-well townbalanced on my hips just rightI can’t afford any softnessI suffer the heatTo avoid theirs the sweaty stranger at noonthrows off this balanceasks...
Well friends, the new year feels . . . like more of the movie Groundhog Day (and there were way too many wonderful Groundhog Day GIFs to choose from). I know this past week has been heavy and anxiety-inducing for many of us in this country, so here are a few things from the last week (and month or so) that I have enjoyed and learned from: I thought this article by Esau McCaulley, “Truth over power: It is...
I had started a lighter, more newsy post for this week . . . and then Wednesday happened. There is much to process and discuss. You might trace the history of white supremacy and voter suppression in this country. You might trace the history of white Christian nationalism in the evangelical church. You might look into the roots of right-wing extremism and internet conspiracy theories like QAnon. You might trace how all these things may have led to a...
First of all, HAPPY ADVENT SEASON! I hope that you have found doable ways to enter in and celebrate Jesus and all that He brings. I have done a wrap-up of Advent resources in previous years if you’re still looking for help: Advent Resources 2019Advent Resources 2018Advent Activities 2016Joy to the World Coloring PageGiving Art for Christmas (free and for purchase) As this wildest (and most difficult) ride of a year comes to a close, I am closing out...
I’ve been thinking and reading a lot about the church in America recently, especially through this last election season. When I observe the American church, I see some Christian speaking prophetically and faithfully. I see some grasping for political power, justifying whatever means for what is seen as a desirable end. Some go to war with the culture against the radical “other” on the other side. I see others withdraw into Christian “bubbles,” isolated from the culture of the...
I had a longer blog post planned for this week, but quite honestly I’m having a hard time keeping it together this week. Let’s just say the combination of three kids doing school at home all day plus the frustration of not getting to do all the things I’d like to do is draining for me. As I looked through some photos I snapped recently of old family photos at my mom’s house, I thought about my parents. I...
Maybe it’s classic American self-importance, but even if you’re not an American, I assume you know we have a big election next week? It’s been divisive and polarizing, to say the least. The rhetoric is heated and scoffing is rampant on both sides. And that’s inside the church (but not mine, necessarily, thankfully)! The most polarizing issues get attention, urgent issues get ignored (school funding reform anyone??!), and issues that shouldn’t be polarizing have been politicized (coronavirus, masks). We’re...
October 1, 2020
anxiety•books that shape me•prayer•Uncategorized•weakness•worry
A fierce love for dark days
One of the lessons I’ve learned in this pandemic is that it’s okay to be gentle with myself. It’s okay to show myself compassion and care. I’ve learned that my anxiety can get the better of me if I don’t pay attention to the warning signals my emotions send. In response, I have needed to allow myself extra rest and fewer demands (where possible, haha). “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”...
Here’s a little easy, relaxing, no-pressure art project you can try at home! I love playing with abstracts when you want to experiment with color mixing and not worry about “getting it right.” First grab these supplies (Amazon links are associate links*): watercolor paints (I use this Koi brand tray set, my kids use a tray set from Michael’s) brushes + water thick paper or watercolor paper cut into small rectangles optional: oil pastels, Nupastels, or chalk pastels for...
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