Emily Carson Over the course of a lifetime, it is likely we will all experience loss. Anyone who has gone through a major transition or the death of a loved one knows the consuming nature of deep sadness. Losses enter our lives in a multitude of forms. The deaths of grandparents, children, parents, […]
Elyssa J. Salinas When I hear someone say, “the body is a temple,” referring to how I should act toward my body in reference to God, I find that my entire body tenses up, my hands ball up into fists and I resist the urge to roll my eyes or cause physical harm to […]
by Meghan Aelabouni I have always loved the conversation in Mark’s gospel between Jesus and a father who pleads for healing for his son. The father describes the son’s ailment as an evil spirit: Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It […]
by Megan Rohrer Some people think faithful giving always comes from a cheerful giver with Good Samaritan values (generous without expectation of repayment in the future). But, the giving of biblical characters is much more diverse and human. In our own lives, our giving shifts based on our access to resources, trust of […]
by Emily Ewing As I ended my third year of college in Decorah, Iowa, in May of 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted what was, at the time, the largest immigration raid in U.S. history in the nearby town of Postville. They rounded up so many men, women, and children that the only […]
by Tiffany C. Chaney Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he shared with his disciples what has come to be known as “The Great Commission.” These final words from Jesus, found in Matthew 28, gave a foundation for mission for the disciples who shared the good news of Jesus in many different places among […]
by Katie Brantner In the course of one year, I moved from Kansas back to Pennsylvania, graduated from seminary, got married, and received my first call. My first few months in ministry I felt completely overwhelmed by all of the changes in my life. While the changes were exciting and something I had been looking […]
by Megan Jane Jones Some of us are natural risk takers. Others among us are a little more reluctant. But large and small, risk is part of life. It represents opportunity: to take a stand; to learn a skill; to initiate change; to build relationship; to embrace a truth. It can fill us with great […]
by Angela T. Kahbeb I just got back from the dentist with our 5-year-old son, Konami. A trip to the dentist is rarely a welcomed event for most children, but since our son has autism, it was especially challenging. Because of his limited speech, it is difficult for him to articulate his needs. […]
by Jenna Pulkowski The culture teaches us that we should avoid death for as long as possible. We are bombarded with the latest health information about what we need to do to lose weight, look younger, and live longer. Our society has an intense fear of death. Sometimes I marvel that we even […]