New Year resolutions are the most common and widely practiced rhythm of reflection in our culture, and these can be helpful and good. Same with choosing one word to be mindful of in the year. I, myself, have found this practice very meaningful. Do those things, but may I suggest a pre-requisite? Start with prayer. Before you choose a word or make a resolution start with another rhythm of reflection: a new year's prayer. I'll walk you through one. You can do this individua

In the rush of our days and amidst all the sound pollution we experience, we become numb to sound, especially sounds which come from an invisible source. When we do not see the bird before us, we may not give much attention to its song and may move on without even hearing it. But there is another sound which comes from an invisible source we are prone to miss. It, too, is very real, a constant in our presence but we often miss it because we are not tuned in to listen. It's th

Seeing these lies are impacting girls as young as first grade, I believe we must start this conversation and teach them early and often. One way to reinforce this message for those in early childhood is through the beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. His book, The Shape of Me and Other Stuff, can be a great launchpad for a more intentional conversation about how we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Let's dive in.

Beauty. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. How it touches each of us deeply. Moves us toward something, moves us even toward sacrifice and to let go of the grip that self has on us. I've heard it said, "Beauty will save us."

Time to share the stories we've read and wisdom we've gained in the last year.

Sharing the stories we've read and wisdom we've gained in the last year. I continued my commitment to read at least one book a month, and now I want to share my favorites with you.

Sickness has a way of taking even the most devoted out. Like the one from the unforgettable Thanksgiving, some sickness comes to us, not because we haven't been fed but because we're feasting on the wrong thing. Friend, it greatly matters on what we choose to feast. We can feast on knowledge, but without humility and wisdom, it will only leave us puffed up and sick. Or, we can feast on awe and wonder.

Why did God reveal Jesus' birth the way He did? God, beaming as the proud Father He is, He didn't write it in the skies though He could have. He didn't release all of creation to clap their hands and sing for their Creator though He could have. He didn't tell the ones who society held as most important - the kings and political figures, not even the religious leaders as we'll soon uncover.

Unlike the wise men, James didn't have to pack up his belongings for a month-long trip. He didn't have to go out of country or even out of town. In fact, he didn't have to leave his house! He grew up as a sibling of Jesus. He had the unique perspective of a front-row seat to Jesus, celebrated so many of Jesus' birthdays with him, yet each of those Christmases he missed because he did not believe.