Some of the most egregious hurt and harm comes from those inside the church. Pastors harm people, elder boards harm people, church people harm other church people and their leaders. I am not alone in having been a recipient of this, and now some of the people who are dearest to me are receiving actions … Continue reading Is This How We Treat Jesus’ Bride?: Confession Before Communion at His Table
I’m Just Loving Jo
I don't often use this place to write personal posts, but this one is some (at times disconnected) ramblings that are personal. I think so many of us grieve and lose throughout the course of our lifetimes, that it feels fitting to write about grief. The week of Christmas 2023, my cat was diagnosed with … Continue reading I’m Just Loving Jo
Top Books of 2025
Although I didn't read quite as much this year as last year, thanks to starting a new job and having a season of post-Covid brain fog & fatigue, I did still read enough. Here are my recommendations from this past year of reading: Fiction Most of my favorite fiction this year were books that were … Continue reading Top Books of 2025
Where Is God when Your Brain Fails You?
A month ago, I caught Covid. And a month ago, Covid-brain became part of my life. I know I am not the only one who has felt sturdy when my mind is stable and strong. For those of us who have known otherwise, we have been desperately thankful for the years of a healthy mind. … Continue reading Where Is God when Your Brain Fails You?
Favorite Books of 2024
2024 was my biggest reading year yet. I “consumed” 149 books (mostly read, but a few audiobooks). (I can already say that I will be reading much less this year...as I think reading can be a way for me to not have to face certain things.) Of these books, 85 were non-fiction. I’m only going … Continue reading Favorite Books of 2024
“Your Brain on Art” and Other Musings
I'm halfway through this fascinating, intellectually-stimulating book called Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, and decided it was too good to wait until the end to write about this book and a few little thoughts on art in general. First, a few quotes to help encourage you to read this book for … Continue reading “Your Brain on Art” and Other Musings
“The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain” – 20 Quotes
I began this book at the very beginning of 2024, and it was another slower read for me. But that was because I intentionally read it slowly to really take time to feel the words and sit with the short chapters. Alicia Chole has divided the bulk of this book into three sections: disillusionment with … Continue reading “The Night Is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain” – 20 Quotes
“A Quiet Mind to Suffer With” – 20 Quotes
At the beginning of May, I had hoped that I would get these book recommendations shared while it was still Mental Health Month. But, it was a month of deep, dark places for me mentally and emotionally, and it just didn't happen. I have a few books I have read in past few months that … Continue reading “A Quiet Mind to Suffer With” – 20 Quotes
My Top Books Read in 2023
I would have to say that reading other people’s lists of top books each year is one of the highlights of my December. But it’s also a joy of mine to share my own list each year, as I know those who love to read are always looking for new titles to add to their … Continue reading My Top Books Read in 2023
The Secret Place of Thunder: 18 Quotes
Sometimes, there are books you instantly know you want to read, because they sound exactly like something you need or something you're interested in. And then there are the other books that you decide to read for some other reason. John Starke's The Secret Place of Thunder: Trading Our Need to Be Noticed for a … Continue reading The Secret Place of Thunder: 18 Quotes
Down Here Looking Up 