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
Jesus
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
“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
On Grief and Identity
Four years ago this month, Bill Gothard resigned from his position with IBLP/ATI. The held-in breaths of thousands of us were finally exhaled. We believed that that era had finally come to a close. In the years following, not a whole lot was heard about him. Until Monday. Monday brought a new round of sorrow … Continue reading On Grief and Identity
The Shepherd of My Life
Last week, my Bible reading plan took me through the final chapters of Genesis. I was listening to these chapters on CD as I attempted to drive to school Tuesday night. Going 25mph on a snow and ice-covered interstate, the words of Genesis 48:15 filled the tight space in the car: “The God who has … Continue reading The Shepherd of My Life
On Birthdays, and Jesus, and Relationships
On my walk around the lake last night, I was thinking about the past year and talking to Jesus about it. I had no idea that this year would impact my life in the way it came to. Nor that my soul would find such rest, life, and hope in the midst of such brokenness, … Continue reading On Birthdays, and Jesus, and Relationships
Fall Into Jesus
Grief reminds us that life is broken and sorrow reminds us that we are not whole. But we do not fall into despair. We fall into Jesus. We grieve hard and long. We mourn deeply and cry long. We feel the loss as close as the skin stretched tight over bone. Our faces are wet … Continue reading Fall Into Jesus
Dandelions
One can either see them as hideous, nuisance weeds or one can choose to see them as flowers the color of sun and hope. Either they are pepper shakers of seeds that will cause more problems in future years or they are vessels for a thousand wishes to be carried off in the wind. … Continue reading Dandelions
The Greatest Grief
A year ago, my family gathered for a quiet graveside service to remember the life of my grandpa. The wind was strong, the harmonicas were beautiful, the memories were precious, and the time together was all of that and then some. It was too early for flowers to poke up in the earth, too cold … Continue reading The Greatest Grief
Down Here Looking Up 