This morning God reminded me that I am not alone. He is working everywhere, through everything to show me how he loves me. Specifically me. This morning, the message was jam-adjacent.
August 12, 2025
I know “how To hospitality” but if I panic, I’m suddenly afraid that loving the people around my table won’t be enough! Is it enough to share who I am and what I have with the precious humans around me?? How can I be SURE that they’ll have the best Thanksgiving ever? I’m going to ruin Thanksgiving!
November 19, 2024
My American readers are likely feeling sick to their stomachs about the presidential election. Regardless of which side of the aisle you sit on, things are crazy out there! And regardless of who wins, I certainly don’t feel like the chaos and antagonism will simmer down.Nevertheless, I’m optimistic.Or rather, I’m hopeful.Or better, I’m just not that worried… Because the situation just isn’t that serious! May I please try to explain?
October 15, 2024
Mount Laundry has grown into the North American Laundry Range. The dishes are piled above the level of the spigot. The grass is blocking the sprinklers. Laundry! Dishes! Mowing! These are only the most obvious jobs that run in an endless cycle! There are many more, and they are never done! I never get out of the loop!I feel like I’m moving in circles, never free from the pattern. It’s not just chores. I feel it in my daily schedule, my relationships, even going to church. Round and round we go! And if there’s no purpose to this ride, I want it to stop and let me off.
July 15, 2024
When I travel in unfamiliar circumstances, as a stranger, it can feel awkward, lonely, even a little scary, but there’s also wonder and the opening of new worlds. When I embrace that I’m a stranger, I find it easier to live in the present: it’s ok to be ignorant, curious, ready to be wow-ed. Like a tourist expecting good things on their journey.
April 9, 2024
In a crowd, anxiety makes me awkward. In isolation, anxiety holds me prisoner. Take the risk of being with people, of giving and receiving welcome. You can find peace in your crowd.
March 5, 2024
“The welcome is enough” is based on the truth that God created out of love and graciousness with no need whatsoever. The reason God made you is because He wanted you to exist purely out of graciousness and love. There was no requirement and no need on His part.
December 20, 2023
God doesn't require us to be enough in order to be with him. Extending the welcome to others communicates this generous acceptance that God graces on all of us. This is the work that we do as a ministry, to create spaces where you are welcomed and where you are invited to know God's love.
December 13, 2023
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34 ESV
October 25, 2023
I don’t know about you, but I have a tiny pang of panic when I know I’m about to be around people. Even if I know and love them and have spent tons of time with them, I get a crawly feeling and a moment of foggy disorientation just before a human engagement. Somehow I imagined that the high school or college freshman feeling should dissipate...
October 3, 2023