Walking with God – Why Is It So Hard?

Several months ago I wrote a post in which I commented on the fact that in order for people to move from communities of poverty to the middle class they need to be willing to give up relationships for accomplishment and efficiency.  I have thought about this a lot over the last few months – [...]

The Coming Of the Lord is Near – Advent Meditation Video 2009

Here is my Advent meditation video for 2009.  I have really enjoyed putting this one together as I have been meditating on What Am I Waiting for this Advent?
The music is Gloria – Remember from the CD Standing Still by Jeff Johnson Used by permission. All rights reserved.

A high quality version [...]

Quietness and Rest – A Great Christmas Gift

Maybe it is just because of the busyness of the last few weeks, or because Tom & I have just booked accommodation for our annual Advent retreat, but I have been thinking a lot lately about the need for rest and quietness in our lives.  I think particularly as we move into what is generally [...]

Advent is Coming – Will You Join Me?

Tom and I are finally done with our travels.  It is good to be back in Seattle and getting my clock and my life turned around after our hectic Fall schedule.

I came back to beautiful orchids in bloom which certainly lifted my spirits when I considered the mountain of work that awaits me…. and it [...]

What Is A Spiritual Practice: The Complete Series

September is rapidly coming to a close or at least is seems so to me because we will be heading to Australia next week – for once heading into spring and not winter on our travels.  Before I go I wanted to round off the summer blog series What is a Spiritual Practice with a [...]

Walk to Bethlehem During Advent

Advent is still a couple of months away but here is a really cool idea I heard about this last weekend that would not only prepare us spiritually for the birth of Christ but also physically and emotionally.
A Walk to Bethlehem is an Advent resource developed by St John’s Health Parish Nursing.  The initial concept [...]

Everything Must Change

As I was reflecting on the impact of the economic crisis and its implications for us as we await the coming of Christ during this Advent season, this quote from Brian McLaren’s book Everything Must Change, came to mind.
A right understanding of God and faith can train people to hold their heads hig, to doubt [...]

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

I am sitting here at our dining room table looking out on a cold crisp Seattle morning.  The Olympics are covered with snow, the sun ois shining and I have a pot of soup cooking on the stove.  What more could one ask for on a beautiful winter’s day like this.
For some reason the beautiful [...]

Join Us For Morning and Evening Prayers During Advent

Here at the Mustard Seed House we do morning and evening prayers together 8:30 am and 9 pm each day except Saturday.  I thought that some of you might be interested in joining us. We change these prayers with each season of the year.  You can download the prayers here for Advent. We use them [...]

The Unexpected Doubts of Advent

Tomorrow is our last MSA Board meeting for the year so I have been furiously making shortbread because it would not seem like a proper celebration without it.  This first week of Advent has been a very good one for me.  Wednesday and Thursday we were at a conference for Christian leaders here in the [...]