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Faithful Living: A Biblical Ethic of Stewardship

With regard to financial stewardship, faithful living entails at least four things: 1) we acquire our money in God-pleasing ways; 2) we regard our money in God-pleasing ways; 3) we manage our money in God-pleasing ways; and, 4) we spend our money in God-pleasing ways. (Photo by WELSnet, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

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Advent Practices: Water’s Wisdom

This reflection is the third installment in a weekly series from Christine Valters Paintner for Patheos. Consider how water might inform your Advent prayer and remind you of your baptismal identity. (Photo by Snap® used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Stewardship: The Practice of Gratitude

“Every aspect of our lives calls for thanksgiving. Even in the context of trial and suffering, we are offered grounds for gratitude. Whatever may be going on in our lives, it calls for thanksgiving.” Good reading from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

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The Spiritual Discipline of Giving

Author Keri Wyatt Kent says Christians can do a better job witnessing to the world if they preached less and practiced more. “What if we could show the world another way of doing life? What if we consistently practiced the spiritual discipline of giving? Not just so that others can see it, but so that… Read more»

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Wellness and a Broken Sea Shell?

20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Oct. 10, 2010

What does a battered but beautiful sea shell have to do with faith and wellness? Is it possible to be healed, made whole in Christ, without pain and scars being removed? Read on to find out.

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What I Learned on My Sabbatical

When Pastor Jim Ortberg, editor-at-large of Leadership Journal, went on a seven-week sabbatical, he got a lot more than just some rest and relaxation. He learned a lesson on how to live.  His advice speaks to all pastors and people of God.  (Photo “Reflections in a Coffee Cup” by Gunjan Karun used by Creative Commons… Read more»

Sgt. David W. Rider, a 2010 Army Reserve Best Warrior competitor and practical nurse from Strongsville, Ohio, assigned to Bravo Company, 256th Combat Support Hospital, grimaces during the push-up event while taking the Army Physical Fitness Test at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 26, 2010.

Are You Spiritually Fit?

‘IT’S PERSONAL’ Blog Catching her breath at the treadmill next to me, the woman in the pink tee shirt asked how long before she would see “results.” It was her first workout, she explained, and she was excited. Like a lot of people who come to the fitness room at the local YWCA, she was… Read more»

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Thirsting for God

‘IT’S PERSONAL’ Blog For about four long weeks, during the hottest part of a hot summer, rain avoided Adams County in south-central Pennsylvania, where I live. The broiling sun toasted our lawns brown and turned the blades of grass brittle and spiky. The lush green of the trees dulled and the branches and stems drooped.… Read more»

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Stewardship: A way to a better life!

Thinking about stewardship as merely fund-raising misses the bigger picture, says Mark Allen Powell, in this insightful interview. “Stewardship means belonging to God, allowing God to rule our lives, putting God in charge of everything, including our time and our money.” (Photo by Rhett Maxwell, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Mary Enters the Kingdom

LECTIONARY REFLECTION
Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010
Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Advent in August? The Scripture for the festival of the Assumption of Mary takes the Magnificat out of its Christmasy context. Amid Lukan readings in Ordinary Time, it speaks even more loudly about God’s agenda.