Are we ever going to felt the same about our kids giving spontaneous hugs Linking arms Accidentally sharing a sandwich Exchanging a two year olds enthusiastic kiss?   Are we ever going to feel the same about hugging our friends Sitting side by side on a bench Holding them as their tears fall on our shoulder Occasionally embracing them cheek to cheek?   Are we ever going to feel…

Usually when me or my kids get sick and we have to refrain from participating in the normal busy routine of life I get kinda excited. It’s like a break, a rest from obligations or routines, even if I chose them, I’m forced to abstain. I relish the lack of needing to get dressed sometimes staying in our pajamas the whole day. I savor just sitting on the couch…

In our pilgrim group we have been talking about God’s sovereignty and how he has sovereignty over nature, nations, creation, man, and Satan. We were asked the question: which part of god’s sovereignty made us uncomfortable and which part gave us comfort? I said that God’s sovereignty over Satan made me uncomfortable because that means that sometimes God is allowing Satan to mess with me or mess with my…

As I reflect on this year, God seems like he’s after two themes in my life. First is demands: my demands, my kids demands, my husband’s demands, the demands of other people I know. Things I believe I am entitled to: my opinions, my longings, being heard, being understood, other people doing the right thing, people around me doing the considerate thing. But as I demand, consciously and unconsciously,…

Ok some roughly formulated thoughts not too ‘churched up’ as reuben would say: I’ve been thinking a lot lately what it means for the Village to be accessible and inclusive even as we grow. For years, many Village parties or events included a church wide invite. Baby showers were often co-Ed and an opportunity to have everyone come together. Not everything was all inclusive, but many things were. Lately,…

I love the village. I love how we come together as a community who supports and loves and cares for one another. I love how we ask each other about our lives; the good the bad, the hard....it’s so refreshing still after 14 years to be apart of this kind of authenticity. It’s so rich, so scary and I’m so grateful. As our family enters into a season of…

So I was asked me to give ‘talk’ about what God has been doing in my life this past spring to a women’s Bible study. But after praying about what to share for several weeks nothing really jumped out to me. I keep asking God for ideas of something appropriate and a platform to express it that would be meaningful to a crowd but also from Him. Even sitting…

Hey guys, I cannot speak more highly of this website. Intelligently written articles on topics of life/relationships as it pertains to living a Christ centered life. I find it to be very relevant and bold as well as full of wisdom and truth. I subscribed so I get their articles in my inbox....hope you find it as encouraging as I do! https://familyfire.reframemedia.com Also, I have been using the "pray…

Like a scab that's been picked Time and time again This place is sensitive The tears won't end Leaving and going It's too much to bear Almost would be better If you were never here Instead of a callous Blood still weeps Instead of being easier Time still cheats Gone and going Life still lives Come and coming Love still gives

I am shocked and horrified at what I'm seeing in the news and social media. I don't have a Facebook right now (deactivated about a year ago) and I don't have twitter or that other big social media site I can't remember the name. I recently signed up for instagram but I still don't really know how to use it. However, sometimes I cheat and sign into my hubbies Facebook…

peeling, flaking, rubbing, shedding. the old is gone and is going. the new has come and is coming. this was my prayer tonight. my new creationness is ongoing and it's messy. messy and embarrassing. i feel acutely how this cracking, splitting, broken, old hull still clings annoyingly to my new self. ugh why can't i just be rid of it? why doesn't it just fall off for good? sounds…

Hey village family, Our journey has taken us even more northward to our boat in Alaska. We are roughing it, so to speak, living in a 6x6 galley while we build our spacious 10x12 room on the back of the boat. The project isn't without it's unforeseen problems and unforeseen joys. problem: boat starter just fried....we need this to move the boat to fill up water tanks and fill…

life is messy. communication is messy. relationships are messy. how then can we expect God's plan for us to be so cut and dry? believe me I want the cut and dry. I want the writing on the wall. I want the specific plan stamped by the divine approval stamp. but instead I get mixed feelings, mixed messages, all mixed up with fear and doubt. so what propels me…