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Comparison, Competition, and Contentment*
Rehearsal dinners can be an awkward thing for a single person. Having married late in life, I have several such experiences under my belt. One evening in particular stands out as I walked into a beautiful room full of beautiful people and suddenly felt, well, less than beautiful. I sat down in the lone single chair at a table full of happy couples, all using the joyful occasion to reflect on their own courtships and marriages. Hhhmmm….what could I contribute to this conversation? As I sat in silence, my insecurities began to get the best of me. After about an hour’s worth of misery, the time came for friends and…
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In View of Our Neighbors
Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:15, “But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” We usually focus on the “be ready” part — be prepared to answer. But, the assumption is that questions are being asked. That we are living question-stimulating lives in view of our neighbors (those around us wherever we are). Neighbors see something attractive. Neighbors ask why and what. What is a question-stimulating life? Jesus describes it in Matthew 5:16 as being like a light shining—good deeds noticed by those around you (who may be the recipients of your…
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Fight for Intimacy with Friends and God…right around your own table
This Friday and Saturday tens of thousands of women around the world will gather in homes, churches and Austin City Limits Live to enjoy the second IF: Gathering. I loved sitting on a friend’s comfy couch last February to watch the simulcast (my review). Also loved following up around a monthly IF: Table to share dinner and our life with God: 6 women, 4 questions, 2 hours. But you don’t have to sign up for IF: Table to be intentional about inviting the life and power of Jesus into a circle of friends sharing a meal. In his famous description of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 I…
