Check out other Reading and Listening posts here.

The Way I’ve Found To Regularly See My Friends – Em for Marvelous

For each priority relationship, brainstorm the best way to enjoy each other’s company. In some cases, this might simply be naming something that’s already in place. If not, maybe you can build off a rhythm that already exists, or replicate something you’ve enjoyed in the past.

Psalm 23 – EnduringWord.com

You’re Only Human – Q Ideas

In a culture that demands our time and efficiency, how can Christians slow down? Is it possible to have emptier calendars, more rest, and still live faithful and productive lives? Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies at Covenant College, explores these questions and more in his new book, You’re Only Human. Listen in as he discusses some of his ideas from the book and gives wisdom on how our human limitations can glorify God.

Paralyzed and Blessed – Joni Tada

If you long for divine fullness to flow into your soul without a check, embrace your afflictions, get actively engaged in your own sanctification, and let your delight in Christ mesh with your delight in his law. For God has given you the sun, stars, and the universe; he has given you flowers, friendship, goodness, and salvation. He’s given you everything — can you not give him your heart? If God does not have our heart, who or what shall have it?

Alyson Pryor’s Email Newsletter

When we enter with Jesus into Lent, into the wilderness, this dusty backdrop provides the perfect illustration of our weakness. In the desert we offer nothing, produce nothing. We are fragile and needy stuck in the land between where we are and where we most want to be. Without God’s intervention we are left to sunstroke and scorpions. The wilderness strips us of what we had and reveals who we are and what we most trust in. We are left, waiting on God to provide water from the rock. Or not. 

This fragility is not a weakness, it is God’s intention; God’s gift. Without Lent we face the temptation to assert our will against these limitations, like a toddler at naptime insisting we are not tired, even as we sit on the floor and wail. We often cannot learn the value of rest without a forced pause. We cannot learn how to worship when in a state of constant distraction. Lent can recalibrate us and remind us of whose we are and what we most need. 

*I can forward you the entire email if you are interested. Drop me a comment.*

Steffany Gretzinger’s latest album

A Prayer for the Crisis in Ukraine

Father God, King of all nations, we cry out to you now for the people of Ukraine. We ask you to rescue those who are vulnerable from the hands of their enemies that they may live without fear before you all their days [Luke 1:74-75]. 

How to Spot and Let Go of Shame – Let’s Talk Podcast

Lent Week 1 | Fashioning Our Own Wilderness – Ruth Haley Barton

Anna is loving the most recent Catechesis Book, Our God, about shapes, There’s a Wocket in my Pocket (Dr. Seuss) and the classic song ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm.’