Before we look at the disciplines of Dwelling in the Word and Watchwords, let me tell you a peculiar story. In 1989, a man from Philadelphia was browsing a local flea market when he came across a vintage painting of a dark and gloomy country scene in a unique frame. Intrigued, he decided to purchase it for $4. However, after bringing it home and inspecting it more closely, he found himself less impressed. As he prepared to discard both the... Read more
Despite the promises of technology and gadgets to simplify our lives, the demands on our time and responsibilities haven’t lessened. Most of us recognize the importance of following Jesus’ example, who “frequently withdrew to the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16, NET). Yet, despite knowing the importance of pause, we often fail to create the margin in our schedules to do the same. Even in rare moments of downtime, our minds are flooded with thoughts, to-do lists, and anxieties that overwhelm... Read more
“Two hundred people in that room, and each one wants me to be somebody else. They should just let me be,” says Timothée Chalamet in his best Dylan enigmatic way, playing in his latest role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, which hit theaters on December 25, 2024. In this scene, Dylan longs to escape being used for his talents or exploited for causes that fail to recognize his individuality. Many of us can relate to such a statement,... Read more
As we step into a new year, I am finding that it is the perfect time to reflect on how we celebrated the past season and consider new patterns for the year ahead. In this post, I explore some of my own post-Christmas reflections and how the Advent Conspiracy movement challenges us to rethink our approach to Christmas – moving away from consumerism and towards a way of celebration that is rooted in the hope of the incarnation. I also... Read more
In this blog post, I explore the highlights of the past year on the Lead a Quiet Life blog, reflecting on key moments, spiritual growth, and insights for slowing down and moving forward with intention. The Discipline of an Annual Examen This week, like perhaps many of you, I have been practicing an annual examen. This is about taking time to reflect on the past year, evaluating my progress against my own goals, and identifying areas where I’ve fallen short... Read more
Over the next few days, many of us will gather with friends and family. At some point, gifts will be exchanged. Many of us give gifts because, in this season, we remember the greatest gift we have received—Jesus. Christmas is defined as a season of giving. As I have been exploring Mary’s Magnificat, I am convinced it has something to say about our practices of gift giving. Yet, there’s also the reality that gift-giving has gotten out of hand. The... Read more
We just walked through the third week of Advent. In many mainline and Roman Catholic churches, the third Sunday of Advent not only focuses on “joy” but is called Gaudete Sunday, or “Rejoicing Sunday.” The theme of this Sunday focuses on “rejoicing” because of the joy we experience in Jesus. This theme is reflected in the readings for the third Sunday of Advent, which often include Philippians 4:4-6. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-6 challenge followers of Jesus to be a... Read more
In Mary’s Magnificat, we are drawn into a vision of profound peace, one that upends the world’s power structures and comforts the lowly. Her song proclaims the faithfulness of a God who lifts the humble, fills the hungry, and remembers the forgotten. This prophetic peace is not passive but transformative, offering hope to those who long for justice and a kingdom where mercy reigns. Advent: Remembering Christ’s Coming As I pointed out in my last blog post, Advent calls us... Read more
As we enter the season of Advent, we embark on a journey of anticipation and preparation. Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” is a time set aside to reflect on the Incarnation of Jesus. It grounds us in the awe and wonder of Christ’s coming, keeping us focused on the truths we hold dear. Without intentional practices, it’s easy to forget the deeper meanings behind the season. Advent is a reminder. The Greek word for Advent, parousia,... Read more
As we reflect on the Thanksgiving season, we find ourselves thankful for many things – our families, homes, and vocations, to just name a few. Recently, I blogged about the role of gratitude in our work, worship, and the spaces where we live and play. Gratitude in every area and arena of life is important. This is also an appropriate time to express gratitude for the church. I am thankful for the church in all its diverse shapes, sizes, forms,... Read more
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