Category: faith

5 reasons I love being in a small group

Jonathan and Aaron

Abraham Piper (who has a great blog that you should be reading) shared 5 reasons he doesn’t like being in a small group this week.

I don’t disagree with his reasons, but thought I’d share the flip side – 5 reasons I love being in a small group.

  • I love watching people grow in their faith
  • I love seeing people build sanctuary (spaces of grace) for others
  • I realize I’m not the only one struggling and wrestling
  • I learn many things from the stories of others
  • The food is great

What about you? What do you love about small groups/community groups? What do you dislike about them?

Songs of Advent

Our homemade Advent wreath

I love that songs tell us so much about our faith, our story, our journey. They also tell us a lot about our communities. The songs communities sing are very telling about how the community sees one another, life, God, faith, community, etc.

While I believe Advent should be such a major part of our Christian life and story I’m struggling to come up with many Advent songs. Is it because of my own traditions, or is it because of our huge emphasis on Christmas Day itself?

Here’s the two I can think of right now…

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

As you can see, I’m struggling to come up with many.

What Advent songs can you think of?

What do you sing at this time of year?

Do you separate Advent from Christmas or are they one in the same?

St. Peter’s Brewery now on Amazon

St. Peter's Brewery (200x300)

My novel is now available on Amazon! WOot! Just in time for Christmas ordering.

For those of you who haven’t ordered your copy of the book yet (or want to order 5 copies for your mother), I’ve got a little pointer on how to get free shipping with Amazon.
Continue reading St. Peter’s Brewery now on Amazon

Songs of Christmas

Sun sets on the temple

Over the years my favorite Christmas songs have changed from year to year.

I remember singing a number of songs growing up, including Come on Ring those Bells, Silent Night, Rudolph, etc. etc. But over the last few years, I think I’ve settled in on my all time favorite.

O Holy Night.
Continue reading Songs of Christmas

The Bible in Five Statements

rapture by Marcn

A fun meme has been floating around the interwebs as of late — Summarize the Bible in Five Statements.

I haven’t tracked down the originator yet, but I picked up on it from Michael Morrell’s post and it’s been fun following along as it’s spread from there.

And now I’ve been tagged too by the legendary podcaster himself, Chad Crawford.
Continue reading The Bible in Five Statements