Letter From the Editor
As we approach the holiday season, the word “joy” will be more prominent as we celebrate Jesus, who brought joy to the world. As you read this issue and contemplate the writers’ words, consider your won definition of “joy.”
As we approach the holiday season, the word “joy” will be more prominent as we celebrate Jesus, who brought joy to the world. As you read this issue and contemplate the writers’ words, consider your won definition of “joy.”
As our writers take on the topic of The Contemplative Life this month, ask yourself how you can be more intentional about your soul care today.
There is so much to be loved, and if all truth is God’s truth—and I believe that it is—then God reveals parts of himself in all things.
My husband and I have had a disagreement for our entire 30+-year relationship. It’s over the pronunciation of the word “coupon.” He says, “kyoopon,” and I say, “koopon.” Maybe it can be attributed to the fact that we’re from diverse parts of the United States, but in all our years together, I’ve never been able…
This month, our Redbud writers share the books that have changed them. It might be one in particular, or it might be many that have shaped them over the course of their life. These stories are raw and revealing, transparent and touching. Hold them gently.
Earth is the only physical place we have to call home. God’s call is to take care of it.
Dear Friends, I don’t really consider myself to have a green thumb. I love plants and keep many around my house—as long as I can keep my cats from chewing on them—and our yard is filled with foliage. But every once in awhile, something dies, and I don’t have a clue why. One such plant…
I think of Jesus and the lesson of the widow’s mite. What she thought was so little could be mightily used by God.
Have you ever said to yourself, I thought we’d have more time? If you’ve ever unexpectedly lost someone you loved, you’ve probably thought that. You thought they’d be there longer. You thought you could have one more conversation. Share one more cup of coffee. Laugh together just one. more. time. It just doesn’t work that…
Dear Readers, A little more than a year ago, when my youngest son was looking for an apartment to rent in Vermont, I closed my computer and prayed a desperate prayer: “Lord, I’ve done all I know how to do. I need you to show us the place you have for him.” Our son was…
Dear Reader, Recently I listened to an episode of one of my favorite podcasts, The Next Right Thing, with Emily P. Freeman. Emily interviewed Amanda Held Opelt, the sister of well known speaker Rachel Held Evans. Amanda lost her sister suddenly in May of 2019. On the podcast, Amanda talks about her book A Hole…
Dear Reader, When my grandson was born and I was helping his mom during those first days of motherhood, I hung out at their apartment with her so she wouldn’t be alone while my son was at work. I didn’t have much to do when she and the baby were napping–which was often–so I binge…
Dear Reader, A little more than five years ago, I stepped into a few major transitions in my life. My youngest child graduated from the parent-involved K-8 school where our family had been heavily involved for 15 years with all three of our children. I left the staff of the missionary organization I had been…
Dear Reader, I am blessed by a rare collection of close girlfriends. Most of us have known each other for more than a quarter century. Two of us were even in each other’s weddings more than 30 years ago. There are seven of us, and we are from diverse parts of the country and we…