This is a blog I wrote, along with my colleagues, about our three pilgrimages this summer. In all of our Lake Institute on Faith & Giving courses, we refer to The Paradox of Generosity and in particular this quote from Christian Smith: “Generosity is the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly.… Continue reading The Summer of Pilgrimage
Is it a Sign?
On Monday morning I was walking the dogs like I always do. It was before the sunrise, so house lights and two streets lights were the only points of illumination along the street. We reached the turnaround spot and were headed back to the house. We came up to an odd intersection - where three… Continue reading Is it a Sign?
Not Yet
Often when I say "no" to something I feel bad. I feel like I'm letting someone down, that I'm not doing my part. Usually when I say "no" it's best for me, but being one that often puts others first, I still struggle with being my first priority. Last month my breathwork teacher was in… Continue reading Not Yet
Doing What I Love
Sometime last spring my friend Shannon asked if I would be interested in leading a women’s retreat for her church. She’s the Director of Children and Youth there – she could have easily led the retreat herself (and done a fantastic job, I know!). However, she wanted to be fed too – she needed a… Continue reading Doing What I Love
It’s Time
I recently read this line in a blog post: “There’s nothing good about feeling forced.” The comment was in reference to charitable giving. This young person was raised in a family that values giving back, but he noted “there’s something about obligation that eliminates feeling good about it.” I know what he means. There are… Continue reading It’s Time
Death is Part of It
Last fall I was listening to Rob Bell’s podcast in which he was having a conversation with the author of a memoir – one I probably never would have heard of had it not been for this conversation. I suspect the author got a spike in sales thanks to Rob! The author: Caleb Wilde. The… Continue reading Death is Part of It
Battling My Giant
Yesterday I listened to a sermon about David and Goliath. Referencing Malcolm Gladwell’s book, the pastor shared that the way to defeat a “giant” is to admit your weakness, then find an unconventional solution to take down the giant. In David’s case, he admitted that he couldn’t bear the weight (both literally and figuratively) of… Continue reading Battling My Giant
Going Home
After taking a few months off of attending a worship service each week, I found my way to a new church last November. I was hopeful that I would find a new church community – new friends, new classes, new worship. Although I liked the pastors, I never really made a connection with that church… Continue reading Going Home
It’s Not My Job
For the past two summers I’ve maintained two hummingbird feeders in the flowerbed next to our deck. I would dutifully boil the sugar water and keep a jug in the fridge ready to refill them when they were empty. I would try to keep water in the wells on the top in attempt to keep… Continue reading It’s Not My Job
Looking for Light
My heart felt heavy this morning. My heart felt broken open to all the pain that those around me are suffering. Her husband is dying and it may be time to stop treatment. Her step-sister died at a tragically young age. Her dog is dying and she doesn’t know how many snuggles and walks are… Continue reading Looking for Light
Anne Brock 