134: Matthew 26:36-46
the remind{h}er podcast
If you are listening in real time, next week is Holy Week, a week when we remember, observe, and follow Jesus’ journey to the cross before we celebrate the good news of Easter. With that in mind, today, I’d like to offer a simple reading from the gospel of Matthew, from one of the many passages that gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ experience in the last days of his pre-resurrection ministry. After reading it through, I’ll offer just a few questions for your consideration, as you explore how God’s Spirit might be speaking to you through these holy words today. Feel free to pause, to...
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133: Remember Who You've Been
the remind{h}er podcast
In her book, , author and poet Maggie Smith writes, “How I picture it: We are all nesting dolls, carrying the earlier iterations of ourselves inside. We carry the past inside us. We take ourselves—all of our selves—wherever we go.” That’s how I’m learning to picture it, too. From the tiniest, earliest version of me, all the way to the person I am today, and even beyond to the person still to come, I’m finding each iteration belongs. Each iteration is connected. And each iteration matters. So here’s how I see it: in order to be who we are, we need to remember...
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132: Reset
the remind{h}er podcast
A reset can be helpful in lots of different circumstances, and a reset can look lots of different ways. For some of us, it looks like tidying up a living space or cleaning out a closet. Sometimes it looks like returning to a familiar routine or a ritual we know well. Sometimes it looks like an apology or like offering forgiveness. Sometimes it looks like breathing in some fresh air or getting a good night’s sleep. Today, though, I want to extend an invitation to reset in a very simple, particular way, in a way that has been helpful and grounding in my own life recently. And in a...
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131: Steward Your Soul
the remind{h}er podcast
When there is work to do, ground to cover, progress to make, we tend to want to get moving as quickly and efficiently and significantly as possible. We are bound and determined to make it happen, whatever “it” might be. And while we might begin with good intentions, it usually doesn’t take long before we run ourselves ragged. We quickly grow exhausted, and end up leading with bitterness, cynicism, anxiety, and fear. It’s so easy to get ahead of ourselves. To get ahead of our souls. Could there be a more sustainable way? There is work to do. And as followers of Jesus, I'm learning the...
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130: A Spiritual Practice of Surprise
the remind{h}er podcast
So often, at least in my experience, we cling so tightly to our plans, agendas, timelines, strategies, and deadlines. We easily become hyper-focused on a desired outcome. Anxiety, pressure, and bitterness creep in. And we begin to forget and overlook the movement and presence of God in our midst. We clench our fists and white-knuckle through, totally unaware of how God might be leading or what God might be up to. It’s been my experience over and over and over again, all throughout my life. And it is exhausting. Maybe you can relate? One thing that has been helpful for me in this is what I...
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129: Let Love Be Genuine {Romans 12:9-21}
the remind{h}er podcast
I don’t know for sure about you, but if my read on our current reality is even a little bit accurate, I imagine we could all use a collective deep breath right now. And so today, as we’ve done here on the podcast several times before, I thought it might be best to offer a simple reading from Scripture {Romans 12:9-21 NRSV}, reminding us of what is ours to do as followers of Jesus. I’ll also offer a few reflection questions and a little bit of space for silence toward the end. Whether you are feeling encouraged or discouraged, at peace or on edge, hopeful or despairing, I hope these words...
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128: Keep Going {Take Breaks}
the remind{h}er podcast
How do we keep going when life and faith and work are so hard and heavy? I'm learning that sometimes, the brave decision to keep going might actually look like taking a break. Like opening ourselves to God’s kindness and compassion when we need it most, honoring our capacity, our limits, and the current reality of our lives. It might look like taking the time to take good care so that, eventually, with God’s help, we might be enabled to continue and take another step. As author and therapist advises: “Keep going, but take breaks.” That's what we're exploring today on the...
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127: Look Both Ways
the remind{h}er podcast
As we begin a new year, let's look both ways. Not left and right, east and west. But backward and forward. Ahead and behind. Both are important. And I’m learning that if we only focus our attention and energy in one particular direction, we’re missing out. It’s incomplete. If the goal is to be whole, we would do well to look both ways and engage the wisdom of both reflection and intention. Looking back. Looking forward. Hoping for what’s ahead. Remembering what’s behind. So, what might this look like? Listen in. Sign up to receive The Re{collection} Book a spiritual direction...
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126: Start Small
the remind{h}er podcast
There is so much going on in our world that is heavy and hard. And it can be difficult to know how to approach it all, address it all, hold it all. It’s all so very overwhelming. If we want to be a part of the healing work of the Kingdom of God, where do we even begin? As I’ve continued to work out my faith with God over the years, I’ve realized the big impact is not always mine to make. Instead, what is nearly always mine to do is to be a steady influence in my regular, everyday life. In the small, the subtle, the obscure, the quiet. Even when it doesn’t seem to matter. Because...
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125: Remember the Center
the remind{h}er podcast
In the context of life and faith, it can be easy to lose sight of the main thing. It can be easy to live distracted, disordered, disoriented. Like you hear over and over again on this podcast—it can be easy to forget. To get turned around. To slowly shift our focus away from the center. And yet, as we navigate the twists and turns, the ups and downs, of our day-to-day lives, I'm learning that keeping the center in mind is key. So what might that look like? That's what we're exploring today. Listen in :) by Dallas Willard Ready to explore spiritual direction? Book an initial session !...
info_outlineWith Holy Week in mind, I’m offering a simple reading of a Holy Week passage that has been particularly meaningful in my own life and faith over the years. I’ll be reading from Eugene Peterson’s The Message translation, and after reading it through, I’ll offer just a few questions for your consideration, as you explore how God’s Spirit might be speaking to you through these holy words. Feel free to pause, to rewind, to experience this passage in whatever way you need. As always, I hope it serves you well.
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