I took this picture while on a walk in my neighborhood in early March. These were the first blooms I’d seen since before winter, and they gave me such joy. What an unexpected gift of color and fragrance in the midst of a dry and dreary landscape! They reminded me of the perseverance and boldness it takes, sometimes, to show up joyfully while things are still hard and spring is still yet to come. M...  Read More

This is my daughter. One of our struggles lately has been being persistent when things are "too hard." And, encouraging my daughter that some things will take practice, you may not be able to do a cartwheel the first time.The term "parent" implies times of difficulty and overcoming challenges. Daily life can be a challenge, getting out the door on time can be a challenge. In the midst of these cha...  Read More

This picture is from a hike with my son in Vedauwoo, Wyoming. My heart was nearly exploding with excitement, and my smile stretched across my face as we climbed an unusual expanse of boulders to the saddle that opened to this beautiful view. To anyone else, it’s just another mountain picture. For my son, it was a fun hike with mom up a familiar trail. To me, it is joy. Not fleeting happiness. It's...  Read More

This week, we will look at photography expressing joy in the midst of challenge. Get ready for a lot of kid cuteness. I invite you to the spiritual practice called Visio Divina - praying with our eyes. We are wired in different ways. Some of us connect with God through words, reading Scripture. For others, music or sound helps us relate to the encounter of the divine. Visio Divina (Divine Seeing) ...  Read More

It is an incredibly busy time here at The Gathering, and a lot of ways for you to take a step forward in your faith. The Easter season is all about new life and to experience something new in your life, you often have to try something you haven’t done before. Here are some ideas for what that next step could be for you. 1. If you are relatively new here at The Gathering or having been coming a whi...  Read More

Flippin’Turnin’Churnin’Tables flyingIn the air like dramatic declarations of what was good and GodlyAnd what was notOf what was acceptable behavior in God’s house of prayerAnd what was notA line was crossedA law was brokenA sacred moment was destroyedYou don’t make money by using Jesus’ name or likenessYou don’t speak for Him in his houseYou don’t take advantage of the Son’s reputation and make co...  Read More