Christmas is closing in and I’ve been thinking about Jesus’s grandfathers: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David. These were men with staffs in their hands and wool in their beards. Centuries before sheep and herdsmen welcomed Jesus into the world, shepherding personified Israel. Then came the age of kings and “shepherd” took on a new, royal … Continue reading The Shepherd of all Shepherds
Here’s what made me smile and give thanks this month: Fernando Ortega If you missed it last Sunday, my email and blog post were all about Fernando Ortega after seeing him live in concert. I shared this essay on how his music shaped and warmed childhood (and now my teen years). I’m also enjoying a … Continue reading November Smiles
They say the songs of your childhood never really let you go— that music has a seizing, shaping power. It must be true because my Southern Baptist pastor dad still thumps the steering wheel to Journey and James Taylor. Now I’m crossing that threshold between childhood and life beyond. I’m eighteen and watching just how … Continue reading In the Morning, When I Rise
November 10 “Why, God?” I know I’m not the only Christian who has clenched my fists and asked that question. I’m guessing the Israelites asked it too. And do you know what? God’s answer is as clear as today’s autumn sky. I’m reading across the psalms and prophets right now and noticing this repeated truth: … Continue reading Why God Does What He Does
A friend and I were talking the other day about Colorado. The conversation made me giddy because mountains might be my happiest place. I love hikes on trails that wind up toward far-flung views, so our trip to Westcliffe last summer was the stuff of dreams. I remember waking at six one morning, pouring coffee … Continue reading See the World–And Its Creator–Right Where You Are
November 3 My friends and I know we need Jesus. We're broken people, seeking renewal in him. That’s why I love Wednesday night prayer meeting. It’s real, raw, sometimes painful. We share where God has us, why it hurts, and how deeply we need Jesus to refresh our hearts. Last Wednesday, my friends and I … Continue reading Pray for Renewal, Then Revival
October 27 It’s been a busy, colorful, autumn month. Here are a few things I especially enjoyed in October: Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson I mentioned this book in last week’s Snippet and finished a few days ago. I’m certain it will be one I pick back up again soon. Adorning the Dark is … Continue reading October Smiles
October 20 If you’ve followed my blog for more than a few weeks, you know Andrew Peterson is high on my list of favorite writers. I’ve been waiting a long time for the release of his first non-fiction book—Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making. It hit retailers last Tuesday … Continue reading Adorning the Dark
October 13 Last night, I pulled on a jacket and walked out into the night. For the first time, October made me shiver. I stood and listened. Silence. Shadows. Cold. I turned and looked up the slope to my home. Yellow light poured from the windows and music floated from somewhere inside. Laughter. Light. Warmth. … Continue reading A Glimpse of Home
This month marks two years since I launched Bethany J’s Journal and became a blogger. Since October 2017, I’ve made pages of mistakes. I’ve fought discouragement. I’ve tried to craft better sentences. I’ve been enraptured by who God is and how he chooses to use me. And this month, I’ve realized it’s time for a … Continue reading Why I’m Rethinking My Blog Schedule
