CALL FOR BOOK REVIEW: Journal of Christian Teaching Practice is seeking a reviewer for Family Communication and the Christian Faith (Integratio Press), by Jonathan Pettigrew and Diane M. Badzinski. Amazon Associates Link for book We’re especially looking for someone who researches and/or teaches family communication at a Christian institution to do the review. Our time frame is flexible. If you are interested, please reach …
Devotional, Penetrating Prayer, by Donna Elkins
Penetrating Prayer Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV) In the early 1970s, two psychologists studied how individuals grew closer to each other in interpersonal relationships. They believed the key to developing a deeper interpersonal relationship was self-disclosure. Like the layers of an …
A Prayer for Help and Comfort, by Howard Snyder and Richard Rohr
Lord Jesus, I come to you for help and comfort just now. I sense my profound need of you. Wash me anew in your grace. Live in me by your Spirit, that I may have strength to serve you with faith and joy, I pray. Amen. * * * It feels so insignificant, and yet this is the …
Vlog entry, Discerning and Listening Skills, with Stephanie Bennett
Description: [in this episode] Is there a tool in our communication treasure chest that can help us feel more confident and steady in our faith? Yes, indeed! It is not a one-size-fits-all way of gaining the Lord’s guidance, but it is a way to gain spiritual muscle, and that way is called discernment. We learn to “walk in the Spirit” as …
Quote of the week, The Essence of Hospitality in a Divided Culture, by Henri Nouwen
The Essence of Hospitality in a Divided Culture “Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but …
Column Entry, Following Christ “Outside the Camp” (Holy Week), by John Hatch
Column title: Crossed My Mind: Thoughts on Culture and Communication Column entry: Following Christ “Outside the Camp” (Holy Week) By John Hatch, Ph.D. Eastern University (retired) CCSN Senior Fellow Column Description: As Christians, we are called to have the mind of Christ. This goes against the grain of our social and cultural conditioning. We seek personal or political advancement; Christ …
Column Entry, Let’s Talk Family: “Rituals as Connection,” by Jonathan Pettigrew and Diane Badzinski
Column: Let’s Talk Family: Conversations about Faith and Family Flourishing Column entry: Rituals as Connection By Jonathan Pettigrew, PhD, Arizona State University; Diane Badzinski, PhD, Colorado Christian University Column Description: Let’s Talk Family: Conversations about Faith and Family Flourishing is a monthly column offering a space to consider research-based, biblically-sound practices for family communication. We all have families. And we …
Quote of the week, “Sniffing out what smells to high heaven,” by Greg Spencer
“The profane sounds ugly, as it should. The profane is that which intentionally dismisses, ridicules, or destroys the sacred. Standing up to the profane means that we notice what breaks the heart of God and that we resist it. To put it another way, a nose for the profane sniffs out what smells to high heaven.”[i]—Gregory Spencer, Awakening the Quieter …
New Vlog Entry, “The Cultural Manipulation of Beauty,” by Stephanie Bennett
Beauty is not a luxury, it is essential. We need it to help counteract the relentless machinations of the world’s systems and the many human manipulations that push against our fervent hope for communities where shalom prevails. Beauty renews our hope. Beauty is one of the transcendentals that our Maker has built into our world and into our lives, …
A Prayer for Unity, the Divine Liturgy of St. Mark
A Prayer for Unity O Sovereign and Almighty Lord, look down from heaven on your Church, on all your people, and on all your flock. Save us all, your unworthy servants, the sheep of your fold. Give us your peace, your help, and your love, and send to us the gift of your Holy Spirit, that with a pure heart …
