On the way to visit someone in the hospital, I was listening to Carrie Newcomer’s new CD, The Beautiful Not Yet. I must admit I am already a Carrie Newcomer fan. Her style of singing and the manner in which she uses words always lifts up my soul. Each of her songs is more than a delightful tune with which to hum along—her songs portray the depths of spirituality, always inviting the listener to join her as she sings about everyday life occurrences and reflect on God’s touch throughout the journey.
Read MoreMy good friend just started teaching at a public high school in rural Pennsylvania. While her main subject area is social studies, she also teaches Spanish, which she acquired while studying abroad in Guatemala.
Read MoreThis poem is one I’ve struggled to write for three years or so. The experience itself is a struggle of longer duration. When I found myself on the Jesus Way again after being a non-believer for forty years or so, I also saw that Christ asked more of me than acceptance of miracles and belief. I feel much ambivalence about what Symeon’s revelation means for me. —Franchot Ballinger
Read MoreI live for those fleeting and rare moments of commUNION, when everything is joined, including me. They are so alive, so vibrant, so red and burning. I never know when to expect them. They just come as a gift, which I graciously accept.
Read MoreGage, one of the Philadelphia Quaker Voluntary Service Fellows from the 2015-16 year, has a special gift. He sees the world with child-like wonder. I watched all year as a sensibility fostered in the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest struggled to find the glory of God in the cracks of Philly’s decayed, post-industrial neighborhoods.
Read MoreMy husband Randy first mentioned moving to Mexico to volunteer full-time at a children’s home a little over two years ago. I had long since wanted to volunteer at an orphanage, but the idea of actually doing so seemed impractical, even for someone who loves doing the impractical as much I do.
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