by Jeanni Shepherd | Dec 10, 2021 | Words for a Christmas Journey
In a slow reading of Luke 2, the words “She was thoroughly shaken” catch my attention. It might be because I feel compassion for a young girl who hasn’t experienced much in the way of sorrow and suffering. I wonder what that was like for her? But perhaps it’s because...
by Jeanni Shepherd | Dec 7, 2021 | Words for a Christmas Journey
About 10 years ago I really started struggling with the month of December, and Christmas in particular. Christmas songs didn’t spread joy in my heart, they created an ache. The sheer nostalgia of the words, the slight melancholy feel of the music over against the...
by Jeanni Shepherd | Dec 3, 2021 | Words for a Christmas Journey
Recently I joined a new prayer group. I committed for several reasons, the most passionate being I want to move beyond what I know into “more.” Prayer had begun to feel like tracks worn and hollowed from use. Something fresh was in order. At the close of the second...
by Jeanni Shepherd | Dec 30, 2020 | Sacred Pause
SACRED PAUSE Thanks so much for being a part of our Sacred Pause Advent series! We have so enjoyed being with you, together reflecting on the themes of Christ’s coming. Looking toward the new year, our prayer for us all is to live with expectancy rather than...
by Jeanni Shepherd | Dec 29, 2020 | The Gift of Presence
Gideon said to him, “Me, my master? How and with what could I ever save Israel? Look at me. My clan’s the weakest in Manasseh and I’m the runt of the litter.” God said to him, “I’ll be with you. Believe me, you’ll defeat Midian as one man.” –Judges 6:15-16 MSG I...
