Welcome to the first edition of, Off The Shelf, my “new” newsletter where I hope you will find something to glean about life and faith through not just my words, but the words of others.
This will be a place to think through the everyday rhythms and practices that keep my faith alive and vibrant (or just limping along), as well as the current cultural issues that can’t help but be a part of that life we are seeking to live by faith and with faithfulness. It’s a place where I’ll share about what I’m reading, what’s challenging me, what’s keeping my head above water or what’s just inspiring the socks off of me.
My hope is for this to be a place much like that edge of the field that Ruth walked along, picking up the heads of grain left behind by others. It’s a humble place, not necessarily flashy or brilliant, but maybe there will be a few bits to chew on that strengthen you on your journey.
Thanks for being here. For letting me scatter my words at your feet and for taking the time to pick them up even if just for a few moments. And if you don’t get anything from what you read here, no hurt feelings! Just unsubscribe and move on. We all have people we click with and those we don’t. I’m always amazed when someone resonates with anything I’ve said. Great conversation is it’s own kind of miracle.
As part of this newsletter launch, one of the first things I’ll be writing about is Lent. This season of preparation for Easter begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday and as a girl who grew up in a non-denominational church, I’ve grown to love some of these historical practices that have sustained and informed believers for centuries.
We live overseas, in a place without an established church gathering. This means that entering into these liturgical practices has been, for me, ad hoc at best. I suppose if there’s anything I’ve learned in the recent years of trying to implement something of them into my life is that they are not magic. They don’t usher in spiritual awakening or renewal all by themselves. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. But these practices can come alongside us, like helpers, like supports. They can set us up to do better at noticing what God is doing or saying. They can position us so we notice ourselves or others in fresh ways. And I’m here for that. I need that.
So be on the lookout for a Lent-related newsletter coming up next. Subscribe to receive these directly into your inbox. And tell a friend you think might be interested!