Prayer – Rev. Kris Mares

Perspective

Time in the woods is always healing for me. I took a familiar path down the trail, off the trail, and by the stream. This time I saw something new.

Book Review: One Faithful Promise

I’m not sure how long this book has been on my shelf. I’m not even sure where it came from. It’s small, about the size of my hand, and thin. Not much to it. And yet it for sure packs a spiritual punch. One Faithful Promise, by Magrey R. deVega, is a must read forContinue reading “Book Review: One Faithful Promise”

Hidden Structures

I have written before about my retreats at The Quiet Place NC, Inc. It is my time to rest, connect with God, read, dream, plan, and write. My retreats are a time for me to step out of the daily tasks of life and focus in a more intentional way. Each time I come onContinue reading “Hidden Structures”

Silly and Wild

Lord, teach me the one necessary thing.

Being Present

This year, I’m using the Present Over Perfect Guided Journal. I read Shauna Neiquist’s Present Over Perfect book when it came out a few years ago and so much of it just connected with me. When I saw she had created a journal, I knew it was right for this season of my life. The journal has smallContinue reading “Being Present”

Gifts of Love

And I trust that through this all, God’s story is still being written. Still being written in us and through us. Still being written in the hearts of those who hear about what all has happened. Still being written in the hearts of those who have offered gifts of love.

17 Years and Counting

In 17 years, Bill and I have weathered two moves, adding 6 children to our family, a debt-free journey, being on WIC and food stamps, 2 kids graduating high school, 20 different jobs between us, my journey through seminary and ordination, several private family struggles (which aren’t open for internet disclosure), 3 grandparent deaths, about 6 car accidents, the planning and execution of a 16 day family camping trip with 8 of us in a 30′ travel trailer, 17 years of NASCAR racing travel (9 of those in the exhausting Cup Series), countless sports practices and events, 6 different public schools with our kids, and more dead fish than we can count.

Grounded Knowing

Ideas for Taking Your Own Retreat

Recently, I was able to get away for a personal weekend retreat. For some, it seems like such a luxury (and I fully recognize that it is). Especially when you have small children, or are a single parent, the thought of spending 2 nights alone, in a quiet place seems like an unattainable dream. IContinue reading “Ideas for Taking Your Own Retreat”

Book Review: Discernment

Reading Discernment is like listening to a wise mentor and sharing questions and conversation. Nouwen shares lessons on solitude, community, and figuring out truth.