SWMUSIC “A Christmas EP”
Have you listened to SWMUSIC’s “A Christmas EP” yet? We asked Melissa Elliott and Mari Russell about their work on this album. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at what went into it and listen to the 6-song EP on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon or here on our church’s website!
Finding Assurance When Memory is Fleeting
My family is no stranger to Alzheimer’s. It dogged the final years of my grandmother and my mother, convincing each of them in their elder years that they were not home even as they were standing in houses they had lived in for decades.
Practicing Spiritual Disciplines
The Lord calls us in all stages. As single, married and now as a mom, the Lord has placed on my heart a conviction to abide in Him by taking the moments He gives me each day to live out practices that direct my heart toward Him.
The Blessing of Singleness
I was never the little girl who dreamt of a white dress and a big wedding. Maybe partly because I did not grow up in a Christian home, or because I came from a broken one, but I did not “believe in marriage.” However, that all began to change in my 20’s—my goal was to be married by the age of 30.
Who He Says I Am
Comparison is a trap that I often fall into. It’s too easy to find a woman who either looks the way I want to look or is living a life I want to live. This comparison occurs almost instantaneously in my brain, and it leads straight to jealousy. Either way, this isn’t good for me, nor is it what God wants for me.
Reflecting
I have been thinking about heaven lately as I recently turned 55 - the same age that my mom was when she was told she had breast cancer. These “milestone dates” have a way of bringing me to reflection.
Where I Choose To Dwell
He actually listens to each and every prayer. He hears me out. As I continue on and on parading them one by one, I start to feel sheepish. As the words come out of my mouth, I start to see them for what they really are and feel embarrassed. He doesn’t even laugh at me.
Can I Pray Imprecatory Psalms Over the Taliban?
With the rest of the world, my recent days have vacillated between normal summer activities - the art show at OSE, painting my house, a birthday party for Max, etc. and a gravitational pull back into world news. I watched with horror and helplessness as the Taliban effortlessly took back Kabul, and almost overnight, two decades of progress eroded and violence and terror took power.
Purpose in Your Pain
I don’t know what you are going through today, but I do know that whatever it is, God is with you. He is for you. He will never leave you. And He is full of kind grace for you, just like he was for our ancient friend in Mark 5. Keep reaching out for Him, for His lovingkindness is better than life. He has a purpose for you in your pain.
When You Say Yes to God
Never underestimate God and what HE wants for your life. God didn’t really want me to climb Mt. Everest, He just wanted me to be WILLING to climb it. In His kindness and love for me, He gave me time to grow.