Copyright Dr. Penny Nelson Freeman, 2024

This story began because of an accident in the summer of 2016. Thankfully my ribs are healed, but my spine is degenerating faster than I like, and pain is far more of a daily experience. This story chronicles growth as I learn how to manage my health as I age (although those who know me better than I know myself would say I still need to learn to stop moving furniture by myself). I see many my age still able to ‘do,’ and I wouldn’t be honest if I said I don’t envy them.

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2024

I didn’t attend a Christian school growing up, but I’ve heard stories about how chaperones at school dances would approach couples who were dancing too closely to remind them to “leave  room for the Holy Spirit.” We chuckle at this, but I think the suggestion is appropriate in our difficult relationships, especially those where we have been hesitant to allow or create distance. A lack of “room” can make it harder to remember that there is a third “person” present. 

One possible starting place is this question: What do you believe about God’s role and responsibilities in your relationships?

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2023

Ask several people how they feel about their plans to be with loved ones over the holidays and you will likely get a spectrum of reactions ranging from the positive—excitement and gratitude—to the negative, like apprehension, dread, apathy, or discouragement. Many might even express mixed feelings because their affection for those they see doesn’t override the painful interactions generated by their time together.

Over the years I’ve noticed that this relational pain is often the result of two common experiences…

Copyright Esther Frustino, 2023

Is someone you love planning an upcoming return from the mission field? Perhaps you are preparing to welcome a missionary family back to your congregation or an adult child back home from a season abroad. Returning from an extended time overseas can be deeply challenging for both the missionary and the family (or church family) receiving them.   

In my last blog post, I discussed five tips I wished someone had shared with me while I transitioned back into American culture after living in Italy for two years. In this post, I speak primarily to those of you receiving loved ones back – whether family members, friends, or members of your congregations. May these suggestions empower you to best connect with loved ones during the difficulties of re-entry and set you apart as a source of support…

Copyright Dr. Bryan Maier, 2023

“I’ve got 15 minutes, wow me!” We would never consciously think of talking to God that way and yet, when we are challenged to practice the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude, we often approach these practices with just such a demanding posture. Why?

There are probably many reasons, but for most of us, our current way of life undoubtedly contributes significantly. Our culture seems to require more and more time and focus. We protest that we are too busy to add one more thing to our already overburdened schedules. Time is precious (we claim) and thus only that which provides a clear return on investment is worth adding to our spreadsheet or “to do list.”

Copyright Esther Frustino, 2023

Are you–or someone you love–planning an upcoming return from the mission field? Or maybe you recently returned from living abroad and are feeling a little lost. I’ve been there. We rightfully expect culture shock when entering a new country but are, oftentimes, caught off guard by “reverse culture shock.” 

In 2016, I left my home in Pennsylvania to move to Italy to serve on a missional anti-trafficking team as their Project Manager and Event Coordinator. In order to earn the trust of the local community and fully immerse myself in Italian culture, I had to change my apparel, food intake, daily routine, language, and communication style…