All Saints Day is the perfect time to reflect on those saints on whose shoulders we stand: those who have mentored us, nourished us, taught us, and loved us. One of the things I appreciate about our church is the notion that we are all saints of God, imperfect but striving. There is really nothing […]
Faith
Book Review: The Communicator’s Companion
The Communicator’s Companion: Devotions for Speakers and Writers by Jean Wise Reviewed by Elizabeth H. Cottrell5 out of 5 stars Sometimes a book comes along that provides a much-needed source of inspiration in just the right way at just the right time. This marvelous collection of devotions was just such a book for me, and […]
7 Ways To Make Your Next Vacation More Soul-Nourishing
Not only is it essential for you to take vacations and breaks from your normal routine, but there are ways you can ensure that those you take are more therapeutic and soul nourishing. This is an update to a post from the Heartspoken archives. Breaks are essential to our well-being As soon as we lifted off […]
All You Need To Know Is Already Close At Hand
Where are you looking for God and Truth? They might be much closer than you think. This post has been significantly revised since it first appeared on this blog in 2010. “Aren’t you afraid to talk about faith?” Some well-meaning friends have warned me about getting into the topic of spirituality on this blog. “It’s […]
Invocation for 126th Virginia Bankers Association Convention
Invocation delivered at the opening session of the 126th annual convention of the Virginia Bankers Association: June 17, 2019 The Sanctuary Kiawah Island, South Carolina Father/Mother God, divine Source of all resources: As we gather this week to learn, share, and support each other in making Virginia’s banking industry the best it can possibly […]
“He’s Alive!” — Easter Morning’s Powerful Cry
After the horror of Jesus’s crucifixion, suffering, and death, as the disciples huddled in fear and disbelief, imagine how they felt when they first heard the joyful cry, “He’s Alive!” From abject fear to utter joy and liberation Our churches don’t often dwell on the awful time between the suffering and death of Jesus on […]
It Is Finished… The Profound Last Words Of Christ
Last words matter As a physician, my husband was sometimes present during that sacred moment when a patient passed from life to death. Often there were no “last words,” because the patient was already unconscious, but when a patient spoke at this time, everyone in the room strained to hear, because “last words” can be […]
Book Review: On The Brink Of Everything by Parker J. Palmer
On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old by Parker J. Palmer Reviewed by Elizabeth H. Cottrell Published 2018 240 pages (Hardcover edition) 5 stars out of 5 Parker J. Palmer is among my favorite authors because he writes beautifully and honestly about the questions, challenges, and paradoxes of life. His writing explores, […]