Welcome to this blog about living as apprentices of Jesus!
One of Karen's favorite quotes is: "Whatever job we get and whatever task we are assigned can serve as a container for grace" (Eugene Peterson in "Practical Resurrection"). We pray that the words and sentences on this blog may also serve as "containers of grace" for its readers.
Joy and Karen
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Category Archives: Karen’s journey
The Garden of my Mind
The music was fading from a PBS program on The Best of the Boston Pops orchestra. I had my hand on the remote to change the station when I heard a familiar voice. It was Mr. Rogers, decked out in … Continue reading
Posted in Karen's journey
Tagged Amy Winehouse, Boston Pops Orchestra, John Williams, monarch butterflies, Mr. Rogers, PBS
3 Comments
What Really Matters
Several years ago, as I walked toward my exercise class, I noticed a beautiful painting in a nearby thrift shop. Every day I stood in front of the painting, taking in its lush beauty. One day I decided to find … Continue reading
Posted in Karen's journey
Tagged art appreciation, attitude of gratitude
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“A Life Well Lived for Christ”
When my parents and I appeared on a now long-defunct TV show, (so defunct I cannot remember the name of the show ) in New York City, the host was quite amused at having a nine-year-old from Michigan in the audience. In his … Continue reading
Posted in Karen's journey, Living as Apprentices
Tagged Church of the Saviour, Elizabeth O'Connor, Eugene Peterson, James Bryan Smith, Richard Stearns, the Apprentice Series, The Good and Beautiful Life
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Dancing for the Lord
We often talked about what we could do together outside of work. I was the director of Spiritual Formation and she was the Director of Worship Arts; our schedules were crazy. We could never seem to get our act together. … Continue reading
Posted in Karen's journey
Tagged Chibuly, living in the now, Meijer Gardens, sacred dance
2 Comments
The Care and Feeding of a Political Junkie
We were just finishing lunch. I picked up my copy of Bloomberg Businessweek from my seat. My friend said, “Is that yours?” I nodded. She said, “I knew it! Who else would be reading a magazine like that but a … Continue reading
Posted in Karen's journey
Tagged C.S. Lewis, Chuck Colson, Dallas Willard, elections, political junkie
1 Comment
Only God can Mend a Heart
Today I wounded someone I love. The arrow, straight and sharp, flew precisely and with surprising velocity directly to his heart, carrying the words to the heart-spot most vulnerable to pain. In horror I heard his heart crack, leaving an … Continue reading
Posted in Karen's journey
Tagged God's love, HALT, Twelve Step Groups
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Black People Matter
A few nights ago my husband received a call from his sister, reporting that a young male cousin had been murdered. The next morning I pondered the deaths in the generation of young black males in his extended family: two … Continue reading
Nightmare on Any Street
Last night I had a nightmare. Somehow I remember every detail. I am standing in a living room with a mother and three boys. I am white and they are black. They are sitting on a sagging couch. On the … Continue reading
Living as Apprentices 