by Sharon Swing, Co-Author of Listen To My Life: Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in My Story I recently witnessed a conversation that was beautiful in its vulnerability. The level of honesty was disarming and uncomfortable for the woman disclosing her story.  She began to repeatedly clear her throat. The listener spoke simple […]

Sometimes we don’t realize we have choices. We’ve been given ways to accomplish tasks, ways to view the world, ways of interacting with people, beliefs about what brings meaning, fears, worries, values, and expectations. We are also handed beliefs about who God is, or isn’t, all courtesy of our family and our culture. Without reflecting […]

There is a tension I want to bring to your attention. Discomfort Avoidance <-----------------------> Joyful, Meaningful Life When we avoid pain or various forms of discomfort, we seldom have the joy of living with a satisfying sense of meaning and purpose. It seems we live in a society that attempts to have it both ways, […]

Our past experiences shape how we react to our present, and how we predict our futures.  We tend to live on auto-pilot, using 'if-this-then-that' logic that our past has programed into our brain – especially when we are triggered by an unpleasant event. Options become limited – or left unconsidered.  We react to current circumstances […]

Curiosity is an essential prerequisite to love. Since love is at the rock bottom core of our desires, it might be helpful to understand what helps us to receive and give love. Falling in love requires a curiosity about another person. I think it is also the secret to staying in love – and working […]

By Sharon Swing, Co-Author, Listen to My Life:  Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in My Story I was struck by the phrase ‘dual narrative’ when it was spoken in passing.  The phrase refers to a story written from two different people’s perspectives, or from one person at two different points in time. Immediately, […]

by Janine Wetzel God used a contaminated well on our property to give me a picture of the condition of my heart.  It was a not-so-subtle object lesson invite me to respond in more life-giving ways. Not too long ago, we had a torrential rain.  All seemed fine and dandy until nasty brown water started […]

By Julie Thomas, oneLifemaps Facilitator and Blog Coordinator                              Scripture: Matthew 16:13-15 (The Voice) Jesus then went to Caesarea Philippi. Jesus (to His disciples): Who do people say the Son of Man is? Disciples: Some say John the Baptist. And some say Elijah. And some say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. Jesus: And you? Who do you say that […]

By Carol Steffens, oneLifemaps Facilitator and Blog Editor Scripture: Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem. Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for 38 […]

By Julie Thomas, oneLifemaps Facilitator and Blog Coordinator                              Scripture: John 21:15-17 (The Voice) They finished eating breakfast. Jesus: Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these other things? Simon Peter: Yes, Lord. You know that I love You. Jesus: Take care of My lambs. Jesus asked him a second time . . . Jesus: Simon, son of John, do […]