8/4/25 8/4/25

Theological Study as a Spiritual Practice

Be honest – what is your first reaction when you hear the word “theology”?

Some of you might have internally eye-rolled – no judgment if you did! Many perceive theology as a quaint hobby akin to stamp-collecting. In this view, theology is a relic of a bygone era, detached from “real life.”

Or maybe you find yourself drawn to theology, but you assume serious study is not for you – or maybe it was for you if you’ve been to seminary, but those days are now behind you. In this view, theology is for academics and is, once again, detached from real life.

Or maybe your reaction was a different one altogether. Maybe you recoiled. Maybe “theology” is what was thrown in your face to attempt to exclude you from ministry. That has certainly …

7/28/25 7/28/25

Lectio Divina

As a child, I loved the Bible stories. They told of far-off times and places. And the people taught us about qualities that were good and noble. Despite the fact that I grew up in a Unitarian church, God was part of the tradition. We had a creed, short though it was, and it included “the leadership of Jesus.” Of course, I had no idea that Jesus was much more than a leader.

The only time I had a glimpse of something bigger was through…

7/21/25 7/21/25

Prayer Driving

Prayer walk? When am I going to find the time for that? I recently watched a blog on the fact that there would be an official New England prayer walk day at the end of May. I was inspired and wanted to participate, but when could I carve out the time?

I don’t know about you, but I spend more time in my car than I do walking outside.

Don’t get me wrong. I love walking and noticing God’s beautiful creation, especially in spring when I literally stop and smell the flowers, but with…

7/14/25 7/14/25

Journaling as a Spiritual Discipline

The Spiritual Discipline of Journaling helps us reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past to build trust for the present. Reflecting is about building perseverance based on what God has done so we can keep pressing forward (James 1:2-4).

7/7/25 7/7/25

The Prayer of Examen

Since we have the Spirit within us, we too can expect God will meet us where we are in the throes of daily life with all its joys and challenges. Even if the life we have right now is not the one we would choose, God is right there in our midst. Since we aren’t necessarily good at recognizing him in the ordinary, examining our day with him can be a help. The Prayer of Examen, a spiritual practice developed by Ignatius of Loyola in 1522, allows us to discern his presence and promptings and gives us insights into living and responding with grace.

5/19/25 5/19/25

3 Things I Remembered from My First By Design Retreat

After over 25 years in ministry author Kim Findlay attended her first women’s retreat with By Design. Initially excited, she soon felt nervous and insecure, unsure how to simply “be” instead of lead. Encouraged to let God minister to her, she was reminded that God desires her heart, not just her deeds. God showed her three important things:

4/14/25 4/14/25

“But I’m Not a Leader” - By Design’s Philosophy of Participation

Have you ever considered attending a By Design Ministries event but hesitated at the sight of the word “leader” or a registration question asking you to list the position of leadership you hold in your church or organization? Wherever God has you right now, you are leading and influencing others for the Kingdom.

12/6/24 12/6/24

Why I Stopped Praying for Clarity

We’ve all heard the admonitions “Be careful what you wish for” and “Never pray for patience.” But more problematic for me is my tendency to ask God for clarity in unclear situations … and my ensuing frustration when it doesn’t come.

When my oldest was in high school, a well-meaning adult encouraged her not to worry about her future by reminding her it was in God’s hands. As my daughter said to me later,

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