Blog
Fasting That Transforms: A Sacred Rhythm for Real Breakthrough
Fasting is a powerful but often neglected spiritual discipline. In a culture full of noise, indulgence, and distraction, fasting helps us realign with God’s heart.
Jesus said, “When you fast …” (Matthew 6:16). Not as a suggestion, but as a rhythm of spiritual transformation and intimacy.
While fasting is typically associated with completely refraining from food for a set period of time, that is only one of the ways to fast. There is also, for example, a
A Shower of Prayer
A young girl laid her head down to sleep, the whispered words of a prayer on her lips: “Dear God, could you please let Miguel kiss me beneath the basketball hoop tomorrow at recess. Amen.”
This little girl’s prayer did not come true. I know this because it was mine, and no recess romance would ever bloom between Miguel and me. What would eventually come of these innocent words was a deep sense of shame and guilt. How could I have said such a thing to God? How sinful. How embarrassing! Combine this with the fact that most nights I’d fall asleep before saying amen, and I truly thought I was a failure at prayer.
Can you imagine?
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 …
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…
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…
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).
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.
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:
“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.
Find Your New Favorite Book
One of the great joys of this ministry is the opportunity to share the resources created by the women associated with by design. This fall, we have the honor of sharing some relevant and important books authored by these brilliant and godly women. We hope that you enjoy perusing the list and that you'll choose one or two to pick up as your fall reading. Enjoy!
Can You Spare a Cup? (Partnering in Kingdom Work)
Serving is a little sweeter with by design ministries. Support is a little closer, community a little tighter, and growing a little easier.And that’s why we exist. For you. For the sake of the Kingdom.
Zoom Lemonade
Online workshops always sounded like a good idea. It made sense for by design to share the training and resources that had previously only been available to women in New England, and we loved the idea of being able to expand our ministry around the world. But oh boy, it sure felt like a daunting task. With our staff already working crazy hours and our resources stretched to the limit, it just didn’t feel possible. So we put it off. For years. And then the pandemic hit.
Cultural Infiltration of the Church
What's up with the next generation? Please join us for an informal discussion on how we can better understand and reach this generation of young women.