Months ago, when I was given the theme of joy for my spring article for the Asian American Women on Leadership, I wasn't feeling especially joyful. I said to myself, Maybe I'll feel more joyful by spring. Or maybe I could write around the theme of joy. Maybe I could at least be joy adjacent. … Continue reading Psalm 22: A Psalm of Jesus
A couple of weeks ago, my laptop suddenly turned itself off and wouldn't turn back on. I'm not sure what happened since I had stepped away for a moment. But I had noticed the fan seemed to be running more than usual, and when I returned to my desk, I found my laptop had failed. … Continue reading While It Was Still Dark
Worry (verb): give way to anxiety or unease; allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. It's easy to worry, isn't it? About the people we love. Personal health concerns. The health of our neighbourhoods. Our work life. Our church life. The weight of world events. There's plenty to concern us---many things that need our attention, our … Continue reading No Need to Worry
"What if we don’t need to pull it together ourselves as much as we need to be "peaced" together by another?" Wow---I immediately resonated with this question from Jenny Gehman's Little Life Words. For me, life has felt rather piecemeal these days---fragmented, random, "not done according to a plan but done at different times in … Continue reading “Peace” Me Together, O God
Last month I was surprised to receive this email from a regular reader: I wanted to let you know I mailed you a little package—I hope you like it! You have been exceptionally kind and inspirational to me and have truly helped me. For all of that, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you, and … Continue reading God’s Gifts of Kindness and Generosity
As I reflect on the Spirit’s leading, I first think of some of the larger movements in my life. My marriage to my sweetheart when we were both just twenty-one and both still in university. My conviction to keep submitting my first book proposal in spite of rejection after rejection. The unexpected call to pastoral … Continue reading Surprised by the Spirit in Unexpected Spaces
April Yamasaki 