I'm a big fan of BibleGateway.com as a free and easy-to-use source for online Bible translations. The site includes over 200 versions and 70 languages! BibleGateway introduced me to The Voice, a translation which included the collaboration of musicians, poets, and other artists alongside scholars and pastors. When a friend recommended the New Century Version, … Continue reading BibleGateway’s Free Bible Audio App
Announcement: MennoMedia has been doing a series of author interviews, and it was my turn to be interviewed this week on "Self-care in a time of COVID-19." The video is available on the MennoMedia Facebook page. And now for today's article. . . . When I reach for a snack, I'm much more likely to … Continue reading Love, Generosity, and Potato Chips
This weekend many churches will celebrate Easter online by livestreaming their worship, including their music, sermon, and even communion. For some congregations, this may be nothing new; livestreaming has already been a regular part of their ministry to connect with people beyond their church's physical location. For others, worship online means acquiring and learning new … Continue reading Easter for Everyone
My brand new, fresh-out-of-the-box amaryllis bulb did not grow and bloom last year as I hoped. I followed the step-by-step instructions---I put the premixed potting soil into the plastic pot, planted the bulb so the top third remained exposed above the soil, placed the pot on a table where it would get indirect light, and … Continue reading Are You Tending a Deep Hope?
In high school I wrote poetry and other stories, but never thought of writing as a possible career path. Instead, I felt most drawn to social work. As I read the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, I imagined myself living them out in some form of community service: The Spirit of the Lord is … Continue reading Stories of God’s Provision
With just over four weeks until Ash Wednesday, I've been wanting to share with you my reflection and discussion guide to On the Way With Jesus: Sermons for Lent and Easter based on the Gospel Readings. I've already shared the book's cover along with the table of contents and back cover copy. And today I'm … Continue reading Win a Free Copy of On the Way With Jesus
In 2016 I wrote How to Pray for a Wedding Dinner, and it became my most viewed post in 2016---and in 2017, 2018, and now again in 2019. In fact, half of my most viewed posts in 2019 are posts from previous years and are all part of my How to Pray series. When I … Continue reading The Top 10 of 2019 from April Yamasaki
Last January I chose "blossom" as my word of the year---or perhaps the word chose me, for as I pondered and prayed over the coming year, "blossom" kept coming back to me. What will open up for me in 2019? I wondered. Where will God channel my energy and vision? How will this year grow … Continue reading God Still Speaks: Inspiration from Purpose Magazine
