I don’t have the gift of hospitality – it’s so natural for some people. It isn’t for me. I value efficiency and effectiveness. I like to have a list and get things done. Hospitality – planned or not – just seems to take too much time. That’s why I am so struck by Genesis 18. … Continue reading →

Learning someone else’s name is a foundational act of relationship. If you holler: “Hey, you!” you could be calling for anyone. But if you call out: “Hey, Mandy!”… that’s me. Names are foundational to identity and relationships in the Bible, too. In Genesis 2, understanding the names of people and places reveal powerful truths. For … Continue reading →

Carefully selected crayons. Green, blue, brown, grey. Coordinated steps. Right foot front, back then side to side. Laughter. Learning a dance with three young men. Drawing and singing with kids. Delight. This was my worship this Sunday at Grace Covenant Church as we gathered to CELEBRATE life, DELIGHT in creation, and PRAISE God, and it was PURE … Continue reading →

For #NoStuffNovember! Join us in creating margin by getting rid of STUFF! By the time thanksgiving arrives, you will be able to get rid of 253 (or more!) items from your house. How? Each day, get rid of the number of items according to the day of the month (i.e. on Nov. 11th get rid … Continue reading →

In the eleventh month of Trump’s presidency, God sent the angel Warren’s email to Chicago, a town in Illinois,  to a virgin-writer pledged to a Doctorate of Ministry, a degree of Duke Divinity. The virgin’s name was Mandy. The angel’s email to her said, “Hi, I’m pleased to share this news! The Rev. Dr. Hall … Continue reading →

Today I swam in broken glass The judicial system Institutions held dear Incurable cancer for someone near Today I hurt with God’s beloved  A prayerful man keeping cynicism away  A young leader’s faith unrecognized by the established  A family caught between hope and fear Today I’m uncertain  So I weep I wait I bleed Today … Continue reading →

You did it! Now get rid of it and enjoy some spacial clarity and peace of mind. Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! See you at the next #nostuffnovember2018!

Look what my planner said this week. Yay! #nostuffnovember

I’ve got an even better idea… #nostuffnovember! https://storage.makespace.com/7-ways-make-space-proves-self-storage-is-stupid.html  

It’s thanksgiving week, so don’t be too legalistic on your numbers. Simply continue to be faithful, adding this bit by bit to your “give away” pile. #nostuffnovember