On Monday a group of moms in North Raleigh sent their children to school for the first time in 8 months. These women and countless other parents faced the morning bus stop with a load of anxiety: a very real disease on the loose, regular first day of school jitters, their children’s development in a … Continued
It might seem that in 2020, there hasn’t been much to be collectively joyful about. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the election cycle actively driving our communities apart both physically and socially, it has been easy to fall prey to feelings of anxiety and loneliness. However, our isolation has also forced us to adapt, and it has … Continued
This week’s reflection is written by Greystone member, Marcia Ostendorff. Marcia is a newly retired science teacher and a passionate follower of Jesus. Marcia spends a good portion of every day out and about in the goodness of God’s creation. Enjoy her photographs, and join her in wonder. I have a love/hate relationship with the … Continued
On Friday I went to the woods to walk and pray. I was a little nervous. First, anytime you seek to engage with the God who created the universe there is a bit of fear and trembling to be had. Secondly, my navigational skills have been sliding in recent years. There have been many wrong … Continued
In my devotions this week, I opened my heart and thoughts to this piece. It has been playing over my spirit since I first read it. It expounds on the writings of Julian of Norwich, 14th century English mystic. Julian said that we are not merely made by God but are made “of God”. This … Continued
In his Confessions, Augustine of Hippo (354-430 CE) wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” I think all of us can relate to this feeling of restlessness we find within ourselves when we are chasing after things that are not of God. Thankfully, we … Continued
Yesterday, I stood outside Crabtree Valley Church in the fog and humidity with members of the Welcome House Network “Dream Team”. We were there to welcome CBFNC Executive Director, Larry Hovis, and his cycling group at the finish line. Larry and his team started a 240-mile trek to Raleigh from the Blue Ridge Parkway. All … Continued
What a beautiful day! Fall in North Carolina is simply the best time of the year. I hope that as you move through this week you take a moment to pause and notice the grace that is exploding in the spaces around you. The Holy Spirit is at work in these days; our job is … Continued
Ephesians 4.15-16 reads, “15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in … Continued
My friend, Mark Tidsworth (Pinnacle Leadership Associates), posted the following on Facebook last week: The chaos is an indicator deformation is now in full swing Cry, lament, curse, grieve…whatever we need to let Egypt go Making space in ourselves for creation and rebirth As God constantly works to make all things new, all things new … Continued