Here we are, ladies, at the end of our summer book club. We have had such a fun and challenging study together. I have enjoyed every word we’ve read in “Practically Divine” and in the book of Mark. To end our time together, I’ve found a short sermon (actually a commencement sermon) from Becca. It’s only 13 minutes. In it, Becca shares more of her heart for the Gospel and for making a difference in God’s world. Honestly, I can’t really make these 13 minutes apply to our readin

Read Mark 16. Early on the first day of the week, after rising from the dead, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. After she had seen Jesus, she ran to tell his disciples, who were all emotionally devastated and weeping. Excitedly, Mary told them, ‘He’s alive and I’ve seen him!’ But even after hearing this, they didn’t believe her. Mark 16:9-11 (TPT) I love the Passion Translation, because it says the disciples were emotionally devastated

Read Mark 15. What a day! Darkness fell, our Savior was buried, and hope (for many) died. Death is hard! If you’ve lost a loved one to death in any way, you know the darkness of death. But, physical death isn’t the only death that hurts. The death of relationship, a career, a dream, or even a plan can leave us feeling a grief we didn’t know was possible. On Good Friday, the pharisees thought they’d killed Jesus once and for all. Many of His followers believed the same thing e

While reading “Three Moves” and Becca’s description of what the phrase, “three moves is as good as a fire,” I had so many thoughts of my own life and the baggage I have, at times, chosen to carry around. This quote describes the feeling of letting unnecessary weights go, “I have learned, in the best practically divine way, that freedom lies in the metaphorical burning of something so we can’t keep it with us. We don’t have to make it right for everyone. Burn the things you ha

Ladies, I don’t know if I’ve already said this about another chapter, but THIS ONE is my very favorite. I identify with so much that is written in these pages. Again, my story is very different than Becca’s story. The truths and lessons she shares, though, are some of the exact ones that I’ve learned over the past 10 years or so. Read & enjoy chapter 7, “Three Moves.” Goodness, there is so much I want to say, so much I want to cover. Maybe I will get into more of it in the co

I've heard from several of you this week that you've enjoyed this chapter of study the most. I agree! There is something spectacular about understanding that our God makes holy from our mess-ups, failures, and imperfections. That reality brings freedom & hope. I pray you've felt it all week. Earlier this spring, I listened Scott Sauls share his new book, "Beautiful People Don't Just Happen," with Annie F. Downs. It was such a good episode, and I remember hoping even then tha

Today, in Mark 14, Jesus’ story moves closer to His death. First, there is a “holy imperfect” story in verses 3 through 9. Can you even imagine this scene? Jesus was reclining at the table with other men when a women came in, broke a jar of perfume over Jesus’ feet, and bathed them with her hair. Why would she do this? What could have driven her to make such a spectacle of herself? In our chapter this week, Becca spoke a lot about trauma. We’ve all experienced it. Some trauma

Thank you, Missy, for taking over yesterday. What a blessing to be able to share the day with Claire! If you've not finished our chapter, "Holy Imperfect," go ahead and finish today. Now, skim Mark 13 to verse 34. Carefully, read verses 34 through 37. The entire chapter is Jesus giving warning about end times. The chapter ends with these words, If He comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!(Mark 13:36-37) What an interesti

Good morning, ladies! Surprise - it's not Amy Cutrer Rogers! Today is Claire's 15th Birthday! YAY! (Claire is her sweet daughter!). Amy is celebrating the big day with Claire's friends and so I volunteered to write today's post. She had asked me to simply ask you all to share a personal take away from yesterday's reading. And... I will absolutely do that now; please share. But also, and she's going to be aggravated at me for this, but I am going to do it anyway. She

Are you ready for a chapter titled, “Holy Imperfect?” I was so curious, and Becca’s words did not disappoint. I mean, who needs to hear more and more messages like, “When we can let go of the perfect ideal, there is real life and joy on the other side?” I’m raising my hand. Yes! And, amen. Today, please read pages 117 through 131. If you’ve had to come to terms with the reality that you, it, life can’t be perfect in any one area, share it with us below. God, thank you for giv