My nephew Connor was born nearly a month early. My husband and I had just visited the weekend before to help my brother and sister-in-law assemble the crib, wash onesies, and set up the changing station.
“Come and See”
March 9, 2022 by
After witnessing the weeping of Mary and her surrounding community, Jesus is greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved (v. 33). But he does not weep himself until the people entreat him to “come and see” where Lazarus’s body has been laid (v. 34).
Lost in Maples
November 30, 2021 by
They wander, these children of mine. They wander and they wonder, and then boom, you take them out of their comfort zone and here comes the whining.
Connections 10.31.2021: Make a Move
October 24, 2021 by
My friend Maren used to live by what we kids called a “hanging tree” or “screaming tree.” There are a few of these around my hometown of Beaufort, SC, all large oaks with a sturdy branch growing horizontally over the road.
Connections 10.24.2021: Reassuring Permanence
October 17, 2021 by
One day during lockdown last year, while I was on the phone with my mother, she asked me an unexpected question: Did you watch the queen’s speech?
“What Is It?”
October 13, 2021 by
When evening comes, and quails fly into the hunger-stricken Israelite camp, it must have been something like Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”.
Connections 10.10.2021: Sympathizing with Our Weaknesses
October 3, 2021 by
When I was in middle school, I came across Psalm 127:2 for the first time. Amongst other things, the verse says that God “grants sleep to those he loves” (NIV). I didn’t take that well.
Light and Scent
September 15, 2020 by
As my pastor mounted the steps to the pulpit to preach about Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus’ feet with perfume (Jn 12:1-8), he paused to light several sticks of incense.
Seasons for Everything
September 4, 2019 by
Before my grandfather’s funeral, I struggled for time to absorb his absence and grieve. We had logistics to handle, relatives to entertain, strangers to greet, and my grandmother to keep company.
Praise, a Lenten Devotion
April 16, 2019 by
I recently attended a session of my son’s Science Explorers club. The children were learning about rocks. Who knew there were so many different kinds of rocks?
Rhythm Nation
September 15, 2015 by
I’m looking for some rhythm. No, unfortunately not cool rhythm like Janet Jackson. I just need structure. In all areas. STAT. It’s an Emergency. I told my husband this, and he informed me that there is Emergen-C up in the cabinet and I should probably take some because my cough sounds so horrible.
Thrive: Insisting on Titles – Katie McKown
October 27, 2014 by
Most of us understand it’s impolite to blatantly brag. We might want to do it, but we know culture frowns upon it; however if we’re keen enough we’ll find a way.
Thrive: We Work – Katie McKown
October 20, 2014 by
It is a famed pastime to predict when Jesus will return. Who knows when Jesus will return? Scripture tells us “only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) Perhaps then we should shift attention from when Jesus will return to how to live while we wait “for [we] do not know on what day [our] Lord is coming.”
Thrive: A Gathering God – Katie McKown
October 13, 2014 by
I pastor a congregation of farmers and gardeners, and as a result, I have corralled cows on a four-wheeler. A calf has borne my name. I have learned about turkeys, chickens, goats, horses, and cows.
Thrive: KEEP OUT – Katie McKown
October 6, 2014 by
As a girl I posted a friendly little sign on my door: “This is Katie’s Room. KEEP OUT!” On occasion I deigned to let my brother in to play with me, but whenever we had a spat, I would lock the door to underline the point: KEEP OUT.