faith

Two Weddings and Two Funerals

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Hi Friends,

I hope you are having a wonderful start to the year. While some of you are enjoying the majesty of a fresh blanket of snow, the people in L.A. are facing unbelievable loss. Although I have never lived in California, it is one of my favorite places to visit. A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is awe-inspiring and now so many who have had that beauty as part of their daily routine have lost everything. I know Christian organizations are already stepping in to help, and I expect churches to care for this community in need. Praise God that although the church falls short in countless ways, it shows up in times of crisis. In fact, I signed up to volunteer after the devastation in North Carolina with my denomination, but I have yet to be called about anything because so many Christians step up.

But other than witnessing the devastation and praying for those in need, how is your 2025 starting out? I am loving my new Bible reading plan: (1) starting the day with lectio divina; and (2) using Paul David Tripp’s Everyday Gospel Bible. I have written in my prayer journal everyday so far and have hit the gym every day but Sunday. I am working a couple days a week this semester, and that feels just right because with a senior I want to soak up all these “lasts.” By the end of the month, I’ll be 53 years old and will have attended my last Jackson 5 sporting event (unless there’s an unexpected playoff run that takes basketball into February). It would be fun to know how many hours I’ve spent in the last two decades joyfully cheering on my sons — such a blast! How will I fill this time in my next season of life? I have some ideas.

But as I look back over the last year, I am struck by how it feels like there’s already a shift afoot. I attended two weddings. I knew both brides and one groom from a very young age, so these were very special events. It’s so sweet to watch this next generation start their married lives. And some of my contemporaries are already grandparents. I am excited about this next season, even while I soak up the blessings of today.

In 2024 I attended a funeral of a friend just four years older than me. The grief of a life cut short sobers you. Hearing her children speak at her funeral left me feeling committed to gratitude — what love these three have for their faithful and doting mother. I am so glad I got to be there to witness it. Their words play through my mind often.

In 2024, I also missed the funeral of a friend from church. She was on the younger side too, maybe around 70. She’s actually the first woman I met at our church. She was so friendly and easy to talk to. She was an accomplished writer, and told me about a book she wrote on motherhood. In short, we were instant friends. One time when we were leaving Bible study at the same time she noticed that a neighbor was throwing out some pottery. At her suggestion, we did some serious dumpster diving, both walking away with some lovely ceramic pots. Although she had been fighting cancer for a long time, her death was quite unexpected. Somehow I missed the email announcing her funeral service and failed to attend. I was so heartbroken to learn I was just sitting at home, when her life was celebrated. I’m reading her book now and wish I wouldn’t have waited, wishing I would’ve been at her funeral to learn more about her and meet her children.

In 2025, I want to be more committed to rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). Let’s all go to the weddings. Let’s all attend the funerals. Sending cards is nice, but let’s make an effort to be present at important events. Maybe the command isn’t just one of support — sharing joys and burdens — maybe fulfilling the command changes us. Maybe it makes us more fully human. In fact, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn makes us more Christlike.

Blessings on your 2025!

Kristie

P.S. I am not following the linked article on lectio divina exactly, but it gives you a general idea. I am using the same few verses for a whole week, meditating and praying over them each morning, using them to guide what I am recording in my prayer journal. On Monday, I’ll be on Ephesians 1:3-10 if you want to join me.

Farewell 2024! Bible Plan for 2025

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Hi Friends,

We have less than 24 hours left in 2024. I wish I could say I got in the best shape of my life, read more than ever or exceeded some writing goal. But I did finish my Bible reading plan, and there’s great satisfaction in sticking with it the whole year! I have gotten behind and given up every other time I have tried it, sadly. What was the difference? Two things: (1) I used this 5-day plan so if you do get behind you have the weekend to catch up; and (2) Almost everyday I listened to the reading while reading along. This was huge for me. I feel like my absorption with seeing AND hearing went way up. The Bible says much about how we need to “hear” and “keep.” And obviously most of the early church members did a lot more hearing than reading. We are blessed to so easily do both! I used this free Bible app which has the audio of various translations. I pulled that up and used my physical Bible to follow along. For me, this was a game changer.

I was also amazed by how much stories and struggles from Scripture parallel today. At least a couple of times a week I would come across a verse or snippet that felt so much like what’s going on in my life or in the world at large. The plan’s organization meant you were reading one of the Gospels every couple of months, a couple of Psalms every week, and both the New and Old Testament daily. Oftentimes the readings all address a similar theme. I was in awe of how this particular structure reinforced the unified message of the Bible: He created us, He redeems us, He is with us. We are called to trust Him, love Him, surrender to Him and live joyful lives full of gratitude.

In sum, I could not love that Bible plan more. But, I am changing things up not because of the plan but because of me. Unless I had something early, like 6:30 am Bible study on Fridays, I mostly read the Bible within an hour or so of waking up. I’d often exercise first, but crank out the readings before getting ready for the day. The key word there is “crank.” Sometimes, especially in the midst of some of the harder Old Testament books, I felt like I was checking a box and sometimes walked away with a sort of bewildered feeling. I want my mornings to be more contemplative. I don’t want to feel like I’m banging it out. My plan this year is to use Paul David Tripp’s Everyday Gospel. It has a reading plan but then also a devotional. He’s fantastic. So I am excited about that. I’m going to do this later in the day, maybe even consistently right before bed.

My new goal for 2025 is to start my mornings with a snippet of Scripture and my prayer journal, meditating and praying instead of rushing through a larger portion of Scripture. This practice is sometimes called Lectio Divina and here is an explanation from Tom Tarrants of the C.S. Lewis Institute.

Psalm 119:15 says “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” This is my goal for 2025. I’d love it if you’d join me. Either way, I hope you have a lovely time today reflecting on this past year and looking forward to knowing and serving God better in 2025. I hope we can spur each other on!

Blessings,

Kristie

January Meditations

  • January 1st -4th 1 John 3:1-3
  • January 5th – 11th John 17:20-26
  • January 12th-18th Ephesians 1:3-10
  • January 19th-25th 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
  • January 26th-February 1st Colossians 1:15-20

Esther, Mordecai and Bhattacharya

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Hi Friends,

When is the last time you read the Book of Esther? We tend to hear mostly about Esther’s courage and the principle that there are moments in life where we are called to a specific task. For such a time as this.

But when I read Esther last week as part of my Bible reading plan I was struck by how humiliating the course of events proved for Haman. One day he was a powerful advisor to the king, plotting to kill Jews throughout the kingdom, and the next thing you know he is having to lead Mordecai (the Jewish man Haman hated the most) through the streets for the people to honor Mordecai. Talk about a stunning turn of events. Haman hoped to discredit Mordecai and have him killed. Then the tables turned in the most surprising and poetic way possible. When Mordecai was led through the square in royal robes, at the King’s direction, Haman was forced to call out: “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” Esther 6:11b (ESV).

Such poetic justice can even happen today: the fact that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is headed to lead NIH is downright Mordecai-esque. The Wall Street Journal had a lovely piece on him this weekend that is worth your time. Bhattacharya credits his Christian faith for being able to endure the onslaught of attacks, but the stress of it all was still very disruptive. For example, he lost a lot of sleep and thirty pounds. I am just thrilled that he is tasked with bringing credibility and objectivity back to NIH. I’ll certainly be praying for his success. I have not met the man but, like many others, so valued his voice of reason during the pandemic.

Maybe you have something in your life where you just feel like there’s no way out. Perhaps there’s something discouraging you to the point of hopelessness. Can I suggest you read through the book of Esther today? Put yourself in Mordecai’s shoes. Imagine facing not only your demise but the elimination of your entire family. But God found a way. His resolution was gripping and dramatic, and instead of being killed, Mordecai was greatly honored and elevated to power. It’s a great story. It’s hard not to smile as you read it.

Of course Mordecai’s story doesn’t hold a candle to the greatest story. The greatest story is that the Person the Hamans of the world came to kill actually died, even though He was innocent. Mordecai beat death, temporarily, but Jesus willingly died on the cross. By paying the price for our sins and rising again, He beat death forever! You may have a Mordecai story in this life and witness justice on a grand scale. But even if you don’t, the perfect and eternal justice bought by Jesus is offered to you. Have you accepted His robe of righteousness? Unlike Mordecai’s royal robe, you won’t ever have to take it off.

Blessings,

Kristie

A New Formula for Nuclear Energy?

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Hi Friends,

It is freshly-squeezed orange juice season in Florida. The OJ pictured above is literally $15 per gallon and I can testify that it is worth every delicious penny. It’s like sunshine in a glass. I am utterly obsessed! I am also obsessed with this little water bottle that my son, an SEC athlete, gave me. Since I have two favorite SEC schools, and may add a third Fall 2025, it is just perfect for me. But today I found out that combining OJ and my SEC bottle may cause a nuclear reaction.

Last Thursday I left my beloved bottle — half filled with orange juice — at Bible study. I meant to swing by and get it during the week but I never did. I had no idea such a mistake would cause a near death experience. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the force with which it exploded upon untwisting was many many many orders of magnitude stronger than the most intense champagne uncorking you’ve ever witnessed. Plus this “cork” is metal. David killed Goliath with a stone to the head, and so I praise God that somehow no one was injured. I mean the ceiling is scarred but you’d have to know where to look to see it. Once again my life is marked by grace upon grace!

But you know what else is a dangerously atomic combination? Godlessness and political fervor. I have strong political convictions and I always vote. But no matter the outcome, I know God is sovereign. In fact, even when things haven’t been decided how I may have liked, I have been blessed to see how God has used certain aspects to grow me personally. I believe God is at work in my life no matter who sits in the Oval Office. I believe the calling on my life to be invested in the people where I live is the same no matter who controls the Senate. I am certain we were never intended to have our identities wrapped up in politics. The meltdowns confirm that something is really wrong.

I am praying that a revival breaks out in our country — that all people would stop pretending that their “works” earn them anything. Instead may we daily adopt a posture of gratitude. Guess what? We woke up today. We live in a free and prosperous country. More importantly, Jesus died for our sins. Our works don’t mean a thing, but He wants to wrap us in His completed work. We don’t have to do anything — it is done. When we accept His offer, we can rest in His robe of righteousness.

Look with skepticism on those who want to push you towards victimhood, or towards identifying with a group. Reject identifying with a voting bloc or even an oppressed group. You are you unique. You were knit together with love and intention in your mother’s womb. You are loved beyond measure because you are YOU, made in the image of your Creator. No one “sees you” like He does. No one loves you like He does. Every single person on this earth will disappoint you. But you don’t have to be devastated by that when you find your identity in Christ.

He will never leave you nor forsake you. And His love is the more powerful, more transformative than nuclear energy. His love is the most powerful thing that exists. Why would you reject that?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3: 16-17

With Love,

Kristie

What Does the Fool Say?

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Hi Friends,

I hope you’ve had a fabulous Tuesday. I snapped the picture above on a walk with my man this morning and I just wrapped up a steak dinner grilled by my middle son who has recently taken on the role of grillmaster. These are the bookends of a very lovely day. God is good.

In my much beloved Bible reading plan, I read Psalm 53 this morning. Do you know the opening line? It is a familiar one, and the title of this blog is a hint: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 53:1 (ESV).

How could one walk along the beach at sunrise and think there is no God? How could one marvel at the comfort of love and think there is no God? How could one cuddle a newborn babe and think there is no God? How could one smell a sizzling steak off the grill, delivered by one who was seemingly just a newborn himself and think there is no God?

It’s foolishness, utter foolishness.

Yet my eyes are not opened as a result of my own effort. I am not able to recognize such foolishness because I am smart, as tempting as it may be to sometimes feel that way. The truth is that even my faith is a gift from God. I can take credit for nothing. All glory and honor belongs to the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

I hope when we look around and see the many who say in their hearts “there is no God,” we pray for them instead of condemning them.

With Love,

Kristie

Jackson Five Friday: “Baby Coming”

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My Friends,

I haven’t posted on my blog for over two years. In 2022 I gave Substack a whirl and it was the right platform for the right time. In fact, I could not have known what a comfort it would be to write only for my people (subscribers) in that season of life. I demonetized it as the end of 2023, and planned to write more on other projects. I cannot overstate how epically I have failed on this front. I either self-impose deadlines and structure, or I simply don’t write. So, I’ve been thinking about how to get myself back to writing more regularly. I enjoy the process of writing so much, and I invariably walk away with greater clarity, so it is selfish in its fulfillment as well. I am going to start writing here again twice a week (even if the posts are super short). On Tuesdays I’m going to do a series on the Psalms and then onThursdays I’m going to do a series on the Puritans. Psalms and Puritans may sound dry, but I’m excited to convince you otherwise!

As for today, Happy Friday. If you have followed my blog from years ago, you know that I did a series called Jackson Five Friday for about a decade. I used funny stories from my boys and life in general. I now have four giant volumes of my old posts — they are like Jackson family yearbooks. But the problem is my sons are all grown up — the youngest is a senior this year. They are still funny, but certainly don’t want me blogging about them, understandably. Will and I are not quite as entertaining, so Psalms and Puritans it is!

Of course everyday life always gives me ample experiences to write about. This morning I saw a woman putting caution tape around some trees.

“Baby coming,” she said. And I looked down. Yes, a baby agave plant was sprouting up next to the adult agave plant. She was taking precaution to protect this new little life from pedestrians who might cut the corner. Her loving concern for this baby plant has been on my mind all morning.

What a contrast to our world! I am praying today and in the days ahead that new human life, that all human life, will be cherished and protected. I am also praying for the protection of my own well-being. The evil of those who throw away every shred of caution tape can get me feeling down and defeated.

May we remember that God knit us together in our mothers’ wombs and in His own image. We are of infinite worth, as is the person who drives you most crazy. Plus, we know how this all ends.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more.’ Revelation 21:3-4a

With Love,

Kristie