Living on the Edge of Art

How do you find the energy to begin again after great discouragement? Ezra and Nehemiah are two Biblical figures who did just that.  In the books named after this priest and governor, we find passion, determination, and perseverance that is inspiring, and we learn that the joy of the Lord is our strength.  Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

In this episode we find hope in 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles as the story of the faith is retold. Our spiritual ancestors remind us that through the ups and downs, God can be trusted. It's time to stop casting blame and move into a bright future as stronger and wiser people. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

The story in the Biblical books of 1 and 2 Kings takes place over 400 years. When you tell a story that big, interesting things happen. You notice patterns emerge, and you see that faithfulness over time matters more than the ups and downs in the details. As we live through our own ups and downs and wonder what went wrong, the self-reflection in Kings can give us perspective and hope.  Was this he...

The second book of Samuel could be called The Book of David, for it is all about his reign. It is a book filled with violence and scandal. What do we do with the difficult parts of the Bible? What do they say about us? Readings from 2 Samuel illustrate the nature of the contents, but our hope comes from Psalm 51, a prayer prayed in response to one of these events. We may not always feel it, but bl...

Sometimes we just want enough Jesus to be safe and feel good, but not enough to reach our potential. Sometimes we want to focus on the sweet, pithy Scriptures instead of wrestling with the stuff in the valleys and gaps between the victories. Reading First Samuel in its entirety shows us the times King David had to exercise self-control and deal with some things that stunk. It also can inspire us t...

The Biblical books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth are set in a in-between,  chaotic era. In them, we can find profiles in faith and courage, as well as some weirdness, to help us live the life of faith in uncertain times.   Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

When you live on the edge, you may feel like no one even knows you're there. This episode shines a light on words of assurance from the Biblical book of Deuteronomy, as well as passages from John and Lamentations, to remind us that God sees. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

Is it possible we are more merciful than God?  Some passages in the Book of Numbers may make it seem so. In this week's podcast, Stella talks about her anger and frustration at a beast she met, and how Scripture offers a path through these feelings. The parable of Weeds and Wheat can offers a counterpoint to put Numbers in a wider lens. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella...

Sometimes miracles happen and prayers get answered slowly. The Biblical book of Leviticus maps out laws that form God’s people. The law is given, and then it is lived. Reading it, and doing some art in response, can remind us of how God makes things happen and sets the groundwork for the bigger story. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

The Book of Exodus tells the story of deliverance. In it we see the frustration of feeling trapped as well as the open-ended possibility of living in a new way. Another layer is added to the story and to the canvas as we think about the God who molds us and who cares about the smallest detail. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

The stories in the Book of Genesis can seem strange and sometimes even disturbing, but in them we find that God meets us where we are. This can be a comfort for those finding their way through life and faith and sometimes messy situations. On our walk through the Bible, we find hope in Abraham's story in Genesis 22. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

The book of Genesis tells of the beginning of all things. There are plenty of rabbit trails to follow and places to get lost, but when we simply stand in awe and wonder, we can find perspective for our lives, especially when we feel like we are standing on the edge in life. This podcast aims to give encouragement, share hope from Scripture, and throw in a little art. Was this helpful? You can cont...

The most important things this year, the things that will determine who you become, are the people you surround yourself with and the things you read. This podcast is about making the commitment to read through the Bible and some ways to follow through on that resolution. This is the first podcast of the new series about living on the edge of art - living a life of faith when you find yourself in...

Mary was not alone and neither are you as we head into the longest night of the year.  A nativity set collection and some 18th century art inspire some thoughts about feeling lonely at Christmas. The Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke sets the scene, we hear our loneliness expressed in the Psalms, and God answers through the prophet in Isaiah 43.  Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.p...

Are you wheat or are you chaff? Living on the edge means assessing where you are going to land. If we look deeper at John the Baptist’s Advent message from Luke 3, we might find something beyond black and white choices.  Zephaniah 2 and 3 wrap up the message with a joyful song.  Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

As we begin Advent, we also begin looking at  the Gospel of Luke and his particular focus. In this podcast we talk about Mary’s house and the telling of her story to gain perspective on our own lives, and how sometimes we need a little time and space to understand things fully,  Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

Advent means coming, so the start of the Christmas season is a good time to watch and listen for what Jesus to show up.  Jesus’ words in Luke 21 come near the end of his earthly life, but they give us new insight into the start of it and the ways he is born. They can help us watch for the sometimes surprising, unexpected gift we really, really want.   Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pa...

Chrismons, or Christ symbols, are traditionally used as Christmas ornaments, but they can inspire us through seasons of need all year long, especially when we experience failure. Romans 8:26 reminds us that sometimes our prayers are wordless, so maybe they can take the form of Jesus symbols this Christmas.  Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

Zachariah was the first to learn about the great changes God had in store for the world – Christ was coming.  Before we start drowning in jolly Christmas songs, we’ll learn about the one that was sung before it all began. God is at work and waiting is worth it. Luke 1:5-25 and 67-79 are the texts for this podcast.  Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

Every once in a while, we are reminded to refocus and remember why we became Christians in the first place. Stella talks about reclaiming your ministry and her call to serve the Church at the Bottom of the Stairs. Readings from Romans call us back to the heart of the gospel. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

As we prepare to observe All Saints Day. Stella shares some saint and angel theology and proposes Patron Saints for those living on the edge - Aaron the priest, Jude the lonely, and Simeon with his blessed eyes. Exodus 28, Hebrews 12, and Revelation 21 provide Biblical insight.   Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

In the season of Halloween and a contentious presidential election, we get some perspective on evil and the devil, cutting through the legends and the folklore to find what we need. We widen the lens on James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:8 for encouragement to protect ourselves when we are vulnerable in life’s in-betweens.   Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

Sometimes we have to resist the urge to clean up and calm things down. God creates in chaos, so sometimes living on the edge means living in chaos. Psalm 42 and Genesis 1 give us peace and perspective when we are restless in life’s mess.  Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

In times of transition it can feel like there's no place for you at the table, like a never-ending game of musical chairs. Pastor Stella talks about World Communion Sunday, the awkwardness of not knowing the dry cleaner, and the promise of a table in Psalm 23. Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.

Stella shares the story of the Bitey Pokey Stingy Ranch in Art. Psalm 121 reminds us that we are cared for as we step into the bright sun of an unknown future. In unsettled seasons we can be inspired by Saint Ignatius and Saint Benedict, who found their faith while waiting, as well as Saint Eve, who had to face being cast out of Eden.   Was this helpful? You can contact me at www.pastorstella.net.