Ordinary Grace: Finding God in the Everyday

This episode focuses on the imperfect reality of our human journey.  It also gives thanks to God for that very trait. 

A moment of healing in the first century. An unexpected solo in the 20th.  Both point to the potential blessing in the interruptions of our days.  

This episode includes some data and reflection on the second year of the Ordinary Grace blog that included the adding of this podcast in June. Behind the numbers is a profound sense of gratitude from the podcaster for your part in the journey! 

We are nearing a day when there is often the sharing of stories and gifts.  This episode encourages the listener to consider the narrative behind them both.  Merry Christmas!

Two soon-to-be-mothers in the first century greet each other and share their wonder over what is about to happen.  That encounter offers clues about how you and I can bless others, too.  

The prophet Isaiah spoke of seeing important things that are in plain sight.  This episode encourages us to keep our eyes open that we might discover such things, too.  

The Season of Advent is marked by a time of waiting. Some of us do better than others with that practice. An unnamed man in a parking lot and the preeminent follower of Jesus have a few suggestions.      

In a week that focuses on giving thanks, this episode recalls another moment of human interaction that clearly was orchestrated by God. 

A visit to another congregation at worship gave this podcaster a glimpse of church at its best. It also reflected his own hopes as a new chapter of ministry begins. 

Research shows that much of what someone hears is non-verbal.  That's true in matters of faith, too. 

All Saints Day is the moment when we stop to remember loved ones who are at rest with God.  It is also a time when one naturally ponders what heaven is like.  On that score, opinions vary! 

This week's podcast speaks of something that Christians already have, but a gift not fully realized  Can you guess what it is? 

A Biblical veil. Two unusual names for dogs.  This episode suggests a connection.

A recent vacation sparked a clear connection in the podcaster's mind to some powerful words from Psalm 8.  Hopefully, this episode will cause you to recall moments that evoke awe and wonder in you as well. 

A frightening day from the 1st Century and an embarrassing day from 8th grade combine to underscore our call to speak of God's way boldly.  

We all have times when we forget about things we know to be true.  This week's episode speaks of how one soft-spoken church officer changed the course of a congregation's history with a gentle reminder. 

There can be times when any of us feels as if our efforts make little-to-no-difference.  This week's episode reveals just the opposite.

A last-minute decision to stay for a lecture results in a life-changing outcome. Where is God working through the ordinary events of your day? 

As we conclude our summer-long reflection on desired character traits, we come to accepting responsibility for one's actions. A remorseful brother of long ago points the way.  

On this holiday weekend that celebrates labor in all its forms, we turn to the desired character trait of a good work ethic.  To help our pondering, this episode opens with a memory from “The Happiest Place on Earth."

As our summer-long look at desired character traits nears the end, we focus this week on respect. Scripture and Aretha Franklin point the way.   

This week's episode reflects on persistence as a desired character trait. The conversation gets framed by two stories of events occurring at a place designed for justice.  

In the Pledge of Allegiance, we speak of "liberty and justice for all." In everyday events, though, that promise quickly gets complicated to fulfill.   Even so, it's a goal worth pursing.    

An act of brutality at an Orlando nightclub nine years ago. A sermon a week later that sought to make sense of it on the same day as a baptism. Together they combined for a courageous moment of integrity.  

Our summer-long look at a list of desired character traits brings us this week to the subject of honesty. The call and goal is clear.  Acting upon it, however, can quickly get complicated.