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Progressive Christian

2012-06-17T13:18:47-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A Struggling Bird

Last updated on: June 17, 2012 at 1:18 pm By Susan Cottrell

On my recent writing sabbatical, I took a long walk down a country road. A bird flapped mightily above me, to free himself — just his foot was caught in some entanglement or another. My heart went out to him. I’m not in the least an animal person, but this poor creature was struggling away fruitlessly. He was too far to reach with a stick, and I was sure my intervention would only hurt the bird, anyway. Unnerved, I took... Read more

2012-05-31T15:15:11-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Point of Adversity

Last updated on: May 31, 2012 at 3:15 pm By Susan Cottrell

I don’t know about you, but things don’t usually go as I expect. Sometimes events turn out much sweeter than I anticipated–like the surprise date with my husband to the Cajun restaurant for a beautifully seasoned haddock and laughs at our own silly jokes. But often events are much, much harder–like the extended period of financial hardship. Then I read Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever... Read more

The Real Jesus

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adversity

be content in all circumstances

be content in all things

struggling through adversity

surprise

2012-05-22T12:04:44-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Biggest Loser

Last updated on: May 22, 2012 at 12:04 pm By Susan Cottrell

Our church is doing WayFit, a fitness program led by Mark and Chism, contestants on last season’s The Biggest Loser. I usually work out in my own living room, so I wasn’t sure about this group situation. I showed up with some 250 people, off all sizes and fitness levels… and I loved it! Mark and Chism taught us simple exercises that take under half an hour (…simple but not easy!). Mark’s wife and a friend showed us how to... Read more

2012-05-18T11:31:32-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Good Water

Last updated on: May 18, 2012 at 11:31 am By Susan Cottrell

The first thing that showed up at my door for Mother’s Day was a dozen roses. My husband is good about sending flowers, and I was happy to receive them. Then I read the card: “Chris and Arielle,” my son and his fiancée. I burst into tears. What a surprise! (You kids have no idea how little it takes to make us Moms feel loved.) Each of my five children had a wonderful gift for me, but these roses opened... Read more

Family Support

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living water for your children

loving children well

loving your adult children

parenting - doing the best we know at the time

reviving your children with love

water

2012-04-28T22:13:02-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Security Theater… Parenting

Last updated on: April 28, 2012 at 10:13 pm By Susan Cottrell

Enjoy the opening of my upcoming, expanded parenting book! SECURITY THEATER I rush through the airport hoping I don’t miss my plane. The line at security is longer than I expected. Sigh. Finally I place my shoes, watch and phone in the gray tub. Dangit. I forgot I wasn’t checking my bag, and now the agent has taken my little bottle of hair glaze. I’ll have to buy another when I get home. And I wonder through it all how... Read more

Family Support

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2012-04-25T15:23:05-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Joy in the Journey! (video)

Last updated on: April 25, 2012 at 3:23 pm By Susan Cottrell

[wpvideo wFD9Ax3F] Read more

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2012-04-23T10:04:13-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Solitary Confinement

Last updated on: April 23, 2012 at 10:04 am By Susan Cottrell

Zipping through my favorite HEB for some eggs and milk, I caught sight of the book Life Without Limits, with its cover photo of Nick Vujicic—who has no arms or legs. Somebody had to put him there for that photo, I thought as I reached for the eggs. Someone has to put him on that stool when he speaks. I grab the milk. And take him down. Virtually every place he goes, someone must be with him and take care... Read more

2012-04-16T16:35:04-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Fighting God

Last updated on: April 16, 2012 at 4:35 pm By Susan Cottrell

I learned two new things in church yesterday: Jesus’ return to earth will be through the East Gate of the Temple, and the Muslims have blocked off that gate. I smiled at this! If the Muslims are right and Jesus is NOT going to return, then why did they block off the gate? If they were sure about this, would they need to block the gate? My children were sometimes afraid that monsters might come in through the windows; I... Read more

The Real Jesus

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2012-04-09T00:19:08-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Who’s Your Savior 3

Last updated on: April 9, 2012 at 12:19 am By Susan Cottrell

Continued… From the beginning, Rob loved me as I’d never experienced. God’s love came through Rob, and I let it soak into me—and I loved him back. But I saw him as my Savior. A good man will step into a challenge that requires the best of him, and what requires more than protecting and loving his wife and children? As we grew in exquisite harmony, we believed by default that we could meet each other’s needs. The more I... Read more

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2012-04-05T15:15:37-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Who’s Your Savior 2

Last updated on: April 5, 2012 at 3:15 pm By Susan Cottrell

Continued… Here’s the whole picture. A woman falls for that wonderful man and can’t wait to be married. He’s everything she’s ever wanted! She admires and respects him. As life settles in on them, she realizes he’s not quite perfect, and she sets about to fix him. She does not even realize she’s doing this, but she expresses her disappointment with her look and her tone. He does not know why he has failed, but he has gotten the message.... Read more

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