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leadershiponfire

2025-01-22T21:45:18-05:00

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.

Why Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

Last updated on: January 22, 2025 at 9:45 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

“Mercy” isn’t one of those words we hear much today. It’s a Biblical idea that we like applied to ourselves, but we don’t understand it well enough to see it through to others. When something is wrong, we prefer judgment: something that executes the full extent of the law to right the wrong. But mercy – something divine given out of need, rather than retribution – teaches us far more about ourselves. In this column, we will be looking at... Read more

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2024-12-18T19:22:31-05:00

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.

When You Pray, Move Your Feet: Prayer in Action

Last updated on: December 18, 2024 at 7:22 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

Most of us look around and see massive changes to the world. Things that were unfathomable maybe 30 or 40 years ago are commonplace now. There are a number of different responses to these changes, but most people aren’t sure how to handle them. Many turn to prayer, Scripture, or social activism to solve the perceived issues. Even more are uncertain as to what to do in these situations, in times when we need to move from prayer to action... Read more

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2024-12-17T23:13:19-05:00

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.

Nine Faith-Building Activities to Start the New Year

Last updated on: December 17, 2024 at 11:13 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

January is here, and it’s officially 2025! If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to fathom we are here. Twenty-five years ago, most of us thought the world would end long before now. It’s a true testimony to God that we are still here, with new opportunities to live our faith and spread the Gospel in this new year. That being said, why not take some time to think of some fun faith-building activities that will help take us through... Read more

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2024-11-05T15:49:51-05:00

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.

Ten Spiritual Resolutions to Make in This New Year

Last updated on: November 5, 2024 at 3:49 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

It’s the time of year when people put away their Christmas decorations and drag out the exercise equipment. For around 63% of Americans, New Year’s resolutions are the way to go. Whether it’s pursuing better health, going back to school, saving money, undertaking a better work/life balance, or finding a new career, New Year’s resolutions set the tone for a good portion of January’s economics, our conversations, and thoughts. Every one of us wants to be better in one form... Read more

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2024-12-20T19:09:05-05:00

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.

Exploring the Concept of a Spiritual Parent

Last updated on: December 20, 2024 at 7:09 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

Spiritual parents” are all the rave in some Christian circles. Used to define everything from a spiritual leader, to a mentor, to someone influential in life, “spiritual parent” is applied in different ways. What are spiritual parents, and how are they distinguished from other forms of spiritual leadership? For understanding and clarity, we will explore what a spiritual parent and personal spiritual leader (sometimes called a “covering”) are – and their differences. Spiritual leadership A spiritual leader is someone who,... Read more

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2024-10-31T10:03:31-04:00

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.

Five Ways to Handle Christmas Blues

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:03 am   By Lee Ann B. Marino

It’s the time of year when it can easily feel like happiness and joy are compulsory. If you’re not feeling particularly joyful at Christmastime, that can cause a number of feelings, from being left out to forcing responses that aren’t real. Having the Christmas blues can be difficult, especially with the pace that’s moving all around us. While many see this as a time of year to visit family, friends, exchange gifts, and echo long-standing traditions, that’s not everyone’s story.... Read more

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2024-10-23T19:26:30-04:00

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.

Ten Fun Holiday Trivia Facts to Get the Party Started!

Last updated on: October 23, 2024 at 7:26 pm   By Lee Ann B. Marino

For a time of the year that most celebrate, the average person doesn’t know much about the holiday season. There’s an entire world of interesting facts, thoughts, and trivia surrounding the holiday season. Whether preparing for a great game of holiday trivia or just being a trivia buff, here we present ten fun holiday trivia facts to help start the party this holiday season! Christmas was not always celebrated in December In a column I wrote last year, I pointed... Read more

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2024-10-31T10:18:13-04:00

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.

Enjoying Ten Unusual December Holidays

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:18 am   By Lee Ann B. Marino

It’s that time of year again! Most people are familiar with the Christmas holiday, even if celebrating it isn’t their thing. Christmas, however, isn’t the only thing going on at this time of the year. As I explored in my column last year, there are a number of unusual December holidays that many don’t know much about. The end of the year is about a number of different observances, including those that relate to life, death, spirituality, self-expression, and cultural... Read more

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2024-10-31T10:14:40-04:00

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.

Listening to the Whispers of Hope

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:14 am   By Lee Ann B. Marino

For Christians worldwide, the advancing Christmas season is met with a quiet pause to wait. The idea of waiting isn’t anyone’s favorite pastime, yet it’s something we do throughout our Christian lives. As we wait the annual celebration of Christ’s incarnation, we’re reminded of the different periods throughout salvation history where God’s people had to wait. In those moments where we desire word, direction, or insight most, we are often told to wait. And as hard of times as often... Read more

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2024-10-31T10:02:01-04:00

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.

Why Friendship Matters: Celebrating Friendsgiving in Faith

Last updated on: October 31, 2024 at 10:02 am   By Lee Ann B. Marino

On the last Sunday in November, my church celebrates an oft-forgotten aspect of the holiday season: our friends. Friendsgiving has become an annual Sanctuary tradition that we look forward to all year. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Friendsgiving is an opportunity for friends to get together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. While some do choose to celebrate with their families on a different day or at a different time, Friendsgiving is strictly to celebrate friendship. It began as an... Read more

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