Sanctuary Stirrings

On this final episode of the Spring Series, join host Lori G. Melton to explore reading as a vital piece of our discipleshipthrough a conversation with speaker and author Sue Donaldson about Oswald Chambers’ devotional My Utmost for His Highest and its impact on Sue’s life withGod for over 50 years. Sue recounts receiving the book from her sister in 1972, keeping annotated copies through major life moments, and returning to read it daily in 2021 while journaling prayers. She highlights Chambers’ central call to complete surrender and being “abandoned to God,” along with themes likehumility, worry, and “trusting God and doing the next thing.” Sue shares Chambers’ biography, including his chaplaincyin Egypt during WWI and early death, and explains how his wife Biddy’s shorthand notes and hospitality enabled the devotional’s creation and enduring influence, connecting these lessons to Sue’s own ministry of hospitality andwriting. Reading as a vital part of our discipleship — the perfect topic to complete this series focused on the practices that form us over a lifetime!  Resources: Welcomeheart.com to learn more about Sue Donaldson Never Alone: Stories of Invitation & Connection by Sue DonaldsonMy Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Abandoned to God by David McCasland The Woman Who Was Chesterton by Nancy Carpentier Brown Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti CalahanJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author’s year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s Favorite Neighbor.Articles You May Enjoy: When a Book Becomes a Mentor: Reading as Discipleship For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sabbath … One of the most precious gifts that God gave to all of creation at the beginning of time. Yet, one that is misunderstood or completely missing in our lives today. It’s a gift that our world--with its incessant speed, exhaustion, search for meaning and connection, needs now more than ever. Yet, a topic surrounded by controversy and conflicting perspectives. Many of us have put it on the shelf. But something inside keeps saying, “There’s a gift here that we’re missing.” That’s why I’m so excited about this conversation with author and seminary professor, Travis West, about his new book The Sabbath Way: Making Room for Rest, Connection, and Delight.   Listen in and receive not just a day off … but a way of living that will shape your work, identity, community--and a vital key to the shalom you long to bring to the world. Resources:Travis-West.com to find more information about Travis, the sabbath, and slowing your life down to the speed of love.The Sabbath Way: Making Room for Rest, Connection, and Delight by Travis West. This book invites readers to rediscover Sabbath as a transformative rhythm meant to shape not just one day, but an entire way of life.Design Your First Sabbath Worksheet The Sabbath = Delight? No Way ... Or Is It? Accompanying Article to this week's conversation.The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel … A Sabbath classic and Travis’ top pick for Sabbath reading.Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author’s year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s Favorite Neighbor.Other Articles You May Enjoy:Children of God or Slaves: Receive the Gift of the SabbathThe Mantle Top SevenFor more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Faith is not always expressed in the ways we might expect--like kneeling in the Church sanctuary, reciting holy prayers, or putting money in the offering plate. Often, it’s more evident through painful acts of obedience. Tune in to this week’s episode for a story you’ll likely resonate with—one that explores how we discover God’s will not through your own thoughts, emotions, or circumstances alone, but through the voices of others.Resources:The Little Flowers of St. Francis How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Grieg, pg 202 From No to Know: What Am I Saying No To? Glordinary podcast with Stacy HomesOther articles you may enjoy: And Then, There Was Francis For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

On this episode, Lori G. Melton welcomes artist, Anglican deacon, and author Ben Lansing to discuss his book, Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era and Place, and how the lives of the saints point us to Jesus and strengthen us in the “messy” times we live.Burdened to offer what he could during the COVID pandemic, Ben began sharing portraits of the saints on Instagram—along with short histories and meaningful quotes. What began as a simple offering quickly revealed a deep hunger, as people found themselves longing for more. That faithful beginning grew into a powerful devotional featuring 52 saints from across centuries, continents, genders, and vocations—pairing biographies, prayers, and pastoral reflections, along with a companion podcast.Together, they reflect on how the saints laid a beautiful and powerful foundation for our faith—enriching the body of Christ and reminding us we are not alone in our journey.Resources Mentioned:You can find Ben Lansing, the Our Church Speaks Book, Podcast, and Art Series on his website: OurChurchSpeaks.comJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author's year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America's favorite neighbor.Other articles you may enjoy: “All Saints Day” … What Are We Supposed to Do with the Saints Anyway?For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode, Lori G. Melton welcomes writer and Bibleteacher, Cara Ray, to discuss moving from a checklist “quiet time” to an unhurried, Spirit-directed, joyful way of knowing God she calls “holy leisure,” drawn from a phrase Cara discovered in Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline. Cara shares how lifelong pressure to be consistent in daily quiet time left her feeling like a failure and jealous of others’ insights, until pursuing holy leisure changed both the priority and quality of her time with God through practices like journaling Scripture, slowing down, silence, and savoring God’s goodness, truth, and beauty. They connect the concept to examples such as Psalm 27:4,Mary at Jesus’ feet, and saints like Corrie ten Boom. The perfect episode to walk with you toward Easter—inviting you to experience the living relationship made possible through the blood of Jesus, and to find your time with God gently renewed as you listen.Resources Mentioned in this Episode: The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places by Cara RayPaths of the Righteous: Psalm 23 in the Lives of Faithful Missionaries & Witnesses for Christ by Cara Ray5 Easy Ways to Worship Jesus This Easter Week ArticleFor more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com.⁠ You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to Episode Three of the Sanctuary Stirrings Spring series, where we continue the conversation about the often-overlooked soul.Prompted by Jesus’ command in Matthew 22 to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we'll unpack the surprising realization that most of us can't clearly define the soul — or how to love God with it. If you’ve ever wondered, What is the soul?What importance is it to God? How are we to love God with all of it? This episode is for you!---Resources: ​Expressions of the Soul: Celtic Christianity and Life withGod​ by Robin T. Jennings. A rich exploration of the soul, Christian Celtic faith practices, and spiritual giants, and how they can deepen our relationship with God. ​What is the Human Soul?​ GotQuestions.orgThe Sanctuary at Bear Creek Prayer Cabin A sacred space for time alone with the Good Shepherd. Come and let Him tend to your soul.​Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God​ by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor. For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Join me today as we welcome retired Episcopal rectorand pilgrimage leader Robin T. Jennings for part one of our discussion about the soul, to talk about his book, Expressions of the Soul: Celtic Christianity and Life with God. Robin shares how a chaplain’s question led him fromwork at a Chicago boys’ home to seminary, and how later travel and leading pilgrimages to Ireland, Scotland, and Iona sparked his interest in Celtic Christianity, monastic life, and the gifts of the Celtic spiritual giants, like St. Columba. We focus on recovering attention to the soul—oftenneglected part of who we are compared to the mind and heart—drawing on scriptures such as “He restores my soul” and Jesus’ command to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. Robin describes the soul as the “conductor,” serving asa gateway to our mind, heart, and will to enter into a loving relationship with God and our neighbor, and highlights the presence of God we experience through the Celtic practices of worshipping God in nature, anam cara (soul friendship),community, and the gifts of the Celtic saints. I think you’ll love this conversation, divinely dropping on St. Patrick’s Day!___Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Expressions of the Soul: Celtic Christianity and Our Life with God (Robin T. Jennings) explores Celtic Christianity as a way to recover attention to the soul as the center of personal encounter with God, including themes like nature as a place of God’s presence, pilgrimage, hospitality, and “soul friendship”(anam cara). How the Irish Saved Civilization (Thomas Cahill) describes the role of Irish/Celtic monastic communities in preserving scripture, manuscripts, learning, and elements of civilization during and after Rome’s decline. Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom (John O’Donohue) centers on the Celtic idea of anam cara (“soul friend”) and the importance of relationships that attend to the inner life. Saint Patrick: The Confession of Saint Patrick and Letter to Coroticus, translated by John SkinnerJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor.

Welcome to the Sanctuary Stirrings Spring Series! 8 episodes are headed your way, featuring a great lineup of topics and guests to grow in your intimacy with God and others!I can’t think of a better one to start with. My guest is Joel Hogan, a former Christian Reformed World Missions leaderand a missionary in the Philippines has been taking monthly 24-Hour retreats for over 30 years!Transitioning his Christian life from focusing on “doing for God” to being with Him, Joel shares his journey through the years, the blessings of this practice, and the practical how-tos. If you long to deepen your relationship with God by spending more time alone with Him, you’re going to love this episode.---Our 7 Favorite Retreat Venues articleTake a DAWG Day by Linda Andersen, author of Spiritual Retreat for Tired Souls. This article is the perfect guide for a 24-Hour Retreat! The Hermitage Retreat CenterThe Sanctuary at Bear Creek Abide Prayer CabinJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton ---To receive accompanying articles to these episodes, others about growing in your relationship with God and one another, and information about upcoming events, you can sign up for my newsletter at lorigmelton.comYou can also follow us on Facebook at Lori G Melton and The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

In this special post-launch episode of The Journey with a Giant, Robert Prince and Lori G. Melton look back on the unforgettable night when Journey with a Giant officially released. Lori shares the emotional and spiritual journey leading up to the event—the battles she faced, the peace that met her when the night began, and the overwhelming sense of God’s presence as more than 60 people gathered to celebrate.Robert reflects on how God has been shaping him as they’ve walked out this calling together through the writing season, the podcast, and the launch itself. Together, they explore the theme that has carried them from the very beginning: God is always working in us even as He works through us.This brief, heartfelt episode invites listeners to celebrate God’s faithfulness and consider how He may be writing a story of His own through their lives.📚 Resources Worth Noticing: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonFree Journey with a Giant Discussion GuideJourney with a Giant: The Power of Spiritual Mentorship (3 Min Video)Watch this Episode on YouTube.Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode of The Journey with a Giant podcast, Robert Prince interviews Lori G. Melton about her decade-long journey behind her book, Journey with a Giant. Lori shares how God rekindled her passion for writing during the COVID-19 lockdown and the pivotal moments and people who shaped her path.Despite challenges and sacrifices, she remained faithful, stewarding her calling to write a book about spiritual growth and walking with spiritual giants. Her story highlights the importance of discerning one’s calling over time and staying committed through the highs and lows.This episode encourages listeners to trust God’s timing and take one faithful step at a time in their own journeys.📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonWatch this Episode on YouTube.Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

In this special episode, co-host Robert Prince introduces a heartfelt conversation between Lori G. Melton and her editor, Leslie Calhoun of Waterbrook Books / Penguin Random House.Together, Lori and Leslie pull back the curtain on the creative process behind Journey with a Giant—from the first spark of an idea to the final pages of the book, soon to be released. Leslie shares her journey into editing and her deep joy in helping faith-filled stories find their way into the world.What emerges is more than a story about publishing—it’s a testimony of how God works behind the scenes, weaving together people, timing, and callings in miraculous ways.For anyone who’s ever wondered if their quiet “yes” could really matter — May this episode speak to you —God is doing more behind the scenes than you can imagine!📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonWatch this Episode on YouTube.Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

In this special episode of The Journey with a Giant podcast, Lori G. Melton explores the most frequently asked questions from readers and those just discovering Journey with a Giant.Before diving into the questions, Lori shares a moving story from her week that illustrates the reach and healing this practice can have. From a chance encounter to a heartfelt conversation with a woman searching for connection and comfort, Lori reflects on how Journey with a Giant can touch lives in unexpected and profound ways.Then, she answers the questions that matter most like:What is a “Giant” and who qualifies as one?How do I find or choose my Giant?Can I journey alone, or is it better in a group?What if someone else chooses the same Giant I did?How do I structure my journey and what resources should I use?How long does it take, and what can I expect to experience?If you’re curious about the practice and looking for clarity, encouragement, and practical guidance, this episode was created with you in mind! 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonDownloadable Journey with a Giant Discussion GuideWatch this Episode on YouTube.Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Through the courage and faithfulness of those who have gone before us, God calls us forward—to the steps of courage He is asking of us today.  In this episode of 'The Journey with the Giant' podcast, Lori G. Melton and Robert Prince introduce fellow writer Kirstin Olson as she shares her transformative experience journeying with civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer. Kirstin, a language teacher and recent empty nester, reflects on the profound impact this spiritual practice has had on her faith and personal life, revealing how Hamer's resilience and activism have inspired her to confront injustice in her community and embrace deeper worship. The discussion highlights the importance of walking with others in our spiritual lives and emphasizes the enduring wisdom gained from walking with giants of the faith. This enriching conversation encourages listeners to pursue a deeply intentional spiritual journey and honor the sacrifices of those who came before. Kirstin’s experience with Fannie Lou Hamer inspires us to step courageously into acts of justice, compassion, and worship in our own lives.📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Walk with Me: A Biography of Fannie Lou Hamer by Kate Clifford LarsonFannie Lou Hamer Testimony Before the Credentials Committee (1964), YouTube recording, 8 min.Precious Lord, Take My Hand Recording of Fannie Lou Hamer, YouTube RecordingAdditional Links:Watch on YouTube. Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonJourney with a Giant Discussion GuideMusic: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

There is a beautiful grace when we include others on our spiritual journey. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince explore the transformative power of walking with a giant of the faith alongside friends.They reflect on the spiritual growth, transformation, and joy that multiply when we share our spiritual life with others. Walking with a giant in community provides encouragement, accountability, and a safe space to explore faith, creating experiences that are richer and more rewarding than walking alone. Listeners will gain practical ideas for what it could look like to Journey with a Giant with friends and discover how shared reflection and companionship can multiply the understanding and transformation of all those in the group.  📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a GiantJourney with a Giant Discussion GuideAdditional Links:Watch this episode on YouTube. Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat CenterMusic: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Some relationships don’t just enrich our lives—they shape our souls. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, Lori G. Melton sits down with longtime friends Julie Blakely and Sherri Willett to explore the gift of spiritual friendship and the transformative practice of walking with giants.They share how their bond as “Abba Sisters” and the Celtic concept of Anam Cara (soul friendship) have deepened their spiritual journeys, offering guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Listen as they reflect on the influence of giants like Madeleine L’Engle, Evelyn Underhill, Henri Nouwen, Elizabeth Elliot, and Harriet Tubman, and how these figures have shaped their faith, personal growth, and the courage to live faithfully in community.This conversation is a celebration of the profound impact of companionship on the spiritual life and the giant journey and a reminder that formation happens best when we journey together.📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Anam Cara by John O’DonahueWalking on Water: Reflections on Faith & Art by Madeleine L’EngleThe Ways of the Spirit by Evelyn Underhill and Grace Adolphsen BrameAdditional Links:Click Here to watch on YouTube. Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonMusic: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Some stories just don’t inform us; they shape us. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, gifted storyteller Sister Diane Zerfas, the Spiritual Formations Director at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, shares the remarkable transformations she has witnessed in her students over more than two decades of guiding them in the practice of walking with spiritual giants.You’ll hear how this practice provides a deep-rooted connection in a world that often feels untethered and isolated. Through walking with giants, we are reminded that we never walk alone. The episode concludes with Sister Diane’s heartfelt prayer for the practice, an invitation to notice God’s presence in our own lives and the faithful examples around us. You won’t want to miss it! Resources:Adam by Henri Nouwen.The Dominican Center of Grand Rapids, MIClick Here to watch on YouTube. Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat CenterMusic: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Some conversations feel like opening a treasure chest and this week’s episode is one of them!This week on Journey with a Giant, hosts Lori G. Melton and Robert Prince welcome Sister Diane Zerfas, the Spiritual Formations Director at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan— the one who first introduced Lori and hundreds of other students to the practice of walking with spiritual giants, for the first of a special two-part series.Listen as Sister Diane opens up about her own path with spiritual giants, her story-driven approach to spiritual direction, and the biblical and practical significance of companioning with these mentors.If you’ve enjoyed the previous episodes, you’re going to absolutely love this one!📚 Resources:Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction by David G. Benner—a great book if you are curious to learn more about spiritual direction.The Dominican Center of Grand Rapids, MI Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Click here to watch this episode on YouTube The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat CenterMusic: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

This week on Journey with a Giant, host Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince welcome Andy Rebollar—a spiritual director, at-home dad, and facilitator at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids—for a deeply thoughtful conversation about his transformative experiences walking with Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton.Andy shares how these spiritual giants invited him to a deeper trust in God’s guidance, to explore vulnerability and shadow with courage, and to live out his faith in a way that embraces both solitude and community. From Merton’s contemplative depth to Nouwen’s radical honesty and eventual home at L’Arche, Andy’s story reflects the beauty of letting God’s Spirit lead—even into unfamiliar or surprising places.This conversation is a reminder that the giants God gives us are not simply teachers, but companions who help us, through their example, to become more fully ourselves in Christ. Andy’s reflections will encourage you to live with joyful curiosity and trust that God is directing every step of your journey — whether it appears that way in the moment or not.📚Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Living with Wisdom: A Biography of Thomas Merton by Jim Forest Befriending Life: Encounters with Henri Nouwen by Michael Ford Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Click here to watch this episode on YouTube The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat CenterIf this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend so they can be inspired, too!Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

This week on Journey with a Giant, host Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince welcome pastor and nonprofit leader Colin Tuggle for a heartfelt conversation about his transformative experience walking with spiritual giant Eugene Peterson.Through Peterson’s example, Colin found permission to slow down, embrace the long, hidden work of pastoring, and deepen his intimacy with Jesus. Peterson’s legacy—staying faithful in one place, resisting the lure of celebrity, and nurturing a local flock for decades—became a guiding light for Colin, both as a follower of Christ and a pastor.This conversation reminds us that even those who shepherd others need to be shepherded themselves. And that sometimes, the most transformative companionship comes not from the stage, but from the quiet, ordinary faithfulness of those who finish the race well.For more about Colin and his ministry, visit https://www.adkmission.org.📚 Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeA Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson by Winn CollierClick here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a GiantJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonThe Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat CenterClick here to watch the episode on YouTube.Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

This week on Journey with a Giant, host Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince sit down with guest Stacy Holmes—a wife, mom, homeschooler, podcaster, pastor, and spiritual director—for a thought-provoking conversation about her journey with the spiritual giant John Calvin.Stacy shares about her unexpected journey with John Calvin, a theological giant she once thought she had little in common with. Yet during the difficult days of COVID-19, Calvin’s insatiable hunger for Scripture and his passion for reform became a surprising source of comfort, conviction, and guidance. Through his writings, Stacy discovered not only a deeper love for the Word of God but also the beauty of engaging voices across theological divides.This conversation is both grounding and stretching, reminding us that God often meets us through unlikely companions. For more information about Stacy or her podcast, visit https://www.glordinary.com/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Piety of John Calvin: A Collection of His Spiritual Prose, Poems, and Hymns, translated by Ford Lewis Battles.  Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. MeltonThe Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat CenterMusic, The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025.For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website ⁠⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

This week on Journey with a Giant, Lori turns the microphone towards her co-host, Pastor Robert Prince—and what a conversation it is! Robert opens up about his own season of spiritual apathy and the surprising ways God reawakened his heart through journeying with two remarkable spiritual giants.His first giant, John O’Donohue, ushered him into the beauty and depth of Celtic Christianity, sparking a faith renewal that led to a life-changing pilgrimage to Ireland. His second, Thomas Merton, invited him into the gifts of solitude, silence, and experiencing God’s presence in creation. Together, these mentors—one a poet-philosopher, the other a contemplative monk—have shaped Robert’s spiritual life, creativity, and ministry in profound ways.Along the way, Robert shares moments of awakening, the practices that keep him rooted, and how walking with giants can help each of us draw closer to Jesus. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea of spiritual giants or you’re already on the journey, this episode will leave you both inspired and eager to discover your own companions for the road.Join us—and discover what might happen when curiosity leads you to communion.----------Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Overcoming Spiritual Apathy poem PDF, Prayers of R.E.S.T. by Asheritah Ciuciu, pg 229For more information on Robert or his ministry, visit recognizingthedivine.comClick here⁠ to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with A Giant⁠Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God⁠ by Lori G Melton⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center⁠Music, The Journey, ⁠Kevin Melton Productions, LLC⁠, Copyright 2025.For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website ⁠⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

In the very first interview of the Journey with a Giant series, co-host Robert Prince turns the microphone toward author, retreat leader, and spiritual director Lori G. Melton to uncover the story and inspiration behind her upcoming book, Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God.Lori shares how the practice of walking with spiritual giants—faithful men and women from history who point us toward Jesus—has shaped her own journey with God. Through personal stories, moments of challenge, and divine invitations, she reveals how this practice can become a powerful pathway for spiritual growth, clarity of calling, and deeper intimacy with God.This heartfelt conversation sets the stage for an inspiring series, where you’ll hear from guests who have also walked with giants and discovered how their lives were transformed.If you’re ready to strengthen your faith and step into your own lifelong adventure with God, join us for this exciting episode! —----Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with A GiantJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G MeltonThe Sanctuary at Bear CreekSensible Shoes: A Story about the Spiritual Journey, by Sharon Garlough BrownMusic, The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025.For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website ⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

Are you ready for an adventure of faith? Reach out for the Savior’s hand. Today it begins! You’ve been hearing about walking with spiritual Giants for years, a mysterious practice somewhere out in the distance. Today, we finally get to bring it to you.  Welcome to the Journey with a Giant series!In this introductory episode, listen in as host Robert Prince and I introduce you to the concept of spiritual giants and the purpose behind this new podcast series. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look as I share my inspiration and the transformative experience I’ve had walking with spiritual giants. You’ll learn about the theological foundation in Hebrews12:1-2, where we uncover the treasure chest of faithful believers who have lived before us and the influence that they are meant to have on our current faithjourneys. You may even begin to identify your own spiritual mentors, as the Spirit brings this discipleship practice to life in you!   Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with A Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G MeltonThe Sanctuary at Bear Creek Abide Retreat CabinMusic, The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025.For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website ⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

As fall draws near, you may find yourself longing for time on retreat. For many of you who have reached out asking when our next Sanctuary group retreat will be, you don’t have to wait any longer! In today’s episode, we explore how you can create your own retreat experience in a simple and meaningful way with a friend! The episode begins with reflections on what God has been doing this summer, the Renovare conference, happenings at the Sanctuary, and exciting developments on the retreat barn. Plus, exciting updates about Journey with a Giant, including a special podcast series and how you can be a part of the Book Launch Team.(To skip ahead to this month’s topic, go to 5:30)______________________________________7 Simple Steps for Retreating with a FriendInvite a FriendFind a Quiet PlaceCommute Together or ApartSet Intentions as You BeginDecide When You Will Meet for Spiritual CompanioningSpiritual Companioning SessionsEnd with Prayer and ReflectionResources Mentioned:Our 7 Favorite Retreat Spaces - Free download Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God by Ruth Haley BartonJourney with a Giant Book Launch Team  Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G MeltonThe Sanctuary at Bear Creek Abide Retreat CabinFor more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website ⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

After a month away walking the Camino de Santiago, we’re back! Listen to this episode, for some of the most powerful moments of that sacred journey—and how you can enter into a spiritual pilgrimage of your own, even if you never leave your neighborhood.Walking a pilgrimage stretches your faith, deepens your dependence on God, and reminds you of your true identity as pilgrims. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply longing for a closer walk with God, this episode is for you! Plus, exciting news about the Journey with a Giant book release and new tools coming your way soon!Resources mentioned in this Episode:Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan. This classic was written in the 17th century by pastor John Bunyan while he was imprisoned for his faith. Like the apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament while imprisoned, John Bunyan wrote this classic while imprisoned for his faith. I bought a small copy to take on our trip but wasn’t able to fit it in my backpack. I think the Lord wanted me to have plenty of space to experience my own pilgrim journey while I was gone. Now that I’m home, I am reading it slowly. Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 1300s, is another pilgrim’s tale less dreamy than Pilgrim’s Progress. A fellow spiritual director recommended it to give even more perspective, with more real-life scenarios to our lives as a pilgrimage.Camino Booklet: A Summer Pilgrimage Reflection by Lori G Melton. Free downloadable PDF recounting Lori and her husband’s 15-Day Camino pilgrimage; this guide will lead you on a sacred pilgrimage of your own. The Joy of Saying “Yes” to God’s Invitation: How God’s Invitations Lead to Abundant Life, Last month’s newsletter articleJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G MeltonThe Sanctuary at Bear Creek Abide Retreat CabinFor more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website ⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

Do you long for a place to meet with God? A sacred space that feels like home to your soul?In this episode, we explore the significance of these personal havens with mentor and spiritual formation expert Linda Andersen. Linda shares her story of how God has led herto sacred spaces through the years and how He may be doing the same for you.  Join us for this heart-stirring conversation that will leave you inspired to seek out (or rediscover) the NESTs God is calling you to, and with a prayer of love to your Abba Father who is, and always will long, for time alone with you.   Resources mentioned in this Episode:  Three Questions to Ask Yourself During Lent, Podcast with Bishop BarronBlaise Pascal, Scientific and Spiritual Prodigy, Christianity TodaySpiritual Retreat for Tired Souls: A Quiet Guide for Time Alone with God by Linda AndersenJourney with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori GMeltonThe Abide Retreat CabinFor more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website ⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

God is a firm believer in freedom of choice. As much as he wants us to receive all the gifts that he has for us, he leaves it up to us which ones we will receive and which ones, to our detriment, we leave in his outstretched hand. The same heavenly Father who created Adam and Eve on the sixth day and the very next morning declared their first day of existence a day of rest, delight, and worship offers the same gift to us today.  But in the world that we live in, Sabbath can be a tough thing to hold onto, even for those of us who run sabbath-based ministries.  Join us for this episode as we discuss this glorious gift and how to receive it. --- Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting by Marva J. Dawn, one of Eugene Petersen’s favorites! Chariots of Fire movie is the story of an Olympic athlete, missionary, and devoted Christian Eric Liddell and his commitment to the Sabbath and the miraculous things God did. The Good for Nothing Sabbathby Eugene Petersen, Christianity Today Magazine.  Practicing the Sabbath, by John Mark Comer, a 4 week small group study with accompanying free video series  The Abide Retreat CabinTo receive other great articles about how to grow closer to Jesus and others and information about The Sanctuary's upcoming events in your email, go to ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠ and sign up for our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

Have you ever felt weighed down, heavy-hearted, and a little distant from God even though, it seems, you have all your faith boxes checked? You’ve been attending church, having your daily time with Jesus and the Bible, and attending Bible study. Yet, somehow, you don’t feel as close to God as you usually do and don’t know why.   Join me for this delightful episode exploring the missing link right at your fingertips!   --   Reawaken Hymns on YouTube. A beautiful contemporary playlist of hymns to open your heart to worship!   Spotify or Pandora apps, to have worship playlists at your fingertips   Amazing Love! How Can It Be: Studies on the Hymns of Charles Wesley by Chris Fenner. Current book about the life and hymns of Charles and what they mean to our lives today.   To receive other great articles, information about The Sanctuary, and other resources to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email, go to ⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠ and sign up for our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

What are Christians supposed to do with New Year’s? Is it just another Hallmark holiday or an invitation from God? Join today’s conversation to flesh out this significant day on the calendar and receive the gifts God has waiting for you! The New Year Examen Worksheet The New Year Examen and Your Life’s Golden Thread with Chris Slabbekoorn Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast Episode #19The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Prayer Cabin  To receive other great articles, information about Sanctuary events, and other resources to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email, go to ⁠⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠⁠ and sign up for our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠⁠.

Here amid the Holiday season, with parties and events filling your days and New Year’s get-togethers just around the corner, do you ever find yourself hesitant to include the name of Jesus in conversation?   Me too.   If you have a passionate love for Jesus and a desire to share what he means to you as the Holy Spirit opens doors this season, join me for this episode.   To receive other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email, go to ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠ and sign up for our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠. Away In A Manger by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Children keep us humble, and a few years ago, my husband and I thought we had completely failed as parents when our daughter brought us an eye-opening question. But the pain was quickly replaced with joy as the Lord brought us back again to His wonderful gift.   If you haven’t been taught about the filling of the Holy Spirit, or if, like me, you’ve heard some confusing teaching through the years and put Him on the shelf, I think you’ll enjoy this episode opening the door wide to all the Lord has for you in the third person of the Trinity.   To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

“Pilgrimages rarely go as planned. They’re evolving journeys, not packaged holidays.” Ted Harro, Camino Pilgrim, Renovare As it is in pilgrimage, so it is in life. Just when you think you have everything planned to a “T,” a detour or a roadblock changes everything! What do you do now?  ⁠Pilgrimages Rarely Go As Planned⁠ Full Article You can read Perry’s full story in his book. Whether you go on an actual pilgrimage or not, you’ll be so inspired! Stepping Out On An Adventure of Faith: What I Learned About God Walking the PCT by Perry Gabbard  #abideinJesus #christianpilgrimage #christianformation #renovare To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email each week, go to ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠ and sign up for our newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at ⁠The Sanctuary at Bear Creek⁠.

Take this episode along as you sit at the beach or in a quiet spot with your early morning coffee. Drink of the Living Water as First Love Founder and author Linda Andersen leads us through this powerful practice of Soaking in the Psalms. Day 1 Pilgrimage Takes Patience Transcript Spiritual Retreat for Tired Souls: A Quiet Guide to Time Alone with God by Linda Andersen #abideinJesus #christianformation To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Hearing from many of you, there’s been an interest in the topic of pilgrimage, and my recent trip to Italy on The Saint Francis Way. I hope you enjoy this series of short vignettes about pilgrimage and monthly soaking in Jesus’ prayer practices by First Love Founder, Linda Andersen. May these stirring topics, be little bite-size morsels to strengthen our lives with God as we travel through the summer. Day 1 Pilgrimage Takes Patience Transcript MAWG Morning Alone with God  June 15 & July 20 The Saint Francis Way Spiritual Retreat for Tired Souls: A Quiet Guide to Time Alone with God by Linda Andersen #abideinJesus #christianpilgrimage #walkingwithjesus #christianformation To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

“Pilgrimage,” not a word that comes into our 21st Century Christian vocabulary very often. Come along as I lead you through my recent experience traveling The Francis Way in Italy, An ancient spiritual practice that the Lord opened my eyes to nearly 10 years ago, and I have been fascinated with ever since. Hear a little bit about this practice and the gift that might be waiting for you through this ancient and current practice of life with God. To Italy and Back Again—Pilgrimage 101 Article Unhurried Living Ministry & Podcast with Gem & Alan Fadling On the Road with Thomas Merton article by Fred Bahnson I’ll Push You Movie by Patrick Gray (also check it out on YouTube MAWG Morning Alone with God  June 15 & July 20 #abideinJesus #christianpilgrimage #walkingwithjesus #christianformation To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus and each other in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Whatever the Lord is asking of you today, I hope you enjoy this story of surrender and that it gives you the strength to say, “Yes!”  And in that “Yes!” you find the joy and satisfaction you were created for because it’s in dying that we truly live! Click on the link below to learn more about Autumn and this powerful movement of God that reached 37,000 young people on College Campuses last year.  AutumnMeltonmissions.com  #the_auddy   #circuitriders #joyinsurrender #Godisgood #lifewithjesus To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

With Easter being the most important day of the whole year for us as Christians, why does it so often catch us by surprise?  If you’re like me and want to fully savor this opportunity with the Savior instead of screeching into the Church parking lot on Easter morning, you’ll love this episode!   #christianformation #lifewithjesus #lovingjesus #easter2024 #heisrisen  To receive these and other great articles in your email each week to grow closer to Jesus, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Just as no two marriages are alike, no two couples’ spiritual relationship will be the same either. In celebration of Valentine’s month and the unique relationship we share with our spouse, get ready to free yourself from all the “should’s”, “ought to’s” and “gotta’s” and notice and celebrate your unique Spiritual Strengths instead. Couple’s Spiritual 💋  Strengths Survey   Solitude As a Spouse Article Made from Scratch by Mignon Francois MAWG Morning Alone with God Contemplative Retreat #christianmarriage #lifeinchrist To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

So excited to share about our Good Shepherd’s faithfulness along my publishing path. Was it just a year ago I heard those dreaded words no author wants to hear, “I’m so sorry to say that your book project was not approved by our publishing committee.”?  When we go through our big and small valleys of the shadow of death, there’s nothing to fear. It’s not the end of the story. There is still more that the Lord needs to write in the middle.  We will see soon enough how good He is.  To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek. #abideinjesus #thelordourshepherd #psalm23

I’ve got a special episode for you today! An interview with a dear friend and my spiritual director, Chris Slabbekoorn. I can’t wait for you to hear about Chris’ unique perspective on the Lord’s work in our lives through what she calls, The Golden Thread, and our conversation about setting apart a few quiet moments to hear the Lord’s still small voice and receive all he has for us in the year ahead, through the practice of the New Year’s Examen.  We pray you’ll be blessed by the New Year’s Examen as our gift to you! Great news for 2024! The Lord has blessed me with a publishing contract! I’m clearing my schedule and will be putting my head down to finish the Journey with a Giant manuscript between now and May 1st, so for a little while the podcast episodes will be changing to once a month ☹   I’m so thankful for you all sharing this journey and look forward to updating you on the progress each month.  I would love your prayers! It would be an honor to have you on my prayer team. I look forward to hearing from you by email or text.  New Year Examen worksheet - at the bottom of http://thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek, or [email protected]. #christianformation #abidewithJesus #givingjesusmyall #newyear2024 #newyearexamen

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O Night when Christ was born.” Reading those words, just makes you happy, doesn’t it?? Are you humming along? Is there music playing in your head?   Are you smiling? I am! Why is it that people are happier at Christmas? I wonder if a lot of it has to do with worship. The carols. Amidst all the pain and darkness; war, poverty, and injustice. Uncertainty, unanswered questions, sickness, and struggle. The carols proclaim not what we see and are surrounded by in our day-to-day lives, but the truth. They draw us back to the reality of God’s love and his plan. To our Savior who came as a baby bringing light to the world and delivering us from all darkness.   Not only do those powerful Christmas melodies proclaim God’s truth but each of our lives are unique carols. What message do you want yours to sing?  For the full transcript:  The Joy of the Season: What Carol Will Your Life Sing I Heard the Bells Chris Tomlin Rendition O Holy Night CeCe Winans Rendition I Heard the Bells Movie Trailer  To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek. #christianformation #abidewithJesus #ilovethecarols

It’s here, the most delightful Church season of the year! A time to focus on all the glorious things God is ... Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace! Four weeks on the calendar when we schedule time to stop and think about, I mean REALLY think about, a love of God for us so great and his desire for an unhindered relationship with us so powerful that He sent Jesus.  Yet amidst the busy season of shopping, caroling, and feasting, it’s so easy to get swept away, waking up on December 26th in a yuletide stupor wondering how we missed the true treasure of the season.  Did you know that God has a unique plan to draw you closer to Him during these next four weeks? He does.  Tune in to learn about Sacred Saturday and how this Christmas could be your best one ever.  To read the Blog article: Sacred Saturday? What’s That?    And Advent in My Neighborhood To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek. #christianformation #revsummerjoy #fr.joelsember #iloveadvent Oriens, A Pilgrimage through Advent and Christmas  Adoration: Journaling with Emmanuel   Joyful Journey

Woo-hoo! Thanksgiving is here!  It’s so exciting to think about all the friends and family gathering together and also terrifying.  What does the Lord have for us in these life-long relationships that can be so messy at times? Are our Norman Rockwell visions of the family sitting around the table just a fairy tale?   … or an invitation from God? And if they are an invitation, how in the world are we supposed to get there?  Other great Thanksgiving articles you might enjoy listening to while you prepare your Thanksgiving feast:  Invitation to Holy Hospitality What is the Lord Whispering to You This Thanksgiving? To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek. #familythanksgiving #lovemyfamily #abideinjesus #lifewithGod

Welcome to this episode, where we talk about the incomprehensible mystery that our God will speak when we humbly lean in, ask him, and listen! And the shocking things he revealed to me as I followed what I heard him say.  Other great Thanksgiving articles to listen to while you’re preparing your Thanksgiving feast,  Invitation to Holy Hospitality Welcoming the Stranger … and who could be “Strange-er” than your Relatives? Eugene Peterson’s fantastic book, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek. #christianformation #abideinJesus #godspeaks #jesuscalling #eugenepeterson #lifeinchrist

Have you ever been captivated by a hero of the faith from history? Is there someone outside the pages of the Bible whose life powerfully inspires you every time you hear about it? Someone who seems to be walking a somewhat similar path, and yet maybe lived centuries before you or in a completely different culture?   What if that burning inside you is God’s indication that he has special gifts waiting for you through the life of another?  Join us as we celebrate a holiday, you may not have celebrated before. Her Name is Evelyn (EVE-a-lin)  Blog Post What Am I Supposed to Do with the Saints Anyway? Blog Post To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Can you believe it’s been 6 weeks since Labor Day? It seems everyone I talk to has enjoyed a beautiful and bustling fall. Ours has been filled with people we love, travel, and festivities.  If your fall has been anything like ours, you may be ready to slow down for a bit.  Join us for this episode where we recognize the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death and the Brit’s fantastic custom. Get out your cozy sweater and favorite mug, as we kick off our month of slowing, with the 2023 “7-Day Teatime Challenge” Blog post: The 2023 “7-Day Teatime Challenge To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

Sometimes I wish God would just let me make the rules. Every living thing left on its own will die, even us. For some crazy reason, God made us divinely insufficient and desperately in need of each other. Just as we are physically dependent on each other to survive, so we are also spiritually. I couldn’t have been more ecstatic than when I first came to know Jesus. I went to church every chance I could get, until I couldn’t. Then, left on my own, I started falling away.  Until …  Blog post: Dying an Unintentional Spiritual Death #ilovemychurch #bodyofchrist To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

I couldn’t have been more shocked at the powerful principle that came from this innocent little question a few weeks ago. Hold on tight for what it reveals in you! Blog post: What is God Stirring in You this Season? Learning Humility, by Richard Foster First Nations Native American New Testament by Terry Wildman To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

We contemplatives love our time with the Lord. We love silence and solitude and have discovered a pearl of great price that many never do. There’s no greater calling than spending time just with God like a lover, in an indescribable relationship with Him.  But, there’s another side of that same coin.  Join us for this episode where we’re going to talk about our relationship with the Lord with a little twist of the beautiful design, he has divinely orchestrated, to intertwine our lives with others.  I’m going to take you back about 10 years or so when I experienced a fundamental shift that changed my life forever.  Blog post: I Need You? I Don’t Know About That Better Together by Rick Warren  To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

A battle that’s been going on since the beginning of time, but possibly even more challenging in the 21st century. Here, at the beginning of Fall with more opportunities than our strength, finances, or spirits can handle, how do we wade through the choices, to make the ones closest to God’s will; the ones when our lives are all said and done, we will be happiest we did?   Join me today as we tap into a foundational practice of discernment God has been using for centuries to show his children the way. Blog post: What Belongs and What Doesn’t? To receive these and other great articles to grow closer to Jesus in your email each week, go to thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You can also follow us on Facebook at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.