Beloved,
​
I have had a couple of conversations this week about telling the truth.  I know this topic comes up so often in politics, in telling someone if you like their new hair cut or not, in being brutally honest and hurting another.  We tell the truth, people are set free, people are released from despair, and are able to move forward with this knowledge to make decisions.  All of this is done in the name of truth.  

Truth can be a weapon or a blessing.  It depends on how this truth is used.  Jesus told the truth to his disciples and the crowds, and many could not receive his truth.  They simply could not or would not hear it.  I have been there.  I read in a book years ago about an alien that believed if he closed his eyes, no one could see him.  I do this with truth that I don't want to hear.     

When we lean into the truth of God, when we hear the truth of God's love for us, when we see God's love at work in the world, do we speak of this?  Do we honor the holy work we have been called to be speaking truth?  

Here is some truth we all need to hear:  You are beloved.  Wildly, Abundantly, Joyfully, Completely Beloved!

Now!  Go live out that truth so that others might know as well.

Much Love,
Temple 

Beloved,

​I was with a friend recently and she reminded me of this phrase:  Curious and not judgmental.   We were talking about hard conversations and how to stay engaged when there is conflict or different perspectives.

It seems to me that the tenor of conversations lately has not been curious and is very heavy on the judgmental side.  We write people off when they believe or say something we do not agree with wholeheartedly.  

Staying curious does not mean we have to agree.  Staying curious means we are invested in the person and the relationship.  We can listen and see their perspective.  We can listen and completely disagree but not make a judgment call on their whole being.  

It is much easier to disregard someone than it is to stay in relationship.  My hope and prayer is that we will do that hard work.  I know there is blessing for everyone.  The connections we make, the things that we do agree on allow us to stay connected. 

Where do you need to be more curious and less judgmental?  I know my answer.

Much Love,
Temple 

After 2 very long years, this extrovert got to go somewhere and be with friends!  All the joy!   The 4 of us gathered and worked, and visited, and talked.  We Talked.  So.  Much.  All of us are extroverts so someone was ready to have a conversation.

We laughed, we cried, we were serious, we ate, and most importantly, we were together.  The support and holy conversations we had were a balm to my soul.  

My soul is so nourished and happy!  

What are you doing to make your soul happy?   If you want to talk about it, you know I have all the words!

Much Love,
Temple