by Deborah Svec-Carstens | Dec 31, 2020 | Blog
“Always, we begin again.” As we cross the threshold from 2020 to 2021, I’m reminded of these words from the Rule of St. Benedict. There is much to leave behind as we enter into the New Year. Grief, sorrow, heartache, anger, frustration, isolation, and more. No...
by Deborah Svec-Carstens | Oct 31, 2020 | Blog
I recently finished reading Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved by Kate Bowler The title of her book immediately drew me in, because “everything happens for a reason” is a theology my parents taught me growing up. It’s like saying, “God is...
by Deborah Svec-Carstens | Sep 9, 2020 | Blog
The First Step In 2015, I quit my job. Not because I had another position lined up. I didn’t. In fact, I had no idea what was next for me. I just knew it was time to leave state government, where I’d worked in various capacities as an attorney for the last 15 years....
by Deborah Svec-Carstens | Aug 5, 2020 | Blog
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Psalms 104:33 In late June, I gathered with three other members of my faith community to record music to stream during our online worship on Sundays. One person...
by Deborah Svec-Carstens | Jul 15, 2020 | Blog
As the coronavirus pandemic lingers and intensifies, I’ve been looking for examples of resilience. Who in my orbit has demonstrated the ability to adapt well to change or keep going in the face of adversity? Turns out, I didn’t have to look very far. My...
by Deborah Svec-Carstens | Jun 17, 2020 | Blog
For those who are isolated and alone, or who have experienced trauma—especially true for many in the last several weeks of pandemic and protests—connecting with others is vital. Perhaps as important as breathing. Sharing even the most mundane details of our...
