Author: Jen Manglos
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Why Peter?
Earlier this week I was watching a film about Jesus. As I watched I was struck, in a new way, by Peter’s journey. Peter is usually pegged as zealous, and rightly so. There is a fierceness in him. He is always ready with a stark statements (i.e. “You are the son of God”) and is…
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Top Secret
Can I let you in on a secret? Just you and me? I hate Valentine’s Day. There, I said it. I’m always scared to admit this to the general public, because I automatically get pinned as a shrew (I apparently only surround myself with those who use Shakespearean insults). Let’s make a deal. I’ll explain…
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Growing up Female
When I was little I had a book that would document my growing up. Kind of like a baby book, but for when your child gets older. It was divided by school grade and each year would ask questions like: Height? Activities? Favorite foods? But my favorite question was: What do you want to be…
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Disastrous Dates
There are few things that bring me more joy than in hearing about disastrous dates. I think it evokes in me a combination of both empathy and relief. Empathy in the awkwardness that is dating and the realization of how crazy this ritual can be. And relief in the fact that it was not me…
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Today
I can only write what I know. Or at the very least, what I think I know. This is what I know. Today. Today I know that I do not want to write. Today I know that the little I do want to write, I do not want to put on my blog. Today…
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Story in Perspective
I love a good story, don’t you? One of my favorite ways to connect with others is to tell our stories. It just seems to happen when people gather. I think that so much of what we share is corralled into little narratives that we in turn offer to others. This is all an eloquent…
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Coffee Culture
Excellent coffee without the snobbery. I got to visit Seattle a couple of weekends ago and this is undoubtedly the highlight of its coffee culture. Now Seattle can boast many things: the Space Needle, Pike’s Place Market, a thriving food scene, birthplace of grunge music, crazy Seahawk fans. But without a doubt one of the…
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Hey, Your Weakness is Showing
“The American Dream is to live in our strength; God’s dream is that we live in our weakness.” I read these words this morning. And oh boy, didn’t they strike true? The truth that most days I want to live out of strength, when the invitation is to be weak. Then weakness breaks down the…
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Sheltered
Hi All, With the crazy week I’ve had plus the preparations for flying to Seattle today, I’ve gotten a bit behind on my writing. Today, I’m reposting a “classic” blog post. I hope you enjoy it anew. Jen ——————————————————————————————————————————————— Sheltered “I just want to be held,” I say quietly to myself. Not in a metaphoric,…
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He Wasn’t Joking
I finished 2013 by reflecting on the year – giving thanks for the joyous moments, crying over hopes disappointed, and prayerfully looking forward. As I looked forward I sensed God was calling me into a season of learning freedom in circumstances. When troubles strike, I often find that I struggle with doubt. Some days I…