Author: Jen Manglos
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A Retreat for the New Year
Happy New Year! At this time of year, many of us have a desire to reflect on our lives and make new intentions. I created a personal retreat for this very purpose and it is currently posted on my good friend Amy Simpson’s blog. (Note: Amy is a fantastic writer and life coach. If you’re…
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Some Very Spoilery Thoughts on Thor:Ragnarok
I have so many thoughts coming out of my viewing of Thor: Ragnarkok last night. I’m a huge fan of the director, Taika Waititi (please do yourself a favor and watch What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople). Honestly, Thor hasn’t been a character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that I’ve…
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A Wonder of a Woman
Weighed down by a chorus of no’s, she steps up onto the battlefield. Her disguise falls to the ground and fiercely, she walks towards the gun fire. And instead of being demolished, she triumphs, making it across No Man’s Land. She clears the path so that her men can follow. I cried. I was never…
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Resurrected
This is the moment we have waited for. Life. Life where there once was death. For the final day of our Online Stations of the Cross, you are invited to reflect on these images of resurrection. Which images resonate with you the most? What picture would you take to depict resurrection? What would it look…
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Buried
There’s something about burials that feel so final. I remember attending the funeral of a friend who passed away and watching the dust begin to cover her casket brought a new set of tears. I wonder what it was like for Jesus’ followers, who saw his burial as a death to their hopes for the…
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Died
Death is a haunting word with a stark reality. Today, you are invited to ponder death – the death of Christ, the deaths of those you loved, and perhaps the fact that you also will one day die. (Note: Submit your photos now and tag @OakHouseRetreats #died). It was now about noon, and darkness…
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Insulted
For today’s Online Station of the Cross, we consider Christ’s experience of being insulted. As with some of the previous stations, we all have experiences of both being insulted and insulting others. As you slowly browse through these photos, consider these moments in your life. (Note: Submit your photos now and tag @OakHouseRetreats #insulted). One…
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Crucified
For today’s Online Station of the Cross, we are invited to imagine what it would be like to suffer through crucifixion. Slowly browse through these photos as you consider Jesus’ experience. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his…
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Helped
It is a powerful moment to receive the help of another person – especially a stranger. Today, we reflect on our experiences of being helped and helping others. Slowly browse these photos as you consider these moments in your own life. Following the images, you will find a corresponding Bible verse and prayer. (Note: Submit…
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Burdened
We carry heavy burdens, even though we’re called to release them to Christ. Yet, time and again, we find ourselves in the same place. It’s just part of our human condition. Slowly browse these photos as you consider your own experience of being burdened. Following the images, you will find a corresponding Bible verse and…