fear – 300 words a day

The danger of being captivated by fear.

I was talking with a friend about fear I have. It was a good conversation. He helped me think it through. And I’m not going to talk with you about it. He prayed for me, asking that I wouldn’t be “captivated by fear.” I confess, I took out my pen and wrote the phrase on my hand […]

by Jon Swanson

For those of us who live tentatively.

I have friends who read a lot. They set goals. They keep lists. They track their reading online. A couple weeks ago, I read a bunch of books. I was going to put them on my online reading list. But then I started thinking. “Are these the right kind of books to list?” I thought. […]

by Jon Swanson

Moving toward love.

There’s a bell that rings when you walk into Lystra Tea Company. If you go there regularly and your visits are encouraging, just the sound of the bell can help your morning. Or afternoon. Or evening. I stop by often. I came today to learn more about how to give up fear for Lent. “Maybe […]

by Jon Swanson

Not letting worry run away with you.

I was grateful Lystra Tea Company opened early. I needed some coffee. And some counsel. “You look awful,” Tim said. He filled a glass with water and a mug with coffee. I laughed. “Six miles does that to you,” I said. “I’m trying to enjoy running, but I’m guessing that it will never show on […]

by Jon Swanson

Giving up fear for Lent.

“How’s Lent?” Tim asked. He filled my mug with coffee. “Apparently coffee isn’t part of your offering this year.” Tim knew one year I had given up all but one cup of coffee a day. And he knew how hard that year had been, not because of the caffeine withdrawal, but because of the stuff […]