Meanderings Along the Way

Welcome to the official blog of GEM's Spiritual Life Team.

Blog posts on everything related to the spiritual life, updated weekly.

Pearl of Great Price

By | March 6, 2022 |
brown mushroom in close up photography

by Glenda Alvord Rudat Key Verse:    “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:45-46, NIV  She was a dear friend, a pillar of the women’s ministries, even had an apartment…

Stability in Change

By | February 28, 2022 |
silhouette of road signage during golden hour

by Doug Mitts Key Verse:   “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”  – 1 John 4:16, NAS95  I can’t remember a time since moving to Germany where change ceased, paused, or…

Cycle of Grace Summary

By | February 23, 2022 |

by Joy McAuley There are four dimensions in the Cycle of Grace. We begin, or we could say God begins, with our complete and undeserved acceptance by God through Jesus. This is pure grace pouring into our lives. We haven’t done anything to bring that grace into our lives, it’s just a gift from God.…

Unchanging God

By | February 20, 2022 |
man laying on tree branch

by Karen Kurth Key Verse:   “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”  – Malachi 3:6, ESV  My siblings and I have a little saying that covers our social awkwardness – “I was raised under schizophrenic influences.” Stability brings comfort to me.  Therefore, I revel, I delight, that God does…

Unchanging Plans

By | February 14, 2022 |
highway at night

by Glenda Alvord Rudat Key Verse:   “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”  – Joshua 1:9, NIV  Things are changing, Lord…so quickly that I can’t even keep track.  Each day’s news brings new changes. My…

Preparing for a Day with God 

By | February 13, 2022 |
stack of assorted-color suit case lot

Preparing for Silence and Solitude   We seek silence and solitude so that we can quiet our souls and be attentive to God. Silence and solitude give God time and space away from the competition of social interaction, noise and stimulation. It is a formative place that brings us face to face with our hidden motives…

Change

By | February 7, 2022 |
assorted-color lear hanging decor

by Debby Nichols Key Verse:   Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8, NIV   Change seems to be a steady companion of each new year. As I sit and ponder how I really feel about change, I must admit that for most of my life I have tried to avoid change. Having…

Speaking Life

By | September 27, 2021 |
shallow focus photography of bees flew in mid air

by Sarah Bently Key Verse: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. – Proverbs 16:24, NIV In reviewing for a Sunday school lesson at church, I chatted with God a bit about the creation narrative. Wow. Your words literally created life. Yes. And they still do, every day. What power…

Empowered Speech

By Doug Mitts | September 20, 2021 |

by Doug Mitts Key Verse: “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” – Colossians 4:6, NAS95 I wish I could do this better than I do now. I have noticed, though, the Spirit rearranging my words as I speak…

Language of the Kingdom

By | September 13, 2021 |
brown and red wooden fish wall decor

by Leslie Hall Key Verse: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.  – John 10:10, NET Full disclosure – I have a tendency to absolutely swear like a sailor. I’m on a journey with Jesus about it; I’d appreciate…