Staci Devries
I serve as the Content and Community Manager for The Network, a role that I truly love. I have a passion for connecting people and am grateful to see how God is at work in the CRC and beyond. I'd love to answer any of your questions and help you get involved!
Posted in: Let's Talk Podcasts! What Are Your Favorites?
This is an amazing list! I had 3 hours in the car last night and am now a big fan of 'On Being' with Krista Tippett. Did you catch her interview with Eugene Peterson? Really interesting.
I'm also a big fan of Jen Hatmaker's podcast. You've given me lots to check out!
Posted in: Let's Talk Podcasts! What Are Your Favorites?
How cool is this? Love the focus on church planting. Thanks for sharing!
Posted in: Let's Talk Podcasts! What Are Your Favorites?
The title has me so intrigued. Any favorite episodes?
Posted in: Some Dos and Don'ts from My Recent Attempt to Memorize Psalm 1
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment, Eric. I loved getting a peek inside your family life and found so many great takeaways in what you wrote. I have also found music to be a huge help in memorizing Scripture ("...so while the written notation may look a little crazy at times, hopefully the melody and tune are catchy enough to remember") and Sunday School songs have helped God's Word stick with me to this day. I love your creativity in writing the songs yourself and your passion for sharing them with others. Sadly the link did not work on my end. Let me know if I can help get it posted. I think your comment could start a whole new conversation!
Posted in: Some Dos and Don'ts from My Recent Attempt to Memorize Psalm 1
Thanks for this Diane! I was overwhelmed at just one chapter but learned so much in the process. Great advice from Ray VanderLaan.
I also love how you put scripture to music with your grandchildren. What fun and such an eternal impact!
Posted in: Discover Your Bible With Crossroads Prison Ministry
Seeing this comment years later and would like to add a second plug for Crossroads! I have been a mentor for a little over two years now and it has been incredibly enriching (keeping me planted in the Word and learning with and from those in prison).
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
'Great is Your Faithfulness' One Sonic Society
'You Say' Lauren Daigle
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
Hi Kristen! I heard on the radio that Lauren Daigle is going to be on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show this evening (Nov 7).
Posted in: What Are Some of the Most Undervalued Leadership Traits?
Amen! These three go together so well. I love how you sandwiched prayer in between patience and persistence (which may seem like opposites but actually go hand in hand).
Posted in: The Beauty of Sacrifice and the Joy of Giving
I love this post, Michelle. I just a put a couple library holds on Kristen's books. I love her measuring sticks of gratitude and generosity!
Also, this, "One of the ways we (and our children) demonstrate our gratitude and our biblical understanding of the role our possessions and our bank accounts play in our lives is by holding them with an open hand." Amen! I also loved this quote, "The providence of God is equal to anything our children encounter as they serve God."
I also appreciate how she is not afraid to talk about burn-out and self care. Refreshingly honest!
Posted in: Halfway Through 2018: Books You've Read or Hope to Read?
Looking back on the books I listed back in January, I have only read Sheryl Sandberg's Option B. I appreciated her insights on tangible ways to show up (in actual helpful ways) when our friends and family face unexpected trauma. However, I'm not sure where it went from there. Good read but has not stuck with me like I thought it would.
I just finished the book Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved and would highly recommend. The author, Kate Bowler, writes in the most refreshingly honest way about her stage IV colon cancer diagnosis in her 30's (she is married with a young son). I would describe Kate as a strong Christian who is not afraid to ask the tough questions. She talks about theology as she also mentions that she has taken up cursing for Lent. She tackles church, the big questions (is heaven really better than earth? how could it be if it means I don't get to see my son grow up?), and doesn't offer any neat or tidy answers. Her faith and humanity (cancer sucks) are so interwoven. Check it out for sure. Bill Gates agrees.
My favorite non-fiction book I've read this year is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Though a bit older (came out in 2015) I just recently heard about it and it was one of those books I stayed up too late reading. The author paints such a vivid picture of life in Occupied France during WWII. The characters are real and the decisions they must make often unfathomable. Grapples with questions about bravery, sacrifice, and morality during wartime (or in times when all options are unthinkable). Highly recommend.
Posted in: What Do Words Matter?
I love this post! Thanks for the challenge and invitation to write boldly.