for the beauty
“Open our eyes to behold your presence and strengthen our hands to do your will.” This brief petition from Morning Prayer can shape one’s whole day by orienting us around the wonder and work of God in our midst. Reflecting on God’s activity and our responsive obedience takes on a fresh angle as we remember Earth Day this week (April 22). It brings to mind this piece by Liuan Huska that speaks of our interdependence with the environment, reminding us of God’s glory revealed in all of creation and our responsibility to protect it. What a beautiful world we’ve been called to steward!
“So much of the riotous creativity that is human culture, from music to poetry to culinary delights, draws from the raw materials offered by nature. Nature and culture cannot be disentangled.”
This created beauty takes shape, too, in words — beautiful words that we celebrate during National Poetry Month. As the final days of April draw this celebration to a close, we’re reminded of Ruth Goring’s primer on reading poems contemplatively, published as part of our Summer of Poetry. How might God be inviting you to perceive the goodness of creation, creating, and Creator this week?
“As we notice our visceral responses to poems, we can become more present to our body and bring that awareness into our dialogue with God.”
You’re Invited!
Join us for Weekly Prayer! Prayer meetings bring joy and connection for all! For more information visit The Well. We hope to see you there!
Women, Work & Calling — Summer Book Club. Join us for a special two-session book club this June 6 & 20 as we discuss Women, Work & Calling (IVP 2024). Joanna Meyer provides a theological framework for women's work and influence and offers resources for the challenges of working life. Click through to register!
Moms at the Well — Summer Book Club. Join us for a special single-session book club this June 10 as we discuss Moms at the Well. This seven-week Bible study offers a modern-day "well" for mothers. We invite you to “take a sip with us” by joining us to do the first chapter. If there is enough interest, we will figure out how to do the rest together! Click through to register!
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
Are you a Christian woman working in a STEMM field? WISH (Women in Science & Humanities) aims to encourage and support Christian women in STEMM. Check out their new website, support them by filling out their survey, and forward to your networks of women who might also be interested in participating in the WISH project.
Are you an Asian American college student or recent post-graduate dedicated to your Christian faith? Apply to the Asian-American Christian Collaborative Next Gen Leadership Cohort. AACC has established this cohort to mentor our next generation, empowering them to realize the depth of their God-given talents and identity. (Applications due May 5.)
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes writes her reflections on Beyoncé’s latest album and how it connected with her tenth grade self.
This striking, one-minute video shows emperor penguin chicks seen cliff diving on camera for first time.
New research reveals that patients treated by female doctors fare better than patients treated by male doctors.
Some of us have been appreciating this delicious and reliable yellow birthday cake recipe for all of the spring birthdays in our orbit. Give it a try!