Ordinary Matters

In this episode, we chat with Karen Stiller, author, award-winning senior editor of Faith Today, writing coach, and (now) elder stateswoman of Ordinary Matters. In our conversation with Karen, we dive into the world of imagination. Our minds can conjure the unimaginable, sometimes sending us into a tailspin. However, we can also envision a fuller life and take small steps to make it a reality—like helping someone carry their bags, putting away a stranded shopping cart, or tending to our grief well. What if we imagine a life of holiness in all these ordinary matters? That’s the essence of Karen’s new book, Holiness Here: Searching for God in the Ordinary Events of Everyday Life. And that’s why we invited her to talk with us about the ordinariness of holiness.

You can learn more about Karen and her good work at www.karenstiller.com

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In this episode of Ordinary Matters, we open with a story we love about The Sneaky Scheme™ of our daughters. It sets the table for our conversation about the gift of God’s forgetfulness, the invitation to bring our mess to him, the peculiar joy of confession, and also the role of attachment and the presence of God. We hope our thoughts help you discern the presence of God in your ordinary life.

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Exciting news! Our podcast is back as part of Ordinary Matters. In addition to our articles, Julia and I are diving into conversations and reflections about faithfulness in everyday life.

To kick things off, I’ll be regularly sharing brief reflections from the Psalms, exploring the lessons they offer on joy, happiness, and living the good life.

On a personal note: Ordinary Matters isn’t just a platform for us. We want to connect with you. Your engagement means the world to us. Whether it’s a quick note or a thoughtful comment, when we hear from you it’s a great encouragement. This space is designed for dialogue—not just monologue. Please share your thoughts on this episode. What resonated with you? What ideas did it spark?

Thanks for being part of this journey with us.

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In this fourth episode, we chat about the necessity of grief and lament and share five practices to help.

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In this episode, Alastair and Julia discuss the pressure to make the most of this time and the invitation to receive life as a gift.

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In this second episode, I chat with Julia Sterne (RCC) of New Story Counselling about how staying grounded in our values during the COVID-19 pandemic can help us become a non-anxious presence for the good of our city.

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In this first episode, I consider the first step toward becoming a non-anxious presence for the good our city during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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