Open to Wonder

Amy Peterson’s understanding of hospitality—a practice she believes is at the heart of Christian identity—was formed during an experience she had as a 22 year old living in Southeast Asia. More recently it’s been shaped by the details she discovered while researching the Biblical story of Lydia, the university students with whom she shared a weekly dinner, and in the hands of the unhoused man who offers her candy over breakfast. Amy Peterson is a writer, teacher, and priest in the Episcopal church. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two children, and three cats.

Heidi De Jonge began keeping a diary when she was 9 years old—and regularly reads excerpts of her diaries to her three daughters. Heidi has been an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church for 17 years. She is currently working as a chaplain in long term care and as a restorative practitioner with FaithCARE. She and her husband, Tim, have three daughters and a beloved husky-lab mix.

Jill Weber, Global Convenor of the Order of the Mustard Seed, lives near the ruins of a 12th century monastery on the Waverley Abbey Estate, in the United Kingdom. Her response to the question “does prayer really work?” is just as lovely. (Plus: find out the five words from the Order of the Mustard Seed that Karen wants to see on a t-shirt.)

As a child, ‘Lib’ Caldwell was introduced to the spiritual practice of wonder by her mother: a woman who loved earthworms in the garden, set up art easels in the kitchen, and embraced spontaneous prayer. Now an author, teacher, gardener and quilter, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Caldwell shares what the practice of wonder looks like in her life today as well as a do-able suggestion for the practice that anyone can try.

In the midst of a tense corporate merger, more than 50 staff members joined a spontaneous prayer meeting in the company auditorium because Colin Watson told his CEO, “we need to pray about this.” Years later, retired CRCNA Executive Director Colin Watson shares how being attentive to God at work shapes his faith and guides the ways he serves in leadership.

Following the podcast, Colin shared some of his favorite gospel artists with Chris and Karen. We thought you’d enjoy them too.

***Colin’s Playlist***

What does God’s voice sound like? How does God speak today? Summer Mohrlang, spiritual director with Soul Formation, responds to the questions we’re wondering about, including “what does a spiritual director actually do?” And her suggestion for how to get started with faith practices is both accessible and life-giving.

April Fiet describes herself as a pastor, parent, and recovering perfectionist. She’s also an author, weed-puller, and backyard-chicken-feeder. She shares why watching asparagus grow brings her delight, the “holy rhythms” she weaves into her life, and how learning to embrace “holy interruptions” helps her stay attentive to God at work.

Imagine you’re around 7 years old and you’ve been learning how to play the piano. One Sunday the pianist and the organist at your church are sick and your pastor looks at you and says, “Hey you’re playing this morning.” And before you know it, you’re 8 years old and directing the adult choir. That’s the story of Jeremy Simpson.

Currently a Reformed pastor currently serving in the oldest Baptist church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jeremy shares wisdom on discipleship, the connection between culture and worship, and the difference between being invited to sit at the table and being welcomed to the table as a full participant.

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Sandra Van Opstal, executive director and co-founder of Chasing Justice, joins hosts Karen and Chris to discuss how “worship without justice is just not worship.” They also explore how the choices we make about what to spend, what to give and what to keep are connected to justice; the two words that can shape our practice of loving our neighbors; and why it would be great to have a 7 year old in every small group!

In this episode, Karen and Chris reflect on the “wow” moments of their conversations with guests this season. They also share one short takeaway (well, Karen keeps it short; Chris is a preacher at heart) that they hope sticks with listeners for a long time. And, last but not least, they reveal the theme and questions they can’t wait to wonder about with you in Season 2.

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Mary Hulst, University Pastor at Calvin University, explores with us how faith is formed in the lives of students and young adults. She and hosts Chris and Karen also talk about approaching Scripture with curiosity, why it’s important to pay attention to God’s provision, and the two words that strike fear in the hearts of her students…and possibly in your heart too.

Ruth Padilla DeBorst joins hosts Chris and Karen for the first episode of Open to Wonder Season 1: Beyond Sunday. Ruth lives in an intentional community at Casa Adobe in Costa Rica and shares what it means to live into and out of your faith seven days a week. And her honest answer to how we can intentionally live our faith in our neighborhoods and communities is a do-able life-changer (it may or may not involve a lawnmower.)