Trouver Ma Voie

Thank you for visiting God's Acre. Please join me at Trouver Ma Voie where I'm continuing to find my way.

© 2010 J. Dana Trent

Birthday

Birthdays. The cliche is true - as you age, they do become (seemingly) less and less important.

However, this year's birthday is more prominent, compelling, and motivating. Given the personal events of the past ten days (a hospital stay and emergency gallbladder surgery), I feel a greater urge to cherish family, friends, and the opportunity to work and serve.

So here's to you, birthday - old buddy, old pal! Thanks for reminding me of all I should be grateful for!

Photo credit: stock.xchng

© 2009 J. Dana Trent

The Center for Child & Family Health

In recent months, while freelance writing and working for Duke Divinity School, I've been in prayer for a full-time position as a writer/communicator.

My prayer has been answered in the form of a transition within Duke - from the Divinity School to the Center for Child & Family Health, a collaborative endeavor of Duke, UNC, and NCCU. CCFH provides trauma treatment and prevention services to local children and families. I have been appointed as the annual giving officer for the center, coordinating its print media pieces, annual giving materials, foundation proposals, and web content. I practice a different kind of writing now - my craft is focused on drawing awareness to local children and families who have been experienced trauma, and cultivating resources for their journey of healing.

Transitions are difficult: beginning new adventures and feeling the anxiousness of new challenges. Further along, that anxiety seems minimal compared to the great joy we found (or that found us!) in the new journey.

http://www.ccfhnc.org/

© 2009 J. Dana Trent

"Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return"

An Ash Wednesday reflection by Dr. Jason Byassee, Executive Director, Faith & Leadership

http://www.faithandleadership.com/content/the-humility-dust

© 2008 J. Dana Trent

Stingy Givers

The massive economic crises of recent months have led to drastic cuts in the American family budget. These crises are sure to have financial implications on what is, according to Christian Smith, Michael Emerson, and Patricia Snell, already less-than-generous church giving.

To read a review of Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don't Give Away More Money, by Christian Smith and Michael O. Emerson, with Patricia Snell, click here

Image credit: http://www.amazon.com/Passing-Plate-American-Christians-Money/dp/0195337115

© 2009 J. Dana Trent

Christ in Glory

For artist Kathryn Carrington, creating an icon is more prayer than painting. “The icon is my prayer,” says Carrington, who was commissioned by the Divinity School to create “Christ in Glory” for its new worship space. “It’s all about gazing and growing.”

To read more about this icon in the latest issue of Divinity magazine, click here.

Photo: "Christ in Glory", 2008, written by Kathryn Carrington, Divinity magazine, Spring 2009, Volume 8, Number 2

© 2009 J. Dana Trent

Faith and Leadership

Leadership Education at Duke Divinity recently launched its website Faith & Leadership . The site features profiles in leadership, news of the day, opinion pieces, sermons, and general resources on the topic. I have yet to browse through the entire site, but I find my initial visits fascinating. This is a topic that current church leaders will embrace and access, and that I believe the future generation of theologians/church leaders will find helpful as well. What do you make of the intersection of faith and leadership? What is "Christian about Christian leadership?"

© 2009 J. Dana Trent