Twice in the final week of Jesus’ life leading up to the cross, He is anointed for burial, (Jesus, Love to the End, pages 43-46). In both instances the room is teeming with people, but as significant as these events are, Jesus and only one single other person understand what’s happening. All the others present are in different head spaces. My melancholy tendencies want to grieve for how clueless almost everyone is. But this morning as I write, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that Jesus is seen by someone in both these scenes. And not just seen__ these two women also take action on His behalf. No one understands isolation and…

We are in week three of Lent which begins the day after Jesus triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, (Jesus, Love to the End, pages 31-50). These are some of the most compelling days in history. As you read your entries this week, I pray you will afford yourself enough time to become immersed in the story of the final days of Jesus public ministry. There are far more details recorded in the Gospels than you might imagine. If it was Monday and you knew that on Friday you would be betrayed and murdered, what would consume your thoughts and how would you spend your last few days? What would matter to…

I’m meditating on the words of Jesus found in Luke 6:27-36, (Jesus Love to the End, pages 20-22). He talks about love in a way so foreign to me, even though I have belonged to Him for decades. I wonder if this is the same for you too. A statement like “Do good to those who hate you” is an action statement. It’s more than thinking nice thoughts about that person. To love the one who hates you requires an act of goodness toward them. That’s next-level living if I’m being honest. How about this__ “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you”. Again, action statements. While…

Hi Readers, Happy Tuesday to you! The Fourth Chair is now available as an audio book. My publisher send me a chunk of promo codes (free download of the book) which I’d love to share with you in exchange for a short Amazon review. If you think you’d like to listen to the book and then write a one paragraph review on Amazon, please respond to this email and I’ll get you your code ASAP. Thank you!! Have An Amazing Week, Anne

Hello Faithful Readers,The Fourth Chair e-book is officially for sale through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The audio version of the book will be available soon. I’ll let you know about that when it happens. Physical book sales are going well and for now are available exclusively through thefourthchairbook.com. It’s been wonderful to hear from some of you as you’re reading the book. I’m always grateful for your input, so thank you so much for that. Have a fantastic rest of your week. Gratefully, Anne

It’s today–the official launch of The Fourth Chair! The books have arrived at the publisher’s and are ready to ship. I’m very excited and also grappling with the book’s unknown future (heart on my sleeve alert). What does God have in mind for this book? Who does He have in mind to read it? Time will tell, and I get to practice what I preach by ensuring He remains in charge of the whole endeavor. If you’d like to help, here’s how you can:1. I have books to give-away to 10 people willing to read and write a short review that will post on the book’s website and my social…

Dear Readers,I pray each of you are enjoying the summer months. Yesterday I was thinking there is something special about the feel of summer vacation even when I’m still busy working. I hope you experience something similar! At the moment, I’m recording the audio book for The Fourth Chair | Uncovering Your Invitation to Come Home. I’ve taken over my mother’s walk-in closet and turned it into a temporary recording booth (not kidding). Her hanging clothes, blankets and foam sound absorbers (I added those) make it feel like a pretty epic kids fort. It’s a hoot being in there! This is my maiden voyage into the waters of audio books.…

Hi Everyone,Happy Friday and an early Happy Father’s Day! I pray you are able to connect with your peeps and celebrate your dad and all those who have been father figures to you. I’m very happy to announce that August 2nd is the release date for The Fourth Chair, Uncovering Your Invitation to Come Home. This is a book I am VERY eager share with you. It takes a good long look at what is means to enter into the company of our Triune God and live life from that place of intimate community. The book breaks down into three broad headings: The Invitation, Exposure to God, and Coming Home.…

Hi everyone, As you settle in to the summer months I pray you are hope-filled– and aware of the nearness and active presence of the Lord. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). I have been busy transitioning from the pre-Easter release of my devotional, Jesus, Love to the End, to get ready for the launch of my new book The Fourth Chair, Uncovering Your Invitation to Come Home. More about that soon. In the meantime, the web site has had a long overdue face-lift so I’ll hope you’ll pop on annebarbour.com and take a…

What is your mood as you wait – either to be able to forgive or to receive forgiveness? I’m asking because I’m reminded that God is always at work on behalf of His children. That means when you and I perceive that NOTHING is transpiring toward the righting of a conflict, God is in fact active and at work. If this is really true (it is) you and I might need to shift our perspective a little (or a lot). We need our perceptions to align with reality. What I’m getting at is this – I don’t often wait particularly well, whether forgiveness needs to come from me or come…

“I tried apologizing, but we ended up arguing and we are worse off than before!“ “She said she was sorry but it wasn’t sincere so I called her on it. We ended up raging at each other and parting ways without any resolve.” Why don’t these kind of skirmishes resolve easily? What’s happening between two people who love God, that keeps them from being able to work through conflict? I’m talking about what I would call entry-level conflicts: “He said something mean.” “She treated me disrespectfully.” “He made a mistake and he doesn’t want to apologize.” These people aren’t arch enemies. They are brothers and sisters in Christ and in…