Episode 174 :: Douglas McKelvey :: Stories of Leaning into Advent, Lament, and Living with Every Moment Holy Simply Stories Podcast

Today, I have the absolute pleasure of sharing my conversation with the one and only Douglas McKelvey. Douglas is a songwriter, author, and liturgy writer extraordinaire. I have never met someone like Douglas. His gift with words and passion for Christ cultivates a visceral invitation to be more present in this life, to find your fight again as you walk this weary way, and speaks to our hope of the next life with Jesus.


Douglas shares with me his story of what led him to Nashville, TN, his journey from songwriting to fiction writing and the idea of unpacking his belief that every moment in this life is sacramental, and sometimes words can help us to be present. Thus, the birth of Every Moment Holy. There are now 3 volumes of Every Moment Holy, each unique in how they offer opportunities for us to be awake to the moments we are living in. Whether that is something as simple as waking up in the morning and enjoying a sunrise, something unique like beginning a novel, or the keeping of bees, holiday celebrations, to going on a trip, there is a liturgy for it in one of these volumes. Many of these liturgies, especially in volume two, also hold space for the hard and holy moments around grief and lament, and even for those facing the end of their life. I cannot begin to express how much many of these liturgies have ministered to me as we’ve walked through many losses, and the anniversary of losses, over the last few years.


As it is that time of year, Douglas and I also talk about how to embrace the season of advent,  which asks our hearts to prepare Christ room, but also to ask “where is our hope?” as we wait for Jesus to come back again. He even blesses us with a reading of his “A Liturgy for the Start of the Christmas Season.” I hope all of this conversation serves as a blessing for you in this season. I hope it is serves as an invitation to prepare Him room not just for now, but for always. And I hope and pray, it reminds you that you are not alone in this life, no matter how it may seem, and Jesus is coming back for us. You matter. Your story matters. Merry Christmas!


Connecting with Douglas and Every Moment Holy:
Facebook
Instagram
Douglas’ Website
EMH Website
EMH Downloads, some free, some for purchase
EMH App


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Scripture References:
Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:36-Christ is the Lord over all 
Colossians 3:17-Whatever you do whether in word or deed
Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12- Being a living sacrifice 
Romans 8:22- Groaning and longing with creation 
Acts 2, Hebrews 10:19-25-The body of Christ in worship together
Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 4:7-13- 1 Timothy 4:14-, 1 Peter 4:10- We are given spiritual gifts and our gifts are for ministering 
Psalm 23:4- The valley of the shadow 
Psalm 91, Psalm 42, Psalm 55, Psalm 34- Psalms that express disappointment, fear, pain, heartbreak 
Lamentations 3:19-24-But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope… great is His faithfulness
Job 2:8-10- sitting on the ash heap
Job 13:15- Even so I believe you are faithful
Psalm 27:13-14- What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord? Wait for and hope for the Lord
Revelation 12:12-13- come quickly 
John 1:5- The light has come and pierced the darkness
Daniel 2:44, Revelation 11:15-  Jesus is the King who will set all things right and esta