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Blog - Pepperdine Spiritual Life Blogcast


Read along with the Pepperdine Community, through the journey of discovering God's Kingdom breaking out at Pepperdine and around the world.

Jennifer Smith

Renewal Series: Wisdom Renews All Things

J. A. T. Smith, Associate Professor of English, reflects on the power of renewal to strengthen relationships, however flawed they may be.

Kevin Wong

Renewal Series: "More Jesus" in a Time of Hate and Unbelonging

Dr. Kevin Wong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, reflects on an experience that reminded him Jesus understands us in this time of pain.

Hattie Pace

Renewal Series: Letting God Renew Me

Junior Hattie Pace connects her relationship with art to her relationship with God, discussing how she remains confident in God’s ever-inspiring and renewing presence.

Chalak Richards

Renewal Series: Anticipating the New Thing God is Doing

Dr. Chalak Richards, Assistant Dean for Student Life, Diversity, and Belonging, encourages others to embrace the process of renewal during times of adversity by acknowledging interruptions, developing new visions, and trusting God's plans.

Annabelle Childers (Seaver '22)

What kind of person am I after surviving Borderline?

On the two-year anniversary of the Borderline shooting, Seaver College Junior, Annabelle Childers reflects on the question she often asks herself, "What kind of person am I after this?"

Cynthia Colburn, PhD

Words of Encouragement During Covid-19

Cynthia Colburn, Professor of Art History at Seaver College, shares some words of encouragement during "Safer at Home" in Malibu, California.

Elizabeth Smith

Sharing Stories about the World, in the Time of Coronavirus

Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Assistant Professor of Journalism at Seaver College, reflects on the power of storytelling in her own spiritual life and work as a journalist.

Dr. Lauren Amaro is Associate Professor of Communication at Seaver College, with expertise in health and family communication. She is spouse to Carlos and mom to Caleb and Naomi. Read more of her writing at www.laurenamaro.com.

Spiritual Rhythms in the Time of Coronavirus

Dr. Lauren Amaro, Associate Professor of Communication at Seaver College, reflects on how she is coping professionally and personally during the COVID-19 crisis and invites us to slow down and consider practicing Sabbath rest.

Rachal Marquez (Seaver ’17)

Letting Go of the Pressure for a Purpose

“It is time we make room for the realization that “purpose” doesn’t have to be a vast idea of some grand calling in one’s career or in one’s faith, nor in the intersection of the two.” Rachel Marquez (Seaver '17), shares her journey to understanding and experiencing life with purpose as a daily calling.

Sylvia Franson, Seaver '87

Career and Spirituality, Can They Coexist?

Sylvia Franson, Vice President, Advertising Sales at NBCUniversal writes of her experiences joining together her spiritual life and her career. Franson offers advice often shared with students she mentors through Pepperdine’s Career Coaching Program, where she teaches students how to prepare themselves for their careers and the real world.