From Henri Nouwen’s “Following Jesus: Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety” (which I highly recommend): “Our needs can lead to wounds. We can wound people with our needs because we often force people to give something they do not have. We force people to be God for us. When we make other … [Read more…]
I watched a youtube video. It was fascinating. It was a Christian filmmaker’s doc about the incredible divide in America, lack of open minds, people falling on one side or the other … totally polarized; you’re either fully supporting government without question and behind every tic and tiddle because they’d never do anything not in … [Read more…]
An open mind requires humility enough to ask “what if they’re right and I’m not?” And before the comments begin…I’m reflecting on the Bible study last night, week 3 of The Case for Easter. One of the most interesting points in last night’s study, for me, was “the criterion of embarrassment”. This is the idea … [Read more…]
Sunday I checked FB. I barely scrolled before my heart broke and my eyes filled with rainbows and I full on ugly cried. I was so happy when I woke up and had online worship. I just wanted to check in with my friends, it had been a long hard week. And rather than hope, … [Read more…]
Paul wrote these words while he was being held captive, within the walls of a prison: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present … [Read more…]
Jesus’ Birth Changes Our Perspective The shepherds in the field were the lowest of the low, according to the hierarchy of society. The people in the Christmas story start at the top with Caesar, then the governors, then Pharisees and Sadducees, then Joseph, then Mary, then newborn baby Jesus lying in a manger…then at the … [Read more…]
If I got angry and turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the teacher every time I saw a red check beside my wrong answer, I never would have learned the right one. Correction is meant for our good no matter who delivers the message. We will be tested again and again, so knowing … [Read more…]
“Why are you friends with THEM?” “Why are you nice to people like THAT?” “I wouldn’t give them my lunch, let them get their own!” “That’s my seat. You gotta move.” “I don’t understand those people, they’re all idiots.” Sad statements from a child on a playground. Even sadder sentiments heard and seen shared by … [Read more…]
Grace and Peace to you from our Lord, Jesus Christ! What a blessing you are to your church! Do you know that? It’s true. Many of you write after reading the newsletter and that wonderful encouragement means more than you can imagine! Thank you. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s a great time to take time … [Read more…]
It’s a God thing when the topic discerned for a wedding message becomes useful days leading up to and following that day! This latest message theme was, “Some things are loved because they are valued, and some are valued because they are loved.” This simple truth flowing from 1 John 4 covers everything from the … [Read more…]