“The Advent Dilemma” “Slow down!” I called, pulling in with both arms on a leash stretched taut between our big baby of a Great Dane puppy and my hand–her barreling down the trail and me being dragged behind. “You go my pace! I don’t go yours!” I cried as she finally came to a standstill, … [Read more…]
“December 1st” I was looking through my Facebook memories this morning (the record of things I’ve posted on this date in years past), and I found the following: I love a new year and the idea of 365 days (366 in 2024) of opportunities awaiting me. The New Year represents a clean slate, options, possibilities, … [Read more…]
“I Wish You Hadn’t Said That” Do not suppose I have come to bring peace to earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the … [Read more…]
“The Scarcity Dilemma” Last week, in the middle of an aisle at Sam’s Club, I felt the warning signs of an impending anxiety attack. As I stared at my cart piled to the brim with boxes and tubs and pre-packaged everything, my heart began to pound and my temperature rose, then cooled, while the pit … [Read more…]
“Are you the Church that …?” Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” Matthew 12:33 What a great day last Saturday was! My heart was warmed to see so many folks working together … [Read more…]
“1 Hour” “Hi. I’m Chris. I’m going to be your Kids Hope Mentor. Every Tuesday I’m going to come and spend about an hour with you, doing whatever you want to do (mostly).” At this, my student began to jump up and down, with an ear-to-ear grin permanently etched on his face. KidsHope is getting … [Read more…]
“On Change” A few months ago, we brought a new family member into our lives. This is Roxie–a now 4-month-old Great Dane pup. And while she looks pretty docile in this photo…looks can be deceiving. Puppies, like children, disrupt everything. When Roxie entered, routines were smashed in a frenzy of jumping, biting, snuggling, and potty … [Read more…]
“Goals” Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13 & 14 This week I started … [Read more…]
“In This Time of Chaos” My numerous attempts to write something pastoral and insightful about the renewed violent atrocities in the Holy Land all proved to be futile. I felt like no matter what I could write, the words weren’t enough. Then I found the below prayer. This says it much better than I could … [Read more…]
“Lessons From the Past” As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called … [Read more…]