What is “ministry”? Our church has often had sermons about us, as a congregation and as individuals in the church, to find a need and fill it, do what God is calling us to do, use our talents and gifts to serve. But in my mind keeps turning — what exactly is ministry — what…
Read MoreCategory: Religion
Really reality?
Does anyone live in reality? Anyone? Does anyone know how to be honest and examine themselves without projecting their deficiencies, foibles, insecurities or sins onto others? Daily I loose hope that a “truthfully” lived life is possible or sustainable. We walk with our hands to our faces, knocking each other down, describing the world around…
Read More‘Too big and freaky looking’
“In focus groups, online polling, and one-on-one discussion, Extreme for Jesus has found that the number one reason teens don’t read the Bible is that it is “too big and freaky looking.” This fashion-magazine format for the New Testament is the perfect solution to that problem. Teen girls feel comfortable exploring the Scriptures and over 500 further-study notes because of the relevant format!”
Read MoreSpeak with honesty
There’s a certain pull on us to speak honestly, as Sonya and I enter into our 10th year of marriage. I don’t mean honestly in our relationship — I think that’s well founded — but honesty in our interactions with everyone else (outside our family). Speaking honestly (pouring what’s truly inside of us) has put…
Read MoreIgnoring the road map
I’ll say it. I’m angry at God. We all are. It’s inborn. Our nature. Deep in all of us we’re angry that we don’t get what we ask of God and somehow it’s His fault. The “magic genie” didn’t grant the wish. Rather than it being a reflection of my selfish desires, I think I…
Read MoreLongest day of the year
July 4th. When you have kids, it becomes the longest day of the summer. Keeping them up well past their bed times, finding extra things to occupy them before the fireworks start. We had a fun time at Ault Park, listening to a band play some old marches and patriotic tunes, as the kids ran about…
Read MoreGet me away from here I’m dying
I don’t want this anymore. Adulthood. Responsibility. I just want to walk down the sidewalk into the trees, past the highways, to a stream where I can just sit and stare at the sun ripple over the currents until the dark quiet — where I can sleep and forget who I am, where I was,…
Read MoreLayers of Providence
The layers of God’s providence astound me, yet I still don’t trust, I still doubt His love and fear for those things which I cannot control. ++ It’s rare that we get to do much spontaneous. On Tuesday afternoon Sonya asked if I had much work do – to which I could only say I…
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