The Power to Change Everything

The woman was caught. Interesting that they did not bring the man before Jesus, but only the woman, who was discovered in the act of adultery. One can see how it might have unfolded – the woman, probably in a disheveled state, likely not fully clothed, being thrown down in front of Jesus – the …

All Becomes Sacred

Whenever we do something in keeping with God’s character, he is pleased.  We need to meditate and think on that.  From the commonplace to the sublime – from the meal that we prepare for our families, to the songs we sing to Him, to volunteering at a soup kitchen.   Anything done as unto to the …

By Name

“I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). One of the desires of the human heart is to be known.  More specifically, to be known, appreciated for who we are, and loved.  When someone uses your name, it makes things personal.  If someone knows your name, and uses it when addressing you, …

Follow the Pattern

“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” (Psalm 101:2-3). Patterns are a part of life.  Symmetry, in nature and art, is part of what gives a thing beauty.  I remember the symmetry in my grandmother’s quilts as she stitched a hodgepodge …

Live Out Love

“I will show you a still more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). If you have trusted in Christ, then you are a part of his Body.  Like our physical bodies, this Body has many parts, but all function together, each doing its job.  If one member suffers, all suffer together.  This is easy to understand …

Speak Truth

Always seek to speak the truth, especially to yourself.  I once knew a girl who sang on a praise team – she said when she first started singing, she wasn’t even sure if she believed the words.  But the more she sang the truth, the words with the power to transform, the more she started to believe …

Deconstruction

Deconstruction.  What a sad word.  It implies an undoing of something that is complete and whole.  Deconstructing is far easier than constructing.    In my work as a pediatric occupational therapist, I often see children whom I call my “deconstructors.”  They are not yet able to grasp the concept of a particular activity but will …

Charcuterie Board Christianity

Surely, I am not the only one who is tired of the “charcuterie” phase in which we find ourselves.  If you do not know how to pronounce this word, consider yourself blessed and of good fortune.  I have several issues with the charcuterie board.  First, the things which are typically placed upon it rarely constitute …

More Than A Feeling

I almost titled this post, ‘Trust Your Feelings, Luke?” in homage to that old line from Star Wars.   In that make believe world, Luke was encouraged to trust his feelings, but I want to ask each of you a question.  Have your feelings ever steered you wrong?  Have you ever been absolutely convinced of something, …

What Are You Holding in Your Hand?

What do you have that God can use – that He wants to use?  There can be two ways of thinking about the answer to that question which are problematic and probably all too common. You may think that what you have is not enough.  On the other hand, you may place a very high …