Parent or Guardian Required

Forms are a part of life, beginning in childhood.  I remember all the school and medical forms of various kinds which had to be signed “by parent or guardian.”  I think being adopted must have made me more sensitive to the distinction between parent and guardian, and I remember the feeling of discomfort that some …

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 …

He Chose to be a Carpenter

Lent and Advent are seasons of contemplation, perhaps more than any others.  While during  Lent, we focus on Holy Week, and all things leading to the cross, I have found myself musing on the life of Jesus before his years of formal ministry.  He did not choose to come as an earthly king or military …

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 …

Surrounded

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 What does it mean to be “in Christ?”  That phrase (in Christ) is used around 180 times in the New Testament, depending on the translation you use.  The dictionary definition of …

What Are You So Afraid Of?

Fear.  It can paralyze us or send us running for cover.  It seems to be in our nature to look at our circumstances, and at times be held hostage to our feelings.  Our moods sometimes rise and fall with our feelings, and we can easily be overcome with anxiety and fear when faced with trying …

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 …

The Rope of Hope

One of the principles I have held to throughout my adult life is that you can do almost anything, as long as you know it won’t last forever.  I believe that.  You may have a situation that is trying your patience to the core.  I guarantee you, it won’t last forever.  If it’s a child …

Prayer for Today

Holy Spirit, ComeTouch this generationBreathe into us your LifeStir in us the Holy Flame Renew our mindsTransform our heartsBy the power of your wordRefresh our souls Give us the peaceThat passes understandingWe give you our anxieties,Our fears, our struggles Replace them withYour graceYour loveYour truth Holy Spirit, Come