Beautiful Lights
Have you ever missed something that was right in front of you? You were searching for something grand and majestic, yet missing the beauty that was right there all along. Recently, this occurred to me during Thanksgiving weekend. The family decided to ride around looking at Christmas lights. Like any place, there are some famous spots for “light peeping”. Well, it was cold and rainy that night and the usual locations were not very impressive. So, someone suggested an old, well-known park that has been there forever. We ride up and see the most inspiring light display. We get out in the rain and mud and make our way under…
What’s Coming is Greater than What’s Been
Once again we embark on another holiday season. Coincidentally, I, along with many of my family and friends, am in a season of transition. We are standing at the precipice of change. We are searching for new jobs, new directions, waiting for news of a promotion, or coming to the end of a sabbatical. Not knowing what comes next can be a highly uncomfortable and downright scary place to be in. Years ago, God’s people found themselves in a similar situation. They knew the promised Messiah was coming. They just didn’t know WHEN. Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation…
Sunshine Ahead
It rained 10 out of the 15 days I was in Europe. Talk about a wet blanket. I came prepared. The weather forecast had told me in advance what to expect. Still, the reality was disappointing. Sometimes no matter how well we plan, no matter how prepared we think we are, life disappoints. It rains on our well-planned and expensive parades. Unfortunately, none of us can control the weather. Neither can we control torrential downpours of life issues. However, we can prepare. I already told you that I was physically prepared for the possibility of rain. I’d packed a raincoat, an umbrella, and appropriate footwear. But, the truth is I…
Monday Musings: It’s Covered!
My car was making this weird noise. It was a grinding, annoying noise that made me cringe when I heard it. It was the kind of noise that made me immediately think LOTS of dollar signs. I was five months into my year sabbatical. Translation – I DIDN’T HAVE A JOB! I was living off of savings. So, you can imagine the anxiety I was feeling as this unexpected expense stared me in the face. Biting the bullet, I headed to the Ford dealership. Normally, I would take it to a local mechanic. But, I had a couple of safety recalls that needed to be addressed so I figured I…
Monday Musings: UNDONE
I love it when a plan comes together. There is something so satisfying about being on the other side of a well-executed plan. Whether it’s checking off items on a “to-do” list or basking in the aftermath of a successful event, getting things done; to me, is like scoring a touchdown is to a football player. Consequently, when plans begin to unravel and what I’ve done becomes undone it COMPLETELY throws me off! Over the years, I’ve gotten better at rolling with the punches. But, this is still a source of frustration. Particularly, when it comes to my life and time. So, as you can imagine God and I have…
Monday Musings: Divine Intercession
“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 (NIV) Jesus, the Son of God, is actively interceding on our behalf. RIGHT NOW! If that doesn’t give you pause, I don’t know what else will. Like, doesn’t he have anything better to do? If I was him I’d be walking the streets of gold, checking on mansion preparation, basking in the adoration of the angels, or simply talking to the Father about deep cosmic concerns. But no, he is interceding for you and me. Dictionary.com defines intercede…
Monday Musings: Keep Moving!
Do you remember when you first learned to ride a bike? It seemed like a HUGE undertaking. Keeping your balance without the use of training wheels, trusting that your forward momentum would propel you – that was such a milestone! Now, most of us can ride on autopilot; even if we haven’t ridden in years. Albert Einstein says that life is kind of like that. If we only keep moving, we’ll retain, remember, or re-calibrate. In his letter to the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul says it like this: I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my…
The Gift of Dance
I’m not sure when it happened. I can’t place the exact time, moment, or event that took place. All I know is that one day I woke up and realized that I had lost my dance. So caught up in the mundane complexities of a life of service to others I sat in church one Sunday and realized that I hadn’t danced in YEARS. Yes, I said YEARS. For some of you, this will seem strange. However, I grew up in a culture, specifically a church culture, that used dance as an expression. An expression of joy, pain, victory, hope, praise, and thanksgiving. It wasn’t unusual to dance or “shout”…
Monday Musings: The world is waiting
I am humbled to think that I am a part of God’s great story of redemption. You should be as well. After all, He doesn’t just give us dreams, gifts, talents, and resources for our own benefits. He equips us so that we can be change agents in the world. You, my friend, are destined to participate with the God of the universe in His relentless quest to transform hearts and minds. Isn’t that amazing? Can you believe it? Can you embrace it?
Monday Musings: In Remembrance
Last week, the world lost a brilliant minister of the gospel. Rachel Held Evans wrote poignant and often challenging words to and about the Church. She spoke for so many voiceless people. Now, may she enter into her well deserved rest. Please join me in praying for her family and close friends. Please join me in remembering her by taking up the mantle to speak for the voiceless, the down-trodden, the oppressed, the sick, the disheartened, the widow, the orphan, and the hopeless. Let’s spread the gospel message that God’s love knows no boundary and includes EVERYONE! Thank you Rachel for modeling courageous truth-telling!