No matter what predicament, problem or difficulty we are facing, the Lord has a way when there seems to be no solution in sight. When all things fail and seem hopeless, God always makes a way when there seems to be no way. Ms. Marie Mbulu was born and lived in Africa. She came to…
Tag: God
Slime? Why?
What is my kids’ fascination with slime? This year both of my daughters asked Santa for slime for Christmas. They asked for other things too, but slime was at the top of the list. When I think about slime, it’s hard to see past the obvious…it’s going to make a huge mess…it’s going to get…
Still Struggling with Santa . . . and Myself
Two years ago, I wrote a blog for the church about my struggles with Santa Claus now that I am a parent: The Grace of Santa While I have come to terms with those struggles, I have come up against another with regards to gift giving and parenting: Why does Santa always get to win? …
God’s Whole Creation
In preparation for the season of Advent, I recently began reading a study called All Earth Is Waiting (by Katie Z. Dawson). In it she writes: “The vision of God’s kingdom that we hold in our hearts is a fulfillment of God’s plan for the whole creation. Theologically, we are invited to imagine that the kingdom…
Gratitude and the Gifts of Aging
I write today (Monday, November 12) knowing that next week we will be called to offer thanks for that which we are grateful in our lives, our country, and our world. It occurs to me that I may have never considered just how powerful the word ‘gratitude’ is. It really does seem, though, that I…
That Blessing Seems Fishy
The past nine weeks we have been studying the Beatitudes in worship. We have heard the word “blessed” quite a few times. We’ve thought about what it means to be “blessed.” We know that God gives blessings to those we might not expect. As humans, we tend to see things in binary terms: us vs….
Catching My Breath
It is not unusual for me to get caught up in the activity of life – busy tending toward hectic. Lists of things to do at work and home run through my mind, and it becomes difficult to just sit still and be. Yet, I long to just be. To be present with my family….
There is No Rock Like Our God
Recently I have been reading in the book of 1 Samuel, and I have been captivated by the character Hannah. Hannah, the mother of Samuel is, in my opinion, an underrated character in the Bible. She appears in just a few short chapters and her son’s story far outweighs her, especially in regards to length,…
Cracked and Blessed
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. -Matthew 5:4 I have always wondered about this scripture. Why would Jesus say that those who are mourning are blessed? Some of the other Beatitudes are somewhat easier to understand. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Or “Blessed are the…
Thoughts While Roaming
You have probably noticed over the last few years that each Sunday we have one of our clergy “roaming” during the morning instead of participating in the leadership of worship. Whenever this is my responsibility for the morning I often hear, “Oh! You are off this morning!” If this has been you, I know you…
Holy Chaos
Last month, our family spent a week at Disney World. We’ve been before, and it is a wonderful vacation for us. All five of us looked forward to different rides, foods and experiences. One of my favorite parts of a trip to Disney, or really to anywhere, is the planning. I love to look at…
The Power of Vulnerability
Part of my role for the Junior High Mission Trip included leading the nightly devotions for the students. One of my nightly talks surprised me as I had five or six people approach me afterward telling me how much they enjoyed it and how much it meant to them. I spent a lot of time…
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