Some songs make me cringe. It's not necessarily the lyrics---although cringe-worthy lyrics abound. Often it's the style of singing or instrumentation. Sometimes it's an associated memory. For instance, whenever I hear Andy Williams' voice belt out, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" I can't help but groan inwardly. I associate it with disgruntled black friday… Continue reading What the World Needs Now
Category: Christian Living
Memorial Stones
We are rather forgetful creatures. In some ways, our forgetfulness is a blessing. Time dulls the sharp pangs of grief and the pettiness of minor wounds. In other respects, our forgetful natures are a curse. Read more…We mill about our day, complaining over trivialities or wasting time on banalities while the truly important things lie in the background hoping to catch our attention. Memorials are erected to combat this very failing in ourselves.
The Trouble with Comparing Pain.
Over a month ago, I read some comments on a Facebook post discussing the damaging effects of vaccines. As is common with all vaccine-related discussions, the comments were awash with both sides of the debate. There is always someone bashing "anti-vaxxers" as being anti-science/stupid/ignorant/hateful/child-abusers/fill-in-the-blank-with-an-insult. One comment read, "I would rather live with a child that has autism than to have my child die of whooping cough."
A Spark in the Darkness.
Shootings in Dallas. Riots in Charlotte. Explosions in New York. Deceit in the debate hall. Worry abounds. When darkness prevails and our grief overwhelms us, how do we get through it? What do we hold on to? Should we cling to the power of our country? America is currently the world's superpower with an unrivaled military and… Continue reading A Spark in the Darkness.
When life is overwhelming…
Election years are always tumultuous here in the states, but the last four presidential elections have been particularly pernicious. One side foretells utter doom if the other side wins. One side threatens to abandon the country if so-and-so is elected (aaaand they never do). This house is divided, and if we don't start getting our act together, it's going to fall. Anger, Apathy, Angst---all are present for the show. Do you feel these things?
What’s slinking around in your heart?
In case you've been wondering, I have not forgotten about the GenNext series, nor have I fallen off the face of the earth. I'm currently working on editing some of the tools in the upcoming articles, and waaay behind schedule. I posted the following to our Elihu's Corner Facebook Page a few days ago, and am sharing… Continue reading What’s slinking around in your heart?
Navigating the labyrinth of life.
Welcome to life---a constant stream of unexpected twists and turns, frustrating interruptions and derailments.
Why “going through the motions” is necessary at times
There is a popular song that plays occasionally on the Christian radio station called "The Motions." I had to look up the lyrics because I could only remember the chorus (even after I looked them up, they made little sense to me). This is how the chorus goes: I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day Without Your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking What if I had given everything Instead of going through the motions? Not to slaughter anyone's sacred cow (or song), but this song has got it backwards.
Three mechanics of monetary giving
When I was a young adult, I didn't how much I should give or how to work it in to my life effectively. I gave rather sporadically as my limited funds allowed and was rather ashamed of my inconsistent giving. My intention was always to give more, but then some unexpected expense would arise and I'd have to hold back. This is what I have learned in the intervening years: effective giving is borne of intentional planning rather than good intentions. So, how do we do this without being Ebenezer Scrooge or living in a commune?
Overcome or Overcomer?
She raked slender fingers through her long hair, willing the movement to ease her tensed nerves. Her heart seemed to gravitate towards the floor. Why couldn't something go right for a change? No matter what she did, it all seemed to unravel in the end. Seized with sorrow, she sank to her knees and wept. Plagued with doubt. Overwhelmingly defeated. Dogged by despair.
