There are many pain surgery centers in my area and, unfortunately, I’ve visited a few. In the last five years or so, I’ve been going to just one, and all the steroid injections and ablations have made me a familiar face to the nurses. (I always fill out my “patient survey” forms when I get…
Tag: christianity
Vocational Sinner?
I’ve wondered before, how do people in vocational ministry, particularly preachers and teachers, do their work while they sin? I’ve looked at our pastor before and wondered how he is still walking, talking, reading, and writing with the constant presence of God weighting his every step. Maybe that doesn’t sound that bad – maybe that’s…
Sparrows
My slightly chubby orange cat Jasper is sitting on the rug next to my desk, biting his nails. My new kitten, Haven, is locked in the guest room so that Jasper can unwind from her never-ending assaults. My sweet, first (animal) child no longer acts like a large, aloof kitten, but sits and stares at…
Quail from Heaven
I love the Pentateuch. Not only is it fascinating to read the birth story of both the universe and the Jewish people, it offers a deep level of context to almost every other book of the Bible. In my studies of Matthew chapter six this week, I’ve been reminded of one of my favorite Bible…
Find Your People
For months, the concept of Christ’s Body, the Church has been percolating in my mind. As I’ve mulled over this odd piece of Christian theology, God has been gradually unveiling both his teaching on the subject as well as its tangible reality within my church. For most of my life, I’ve been a bit of…
Two Things
I got to say hi to P.W. last Sunday – the sky was clear, so her Meniere’s disease didn’t keep her bedbound. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so grateful and delighted to be at church on a Sunday morning. She’d love to linger with her church family all day, as our pastor had…
All Things
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things…
For Him
Which book of the Bible tells us the most about Jesus? All of the gospels speak extensively of his teaching, of course. Matthew traces his ancestry back to Abraham, while Luke narrates the familiar Christmas story. Mark begins his gospel with Isaiah’s words proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. In Acts and Revelation, we hear…
Circuit Breaker
Growing up, my brother used to call me Circuit Breaker. Since childhood, I’ve done everything either all-in or not at all – and this was before the bipolar disorder showed up. While this lack of moderation contributed to academic success and athletic medals, it also led to quite a bit of trouble. Yes, I have…
The Source
Why does man seek God? It’s really too deep of a question for a non-philosopher like me to answer. So, I’ll ask, why do I seek God? In my current life situation, I am blessed with the time to study the Bible in depth. I read, I translate, I watch lectures. But why? I have…
Before the Fire 