Gratitude and Meaninglessness
I’ve been doing some study from the book of Ecclesiastes lately. This is partly related to a book that I hope to write next year. I also spoke from Ecclesiastes at my daughter’s baccalaureate service recently. The more I’ve studied the book over the last several months, the more I’ve been impressed by a puzzle […]
6 Words for Your “What If” Moments
“What if…” are two words that can have paralyzing ramifications. It wasn’t too many years ago that I lived what could fairly be called a paralyzed life. I don’t mean that I physically was unable to use my limbs; rather, spiritually, I was unable to move in directions I needed and wanted to go. The […]
Why Eat Turkey for Thanksgiving? (It’s Not Because of the Taste.)
Why eat turkey for Thanksgiving? It’s because of a mix of historical and cultural reasons, but for 21st century Americans, it also makes for an effective training in thankfulness. Turkeys are unattractive animals which can make for bland food. A turkey’s face is unpleasant, glaring out at the world with a look that is at […]
Jesus Healing the Ten Lepers & Our Need for Thanksgiving
In Luke 17, Jesus was passing between Samaria and Galilee when he saw ten lepers who begged Him to heal them. He told them to go and show themselves to the priests (who, according to the Old Testament Law, were the people who could inspect them and confirm if the leprosy was gone). In faith, […]
A Psalm of Thanksgiving: Reflections on Psalm 18 / 2 Samuel 22
A psalm of thanksgiving is a worship song which expresses gratitude for what God has done. In this article, we will reflect on the psalm of thanksgiving we call “Psalm 18.” In addition to being the longest psalm of David, Psalm 18 (also found in 2 Samuel 22) is the longest psalm of thanksgiving. In […]
Following Jesus In Between the Firsts and Lasts
Look around social media over the last few days and you’ll likely see all kinds of photos of smiling children headed off to their first day of school. Some little ones are holding cute little chalkboards that state the school year, age of the child, etc. Perfect not only for social media, but for scrapbooks […]
Celebrating Christmas in an Assisted Living Facility
*Editor’s Note: Debbra has worked for a dozen years as office manager at an assisted living facility. Here, she shares the unique challenges and surprising resilience she has seen among the assisted living facility residents as they face Christmas during a pandemic. It will be a Christmas like no other for those living in long-term […]
Something the Old Testament Does Better
I love parties, and I’m especially partial to a good wedding reception. I love to have fun on the dance floor. I remember during the wedding reception at my own wedding, the music started, but no one was really dancing yet. Then one of my best friends in high school, Brett, gives this warlike shout. […]
