When I read Paul's words, my first assumption was that he must have been nearly perfect. For I too have been influenced by the older generation to believe that leaders and mentors should not show any weakness. So how can Paul say that? It seems presumptuous, audacious, proud. Who does he think he is?
Author: Eva Burkholder
The Certainty of Change
Why is it when everything is nearly perfect, it always changes? My nearly perfect pastor resigned last week. Of course, I know as a man he's not perfect, and I didn't even know him personally, but the church's mix of style, doctrine, leadership and preaching was nearly perfect for me. This feeling isn't new. I've … Continue reading The Certainty of Change
Loss: Common and Cross-Cultural
Image by Mark Filter from Pixabay "Let's call her and tell her you are sorry about her father and ask her if she wants to come over to play", my mother coached me after breaking the news that my best friend's father had just perished in a tragic airplane crash in the highlands of Papua … Continue reading Loss: Common and Cross-Cultural
Onward and Upward
Welcome to my new blog site. I'm so glad you found me. The name is the same and all my previous posts are here so you won't miss anything. In 2013, I timidly stuck my big toe in the world of blogging, ready to pull it back out if it got too uncomfortable. Many of … Continue reading Onward and Upward
Unfinished Tasks
I like to cross things off my to-do list. I use tear-off notepads and make lists and lists of what needs to get done today and in the coming days. My lists include unwanted tasks as well as life-giving ones. Then I set to work to accomplish them and cross them off. Done. Finished. Wrapped up. Nice and neat. List tossed in the trash. While some of my friends enjoy the process, I find more delight in the completion. Only then can I rest.
Dwell on These Things
Finally. Finally Paul gets the end of his sermon on how to stand firm. Finally, after instructing us to resolve conflicts, rejoice, pray and not worry, he presents the final thing. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, … Continue reading Dwell on These Things
The Savior is Born
So [the shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.Luke 2:16 NIV "Quick guys, this way. Run, keep up. He's over here. This is it. We've found him, the Messiah. The angel said he'd be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. There he is. Isn't … Continue reading The Savior is Born
Diamonds are Forever?
As I was leaving the office yesterday, I had a large box in my arms. I pushed open the heavy automatic door but it shut before I was fully outside. My left hand was crushed between the door and the box I was holding. My diamond was gone!
