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
Ministry
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
Let Go and Release
My first assignment for the new year in my spiritual practices course, was the "Grand Examen." This is the process of looking closely at my past year to see what has happened and to notice where I sensed God's presence with me. So, I pulled out my journals for the year and began to flip through, noting significant events … Continue reading Let Go and Release
From C-Sections to Fistulas
Lane @ 5 lbs. 8 oz. "It is time to do a c-section," my doctor said around 8 pm on February 11, 1991. I had entered the hospital that morning to have my labor induced because I had preeclampsia and my baby was very small. Preeclampsia is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure … Continue reading From C-Sections to Fistulas
Ezer in Oz
Sometimes, Hollywood gets it right! While watching Disney's recent movie, Oz, the Great and Powerful, I was amazed. How is it that they could so beautifully illustrate the unique role of ezer kenegdo found in Genesis 2:18? This word has been translated as “help meet or suitable helper" but is better explained by author, Carolyn Custis James as a strong helper, … Continue reading Ezer in Oz
Let the Older Women…
Several years ago, my women's ministry team decided to honor our women over 60. We created a theme entitled, "Wise Women" and we planned an entire year's worth of events and opportunities for the women to be encouraged and learn from our older, wiser women. But to my surprise, I had a very hard time … Continue reading Let the Older Women…
Would You Please Consider…?
We have all heard the old adage that 20% of the congregation does 80% of the work. Why do we have a shortage of volunteers in our churches? There are many reasons. I think some are lack of time and lack of confidence. Families, jobs, sports, and other charities compete for the time and energy of our members. People are … Continue reading Would You Please Consider…?
We Who Teach
Three incidents recently have made me painfully aware of what the Bible means when it says: Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.James 3:1 The first incident was when I carelessly gave my opinion on a controversial subject. I was unaware … Continue reading We Who Teach
Pondered Treasures 