In Christian teaching over the past 70 or 80 years there has been an emphasis on heaven and life after death. In a sense, I get that. It’s huge! But I sometimes worry it has overshadowed (to an unhealthy degree) what we’re summoned to do in this life BEFORE we die. One of the thinkers … Continue reading Co-Renovators
Your Magic Toeshoes
Alongside literary giants like Shakespeare and Tolstoy are the Berenstain Bears. (Maybe that’s a stretch, but just go with me on this one.) In one of their timeless classics we learn about The Magic Toeshoes. Basically, a young bear wants to be a ballerina. But her toes are wobbly. So an old ballet master takes pity … Continue reading Your Magic Toeshoes
What’s the point?
Micah 6:8 "And what does the LORD require of you?" (NIV) Today's Thought What’s the point? Have you ever asked yourself that question? I have. It’s a question we ask when we’re feeling overwhelmed or alone or frustrated. But it’s also a question we ask as life goes on and we haven’t figured out how … Continue reading What’s the point?
When conformity and self-discovery fall flat
In the movie Witness, a young Amish woman named Rachel falls in love with a police officer who is clearly not Amish. Her father Eli tells her it’s forbidden and that the community elders could have her punished for her actions which, he says, are childish. “I’ll be the judge of that!” she says. “No, … Continue reading When conformity and self-discovery fall flat
Hey! I’m one of the important ones!
Proverbs 3:34 “…but to the humble he gives favor.” (ESV) Today's Thought Recently I was at the hospital and saw a group of doctors having coffee together. All of them were wearing stethoscopes around their necks. I wonder why. Maybe they just didn’t have time to put them away. It’s hard to be sure. And I … Continue reading Hey! I’m one of the important ones!
The more seriously you take your death…
Genesis 3:19 "...for you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (ESV) Today's Thought There are certain things we just don’t like to think about. Things like taxes. Things like flooded basements. Things like that embarrassing picture of you in grade 11 going up on Facebook! And things like… Death. But do you know … Continue reading The more seriously you take your death…
Staring at a loaded gun she still said Yes
Is your belief in God rooted in how good God is to you, or in the goodness of God? One of the most inspiring biblical stories is of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Because of their unswerving loyalty to God they refuse to worship the false gods of King Nebuchadnezzar. So they’re threatened. Either bow down … Continue reading Staring at a loaded gun she still said Yes
Something choking you from the inside
Protestants like myself don’t really go into confessional booths to confess our sins to a priest. It just seems like a strange thing—kind of like something from another culture that I don’t know much about. (No offence to any of the Roman Catholics out there. If that’s a part of your life, that’s awesome—go for … Continue reading Something choking you from the inside
Decidophobia
Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (ESV) Today's Thought I wonder how many decisions a raccoon has to make in a day. Get up? Or stay sleeping? Stay in the bushes? Or jump out and terrify that kid? Pry open that garbage … Continue reading Decidophobia
What if you were water in the desert?
Yesterday my dad would have turned 67. He died in 2014 from several aggressive cancers. After his diagnosis they gave him two years to live… maybe. Then a year. Then six months. He almost lasted two. Have you experienced the death of someone you care about? I’m sure you have. If so, you know it … Continue reading What if you were water in the desert?
