When someone says they want peace, what do they mean? It somewhat depends on the context. If two diplomats are talking about peace, they are most likely thinking about peace between countries. If a parent says they want some peace and quiet, he or she is most likely wanting their kids to stop being so … Continue reading Chaos around you (not within you)
calm
The rock that is higher than I
Non-stop news. Overflowing schedules. Phones that won’t stop dinging. Mental and emotional frakis. You're right, "frakis," isn't a word, but you get the gist. Not everyone’s life is like this. But for a lot of people this is a daily reality. One of my favourite verses from the psalms is Psalm 61:2. David says: “lead … Continue reading The rock that is higher than I
Steadfast minds
In April 1943 bomb-raid sirens rang throughout the air above London, England. People dropped their things and searched the skies. Buses stopped, people flooded into the streets. Gunfire started to be heard. A nearby antiaircraft artillery launched some rockets. People started going into a frenzy. Some shouted, “They are starting to drop them!” although no … Continue reading Steadfast minds
Peace not panic
In the epic story Moby Dick, there is a turbulent scene where a whaleboat races to try and catch the great whale. The scene is frantic. Sailors are yelling and working hard. The enraged Captain Ahab is at the helm. But one person is calm amidst the chaos. He is steady and focused. It’s the … Continue reading Peace not panic
He sleeps in a storm
“…the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it… But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid’” (Matthew 14:24, 27). A farmer was looking for a farmhand. There was only one applicant. There was only one sentence on his … Continue reading He sleeps in a storm
Calming down
There’s a lot of worrying going on. I get it. People are hearing daily updates about the COVID-19 global pandemic, and many of them not good. Plus, we have a tendency to go over worst-case-scenarios in our heads over and over again. That’s why it’s important to relax. To calm down. Panic is a breeding … Continue reading Calming down
Be what you wanna see
Be what you wanna see. This statement encourages us to model the attitudes and behaviours that we’d like to see in others. Let’s think about this in terms of how it applies to our current situation with COVID-19. What do we want to see? I don’t know about you but I want to see faithfulness, … Continue reading Be what you wanna see
An avalanche of gadgetry
Sometimes, habits that seem totally unrelated to your “spirituality” are totally spiritual. Let me tell you what I mean. We live in a time of increased gadgetry. You might even say that we live amidst an avalanche of gadgetry. For example, smart phones have become ever-present. And they can do everything except fold the laundry! … Continue reading An avalanche of gadgetry
The art of slowing down
When you drive through a construction zone you’re bound to see this sign: “Slow Down” But what if instead of referring to the speed of your vehicle it was referring to the speed of your life? What if it was a message from God? 'Hey you, yes YOU: Slow Down.' The problem with speed, hyper-busyness … Continue reading The art of slowing down
