Life as a Roman guard had its perks. They lived in the middle class working group, receiving pay and housing and some status. The guards took their job of protecting the community quite seriously. They were responsible for people who committed crimes against the others and the state. Even to the extent that if a…
hope
Bread for the Journey (daily)
Got bread for the journey? (This post begins a 7-part series on Jesus’ “I Am” statements.) Jesus illustrates his mission with the metaphor “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35) Bread is so very basic. This baked mixture of flour and water was a dietary staple in biblical times. It’s daily sustenance was a…
Sent
Choose one word to be your theme for the year. This seemingly simple challenge, from Amy in her recent blog, sent my mind off in search of a word to describe my hopes and passions for this year. I reflected on my recent past. Pondered my responsibilities at work and home. Glanced the books stacked…
Alternative Gifts for Christmas
The average American will spend $700 on gifts, gadgets, and goodies for Christmas. Whether you budget for it or splurge purchase, how will your purchases reflect the core of who you are? How can you share your faith through meaningful spending? Alternative Christmas Gifts Buy gifts from sustainable organizations like Global Goods (changing women’s lives through…
Is FOMO stealing your life?
As many as 70% of adults experience FOMO, according to marketing communications firm JWT. It’s a driving factor in purchases made, places visited, movies seen, and activities scheduled. So…what is FOMO? It’s the “fear of missing out.” In a recent ABC News article, Sarah Miller writes: “FOMO happens when we invalidate the experience we’re having because…
Week Ten: Evidence of the Resurrection in Mark 15 & 16
Welcome to Week Ten! The final week in How To Study the Bible series! (To begin the series click here.) As you explore Mark 15 & 16, you will… 1) gain an indepth understanding of the final week of Jesus’ life and his resurrection 2) learn how to use the harmony of the Gospels to blend the different points of view and how…
Imprisoned by my own Stuff
The postcard noted that the donation pick-up truck would be on our street in two weeks. The non-profit group collects people’s cast-off stuff to sell in their thrift store. The items raise money to assist impoverished families with utility bills, rent, groceries and medical expenses. We have so much stuff. But I “need” it all….
Illusions: Break through the Veil
Illusion: false appearance Illusion: you see one thing… but another aspect is also present Pictures of illusions abound. Nearly everyone is familiar with the old woman/young woman trick on the eyes. Daily illusions I’ve encountered… Fashion consultants recommend vertical stripes to create a tall & thin profile illusion Botox and hair dye create the illusion of youth Manicured lawns…
Parable of the Cracked Pot
Adapted from an anonymous folk tale… A water bearer had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. By the end of the…
“Do Not Worry.” Really? Have you seen my life…?
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life…” (Matthew 6:25) Really?? Could Jesus possibly have known about the craziness of my life: meetings, emails, bills, appointments, errands…? But Jesus just continues by giving illustrations to his admonition… Look at the birds of the air … they have food … See the lilies of…
