As we celebrate another Independence Day here in the United States, I enjoy reflecting upon the freedoms we enjoy living in this nation. Travelling extensively abroad, cultivated a true appreciation for freedom I took for granted before living in a third world country. At the same time I celebrate my freedom as an United States citizen, I rejoice in reflecting…
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Reflecting on Christian Freedom
Looking For the Unexpected
Depending on your definition of “unexpected”, your view of unexpected things may hold delight in the surprise of an unplanned occurrence, dread at the implications of the unforeseen or annoyance at the presumed interruption. But what if instead of fleeing from unanticipated occurrences we actually choose looking for the unexpected? While not so much “unexpected”, this is the fifth Wednesday…
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Breathing Through the Psalms
Its touch danced across my face so delicately, wooing me toward it, yet its surreal movement left me wondering at its authenticity. The kind of gentle breeze one feels only when completely still. Whimsical, it came at intervals and departed so quickly, childlike, I sat still eagerly waiting for the next moment’s appearance. Eyes closed, imagining the fingers of God…
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Trusting When Joy Seems Hidden
Foot sore from the rough, stoney path, catching our breath in the shade, we pondered turning back. Perhaps counting the cost of hiking this primitive trail in the lower Gamilla range of the Pindus mountains in Greece too easily escaped us. Rising out of the Vikos Gorge; the deepest gorge in the world at a depth of over 1000 meters,…
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The Art of Practicing Stillness
The summer solstice is the meteorlogical arrival of summer, though most of us welcomed summer temperatures a few weeks ago. School is out, vacation plans set and the shift to more relaxed schedules acomplished. Hearing colleagues mention their joy in casual family schedules seems immediately eclipsed by their litany of activites for the children, household projects and scores of get-togethers….
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Are You Growing Spiritually?
We often take spiritual growth for granted. After becoming Christians we go to church, read our Bibles, pray and trust God to complete the good work He began in us. (Philippians 1:6)But God’s purpose for every believer is steady spiritual growth which requires work on our part in tending our spiritual garden. Are you growing spiritually? Do you feel sluggish…
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Summer Mindfulness with God’s Gift of Water
Summer vacation is in full swing for most families with school ending and warmer temperatures dominating the weather. For most, summer fun involves water of some kind, whether pools, sprinklers, oceans, lakes or rivers, water plays a big part in summer refreshment. Water is one of the most powerful gifts of creation. Join me this week for summer mindfulness with…
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The Wisdom of God When Life is Hard
Traveling through the hard places of life wears us down; challenging the goodness of God. Jesus told us in this world, trouble travels as our companion. (John 16:33) At times my request for a new traveling companion supercedes my desire for suffering to have its perfect work in my life. Pain distracts from the truth; pushing us for a way…
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Experiencing the Divine Fragrance of God
Walking through my garden on a warm day, gifts me with cascading fragrances; sweet, floral, citrusy, woodsy all at once. Their complexities make the discernment of the source of each fragrant delight well nigh impossible. Yet the fragrance as a whole draws me in, as if to woo me into the magnificence of its complexity. Wandering from plant to plant;…
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