Who doesn’t love to hear the parable of the prodigal son? Or the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin? We love hearing these stories about God’s immense love for us and being reminded of our value as children of God. But there’s the rub. These stories are not necessarily about us. They… Continue reading It’s. All. About. Love.
Tag: transformative storytelling
Multiply Groups Underway
The Multiply Small Groups are underway! If you are interested in checking out a group or the series of studies, you can still do so. Multiply was the brain child of Frances Chan and David Platt, authors of the book Multiply. The goals of the Multiply material, which are simple, practical, and Biblical, are to… Continue reading Multiply Groups Underway
the dusty road…
A note about one of my illustrations: I was heavily influenced by Rob Bell’s book, Velvet Elvis and drew heavily upon his chapter on the dust of the Rabbi as one of my illustrations. I will italicize that section. Many of you now that I recently returned from a two-week vacation and I want to tell… Continue reading the dusty road…
Playing with God
Just before I fell asleep last night, I told God that I was looking forward to our visit together the next day. I love to wake up early in the morning, drink coffee, read, and spend quality time in centering prayer. Perhaps it was this genuine enthusiasm that prevented me from finally falling to sleep… Continue reading Playing with God
We can, we will, we are… a sermon about the real meaning of Pentecost, Part 2
Peter continues this “first sermon” by telling the story of Jesus with power and authority. He tells of his crucifixion and his resurrection. And in verse 36 with a new assurance and power he says, “Let all Israel be assured of this; God has made this Jesus… This Jesus who was also a half breed, a mix… Continue reading We can, we will, we are… a sermon about the real meaning of Pentecost, Part 2
We can, we will, we are… a sermon about the real meaning of Pentecost, Part 1
Recently, Harry and I had the privilege of watching our youngest son graduate from High School. We watched attentively as bright eyed students from all over the world gathered on the stage full of joy for the season that was now coming to an end, but also full of questions and even some fear about… Continue reading We can, we will, we are… a sermon about the real meaning of Pentecost, Part 1
Beautiful things…
Recently a high school student in our congregation introduced me to a new song, “Beautiful Things” to use in one of our worship services. Ever since I heard the song, I have continued to sing and repeat a line of the song over and over to myself… “You make beautiful things out of the dust…” Yes, it… Continue reading Beautiful things…
telling a new story…
Yesterday’s sermon on being an inspirational you really struck a chord with me. Harry spoke about the Genesis account of God breathing life into the dust and making humans. God made something out of nothing. I am reading through the book of Exodus right now so I found myself reflecting on Moses. Moses was an… Continue reading telling a new story…
Are there unnamed gifts in your life?
I remember the many Christmases spent combing through the presents under the tree… trying to see through the wrapping paper. On occasion I would shake them, other times I would venture to loosen the tape on them very carefully to see what was inside. You have to understand that my mother was a master at… Continue reading Are there unnamed gifts in your life?
sometimes it is just hard to see
Sometimes it is hard for me to see this God reality… especially when I am keenly aware of the war and violence that is currently happening in Egypt. Or, when I am aware of the suffering and unexplained tragedies and illnesses that my church community experiences. Violence, crime, murder is very present in my living… Continue reading sometimes it is just hard to see