Posts Tagged: "christianity"

year of noes pandemic post

This pandemic has felt like the year of “no”

- - Life With God, Uncategorized

(Thankful Notes #365)

This morning I made breakfast for the family and then took a spin around the lake with Camper on the floating dock. This was all “Yes, and Amen.”

I find myself frequently measuring the pandemic by the number of times I’ve done (or not done) something (during the pandemic). Some counts are official, others are kept casually in my head.

I’ve written 23 church update e-mails
I’ve given Camper 5 Sentinel tablets (flea and tick medication)
I’ve worn pants 2 times
I’ve clipped the cats’ nails 7 times
I’ve ordered Nespresso pods 3 times
I’ve fed Camper 336 times
I’ve sat inside a restaurant to have a meal 2 times
I’ve been to a movie theater 0 times
I’ve had 173 baths
I’ve sprayed Flonase in my nose 672 times
I’ve slept outside (on the deck) 100 days in a row
I’ve been to Costco 0 times
I’ve ordered clothing from Amazon 17 times
I’ve been inside a hospital 1 time
I’ve done a memorial service 1 time
I’ve had a board meeting 0 times
I’ve done a wedding 0 times
I’ve preached 3 times
I’ve vacationed 0 times
I’ve cooked 354 times

I also had McDonald’s chicken nuggets once, accidentally, and wow… really disgusting.

This pandemic has felt like the year of… Read More

sunday shout outs 2015

Shouting About These Three

- - Guest Posts, Life With God, Uncategorized

On Sundays I like to share, you know, a few shout-outs. So today I’m shouting about these three… great posts I appreciated this past week. Hope you enjoy!

Amena Brown POST

1. This post: What To Do When The Idea Won’t Show Up by Amena Brown. Here’s my favorite line(s):

“Creative ideas are funny creatures. They are more like cats than puppies.

They will most likely not jump up and down when they see you; tail wagging, wanting your attention.

They notice when you arrive at the page/screen/studio, walk by you, rub against your leg, and then jump on the kitchen counter, then on top of the refrigerator and stare at you. Laughing. Proving to you that you will not control them.”

Amena continues with a few practical points on what to do when… Read More

aunt bethany jesus i pledge

When We Are As Confused As Aunt Bethany

- - Life With God, Uncategorized

I do realize the statement I’m about to make is a divisive one – some will cheer me on while others will boo, hiss, or even call into question my salvation. What is this bold claim?

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a great film.

In fact, I have so many “favorite scenes” in this movie, to describe them all to you would end up being me paraphrasing the whole thing from start to finish. I trust you’ll do what’s right and watch it yourself.

But I will share just one of my favorite scenes with you…

It’s where the big-crazy-extended-family is… Read More

richard beck post a million boring things

Christianity Is Boring

- - Life With God, Uncategorized

I recently wrote about our addiction to adventure. Here’s a brief excerpt:

Yes, there is something repetitious about the Christian life. Following Jesus isn’t necessarily about going into new territory every day. Often, it’s about doing the same things over and over and over…

Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” —Luke 9.23

Taking up one’s cross daily is – I don’t know any other way to say it – repetitive. Even Jesus (who was perfect) participated in these repetitive things.

*     *     *     *

Richard Beck has written a great post entitled “A Million Boring Little Things” in which he says…

Being more and more like Jesus is a million boring little things.

Here’s his entire post—seriously, read it.

*     *     *     *

I was talking to one of my students recently about the temptations of youthful spirituality, how when you are young you get addicted to the buzz of the worship high and then go searching for a more intense… Read More

SUNDAY SHOUT OUTS A

I Wouldn’t Even Mind If You Read These Three Posts (They’re Not Mine)

- - Guest Posts, Life With God, Uncategorized

I wouldn’t even mind if you read these three posts (they’re not mind). Actually, I’d love for you to read them. And I kinda think you will love reading them. Um, what are you waiting for???!!?!

 

benjamin coreyThis post, A Few Things I’ve Learned As A Christian Outsider, by Benjamin Corey. Here’s a brief sample: “Theological labels have a way of making us crazy– we allow them to define us, give us identity, give our lives meaning, and all kind of other things that ultimately take the place I’ve learned only Jesus can fill.”

rudy rasmus post

Quoting Rudy Rasmus From His Book Touch

- - Life With God, Uncategorized

Our staff has been reading Rudy Rasmus‘ book Touch: Pressing Against the Wounds of a Broken World. Today we are getting together to discuss what we’ve learned. Here are some of my favorite quotes…

When we are convinced that we have received love and grace that we so richly don’t deserve, we’ll stop trying to affix blame so we can one up someone else. The experience of grace trumps blame and opens the door to loving others.

I don’t ask why a person is homeless or jobless or cross-dresses or smells bad. I don’t care if it’s her fault, someone else is to blame, or if a meteor came from outer space and caused the problem. There’s no need to assign blame, keep score, or label people. Instead, I just see someone Jesus is dying to love, someone who needs help, someone God has put in my path at the moment to… Read More