When I read Scripture, I much prefer reading off the printed page from a Bible that I can hold in my hands, feel the weight, finger the pages, and take my time. But when I'm online and want to quote Scripture in a blog article, or need to double check a reference for a sermon, … Continue reading Reviewing the New Bible Gateway
Friends, I'm tired today. Are you? Tired of the novel coronavirus that's still causing illness, suffering, and death. Tired of the racism and injustice that continue in spite of massive protests. Tired of those who say black lives matter while acting just the opposite. Tired of words, words, and more words. Today I'm even tired … Continue reading You are Here, Moving in Our Midst
I'm a big fan of BibleGateway.com as a free and easy-to-use source for online Bible translations. The site includes over 200 versions and 70 languages! BibleGateway introduced me to The Voice, a translation which included the collaboration of musicians, poets, and other artists alongside scholars and pastors. When a friend recommended the New Century Version, … Continue reading BibleGateway’s Free Bible Audio App
Announcement: MennoMedia has been doing a series of author interviews, and it was my turn to be interviewed this week on "Self-care in a time of COVID-19." The video is available on the MennoMedia Facebook page. And now for today's article. . . . When I reach for a snack, I'm much more likely to … Continue reading Love, Generosity, and Potato Chips
This weekend many churches will celebrate Easter online by livestreaming their worship, including their music, sermon, and even communion. For some congregations, this may be nothing new; livestreaming has already been a regular part of their ministry to connect with people beyond their church's physical location. For others, worship online means acquiring and learning new … Continue reading Easter for Everyone
As we enter this Holy Week before Easter, it's been four weeks since our congregation has been able to meet in person for worship, and there's no telling how long this coronavirus pandemic will last, or how many more weeks we may need to worship apart at home. While we wait, I'm grateful that here … Continue reading A Story of Faith, Family, and Forgiveness
My brand new, fresh-out-of-the-box amaryllis bulb did not grow and bloom last year as I hoped. I followed the step-by-step instructions---I put the premixed potting soil into the plastic pot, planted the bulb so the top third remained exposed above the soil, placed the pot on a table where it would get indirect light, and … Continue reading Are You Tending a Deep Hope?
In high school I wrote poetry and other stories, but never thought of writing as a possible career path. Instead, I felt most drawn to social work. As I read the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, I imagined myself living them out in some form of community service: The Spirit of the Lord is … Continue reading Stories of God’s Provision
