When I am going through a difficult situation, my #1 response is “I want this to be done.” It could be when I am out on a four mile run. I want it to be done. It could be a big project, like my forthcoming book. I want it to be done. It could beContinue reading “How to view life through the lens of joy – Advent Joy, Part 2”
Tag Archives: advent
It can be very difficult to have joy sometimes – Advent Joy, Part 1
The year is circa 55CE, approximately 20 years after Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven. A man named Paul is driving the outward expansion of the Christian church into the Roman Empire. In Acts 16, we read that he arrives in the city of Philippi, which is an archaeological site in modern-day Greece. In Paul’sContinue reading “It can be very difficult to have joy sometimes – Advent Joy, Part 1”
It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview
Do you know what the title of the book of Revelation refers to? Revelation is not about reveling, but about “that which is revealed.” In the book of Revelation, God reveals to the apostle John a fantastic vision. Biblical scholars have long debated how we should interpret the vision’s imagery. Is it literal or isContinue reading “It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview”
Following Jesus’ lead as peacemaker – Advent Peace, Part 5
During this second week of Advent, we have been talking about peace. The reality is that we live in a broken and fallen world, so while this peace is possible in our lives, we Christians believe we will not experience ultimate peace until Jesus returns. That expectation of future peace helps us make a connectionContinue reading “Following Jesus’ lead as peacemaker – Advent Peace, Part 5”
Peace is so much more than a greeting – Advent Peace, Part 4
A man in my congregation, rather than waving or saying “Hi,” makes the peace sign with his fingers. When we drive by each other in the community, out comes his peace sign. Why? Because we English-speakers sometimes use the word peace as a greeting. It was common in the 1960s when people would say, “Peace,Continue reading “Peace is so much more than a greeting – Advent Peace, Part 4”
Jesus’ grand welcome – Advent Peace, Part 3
My granddaughter Lily is eleven months old, crawling all over the place and climbing stairs. She especially loves to do everything her older three-year old brother is doing. The other day her brother Luke and I were playing with wooden trains, building a track layout on the floor. Lily crawled right into the middle ofContinue reading “Jesus’ grand welcome – Advent Peace, Part 3”
How an intimate surgical procedure became an idea that can change the world – Advent Peace, Part 2
Can you guess what intimate surgical procedure the title of this post is referring to? Some people consider it barbaric. The National Institutes of Health reports that 80% of eligible people age 14-59 have had this procedure. What do I mean by “eligible people”? I’m being intentionally vague so as not to give away, justContinue reading “How an intimate surgical procedure became an idea that can change the world – Advent Peace, Part 2”
Have you ever been on the outs with someone? – Advent Peace, Part 1
It’s that time of year when Christmas cards come flooding in. Have you been sending and receiving them? Last year when my in-laws’ 2023 Christmas card came, I noticed something very interesting about the accompanying letter. They gave an update about everyone in the family, except me and one of my brothers-in-law. They named everyContinue reading “Have you ever been on the outs with someone? – Advent Peace, Part 1”
We long for peace in a fraught world – Advent Peace, Preview
This past week I received the following text messages, each from a different person. Do you see a theme? “Prayer request: feeling pretty overwhelmed this week with everything going on, having a hard time managing stress.” “I’m at urgent care now. Been having tightness/pain/gas build-up(?) on the left side of my chest on and offContinue reading “We long for peace in a fraught world – Advent Peace, Preview”
Two words that transform our hopelessness – Advent Hope, Part 5
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 30 years who now works in international fair trade. Are you feeling any hopelessness about something in your life? Maybe you feel you’re losing hope within. If so, even if just a little bit, you might resonate with theContinue reading “Two words that transform our hopelessness – Advent Hope, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 