In 2009, a husband and wife from my church, both full-time teachers, took sabbaticals to spend an entire year as substitute missionaries in Kenya. Because theirs were full-year sabbaticals, they received 50% pay. Another option would be to take six-month sabbaticals at 100% pay, which is standard for teachers. But the school in Kenya, RiftContinue reading “Are sabbaticals an unnecessary indulgence? – The Sabbath Year, Part 1”
Tag Archives: life
My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview
My Amish neighbors are out there with their loud leaf blower at all hours of the day, blowing every speck of rubbish. Nearly every day. And their blower is loud. Why? They absolutely do not need to do that. Yet they do. I love Lancaster County where I’ve lived all my life. But I haveContinue reading “My Amish neighbors and their nonstop leaf blowing – Sabbath, Preview”
Have you experienced the pain of unlearning? – 1st Thessalonians 2:13–3:13, Part 1
This week I once again welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor of 35 years who now works in international fair trade. Have you had the experience of unlearning? We all know what learning is. It’s when you didn’t know something, you didn’t know how to do something, or maybe something youContinue reading “Have you experienced the pain of unlearning? – 1st Thessalonians 2:13–3:13, Part 1”
Famous last words – 1 Kings 1—2, Preview
We often use the phrase “famous last words” in the wrong context. For example, if your spouse is doing a home improvement project, they might say to you, “I am going to run over to the store, get what I need, and then the project should take a couple hours.” You’ve been down this roadContinue reading “Famous last words – 1 Kings 1—2, Preview”
Pastor, that’s the dumbest thing you ever said – Speaking life to each other, Part 4
This week I welcome guest blogger, Kirk Marks. Kirk is a retired pastor, having served 30+ years in both local churches with his wife, Debbie, and in denominational administration. He has also taught theology and led a pastoral assessment center for many years. He and Debbie, along with their two daughters and son-in-law are membersContinue reading “Pastor, that’s the dumbest thing you ever said – Speaking life to each other, Part 4”
What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview
What brings you life? I enjoy coffee. A good workout or run. Most any book. A great TV show or film, especially if it’s sci-fi. I could list many more activities that bring me life. What do you notice about the direction of what I’ve listed above? The activities I’ve listed all move in theContinue reading “What brings you life? – Speaking life to one other, Preview”
Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview
Ever been involved in a conversation like this in your home? Person #1: “What would you like for dinner tonight?” Person #2: “I don’t care. I’m okay with whatever.” Person #1: “But I need you to give me something to go on. What are you hungry for?” Person #2: “Seriously. Anything. I don’t care. WhateverContinue reading “Overcoming “I don’t care” – Caring for one another, Preview”
The important lesson pets can teach us about trust – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 4
My dog turned 9 years old earlier last month. It is likely he only has at most a few more years to live. That is to be expected. Dogs make it 12-15 years and die. It is sad. It will be sad. But many people get past the sadness, and they get a new dog. Continue reading “The important lesson pets can teach us about trust – New Year Psalm of Wisdom, Part 4”
What it means that Jesus is the embodiment of the way, the truth and the life – John 14:1-14, Part 3
Jesus has just told his disciples, in so many words, “If you don’t feel like you are at home with God, or that God is at home with you, and you don’t feel that closeness with God, you know the way to get there.” Immediately Thomas responds in verse 5. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord,Continue reading “What it means that Jesus is the embodiment of the way, the truth and the life – John 14:1-14, Part 3”
How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4
Jesus has been talking about his death, which he knows is only a few days away. People in the crowd listening to him respond. They understand that he is talking about his death, but that confuses them. Look at John 12 verse 34, “The crowd spoke up, ‘We have heard from the Law that theContinue reading “How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 