Thanksgiving is here, and I thought it might be interesting to remember what some other people thought about thankfulness. Some people who sort of got the whole thing started. The very first Thanksgiving proclamation was written in 1676 by the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts. They declared “…a day of Solemn Thanksgiving and praise to… Continue reading about giving thanks
It’s Thanksgiving week, and I want to do what I can to temporarily stave off the onslaught of Christmas commercialism. Over $400 billion dollars of consumer spending is looming out there, not to mention the success or failure of the entire national economy, and they are determined to have you start yesterday! What are you… Continue reading gratitude is good for you
It’s Thanksgiving week, so I figured this would be a good time to write an update on my unemployed life. Actually, that’s not true. I’ve been thinking about writing an update for some time, but putting it off. Because frankly, it turns out I’ve just been a spectacular failure at this faith stuff. You know… Continue reading thankful for the unknown
Be warned, a new vampire movie is opening this weekend. New Moon is a movie based on the second book in the Twilight series. Christians can be uncomfortable with these themes, though to clarify, there are no demonic elements in the stories. But in my opinion, focusing on the evil of fairly benign vampires completely… Continue reading vampires aren’t the problem
Did you notice? This year, the Halloween candy was barely sorted (M&Ms, Snickers, Tootsie Pops/Rolls=keep, Almond Joys=trade), when a full-scale, no-holds-barred, in-your-face Christmas assault was launched. Drug stores are full of Christmas tree ornaments and candy-striped candles, playing “Jingle Bell Rock.” Snowy television ads are jingling about Christmas presents. It’s like they took some secret… Continue reading reaching for christmas
I came across this post from a couple years back expecting it to be funny, and discovered it to be quite cleverly serious: “Top Ten Reasons Why Men Should Not be Ordained.” Reversing the arguments in any discussion of male/female issues can often shine a light on unacknowledged (and unsupported) bias – and it goes… Continue reading why men should be excluded from leadership
If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard the story of the prodigal son about a hundred times in various church services and sermons. Usually, it’s taught as an example of sin, repentance and restoration. But I recently had the opportunity to hear a lecture that made some considerably deeper theological observations. There are two key… Continue reading being lost – and found
Jesus was a brilliant metaphorical theologian. This was another insight from the conference I attended in Thailand. 1. He told an entertaining story 2. The story revolved ethical issues and values 3. The story included a hidden message about the Kingdom 4. The story might include a Christological reference. Interestingly, metaphors help us link our… Continue reading jesus and metaphor
At the conference I attended in Thailand, there was quite a lot of discussion about living under grace versus the law. As Christians, we humbly and gratefully accept God’s grace in our life. Almost immediately, we set about doing everything we humanly can to keep it. And helpfully pointing out to others where they can… Continue reading read different
Updated for 2009. 1. Treat it like the unrecognized, under-appreciated “pre-holiday” holiday that it is, and decorate your entire house and yard with orange lights, pumpkins, spiders, coffins, cobwebs, ghosts, and scary music. 2. Turn off the porch light and go out for a nice, uninterrupted dinner. 3. Find a church with a “harvest” celebration.… Continue reading halloween options for christians
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