May 2013
1 post
6 tags
A Mother's Love: Sappy and/or Embarrassing
1 Thessalonians 2:7b-13: We were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we...
April 2013
2 posts
7 tags
Peace Be with You: A Paradoxical Season
John 20:19-21 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with...
7 tags
Seeing Red: Apostles and Equality
Acts 5:27-32 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human...
December 2012
4 posts
7 tags
Economics of Justice: The gift of Joy
Isaiah 12:2-6 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, for he...
12 tags
The realism of loneliness: Is there room for joy...
Zephaniah 3:14-20 Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD,...
4 tags
Creativity and true hope as a new reality
Luke 3:1-6 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the...
8 tags
Another year gone? What is the future of the...
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and...
November 2012
5 posts
5 tags
The Righteousness of the Christmas Season
Jeremiah 33:14-16 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it...
5 tags
Stating the obvious: Dealing with Depression at...
Luke 21:25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these...
7 tags
America: A Playlist
Sitting around biting your nails as you watch results pour in? Me too. But while I do, I listen to this playlist to remind me it is awesome to be an American.
Obvs.
7 tags
Remembering Papa: the Good, the Loving and the...
A Poem in Honor of All Saints Day
“I remember” by Heather O’Brien
I remember cuddling on the couch, peeking through your fingers at the scary movie.
I remember talking for ages on the phone about my favorite books, which you read only because I loved them.
I remember you hugging me and telling me I was smart when I did well is school.
I remember you reading to me before I went to sleep.
But...
8 tags
Listening for Hardship, Part Two
Mark 10:46-52
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have...
October 2012
6 posts
6 tags
Listening for Hardship, Part One
Mark 10:46-52 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David,...
7 tags
Despite my cell phone and Facebook I constantly...
Hebrews 5:1-10 Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this...
8 tags
God's Silence and the Suffering of the Innocent
Job 38:1-7; 34-41 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line...
9 tags
Redefining Achievement: Or how to succeed -...
Mark 10:35-45 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know...
5 tags
I'm neither rich nor a ruler. What can this...
Mark 10:17-31
As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall...
9 tags
#FollowFriday: Providing justice for refugee women...
Throughout the month of October, I am following several people and businesses that are making a difference in the local and global community. My first meeting occurred a few weeks ago at the WORN headquarters with a woman named Meredith.
We began our meeting at an expansive conference table in a chilly executive looking office. Surrounded by glass windows and padded rolling chairs, Meredith and...
September 2012
3 posts
10 tags
Shame and our love for others: James talks about...
James 2:1-17
My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you...
10 tags
Listening for Justice: Jesus and the...
Mark 7:24-37
From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of...
7 tags
Healthy Anger: Was James wrong concerning women in...
James 1:17-27
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to...
August 2012
7 posts
6 tags
Farting in elevators and others things Mark 7...
Mark 7:1-8; 14-15; 21-23
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from...
11 tags
The secret of death is in life: Of Mice and Men...
I finished reading Of Mice and Men late the other night. It was by far one of the best books I read all summer. The intensity of Steinbeck’s writing and his ability to make you sympathize with a whole host of characters emotionally draws the reader in his perfectly woven story.
The morning after finishing the book, still reeling in amazement, my husband and I discussed the book’s themes over...
10 tags
Remembering Sojourner Truth and my #summerreading
Born into slavery in New York around 1797, Isabella Baumfree experienced a religous conversion to Christianity and a (possibly controversial) call to public ministry. Although the northern state in which she was born participated in “gradual” emancipation, Isabella knew deep down that God set her free. She “told Jesus is would be alright if he changed [her] name.”...
8 tags
Wisdom with Age: Lessons from Nora Ephron and...
Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servant girls, she calls from the highest places in the town, “You that are simple, turn in here!” To those without sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Lay...
7 tags
David vs. Lisbeth Salander: Women of...
Although it doesn’t have the most convincing plotline, I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy with extreme excitement by the pool this summer. Lazy adults chatting while hyper active kids splash pool toys through brightly blue (probably urine infested) waters played the soundtrack to my intensity as I poured over Liz Salander’s story of abuse, mistrust, revenge, strength and computer...
7 tags
A New Heart, Provided by Breaking Bad: Lessons...
Psalm 51:1-12 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless...
5 tags
Bad Choices: From David to Don Draper #summertv
2 Samuel 11:1-15
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing;...
July 2012
5 posts
4 tags
Life in Transition (aka I am a zombie)
I have to be honest. This transition stuff, this packing, moving, unpacking, starting a new job, a new church in a new city, a new life – this transition stuff – is hard. I find it difficult to sit down and write, to explain my feeling on paper because by the end of the day my brain has turned to mush – and not the mushy stench of a dead corpse rotting as it drags dead body parts along with ever...
8 tags
Death leads to New Life: From Jesus to Dexter...
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried...
8 tags
Bad Mothers: From Herod's Wife to Sons of Anarchy...
Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I...
7 tags
TV Reflects Life and Spirituality: #summertv
I don’t know if it’s the summer heat or the boredom of post-graduation, but I’ve been spending a lot of time in front of the TV lately. After our re-location to another city, my husband and I decided to rid us of cable television. This seemed like a bright idea to get us out of the house for adventures in our new city. It didn’t work. Instead we signed up for (almost) unlimited TV and movie...
6 tags
Kingdoms and Pearls: Did Jesus Lie?
Matthew 13: 45-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
In a list of examples for the kingdom of God, Jesus tells this parable of a pearl of great price. The kingdom of God is like a pearl? It can’t be. There is no way.
Kingdoms control. Kingdoms invade. Kingdoms defend and...
June 2012
7 posts
9 tags
Pslams and violence against LGBT persons: Anger,...
Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than...
5 tags
The Goliath of Slavery: Fighting for Freedom and...
I Samuel 17
Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; the weight...
6 tags
The Post in which I Try to Understand Plants......
Mark 4:26-34
He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has...
8 tags
What Women and David have in Common: Celebrating...
1 Samuel 15:34 - 16:3
Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel. The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set...
6 tags
Death, New Creation and Justin Bieber: What you...
1 Corinthians 5:6-17
So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord — for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of...
8 tags
Let's Talk About Sex: Gomer, Nuns and the...
Hosea 2:14-:20
Therefore, I will now persuade her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. From there I will give her her vineyards, and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she shall respond as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt. On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, ‘My husband’, and no longer...
May 2012
13 posts
5 tags
Pentecost and Life Transitions: Empowered by the...
Acts 2:1-21 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the...
5 tags
Groaning in Labor Pains: The Struggles of being a...
Romans 8:22-27
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for...
4 tags
Movement of creation: Searching for God's Spirit
Psalm 104
O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it...
4 tags
Regrowing flesh and breathing in new life: Or, Why...
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord GOD, you know.” Then he said to me,...
7 tags
Lessons from a five-year-old: Why Women in...
I have a friend. She has long dirty blonde hair, wears button-up striped shirts and her favorite TV show is Dora the Explorer. My friend is five-years-old. Despite a significant age difference my friend and I have many things in common. Much like myself, she loves books, dressing up and making crafts. Most Sunday mornings she and I sit together catching up on the week’s activities and...
7 tags
Advertising and Why I love Don Draper: A Response...
Season One, episode one of Mad Men, “Smoke Gets in your Eyes”
Don Draper: “What you call love was invented by guys like me to sell nylons.”
Sunday nights my husband and I gather around the TV to watch a mesmerizing show and anticipate the next climactic moment of AMC’s hit Mad Men. We relish in the excitement and interwoven story lines of Don, Peggy, Betty, Pete, Joan and Roger. The...
7 tags
Which came first? Hermione or the women in the...
Although the series does not start with Hermione Granger and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the female of J.K. Rowling’s infamous trio created a persona for other women to emulate. While Harry’s fame emerges as the boy who lived, the series unfolds around a group of friends with intelligence, spunk, and courage. As the hard working, insecure, and strong willed female of the group,...
7 tags
Reclaiming Mother's Day in the name of Comedy:...
Issues regarding the female grow with popular demand. By definition, feminism promotes the equal opportunity of all human beings. It is not a growing issue of female over and above male rights but the equality and respect for individuals as distinct human beings.
One of my favorite waves of feminism recently trending is women’s right to equal comedy (i.e., women are funny - thank you...
5 tags
Best Job in the World? Mother's Day for the Sick...
The newest Olympic commercial makes me tear up. How about you? Mother’s gently waking their young ones for early morning practices, competitions, and workouts in hopes of achieving Olympic dreams. Behind the thoughts of world peace, uniting nations, and competitive prowess, is the idea of unity through motherhood. Each athlete was born to a mother, and possibly but not always, raised and...
5 tags
Mom's Cancer Makes Me Re-Imagine Mother's Day
With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, I have started to wonder about my motherhood (I am not currently a mother), the things learned from mothers I interact with and the inherent mothering skills which were passed on to me from my own mother. This week I will be exploring the role of mothers, sexuality of women and the importance of motherhood for all humankind. But first, we begin with...
