Christmas Eve anticipation is a great metaphor for life. We are waiting anxiously for the coming of Jesus! In this way, Christmas Eve is practice in dying well.
December 24, 2024
Is it bad that I don’t feel happy today? Do I have to? Does everyone else rejoice when they’re told to? Am I a bad Christian?
December 17, 2024
I can get myself all twisted into a knot as I think about evangelism. My own fears and insecurities often have me more concerned about myself and whether I'm being a "good Christian" than about the person I want to share God's promise with. It's a mess!This is why I need to hear the gospel message again and again. Because I can only give what I receive.
December 11, 2024
In the liturgical church calendar we have entered the season of Advent—a time of waiting and preparation for the return of the King—Jesus. Yes, it’s a “reenactment” or remembrance of the time just before Jesus was born, but this Advent I want to focus on you. On today.
December 5, 2024
I know “how To hospitality” but if I panic, I’m suddenly afraid that loving the people around my table won’t be enough! Is it enough to share who I am and what I have with the precious humans around me?? How can I be SURE that they’ll have the best Thanksgiving ever? I’m going to ruin Thanksgiving!
November 19, 2024
God knows that I am frail and distractible, and so he treats me gently and compassionately (Psalm 103:13-14). Not so the world, it just sees easy prey. As a limited and fallen thing, I’m a sitting duck for distraction, anxiety, and despair. All of them can easily catch and devour my attention on a daily basis.
November 12, 2024
My train of thought is like a runaway train! Anxious thoughts and feelings barrel through my mind and body faster than I can manage, and I get completely “fused” or “tangled up” with them. The more I try to control them—to answer the “What ifs”—the faster and more out of control my thoughts become! It’s a recipe for disaster.So, instead of trying to wrestle a runaway train, I’m deciding to simply step off the ride...
October 29, 2024
Sometimes I wake up in the morning with this overwhelming sense that everything is up in the air. “Sure, I got through yesterday, but today I’ve got to prove myself for real, and if I don’t...” This is sort of a background litany of thoughts that make up my negative core narrative of “I’m not enough…I’ll always mess up.” Maybe you can relate.
October 22, 2024
My American readers are likely feeling sick to their stomachs about the presidential election. Regardless of which side of the aisle you sit on, things are crazy out there! And regardless of who wins, I certainly don’t feel like the chaos and antagonism will simmer down.Nevertheless, I’m optimistic.Or rather, I’m hopeful.Or better, I’m just not that worried… Because the situation just isn’t that serious! May I please try to explain?
October 15, 2024
I stepped out of my apartment and shuddered. The brisk morning air was quiet, yet it seemed to be shouting at me, "WINTER IS COMING!!!" Now for many, that proclamation would be met with joy for fond thoughts of the holiday season to come, but I couldn’t help but notice the dread that settled over me. Oh boy...
October 8, 2024
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