All They Asked
Paul says it was all Peter, James and John asked of him.
Galatians 2:10 caught my eye in a completely new way when I read it last week. This little gem was tucked away and I almost missed it in the midst of Paul’s defense. We’ll get there in just a moment… Read More
SMS or Pony Express?
Sometimes the old fashioned way is far superior to more ‘cutting edge’ approaches.
I think that’s likely the case when it comes to our communication today, too. I choose the form based on what needs to be said and for whom the message is intended.
With my life-long family friends, some of whom don’t use a computer (gasp!), snail mail still reigns supreme. It might take a long time to arrive, but it is received with joy, spread out on the kitchen table over a cup of tea. A lengthy reply will come, but perhaps not for weeks. Read More
Faux Fur, Siblings and the Search for Significance: Do I Matter?
The argument must have lasted for 10 minutes.
And that’s an incredible length of time for such an inane debate. My son contended the fur trim on his coat was real; my daughter insisted otherwise. But I was suspicious of his vehemence and sidelined him afterwards for a conversation about it.
“I think you knew it wasn’t real,” I probed.
“Yeah,” came the bashful reply after some careful inspection of the carpet at his feet.
“So, why did you keep saying it was?”
“Because I wanted to be important.”
I was flabbergasted both by the candor and the self-awareness. Read More
Dollars, Pounds and Resolutions
Like many of you, I’ve been reflecting on the last year and setting my sights on the next, waxing philosophical about my life and how I can improve it and myself. Through resolve. Are any of these common new year’s resolutions on your mind?
Weigh less. Exercise more. Eat better.
Work less. Work harder. Achieve more.
Spend less. Pay off debt. Save more.
Some of them are on my list, too. And I love lists. To wrangle the chaos of life into neatly bulletized lineups gives me the perceived control that evades me in reality.
Read More
Christmas Upside-down
Senseless, untimely deaths.
Inexplicable illnesses.
Life-altering diagnoses.
Strained relationships.
Financial distress.
Loneliness and depression.
Weariness and fear.
All juxtaposed against the holiday that’s supposed to be happy.
Approaching Christmas in December seems to press on the tender, raw places in our lives. We’re more aware of our loved ones’ absences because we’re rightly accustomed to gathering with them to celebrate. The world around us seems to go merrily on its way while we bear our burdens. Somehow, facing such difficult circumstances during December seems more unjust. Read More
They say it’s His birthday…
If Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus (and it does), how can we give a gift to Him?
At first the answer may not seem obvious, but with a little searching of the scriptures, Jesus tells us exactly what’s on His birthday list this year… and every year:
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
— Matthew 25:37-40 ESV
When we feed or clothe a stranger, or visit someone in the hospital or prison, we have blessed the King. As I mentioned in last week’s post, I’m not bothered by the gift-giving at Christmas. But I do hope that we give with a sense of purpose: to honor Him.
Perhaps this Christmas consider giving to someone in need—an individual or to an organization that meets the needs of individuals—as a way to give to Jesus. For example, our family loves cycling, so one year we donated money to purchase a bicycle for an itinerant pastor in Africa through a para-church organization. Another year we specifically outfitted a child who couldn’t afford clothing that met his school’s dress code.
No gift has thrilled me as much to give as the ones I’ve given to Him in such a way.
I like to think He enjoys ‘opening’ them, too.
I share these stories as examples of ways to give in this fashion, not to have our deeds seen by men. I’d love to hear your ideas and stories so that all of us can be similarly inspired. Will you consider sharing in the comments?
Tied up with Strings: Getting, Giving and Gifts
It’s a line from a song in one of my favorite movies, The Sound of Music. Though it’s not the intended meaning, I can’t help thinking it aptly describes much of ‘giving’ that goes on at Christmas…
“Brown paper packages tied up with strings…”
When we turn the page on the calendar from November to December, we simultaneously shift from being thankful for all God has given us to setting out to acquire more. (Though we’re shopping to give to others, most of our purchases end up under our very own roofs, don’t they?) Read More
In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit… and Versace?
I found it scandalizing. And confusing. And sad.
I recently saw a video clip of a woman offering tips on how to make an adult baptism stylish. I struggled to understand why a baptism needed to be stylish and was concerned that the point of baptism—an outward expression of faith in Jesus Christ—had been missed.
I still feel the main purpose behind baptism was lacking in the clip, but I am reticent to judge harshly the faith of a person I ‘know’ only through a 90 second spot. As I reflected further, it occurred to me how often baptism and styles of worship are sources of division in the church. Perhaps that’s because, at least to some degree, we’re all missing the point? Read More
(gr)Attitude Adjustment
Last week I spent two hours in my car to accomplish merely two simple tasks:
I had to take my vehicle in for service and then attend a meeting. It took an hour and a half in traffic to get to and from the repair shop and another 30 minutes to get across town again to the meeting venue.
While I began grumbling as soon as the traffic congestion reared it’s ugly head, I was in a full tirade by the time I hit the 90 minute mark. Crabby because my car needed some expensive work done, I was on a verbal roll. (My car wasn’t going anywhere, but my mouth sure was.) Read More
GIVEAWAY!
December 1 is just 12 days away! In the spirit of anticipation, enter my 12 Days until Advent GIVEAWAY. While the church calendar begins Advent on December 2, Advent with the Word begins on December 1. If you already have your copy, enter to win now. If you haven’t got one yet, it’s not too late — order today!
Enter this drawing to receive all three of these gifts:
- A $50 Amazon gift card for you
- A signed copy of Advent with the Word sent to a friend of your choosing
- $250 donated to World Vision
Two easy steps to enter:
- Share the link to this post and write a brief status about the book. Say anything you’d like, but be sure to include where you bought it, how you heard about it, or why you were interested in it.
- Tag Kirsten Holmberg 8|28 in the status (must be a fan to win). Winner will be drawn randomly from the names of those who tagged Kirsten Holmberg 8|28 on 12/1/2012.
Christmas can be different this year.
Purchase online at Lulu.com or Amazon.com.
