The roads are hot and dusty, Galilean sand swirling in through the city gates with the many weary travelers arriving in Jerusalem to observe the Passover. A mob has collected around Pilate's judgement seat - the rabble of the town attracted to watch the farce of a trial. Jesus of Nazareth stands accused today. "Do you hear that long list of... Continue Reading →
That “other” Lauren. Where is she now?
Ecclesiastes makes it very clear that there are seasons for everything under the sun: life and death, grief and dancing, tearing and mending, building and breaking. The wise writer also made it apparent that life would be full of all these seasons, so learn to revel in them all while living here on earth. The... Continue Reading →
He’s been bloodied before {join me on this journey}
Sharp cramps nearly halted me in my tracks yesterday while out on a lovely jog. Even now, as I sit on a kitchen bar stool enjoying the wafting fragrance of the Maple Pancakes candle nearby, a dull ache reminds me that all is not as it should be, not as God originally created. Fears want... Continue Reading →
Twinkling
Christmas trees sparkle with gaudy baubles hung just so. Garlands add swagger and sway to light posts and stairwells and fireplace mantles. Hope twinkles brightly in children's eyes and wishful giggles. We tell the old, old story of our Savior's infant birth. We join choirs with carols and mangers with camels. We expect peace on earth... Continue Reading →
It’s a serrated howl
"'If it were up to me . . .' and then the words pounds, desperate and hard, 'I'd write this story differently.' I regret the words as soon as they leave me. They seem so un-Christian, so unaccepting - so No, God! I wish I could take them back, comb out their tangled madness, dress... Continue Reading →
Gift #3. Friday nights.
Leftovers. Extra-large sweatshirt. TV tray. Cross-legged on couch. Movie. That's my definition of a Friday night - at least this Friday night. Catching myself yawning during first period pledges and prayer this morning, I sought relief in the depths of two white styrofoam cups full of teacher sludge coffee. By fifth period, I was talking so... Continue Reading →