March 2014 – Page 4 – 300 words a day

A prayer for Monday.

(First published October 8, 2012) It happens every Monday morning. Every Monday is a restart of our pilgrimage. Every Monday we say, “I want this week to be different. I want to be more committed, more caring, more thoughtful, more loving, more focused, more significant, more successful.” And then we open our eyes. And shuffle […]

by Paul Merrill

Who is this man?

The storm is getting worse by the minute. The small boat they are crossing the lake in is taking on so much water that it’s about to sink. He’s asleep in the back, even though water is splashing across his robe and the boat is rocking wildly. Who is this man? They wake him up. […]

by Jon Swanson

The worst day of the year

Jesus said, “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” It’s clear that Jesus was speaking before the amazing power of coffee beans was released. Yesterday, many people gave up caffeine for Lent. Today, they are waking […]

by Jon Swanson

A fish story.

It was the best day of fishing ever. But it started as the worst. Seven guys working together tossing out the big net across the water. Letting it sink. Pulling it in. Nothing. Row a bit further. Toss out the big net across the surface of the water. Let it sink. Pull it in. Nothing. […]

by Jon Swanson

Interesting talk about the boring parts of Exodus.

“Is it okay if I sort of skim through the end of Exodus?” my friend said. “Those details about assembling the ark and the curtains and the tabernacle get really long.” He’s reading through the Bible for the second time. The first time took him three years. Now he’s doing it again to pick up […]