John – 300 words a day

The danger of being captivated by fear.

I was talking with a friend about fear I have. It was a good conversation. He helped me think it through. And I’m not going to talk with you about it. He prayed for me, asking that I wouldn’t be “captivated by fear.” I confess, I took out my pen and wrote the phrase on my hand […]

by Jon Swanson

loved.

On Sunday, the reading was from John 10, where Jesus talked about being a shepherd and caring for his sheep, proactively loving us. So why have a text that talks about God’s deep love for us which comes before our actions? Because most of the mothers I know are concerned about being good enough as […]

by Jon Swanson

Captivated by fear.

(This is a rerun from 2012. Some of us still need it.) I was talking with a friend about fear I have. It was a good conversation. He helped me think it through. And I’m not going to talk with you about it. He prayed for me, asking that I wouldn’t be “captivated by fear.” I confess, […]

by Jon Swanson

Saint John and the Cubs.

Nancy and I walked past Arnie’s Jerseys and Stuff. It’s the local sports memorabilia store. We usually ignore it, not being fans of the teams, the old players, or the markups. This time I stopped, staring at the Ernie Banks Cubs uniform shirt. It was part of a display of Cubs items. After they won […]

by Jon Swanson

John the expecter.

(Part one of a three-part reflection from John 1:29-34.) May I tell you about John the Baptist? I know that you may know all about him, but I’d like to review. John lived six months before Jesus. More accurately, he was born about six months before Jesus. Their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary, were relatives. Both of […]