A prayer for the first Sunday of Advent

God. This is the first Sunday of Advent. Some of us call this Hope Sunday. We read about salvation being closer than ever. And we very much want that to be true. Because it doesn’t always feel that way. In truth, God, many of us are uncomfortable with expectations. We have expected good things and […]

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Best moments – a simple project.

I think I’ve mentioned that I’m teaching a course in Pastoral Care these days. I made the assignment for Thanksgiving week very simple. It’s a project from Jon Acuff, in new book, All it Takes is a Goal. And it’s very simple. 1. Write the words”best moments” somewhere, On a piece of paper. On a blank […]

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A blessing for Thanksgiving.

I have mixed feelings about the holiday of Thanksgiving. It’s an introvert thing probably, and having struggles with trying to live up to the expectations people bring to holidays. I’ve written about that before. Like the time my mom discouraged me from having pie after the Thanksgiving Eve service: Store-bought chocolate cream pie And a […]

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Well done.

Rich Dixon finishes a story from last week. +++ My friend Paul Hurkman is currently involved in what I believe to be a super-human act of generosity and sacrifice. As part of the Great World Race, Paul and several other folks will run seven marathons – on seven continents – in seven days. You read […]

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A reframed fast.

God spoke to the people through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 58: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: … Is it not to share your food with the hungry    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them,    and not to turn away from your […]

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