Tag: Jesus
Sanctifying Grace
One of my favorite hobbies is reading epic fantasy novels. The first one I was introduced to was J. R. R. Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series, followed by Terry Brooks’ Shannara series. When I graduated from high school someone gave me C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia (not the Disney version). There… Continue Reading Sanctifying Grace
I know I’m Forgetting Something
There are skills that, once we learn them, we take for granted. I have been actively crocheting for about 15 years now. I don’t think about the stitches I work as I create blankets, shawls, and other crafts unless I am following a new pattern. Luckily for me, I can go to YouTube and watch… Continue Reading I know I’m Forgetting Something
Selfies
As I was traveling in the car the other day, I was listening to a comedian who raised a question that has stuck with me. In his Correct Angles set, Vir Das began talking about selfies. He observed that when people took pictures of themselves, they were better than when the camera (phone) was passed… Continue Reading Selfies
The First Time
On Sunday evening, ABC aired the 93rd Annual Academy Award ceremonies. This year’s presentation was different. Presenters, nominees and the audience maintained social distancing. Interviewers on the red carpet remained a safe distance from the celebrities who stopped by their microphones. Since the show has been without hosts since 2018, its producers have come up… Continue Reading The First Time
A Time to Heal
Last Thursday I learned that the trial phase of the case against Derek Chauvin was ending. Closing arguments were scheduled for Monday, with jury deliberation to follow. Over the weekend, I thought about the possible outcomes of the trial. I began to pray that justice would prevail. And I also had doubts. My perception was… Continue Reading A Time to Heal
Easter is Coming
We are about to relive the most anguishing moments in our Savior’s life. Maundy Thursday is still the night that I wish hadn’t occurred. The celebration of that particular Seder meal had to be bittersweet for Jesus and the disciples. This is the night that Hebrews celebrated each year, commemorating the promise that God made… Continue Reading Easter is Coming
Six Degrees
This is one of those theories that defy explanation. Like many people in the latter part of the 20th century, I played a game version of the idea known as Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. My friends and I would try to connect other actors to this very prolific star. I believe the game could… Continue Reading Six Degrees
More Puzzle Pieces
The first time I came to Grand Rapids was nearly twenty years ago. At the time I was on the faculty at Wayne State University Medical School. I was taking Hebrew so I could read some of the Old Testament verses in their original language. That’s when I heard about the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit… Continue Reading More Puzzle Pieces
Esperar
I took Spanish in high school. I began learning the language in the 8th grade and continued to take it into my senior year in college. It was actually the second language I learned. The first was French. I also know some American Sign Language, a little Japanese, and a few words of Korean. Back… Continue Reading Esperar
A Few of my Favorite Things
There are only 16 days until Christmas. And like so many others, I will celebrate our Savior’s birth very differently this year. A few weeks ago, I requested that pastors and faith communities share ideas about how to celebrate this Advent season, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the New Year, in order to post them… Continue Reading A Few of my Favorite Things