ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 30, 2021Halloween was always a big day when I was growing up. Our costumes were usually purchased at Ben Franklin Five & Dime or Kmart, and they consisted of those cheap plastic masks with the rubber band that stretched around the back of the head that my older siblings would often snap on me. I can still remember my Batman costume. I was so proud and
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 29, 2021A French nun by the name of Thérèse of Lisieux wrote, “I have always wanted to become a saint. Unfortunately, when I have compared myself with the saints, I have always found that there is the same difference between the saints and me as there is between a mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds and a humble grain of sand trodden underfoot by
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 28, 2021The author and speaker, Beth Moore, wrote about what it means to follow Jesus, specifically pointing out an important distinction one should make. She writes, “Following the commands of Christ is not just about behavior. Behavior modification is not an end in itself in the New Testament. Transformation is about knowing the truth and the truth setting you free.” Most folks would probably know the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 27, 2021Last Sunday I talked about reintroducing ourselves to Jesus on a daily basis. That was not intended as a negative to the people of Cypress Creek Christian Church. It was more of a challenge, a reminder of how Spiritual Practices need to be daily practices. I try to do a few moments of silence every morning, and to be honest, 4 out of 5 don’t
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 26, 2021How we pray says a lot about who we are, what we value and how we perceive God. This was true in the days of Jesus as most teachers had a prayer or style of prayer reflective of their unique vision. In the 11th chapter of Luke’s Gospel, the disciples were seeking just such a prayer when they said, “Lord, teach us to pray, as
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 25, 2021Prayer for the Week:May the stories of Jesus – the stories of his compassion, mercy and kindness – become more and more established within our minds and souls. Good and Grace-filled God, the busyness of life can crowd out so much of what is important, healthy and life-giving. We speak of following Jesus, but it is mystifying when we claim a life of discipleship with
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 24, 2021Donna and I went to the Renaissance Festival yesterday. It has been something the two of us have enjoyed doing from early in our marriage, though we didn’t go last year because of the pandemic. Yes, we do dress up and enjoy the goofiness of doing so. But both of us are people watchers, and there is a lot to see, a lot to take
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 23, 2021How often do we have the opportunity to say, “I love you.” How often do we have the chance to reveal love to someone? How often does someone walk away from an interaction with us feeling loved? I went through a period of my life, a sort of spiritual practice, where I asked myself these questions every evening. At first, I felt guilty as there
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 22, 2021Does love exist apart from the entities that share and receive love? This was a strange thought I had as I was driving back to the church after a meeting yesterday. Some of you are probably thinking that Bruce must have been really bored. That’s probably true, but don’t we talk about love as a force, a power… as if it could stand alone? We
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 21, 2021I have noticed a heaviness in my life that I can only name as grief. I am heart-sick about the 730,000 deaths from COVID. I mourn the millions of family members who continue to struggle because of these deaths, in part, because they were unable to say “Good-bye” in a way that was healthy. I lament the young children impacted by COVID, including the thousands