ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGNovember 2, 2021On this day after All Saints’ Day (officially on November 1), I am reminded of Helen Keller who said, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved.” Most of us would rather choose the “ease and quiet” if it were an option, but some of the great inspirational
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGNovember 1, 2021Prayer for the Week:I am who I am because of so many others.I am who I am because of those who served you.I am who I am because of the humble saints whose life witness revealed Jesus.I am who I am because of faithful followers who were unwavering in their commitment to you.Holy and Magnificent God, the life of faith has never been an individual
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGOctober 31, 2021Tombs are often the setting for the climax in a horror movie. It is usually dark and there is a good layer of fog. The wind is blowing just enough to cause the leafs to swirl around and for the branches to crackle. An owl usually gives off a startling call as a distant dog (or something else) echoes back with a chilling howl. Hollywood
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