Author Archives: Chaplainmike

Beyond Christmas Wars & Boycotts: Faith-Driven Consumers?

As Faith Driven Consumers, we choose to match our wallets to our worldview and support companies whose corporate actions are compatible with biblical faith. This is action every one of us can take, every day. And we can advocate for and grow faith-compatible businesses all over America. Faith Driven Consumers are creating space in the AmericanContinue reading “Beyond Christmas Wars & Boycotts: Faith-Driven Consumers?”

Randy Thompson: The Sky Is Always Falling

The Sky Is Always Falling by Randy Thompson “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” (Alphonse Karr) The other day I went up to the local garage to have our mechanic switch our car’s regular tires over to snow tires—a winter ritual for many of us here in New Hampshire. While waiting,Continue reading “Randy Thompson: The Sky Is Always Falling”

Let’s Discuss: Christmas Music Recommendations

Back in 2010, Jeff and I had dueling posts about our favorite Christmas music. Jeff’s top five were: Bells of Dublin, The Chieftains Christmas Portrait, The Carpenters Ultra-Lounge Christmas Cocktails, Part Two, Various Artists If On A Winter’s Night, Sting Christmas, Bruce Cockburn He also gave honorable mentions to: A Charlie Brown Christmas, by VinceContinue reading “Let’s Discuss: Christmas Music Recommendations”

iMonk Classic: “Lo, How a Rose” – Experiencing The Power of Beauty

Note from CM: I remember reading this post as a fairly new reader to IM and feeling a strong connection to Michael and his experience. Yesterday morning, our choir sang a rendition of “Lo, How a Rose,” and my thoughts went back to the beauty of this season, the beauty of the Rose springing forthContinue reading “iMonk Classic: “Lo, How a Rose” – Experiencing The Power of Beauty”

Homily for Advent II: Four Metaphors for Advent

Four Metaphors for Advent A sermon for the second Sunday in Advent, 2013 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out inContinue reading “Homily for Advent II: Four Metaphors for Advent”

Thoughts on Southern Africa

With the passing of Nelson Mandela yesterday, the world lost a great statesman. Through his words of reconciliation South Africa was able to transition out of Apartheid without the bloodshed that characterized so many of the independence movements of the region. While I am known as the Canadian voice on Internet Monk, my family hadContinue reading “Thoughts on Southern Africa”

Let’s Discuss: The Legacy of Paul Crouch and TBN

After having written this, I have to chuckle. Just to clarify: these are my words, not John MacArthur’s… * * * I must admit, I didn’t pay much attention when I heard that Paul Crouch of Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) had died on Nov. 30. I have dismissed TBN and the world of televangelism for soContinue reading “Let’s Discuss: The Legacy of Paul Crouch and TBN”

Pope Francis: Living “From the Heart of the Gospel”

I have downloaded and am reading through Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), the Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis on the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world. The document reflects the emphasis in the Church regarding “The New Evangelization.” As the Pope states, Attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who helpsContinue reading “Pope Francis: Living “From the Heart of the Gospel””