Chaplainmike

Let’s Discuss: A Taxing Question

UPDATE 2: Here is a good overview and guide to the clergy housing allowance. UPDATE: Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said that this judgment is against the Constitution. “We have seen many courts over the years attempt to banish God in various ways from the public square, but this case in particular reveals aContinue reading “Let’s Discuss: A Taxing Question”

The Homily

“Oh, how I love your law. I meditate on it all day long.”— Psalm 119:97 “So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.”—Galatians 3:24 These days, the “Law” is almost a dirty word among Christians, particularly those who’ve been around for a while andContinue reading “The Homily”

Saturday Ramblings 11.23.13

Welcome to our pre-Thanksgiving edition of Saturday Ramblings. Oh, big doings are afoot here at the iMonastery. Adam Palmer is in charge of the turkey this year, even though in the past he’s been caught trying to glue a bucket of KFC together to form one large bird. Chaplain Mike is making the gravy—which wasContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 11.23.13”

Anatomy Of A Conspiracy

Today is the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. (It is also, ironically enough, the 50th anniversary of the deaths of C.S. Lewis and Aldous Huxley.) Anytime someone is murdered there are many questions to be answered; when it is one of the most powerful men in the world who hasContinue reading “Anatomy Of A Conspiracy”

A Brief Lesson for Speakers

150 years ago this week, Abraham Lincoln gave “dedicatory remarks” at Gettysburg, Pennysylvania to consecrate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, four months after the Battle of Gettysburg. Considered perhaps the most important speech in U.S. history, the president’s remarks contained — 272 words, 10 sentences, and lasted less than 3 minutes. Earlier, Edward Everett had offeredContinue reading “A Brief Lesson for Speakers”

The Pastor: Prepared by the Lord’s Prayer

Let the pastors of the assemblies know this priesthood of the assembly on behalf of the world. Let them know with sympathy and love how they are not distinguished here from the rest of humanity, but are rather a voice of need and prayer. Let them thus know where they actually are and what timeContinue reading “The Pastor: Prepared by the Lord’s Prayer”

“I remember it as dark”

Today, as part of my hospice duties, I will be with a family whose ten-month old child died. I will have to come up with some words for the parents, the other children, the extended family and friends, and members of our care team. Mostly I will go to be with them, to mourn withContinue reading ““I remember it as dark””

David Cornwell: I Love to Tell the Story

Note from CM: I’m thrilled to have our regular commenter and resident sage David Cornwell contributing today. Dave, with his experience, insight, and encouraging manner, adds depth to our discussions on a regular basis. He also takes amazing photographs, samples of which you can see here. Enjoy more at his Flickr page. * * *Continue reading “David Cornwell: I Love to Tell the Story”

Of Swords And Plowshares

I am old. Not so much old-fashioned as just old. So when I say I am seeing things now I didn’t see growing up, there is a lot of water that has passed under the bridge of time. I’m not talking about the horseless carriage (I’m not that old), nor even the cell phone (butContinue reading “Of Swords And Plowshares”

Adam McHugh: Thank You and Goodnight – My Farewell to Hospice

Note from CM: What a privilege to have Adam McHugh writing monthly for us here at IM. When I first read today’s article, I told Adam that I would be filing it away for the day when I too take the step he describes here. I’m not sure anyone could say it any better. *Continue reading “Adam McHugh: Thank You and Goodnight – My Farewell to Hospice”