Chaplainmike

Prepositions Matter

“…the grammarian’s last daughter opened her bag. “Out came the prepositions: of, to, from, with, at, by, in, under, over, and so on. When she’d put them into the bag, they had seemed like hooks or angles. Now, departing in orderly rows, they reminded her of ants. Granted, they were large ants, each one theContinue reading “Prepositions Matter”

Difficult Scriptures: Mark 8:35

Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self (Mark 8:35, The Message). There are times I like a verse or passage from The Message better than any other translation, and this is one of them. You may be more familiar with the way most other BiblesContinue reading “Difficult Scriptures: Mark 8:35”

Another Look: Selling Jesus By The Pound

Chaplain Mike wrote earlier this week about the demise of Borders and how the Christian Booksellers Association says their member stores need to fill the gap. I have worked in Christian publishing for a number of years. I know the ins and outs fairly well of this field, so I feel I have the rightContinue reading “Another Look: Selling Jesus By The Pound”

Hanging On…

For awhile now, I have been feeling the need for a break of some kind. As I’ve written about some of the demanding situations involved in working on a hospice team, many of you have been kind enough to encourage me to remember to practice self-care, and you are right. The schedule of emotionally intenseContinue reading “Hanging On…”

Sealing the Deal

Ordinary Time Bible Study 2011 The Book of Ruth (11) Now Boaz went up to the village gate and sat there. Then along came the guardian whom Boaz had mentioned to Ruth! Boaz said, “Come here and sit down, ‘John Doe’!” So he came and sat down. Boaz chose ten of the village leaders andContinue reading “Sealing the Deal”

The LG’s discuss CE

It has been awhile since we have heard from our “Liturgical Gangstas.” Three of them are back today to discuss the education of young people in their traditions. Here’s today’s question: Describe your church and denominational approach to Christian education of children and youth? Has this changed significantly over the course of your ministry? InContinue reading “The LG’s discuss CE”

Hooray for Shaun King!

Last night I read that Shaun King resigned on September 1 as pastor of Courageous Church in Atlanta, GA. Here’s what he said to the congregation: After much prayer and many discussions with my family, friends, and mentors, I have decided that it is time for me to transition out of my role as LeadContinue reading “Hooray for Shaun King!”

This Goes too Far

Last week I put up an excerpt from Pat Robertson’s controversial video in which he said he would advise a husband to divorce his wife with Alzheimer’s disease. You will note that I did not pass direct judgment on his comments, but merely described them as “strange” and “surprising.” I encouraged us not to pileContinue reading “This Goes too Far”

Crossing Borders

Last week, our local Borders bookstore closed, as they are doing everywhere across the country. On my final visit, I was able to pick up eight or nine books for $1.00 each. On any other day, that would have been a cause for celebration. On this day, I had a sick feeling in my stomach.Continue reading “Crossing Borders”

A Simple Pattern of Spiritual Formation

I’ve been reading Skye Jethani’s excellent new book, With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God. I hope to comment on it more this week, including a full review. For now, as a Sunday afternoon meditation, I offer this excerpt in which Jethani sets forth a cycle that describes the way many of us experienceContinue reading “A Simple Pattern of Spiritual Formation”