By Chaplain Mike I hope no reader will suppose that “mere” Christianity is here put forward as an alternative to the creeds of the existing communions—as if a man could adopt it in preference to Congregationalism or Greek Orthodoxy or anything else. It is more like a hall out of which doors open into severalContinue reading “A Long Pause from Impermanence”
Category Archives: Parable, Metaphor and Illustration
Raspberry Wars, Part Two: Kindness
“I love mankind; it’s people I can’t stand.†– Charles Schultz I stood at the gate of my raspberry garden admiring the beauty of the place. I’d been working diligently there for months and it showed. The plants were green and well watered, the ground uncluttered, the perimeters trim and the berries a deep magenta.Continue reading “Raspberry Wars, Part Two: Kindness”
I Am a Pastor
By Chaplain Mike I wrote this many years ago, while on a mission trip in India. I used it to teach children about what a pastor is and does. Over the years, I’ve come back to it many times. Its simple words reminded me of God’s calling. Perhaps, on this Monday morning, it can beContinue reading “I Am a Pastor”
Sailing In Deep Waters
If I had a boat I’d go out on the ocean And if I had a pony I’d ride him on my boat And we could all together Go out on the ocean Me upon my pony on my boat Lyle Lovett, If I Had A Boat The walls of college dorm rooms, at leastContinue reading “Sailing In Deep Waters”
Let Them Eat Cake!
As part of our continuing examination of issues in evangelicalism, today we present this interview with a renowned business leader. William Sola oversees franchises all across our country and around the world. * * * Reporter: Hello, today I’m with William Sola, great, great, great grandson of Jack Sola, founder of the Sola Bakery Company.Continue reading “Let Them Eat Cake!”
Walking Barefoot
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news, Breaking the news that all’s well, proclaiming good times, announcing salvation, telling Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7, The Message (This is the second part of a two-part essay. You can read part one here.) My feet are killing me–and it’sContinue reading “Walking Barefoot”
The World’s Worst Feet
The worst feet in the world undoubtedly belonged to St. Francis of Assisi. Francis walked miles everyday throughout the region of Italy where he and his followers preached the Gospel. He walked on broken rock, bare dirt, ice, snow, and thorny weeds each day–in his bare feet. His feet were a mass of bloody wounds,Continue reading “The World’s Worst Feet”
The Family, Part Three
A trilogy of poems by Chaplain Mike. III. The Elder Duty, that’s the word– Nothing less. Best effort at all times, no matter what. Keep at it, never give up. First to the task And last to lay it down. Don’t let anyone outwork you. Also: expect maximum effort From those under your charge. Don’tContinue reading “The Family, Part Three”
The Family, Part Two
A trilogy of poems by Chaplain Mike. II. The Father A hundred years have passed, or so it seems, Since news was brought to me–oh father’s joy! A son, our first, the image of his kin. How strong he rose! How righteous, true! Serious child with scrupulous eye, Steadfast he stands, surveys the family stock.Continue reading “The Family, Part Two”
The Family, Part One
A trilogy of poems by Chaplain Mike. I. The Younger Here I am, father, at the eleventh hour once more, Reaper’s scythe poised to harvest fruit of seeds I’ve sown. Shamefaced, knowing full well the paucity of yield, I slump low with downcast eyes, near resigned to table bare. And perhaps this is that Hand–Continue reading “The Family, Part One”
The Internet Monk Archives 