I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read the Grinch these past few weeks. I’ve got it memorized, as do the kids. In fact, they are starting to cotton on when i try to skip a line or two in order to move things on along toward bedtime. “No, mom, you forgot the part where…” Meanwhile, in my own reading life, i am making nightly trips to Hogwarts–again. This is probably my third time reading the newer books, more... Read more
The phone is ringing off the hook, The sanctuary’s hard to book. Yes it’s clean–dare you to look– In church, at Christmastime. One hard-working secretary Is a little tried and harried. Under bulletin notes, she’s buried, In church, at Christmastime. The kids are plenty sugar wired, the moms all look a little tired, and we all know how that transpired In church, at Christmastime. Cause church ladies are such a soft touch; they’ll never say you’re taking... Read more
Guest Post: Rev. Amy Gopp is Executive Director of the Week of Compassion. WOC is the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. They share the good news of Jesus Christ through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable development and the promotion of mission opportunities. This holiday season, you can make a gift that truly brings hope to a waiting world. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,... Read more
What Are You Waiting For? We have two choices; we are either waiting for death, or we are waiting for life. We can stockpile our weapons, or we can sing into the darkness. We can live in fear of our neighbor and cling more tightly to our stuff, our answers, our ‘rights.’ Or, we can say, enough already; our way is not working. We can make a way in this wilderness for God to do a new thing in us,... Read more
Guest post: Kent Somers is Sports Writer for the Arizona Republic. He covers the AZ Cardinals and the NFL. When he’s not on the road, doing the most awesome job ever, he worships and serves at Foothills Christian Church. You can follow him on twitter the rest of the time. What are you waiting for? As a young(er) person, I thought life moved at my pace and on my timetable. College, marriage, job, kids; I wouldn’t say I saw them... Read more
Guest Post: Rev. Andrew Shepherd is Pastoral Resident at Foothills Christian Church in Phoenix. He also likes to make beer, but is keeping his day job for now. What are you waiting for? I still remember my first Kindle. It was a 21st birthday gift from my mother. When I first opened it, I didn’t really know what it was. The box was covered with the words “Amazon,” and it was printed with reviews extolling this product as “revolutionary.” It... Read more
Mary’s was the original Christmas carol. She is the reason that we sing our way through the season, the reason we can muster a song of joy in December, despite whatever cold, gray, snow or sleet might otherwise prevail. (Well, not at my house–70 and sunny here in AZ today, and yet the desert folks are dragging out mittens and making chili…) Thanks to Mary’s song of praise, we enjoy a whole broad spectrum of songs in this season that help us... Read more
Our new baby nephew was born in Kentucky very early this morning. I’m reminded of how much waiting for Christmas–if you do it right–is like the experience of waiting for a real and actual baby. Much anticipation, a little discomfort (more than a little if you are the mother!) and such good news of great joy upon arrival. When the gift of new life comes to any family, it affirms our hope of a future, and the certainty of God’s presence and faithfulness... Read more
The question is, can we accept ourselves just as we are, imperfections, bad habits, weaknesses, and all? And can we trust that God is always with us, in all situations, at all times? When we can do that, we will know the peace that Jesus promised: a peace not as the world knows, but one that does not rely on outward circumstances. Read more
When I was a sophomore in college, my grandparents got new furniture, and got rid of the old. Among the outgoing stuff: two slate blue, la-z-boy recliners. They were, honestly, the most comfortable chairs on the planet. Plush and inviting, they rocked, they leaned back, they had just enough give and just enough support to make for the perfect sitting situation. Imagine my great joy upon learning that these chairs needed new homes. One of them came to live with me,... Read more
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