When I worked in the restaurant biz we had a saying: “The last line of defense.” Basically this meant we were the last ones to see a customer’s (you can’t make me say “guest” anymore) plate before it went to the table. We were the only one standing between a great experience and a horrible…
Tag: faith
Fear Factor: 2021 Edition
If you want to find things to be fearful of these days, you don’t have to look very far. As one friend put on Facebook, gas prices were the scariest part of Halloween this year! The world is nuts, everything is on fire, and our clothes are too tight. Just me? But seriously, it is…
Come What May
Maybe it’s the fresh air from the open window and the bright beauty of hot pink roses spilling over the neighbor’s fence. Maybe it’s the sunlight dappling the yellow and red and brown and green of fall leaves. Maybe it’s the perfect cup of coffee and the coziness of the throw blanket I’m snuggled under….
Life on the Other Side of Abuse
Ben and I watched a limited series on Netflix last weekend. Maid chronicles the true story of a woman (Alex) in an abusive relationship who struggles to make a life for herself and her daughter apart from her abuser. It is thrilling when she gets away and finds a safe place. It’s heartbreaking to see…
Nothing But The Truth
Things that are true stand the test of time. Things that are true can hold their own against doubts and misgivings. Things that are true will not be washed away in the flood of popular opinion or made untrue by lies. The truth will be there when all else is exposed for the nothing it…
Where Do You Stand?
I don’t want any part of it. It’s not good for you, although it may appear that way for a short while. You may not feel the consequences yet, but you will. It’s going to kill you, actually. We’ve got to stop looking only at the short term, because the future ramifications will be here…
This Appointment
This past year and a half has taught me some things. Mostly that human nature hasn’t changed much. But also that God is faithful and good even when the world is basically a dumpster fire. I think a valid word for many over the last eighteen months would be “disappointment.” I can personally relate to…
Jenga!
There’s a lot of deconstruction going on in the church. It’s kinda like Jenga. “I don’t agree with this piece, so lemme pull it out. Um..this one seems a bit harsh..see ya! Ooohh..this piece isn’t going to work for me, either..” Sooner or later, the whole thing comes crashing down. Now, you’re left with two…
I am not. He is.
Yesterday my pastor (known affectionately as Pastor PeePaw for some unspecified reason) asked a sobering question: “Are you one person at church and another with certain groups of friends?” Yikes. I don’t think this is true of me now (although I am not some great super-Christian and I do slip up with bad words every…
Here’s what I’m offering..
I’m not an influencer. I can apply my make-up with just enough competence not to look crazy. I have no desire to be famous. I haven’t lived among Nepali people in the Himalayas or started a non-profit for underprivileged skate-boarders. I can follow a recipe but haven’t created crazy delicious flavor-combos like tomato-feta pasta (is…
Living Well 