Category Archives: Christian Faith

Our Need for White Space

The idea of “white space” may have had its origin in the field of publishing and design, but it has become a metaphor in other disciplines, including the Christ following way of life.  In design work (think newspaper, magazine or website) white space is the portion of the page left unmarked.  It’s the margin or the space between columns and pictures that gives your eye an opportunity to rest.

The business world took white space on as a metaphor, and talks about it as opportunity – that place “where no one is in charge”, leaving room for creativity and passion to emerge. Businesses that give their employees a certain amount of white space often find them more engaged and energized in their work. Continue reading

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Filed under Christian Faith, Spiritual Formation, Uncategorized

Living an Easter Life

EasterThe season that follows Easter in the church year is called “Eastertide”.  In our house we’ve been talking about this week in terms of it being Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday, Easter Wednesday . . .   So, while the culture and world around us packs up the Easter season and moves on – to the latest news cycle, presidential primary, MLB season, or whatever – and while churches and pastors slow in their reporting (er- bragging?) about Easter Sunday attendance and hope they might see at least two-thirds of those folks again this Sunday . . . I’d like to linger a bit with Easter’s news and implications.

Every day after Easter is a day of hope and victory for those who follow Christ. Continue reading

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Filed under Christian Faith, Holy Days

Brief Encounter – Lasting Impact

Each year during Holy Week I try to spend time reading and reflecting on Jesus’ last days – not as one who preaches or teaches, but as a Christ follower – one who seeks to understand and identify with what Jesus went through for me (for you).  This morning as I read Luke 23 I began to think about the lasting impact Jesus had in his very brief encounters with so many different people during his last hours.

There is a phrase that we hear used during this week: “Three days that changed the world.”  In historic church lingo these days are called the Triduum, the three day period from late Maundy Thursday/Good Friday to Easter Sunday.  Truly these three days did change the world – but they also changed lives. Continue reading

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I live in a world of words.  Each week I spend a good portion of my time trying to find the right words – the right words for a sermon, the right words in a prayer, the right words during a hospital visit, a phone conversation or in response to a query from someone who dropped by my office.  I believe words are important.

I enjoy reading the work of those who are gifted with words.  A well written book, blog or article can capture my attention as its words carry me into thoughts and ruminations that are unexpected but welcome.  Often the written lyrics of a hymn will cause me to pause as we sing it in worship – catching the meaningful intent behind the words. In the same way a well crafted and delivered message (whether spoken or written) will always hit my ears with appreciation.  I am grateful when persons have taken the time to choose their words carefully and order them with intent and meaning.  I believe words are important. Continue reading

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Filed under Christian Faith, Family

Sabbath Keeping . . a Mental Health Spiritual Practice

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Yesterday I took what I named a “nearing the end of the season” bike ride out to Harrison Lake.  This is a beautiful ride in the autumn of the year – one I’ve made each of the last three years in late October or early November.  Once again I was not disappointed by the artistry of God’s paint brush.  The picture hardly does justice to the hues of yellow, orange and red that bounced off the earth’s canvass against a perfect blue sky.  I was reminded, once again, that one of my four favorite seasons is Fall!

Added to this Sabbath Monday experience (as a pastor Monday is usually my Sabbath) was the challenge and thrill of the ride. Continue reading

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Filed under Christian Faith, Spiritual Formation