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The Covenantal Life: Appreciating the Beauty of Theology and Community (by Sarah Ivill)
As an attorney and professional mediator, I deeply appreciate resources that help people to strengthen and enjoy community. As a seminary student, I delight in books the elucidate both philosophy and theology, especially covenant theology. But this tour de force from Sarah Ivill is the first book I have endorsed that perfectly illumines the way that “covenant theology leads to community life that is governed by the God of the covenant.” As you study this resource alone or in groups, I am confident that you will be well grounded in truth, and then equipped to graciously share that truth with others because, “theology is not just something we know; it…
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“Brothers and sisters, let us pray!” — My Review and Endorsement of Megan Hill’s “Praying Together”
I love beautiful prose and apt illustrations. When I book teaches me a new word (or two or three!), I know I am in for a treat. But my favorite thing of all about excellent Christian writing is when I forget the author and stop even noticing the beauty and wisdom of the words, because my heart is actively being drawn to meditate on the Triune God as revealed in Holy Scripture. And thus it is with Megan Hill’s, “Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer in Our Homes, Communities, and Churches.” This is an excellent book on prayer that I endorse and recommend without hesitation. Unlike some of…
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From Garden to Glory (by Courtney Doctor)
I just finished reading Courtney Doctor’s wonderful Bible study, From Garden to Glory, and I highly recommend it to you, especially if you are eager to introduce your women to an overview of the Bible as one glorious, cohesive story of redemption. in Mississippi, Maryland, Tennessee, and Missouri … Courtney will be teaching us all about Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 – “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Amen & Amen! And thank you for your ministry for the Lord and his people, dear Courtney!
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People are hoping to find you alive …
I cringed when I read the following poem by my friend and fellow Christian attorney, David Hogue: Traffic Honestly? I had to force myself to finish it because this topic is so horrific that it would take all of my focus in life if I let it. I also had to force myself to not give in to all of my temptations related to excuses for inactivity because this evil is just so overwhelmingly huge that I would constantly close my eyes and turn my head away from it if I gave in to my own devices. Can I stop child trafficking? No. Can I give money every month to…
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The Loving of Awkward People and People We Intensely Dislike
From D.A. Carson’s book, Love in Hard Places (bold and italicized emphases mine): Not all Christians face persecuting enemies, but all Christians face little enemies. We encounter people whose personality we intensely dislike— – an obstreperous deacon or church leader – a truly revolting relative – an employee or employer who specializes in insensitivity, rudeness, and general arrogance – people with whom you have differed on some point of principle who take all differences in a deeply personal way and who nurture bitterness for decades, stroking their own self-righteousness and offended egos as they go – insecure little people who resent and try to tear down those who are even marginally…
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This confrontation was hard — but oh, so good.
Recently, I was confronted on an important topic by someone I trust and admire. Thankfully, God had graciously helped me to prepare for this meeting by calling me to prayer, reflection (I mentally worked through the Scripture passages and questions in the very same “Peacemaker Workbook” that I have used with mediation clients for over twenty years now), and listening to two spiritually-mature, insightful friends who know me quite well (and thus, they know my strengths, weaknesses, and proclivities in general). So I was in a pretty good place when the meeting started and I can honestly say that the vast majority of the meeting was deeply enjoyable for me. I had the privilege of…
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Meg’s Incredible Muffins
I am extremely grateful for all of the close friends and family members who continue to help us along on our journey of more healthy living. You motivate us by your example: canoeing, bicycling, hiking, push-up competitions and backflips on the Rims. You help us with specific recipes and wise counsel. And many of you pray for us, which is probably the most helpful thing of all. It’s hard, though, to change habits. This is especially true re: eating. “Healthy” and “good for you” foods sometimes just don’t taste very good (initially) when your taste buds have been ruined by junk food. But this recipe tastes GREAT. It is the…
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She Views the Whole of Me Through the Lens of the Worst of Me
Have you ever had a confusing over-reaction to something someone says or does? I have. Years ago, I was confronted by one of those women who just always seem to have it all together. (Do you know any women like that?) I had invited her confrontation in my life. I wanted to grow and change. I know that redemptive criticism is an important part of maturing. But man! When she started in on her LIST I felt like I was being shot with a big gun right through my heart. I couldn’t even understand what I was feeling more or less what I was thinking. The power of speech had left me entirely and in…
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Reconnecting People Who Have Been Hurt by Their Church
Thank you, Pastor Anyabwile, for posting this oldie-but-a-goodie CCEF video and your summary too: How Do You Reconnect People Who Have Been Hurt By Their Church? Some of the suggestions/notes from the video: 1. Determine the issue: How did the church actually hurt the person? What was the issue? 2. Don’t assume: Be aware that you’re getting one side of the story. Don’t assume you’re getting all the information. Without disparaging the person’s story, remember that there is another side. 3. Relationship history: What else is going on in the person’s life? Are there other painful relationships and experiences affecting the person’s outlook? Is this how the person typically handles…
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The Insidiousness of Gossip
The other day*, a certain friend “just mentioned” to Fred and me how another woman had said some pretty unkind things about us. (There’s nothing like “sharing” information about someone that makes everyone involved look bad, is there? This friend was attacking us in a sort of passive way; the other woman was allegedly speaking ill of us to others; and now we were tempted to not think so highly of the other woman either. UGH! Gossip is insidious!) ANYWAY … since our friend alleged that this other woman was telling people that we had “devastated” (crushed / offended / hurt) her, we knew we were into the realm of…
