It’s a Wonder We Ever Forgive
Why are we not more grateful? That’s the million dollar question, or actually the $140 million question (adjusted for inflation) posed to us in the parable of the Unforgiving Servant, who, once he’s been forgiven his huge debt, refuses to extend the same kindness to his own debtor. Why does this central message of the New Testament not evoke […]
Who’s Stealing Your Good Day?
“We must be prepared to have certain things done to us.” Well, you don’t have to tell me that twice. Have you seen the way people drive around here? Cutting you off, swerving in and out of your lane, passing you on the right… And don’t get me started on the pushing and shoving at […]
When Words Undo Us, Silence Speaks
“To have a good day, one must be willing not only to do things, but to let other things go undone.” During our ramp up to the holidays that’s an oft used expression. Don’t DO so much. When opportunities become obligations, our energy is sapped and the glow goes right out of the season. Simplify, […]
This is the day to have a good day
Have a Good Day. Such a hackneyed phrase we use upon parting, offered limply to someone we don’t know well. Why title your book this way? Apparently because Dr. Rilling knew he had something to say in the sermon he chose for the first chapter, its namesake (with added exclamation!). But truth be told, it’s probably also why […]
The Dance of Life
Gliding, flowing, streaming across the surface, without effort without care without fear, she slides along. The ice is slick, but, on razor’s edge, she is balanced and strong. Her blade is firm, posture sturdy, confidence in full bloom. Leaping, landing, forward and backing, running, jumping, dancing and whirling, spinning, stopping, pure delight. Shall we dance? […]
Divide and Conquer is a Game Every Child Knows How to Play
The smallest children must rely on adults to supply all their needs, but soon, they learn how to get their own way. They want something they’ve been told they can’t have, and the wheels start turning. If Mom is decisive and consistent, she can withstand these forays. But, if she is the least bit equivocal, they […]
Kinesthetic Christian: Write, Rest, or Revise?
Dear friends, May I call you that? You, who faithfully (or only occasionally) read what I write here at the Kinesthetic Christian? I regularly struggle with what it means, and what I mean, when I say I am a kinesthetic Christian. It is easier to say what I don’t mean: I don’t mean you have […]
Beyond the Clearing Where Life Gets Real
Life is pristine through my close-up lenses. My hand-writing, clear and crisp, the grain of my table, inviting, the lines of the photo, smile. All, brush strokes of the master. They draw me into the world on the page that takes me far away to that delightful Narnia; Where children and creatures, wardrobes and weather, and a […]
Election Day: You were worth it
Frankly, had it not been for the woman who climbed the steps to my porch a few weeks ago to introduce herself and tell me what she brought to the race for the office she was seeking, I probably would have been among the ranks of the apathetic on this election day. But we visited for […]
Welcoming the Stranger
Unlikely partners, these two, One tall and statuesque, the other short and squat. One, firm and defined, Hands neatly latch their way up the ladder of the palm tree bark. The other, raucous and unwieldy, Green sprigs, as a rogue lock Escaping from the ponytail. One, disciplined and ordered. the other, doing as it pleases. […]