The crew of boys that often occupied the backyard space beneath our bathroom and bedroom windows has been gone for more than two weeks now. These guys were the source of a great deal of fear and vigilance on our parts as they were heavily involved in a variety of activities that made us nervous… Continue reading The view from here
Category: Church
Removal
In a recent conversation with people involved in overseas mission, we broached the topic of those “in the field” who seek out therapy at some point for a range of issues. The comment was made that every therapist advises people to leave the field so that they can pursue their healing. The question was raised:… Continue reading Removal
Welcome
A few days ago I wrote about how it feels to negotiate travel with two small children, and how I can feel like a nuisance or even an offense to those around me. Like the women seated in the row directly behind us on the plane. As soon as my body turned to begin the… Continue reading Welcome
Mystery
I have always regretted the impact that gambling and the lottery have had on poor communities. It seems, in my experience, that suffering, disappointment and hopelessness breed a susceptibility to “get rich quick” dreams and schemes, and I want to slash the tires on the big casino buses that park in front of the Food… Continue reading Mystery
Practicing the presence
This past year I turned to a free online resource to help me bring order to my household. The thing about this resource that has worked for me (in spite of a great deal of cheesiness and way too many reminder emails that clutter my inbox and totally annoy my husband) is that she believes… Continue reading Practicing the presence
Mission
Ryan Bolger, author and instructor at Fuller, has a great post on the role of the Sunday service in how churches think about evangelism and life together. Doug and I talk about this stuff ALL THE TIME as we live and breathe the challenge of growing a church in our community. Thanks to Todd Hiestand… Continue reading Mission
Blessed
Scot McKnight had quite the discussion going today about women pastors, and some of the obstacles they face within denominations that support the ordination of women. As I read some of the comments, I was struck by God’s grace to me in my own process of being called, as a woman, to pastoral ministry. It… Continue reading Blessed
A gift
This past week, Doug and I were humbled by a gift from someone we have never met. An individual on the other side of the country was moved to send us a gift card to help us out with groceries this month. In a letter they sent with the gift, this person shared about how… Continue reading A gift
What would Disney do?
We spent the day today in Anaheim visiting Doug’s dad and his wife. They have rented a condo for part of the week and the last two days we have been enjoying their wonderful company, some nice air conditioning, and the great swimming pool at their resort. They are located on the edge of the… Continue reading What would Disney do?
The helicopters can talk
You know how police cars have the ability to broadcast their instructions? Well, last night we learned that the helicopters do too. We had just gone to bed after watching King Kong, and we were already a little tense with thoughts of giant bugs eating our heads, when we starting hearing some really crazy noises… Continue reading The helicopters can talk