Years ago I read Chasing the Dragon by Jackie Pullinger. I don’t remember why I picked it up, although I did think I’d someday go to a foreign mission field, so I read one or two books about those experiences. One of most impactful things I got from this book was that sometimes the drug addicted would come to her for help, pray to God and immediately be sober, clear minded, healed, and never crave drugs again. Other times the individual would pray, and then writhe in agony for days, crying out for relief from the pain of detox. And both would love Jesus… Only part of the story When people share their experience, we tend to think it’s formula. click to continue reading…
Category: Not My Words
Lyrics I like, tidbits from sermons, logophilia
Matriarchal Wisdom
Things my grandmother used to say: You make a better door than a window. It simply means please get out of the way. I heard it every time I stood in from of the television. Always add as many eggs as you want, and one for the pan. This is for scrambled eggs in a cast iron skillet. Since she was raised in the dust bowl close to the Great Depression, I’d consider it luxurious generosity. When you get married, everything should be new inside and out. Buy new panties. You can’t tell on galloping horse. This is in reference to uneven stitches on homemade clothing for children who spend most of their time running. But remember it for any click to continue reading…
The Glory of Man
We’re in Scottsdale this week, a trip that replaced the canceled excursion to Costa Rica. I want to invite you to read a book with me this summer and I’m giving you lots of time if you’re a procrastinator or slow reader. It’s called Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women. I haven’t read it yet, but I have high hopes because I heard one of authors on a podcast. I’ll post and we’ll discuss it in the first blog of July. Or, if I see you in real life, mention it any time you want. That gives you May and June to prepare. A little background As a new momma, I called my pastor to ask him if there were click to continue reading…
He’s on your side–he is not on your side
I recently told a younger friend (she’s not much younger than me but she likes to be called young) that I turned 46 two weeks before the last election. No content warning needed–this is not a political post. For the most part, my feelings on politics can be summed up in Joshua 5:13-14. Joshua is on a commission from God, he’s obediently doing what he is supposed to do and in the place he is supposed to be. He has a drawn sword and he asks the angel of the Lord, “Are you for us, or our enemies?” The angel replies, “Neither,” in such a way that Joshua falls on his face. Would that we all fell on our face click to continue reading…
Analyzing the Average Four–The Imaginative Aesthete
January is nearing the end and I feel like I did ok with my new year plans. I’m curious, so please share how you fared with your January goals—but I know some people are vehemently against making resolutions. Generally, I do what I feel like doing, and I don’t judge myself too harshly if I don’t make it. Translation: rules are for other people. Resolutions and goals can be really painful for personality types who can’t stand failure or who need to be in the right. (I’m talking to you, Enneagram Ones. I think if you’re an Eight you don’t make a rule, you just do it in your strength.) Don’t read condescension into my tone; it isn’t there. Some click to continue reading…