Tag: Christianity

  • Safe Pasture in Strange Places

    Safe Pasture in Strange Places

    It happened early this past summer. A small herd of elk lumbered into town, grazing and then lying down in a grassy field across the street from a fitness center. It was quite a spectacle, all the more so as elk are naturally reclusive, even shy. Picture four young bulls, with full racks of antlers,…

  • Finding Patience: Lessons from the Early Morning

    Finding Patience: Lessons from the Early Morning

    Just before sunrise, I stepped off the back porch, coffee cup in hand, and looked for the glow in the Eastern sky. It was a beautiful mix of purplish pink! I also noticed something in the leafless pear tree just across the fence–birds, silhouetted by the coming sunrise. Two cardinals, and two sparrows were perched…

  • Embracing Role Models Across Ages

    Embracing Role Models Across Ages

    As I walked off the elevator at the elementary school where I work, I crossed paths with some fourth graders. One of them was singing the chorus of a hit song from the early 1980’s by Elton John: “🎶I’m still standing better than I ever did.🎶” I snapped my fingers, as I walked to the…

  • What Did Jesus Do in Crisis?

    What Did Jesus Do in Crisis?

    Twenty-something years ago, WWJD? was a popular acronym: What Would Jesus Do? It’s a great thought, but is this completely discernible in the 21st century?  I’m fairly sure the Son of God wouldn’t post a picture of what He had for breakfast on Instagram, but how can one be certain? A better question is, What…

  • GPS Jesus

    GPS Jesus

    For the fine citizens of Wellington, Florida enough was enough. The baby Jesus was stolen from their community center nativity two years in a row! But during the next Noel they were ready–with a creative way to catch a crook. Christmas season number three featured a baby Jesus with a GPS locator onboard. Sheriff’s deputies…

  • Santa, the Grinch, and the Christ Child

    Santa, the Grinch, and the Christ Child

    This past week I greeted a kindergartner in the main office of our school, where I serve as an administrator. Rosa Maria (not her real name) had on a Santa hat and a Christmas themed outfit, so I asked her, “Are you one of Santa’s helpers?” She answered, “No, I’m Santa.” Then, the most fascinating…