The question was asked of me by a young woman trying to make sense out of her life and the Christian faith she was returning to.
This is a common struggle experienced by many people. Influenced by many factors. Not easily answered. I encouraged her to seek professional counseling and thankfully she did. Too many don’t and their lives keep spiraling downward.
Why is it so hard to love myself in this condition?
This question was asked of me by…..
It’s a question I asked my Sunday School teacher when I was a young girl. I think I was in either 5th or 6th grade when I asked her this question. I had friends of different denominations and maybe even different religions – I’m not sure. But I remember we were having a conversation about Jesus when…..
I learned some new exercises today to improve the strength of my shoulders, biceps, upper back muscles and bones. The exercises are simple and yet exhausting. Isn’t it interesting how some of the simplest things can be the most exhausting? And yet, how much stronger we become by doing these simple and exhausting things that will help us carry the weight of our bodies…..
Have you ever spoken to someone and it seemed they didn’t even hear you? Or have you ever listened to someone speak and not heard them? I’m guessing your answer is yes to both questions, I know mine would be. What causes people to hear us, to pay attention to what we are saying? What helps us to pay attention to other people so that…..
Two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, those in authority were looking for a way to arrest Jesus and kill him. Jesus was in Bethany and other people were present when a woman brought a jar of perfume made with pure nard. This was the best and most expensive perfumed oil that money could buy. People began complaining that she anointed Jesus…..
As soon as Jesus finished talking with the Sadducees about the rising (the resurrection) a teacher of the law came and asked him which of all the commandments was the most important one. (This story is found Mark 12:28-34)
Christians are very familiar with his answer – he answered love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Then said…..
Today, the lesson is in Mark 12:1-12. I’ve been blogging about the lessons Jesus taught between his entry in Jerusalem and the Last Supper with his disciples. These teachings still have some relevancy today. Yesterday we saw how the leaders in the temple claimed ignorance to a question Jesus asked them. Because they claimed ignorance Jesus wouldn’t answer their question and then he continued on with a…..
Jesus’ teaching continued on in Jerusalem – so far first they walked past the fig tree, then Jesus stayed with friends in Bethany, then Jesus cleared the temple and then they left the temple and the city (probably stayed with friends again) and went past that fig tree again. “Read my post The Next Thing Jesus Did” to read about the fig tree and…..
Some people think that Lenten traditions of discipline and the Christian life of repentance is all drudgery. Some think it’s about self-debasing or self-loathing and that we walk around with heavy sacks laden with remorse and sin on our backs. But that isn’t what lent and repentance is about. No, the season of Lent and the action of repentance is about lightening our loads. The season is…..
Over the years through the season of Lent and in my participation and leadership in Alpha, Daughters of the King, in my friendships and in my volunteer and work time spent in healthcare settings I’ve spent time listening to people talk about their struggles with sin. I never pretended that I didn’t have struggles of…..