Thinking Faith Cafe Blog Posts

• The Heart of Lent at the Gym
  on Feb 12, 2013 in disciplines gym power persistence Lent exercise effort commitment
  Yesterday, I went back to the gym. and found some spiritual insight as well. When I moved back in July, I left the membership my gym behind with a promise that I would find one quickly after getting settled in our new community. I could argue that i...
• Our Advent Journey
  on Dec 13, 2012 in wonder reflection patience preparation celebration seasons meaning God Christmas Advent
  Christmas is less than two weeks away and many of us are busily preparing for its arrival. For several weeks, my staff and I have been addressing the details of that season, especially our celebrations on Christmas Eve. Our Sunday School children are...
• In the Light of the Season
  on Dec 6, 2012 in wonder thoughts vision choice thinking life Jesus circumsances seasons hope Advent
  The weather is finally starting to change. It is hard to believe it was over 60 degrees on Tuesday. It certainly was not normal for early December, and while the warmth was enjoyable, it was a little disturbing to think that the natural order was so...
• Spirit-filled Debate
  on Oct 24, 2012 in Holy Spirit fruit witness value compassion Jesus Spirit Politics kindness Christianity
  As election day draws closer, the aggressive nature of the campaign continues to escalate. There is a steady stream of venom spoken in the public sphere. A parade of television and radio messages declare the litany of reasons why opposing candidates...
• Praying With Confidence
  on Oct 17, 2012 in trust boldness arrogance prayer confidence answers God Advent faithfulnes
  "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." - 1 John 5:14-15 For many years, I strug...
• Good Soul Food
  on Oct 16, 2012 in blessed choice blessing grace Spirit health strength responsibility food
  "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare." - Isaiah 55:2 I've read Isaiah 55 numerous times and even reflected on the ble...
• Change
  on Sep 18, 2012 in challenge vision healing Jesus hope fear change strength living promise God energy
  As it turned out, there was more transitional work than I expected and unfortunately, my blogging suffered the most when it came to making needed cuts. However, now that the sermons are largely planned through the end of the year and the classes I am...
• What is Truth?
  on Jul 31, 2012 in bible real reality truth expectations change Holy Spirit challenge insight Jesus searching growth Scripture Christianity
  "What is truth?" Pilate asked Jesus. With the Son of God, the very living embodiment of truth, before him, he chose to enter into a philosophical reflection on the nature of truth. It is a stunning example of missed opportunity. Instead of debating t...
• House of Prayer
  on Jul 25, 2012 in church Christ calling obedience community humility gift prayer Jesus nations treasures
  Nearly every parent has a story of purchasing an expensive gift for their child, only to have them find the box and packaging more fun to play with. It seems easy for children to miss the main point of the gift as they focus on what was meant to be d...
• Finding Our Footing
  on Jul 21, 2012 in trust complications challenge help Christ destiny Jesus journey faith encouragement
  After nearly three weeks, we are beginning to feel settled in our new appointment. Transition between churches and moving to a new community in a new region shake up comfort zones and break most of established routines. These changes can be as simple...
• How Great is Our God!
  on Jun 1, 2012 in Holy Spirit provision vision thankful nature look life intimacy God encouragement
  On the way to our region's annual, denominational meeting, I was on the road for several hours. As I drove, I passed numerous cars, vans and trucks, and I saw a vast diversity of scenery. Passing by an area of wetlands set against a backdrop of dense...
• Fear Not
  on May 29, 2012 in trust rest peace expectations hope fear future faith storm
  It was supposed to be a debilitating spring snowstorm, but for much of the area it was only frosting on the grass and a lot of rain. All expectations focused on broken tree limbs, downed power lines and plenty of ice. Thankfully, the expectations wer...
• The Power of Pentecost
  on May 26, 2012 in boldness stewardship destiny strength Savior faith promise celebrations Holy Spirit past presence Jesus Spirit living remembrance
  Tomorrow is Pentecost. It is also two weeks since I announced to the congregation I serve that a change in pastoral leadership is coming. As you can imagine, accepting the coming change is a difficult thing. Some people are ready to move forward whil...
• What You Sow
  on May 25, 2012 in fruit life success planning change attention day opportunity faith choice intentionality redemption today
  You reap what you sow! It is a biblical truth, and one worth remembering, just not always in a negative way.The context of this quote does speak of mocking God and reminds us to consider that our work will be shown for what it is. This is an importan...
• Simply Sacred
  on May 16, 2012 in wonder holy ordinary miracles blessing life Spirit attention God encouragement
  As we continue to prepare for the upcoming move, we face that challenge of challenges - finding boxes. It is amazing how many you need to move a houseful of belongings, especially if you are a pastor with a healthy library. After commenting on Facebo...
• Moving Faith
  on May 14, 2012 in trust following provision calling journey change adventure future God comfort beginnings
  Yesterday, I announced that I was being appointed to another church. The congregation I serve did not expect that news and a few weeks ago, neither did I.I already indicated my desire to stay where I was and the church shared their hope that I would...
• Going Deeper
  on May 11, 2012 in following understanding depth Jesus journey love growth God faith
  Recently, I purchased a set of microfiber cloths. These are the extra-gentle wipes used to clean sensitive surfaces like computer and touch screens. Numerous people kept pointing out that my iPad screen could stand to lose a few fingerprints, so it s...
• Unexpected Blessings
  on Feb 17, 2012 in blessed surprises blessing peace life time unexpected attention
  Tuesday was one of the better Valentine's Days I've experienced. We did not make any real plans due to a busy schedule, but we celebrated that we would be able to spend most of the day together which is always a blessing. After teaching a class and c...
• Back with Love
  on Feb 14, 2012 in Valentines choice decision compassion celebration planning intentionality love celebrations
  It's about time I start writing again. It seems like I said this too many times before. Life has an interesting way of becoming overfull before you know it. Since my last post in 2011, we celebrated several major holidays, helped two of our children...
• Strengthening the Core of Love
  on Feb 13, 2012 in witness Valentines core celebration values love celebrations
  This is the month our culture turns its attention to the celebration of the gift of love. Special dinners, chocolates and other special gifts become symbols of our emotions as we celebrate Valentine's Day. While some may say it is little more than a...