• birth control - The Church Today

    More on Mars Hill

    I thought it appropriate to clarify something in regard to my previous entry: Birthcontrol at Mars Hill.  First, I’d be remiss if I didn’t quickly say that I think Mark Driscoll is a good teacher and sound in doctrine.   I think he handles societal issues well — though differently than I might.  But so what.  I don’t live in Seattle anymore.  Near, but not in. I also want to clarify that my entry was in regards only to that particular sermon on birthcontrol and his personal views and teaching on that particular matter (though I tend to believe that his…

  • birth control - marriage - The Church Today

    Birthcontrol at Mars Hill

    In our area lots of folks are drawn to the Mars Hill church in Seattle and ‘tens of thousands’ more who listen on line. I began to watch this lengthy video – it is a sermon, after all, and listened to his take on birth control and what the Bible says about  marriage, procreation and principles of birth control. So after listening for awhile I realized that he, as we all do I suppose, interprets according to his conviction or his interpretations or reactions to what he’s read, heard or seen. I notice this throughout life, when we like someone…

  • Devotionals - my story

    Standing in the Presents of God

    No, that wasn’t a typographical error. I suppose it might even seem as though I misspelled “presence” for what may have seemed like an intro to a Brother Lawrence book. But no. Tonight I’m feeling like I’m standing in the presents of God. Maybe even buried in the presents of God — for He is and has been ever faithful and abundantly gracious to me — to my husband — to our family. And not only to me, to us or to ours alone, but to all of us. Exceedingly and abundantly gracious. I smiled at the error of standing…

  • Kathryn - my story

    Kathryn…

    At long last… today’s the day… Kathryn leaves for Uganda this afternoon and so we’re busily wrapping up last minute details…  attempting to pack whatever can possibly fit in to eight hours and two suitcases. I’ll update her letters and photos as I receive them.   Thank you for your prayers to the Lord on her behalf.  She’s a marvelous young woman and precious daughter and friend. —pamela

  • Motherhood - my story

    Motherhood’s a coupla short words

    Do you ever consider the words you say the most? I mean, besides, ” justa minute” or any other phrase you use to buy yourself a few more minutes of time before you tend to the ‘interruption” behind you? I’m thinking that the words I say most are these (and I must’ve read too many D. Seuss books early on bcz my words all tend to rhyme): no. go. so. There’s any combination of: no throw(ing). you’re sure grow(ing). can you tie a bow? tell me what you know. can you show me? hurry, hurry, hurry, let’s not be slow.…

  • Devotionals - my story

    Pruning

    The view from my kitchen sink seems not to have changed all that much for several months now. No leaves on the trees, no fruit on the vines, no blooms on the canes. Seemingly dead bushes and trees. But this morning I imagined a symphony rehearsing what will be a spectacular performance in a few short weeks from now. It’s as if the whole earth is rumbling getting ready for the pageantry of spring. The sun even seems to be eagerly anticipating the presentation of the spectacular! The days are longer — several more minutes every day add to the…

  • NewsDuJour - Society

    the hidden benefits of natural occurances

    What do you say… Obama’s campaign rallies have turned into healing services? O, I understand the heat, the long wait and the extremely crowded venues. That’s not what I’m talking about… I’m simply observing the emotional connection created when there is a ‘medical situation’ and crowds are unified by hope for the individual’s swift recovery… then to couple that with Obama presiding over the vigil… well, a great prescription for the party. What do you think… think folks are going to see these episodes and not give a hoot about policies (or experience or moral opinions or historical events or…

  • Society

    What is a billion…

    No, no… this particular entry is not about Exxon… but, may I say: O-wow – and that’s a whole other story. O-wow. My mom sent this email to me earlier today. A Billion $$$$$ The next time you hear a politician use the word ‘billion’ in a casual manner, think about whether you want the ‘politicians’ spending YOUR tax money. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases. A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959. B. A billion minutes…