Letter to the 8th “Church”
Challenged by Mike following the sermon series on Revelation 2 & 3 to write a letter to myself from Jesus, I will make a feeble attempt. The 7 letters to the churches included some form of acknowledgement or praise for what they were getting right, followed by correction and a call to action. I am…
My Friend Bill
What feels like a long time ago – and it was – we moved to Scottsdale and joined in ministry with a family of believers known as First Baptist Church of Scottsdale. We were privileged to know, befriend and love many new people, some for a season and others for a lifetime. Some we led…
Contagious!
Some things are not contagious even if they are hereditary. Just because certain cancers, diseases, or mental health disorders run in a family, there is no guarantee that someone will get it just because they are related. While the probability is higher, it may or may not happen. And on the flip side, someone may…
Heart Language
Recently I went to a men’s ministry breakfast that was honoring a friend who was “retiring” from ministry. Like other faithful servants who have a call to full-time ministry, he is not really retiring. Instead, he is just letting go of full-time employment. The people I most admire don’t really retire; they walk faithfully and…
Remembered and Celebrated
I am not one who typically dwells on the past nostalgically. I have never gone to one of my high school reunions and I do not make scrapbooks. While I love sharing memories and looking at pictures, I choose not to live life looking in the rearview mirror often. I am not saying that nostalgia…
My friend Everitt
A few days before I heard about Carmen’s passing, I heard from my dear Susan that her father, Everitt Shepherd, had gone home to be with Jesus. So many people I know are heading to the party that will never end. It makes me a little homesick for a place I have never been yet!…
My Friend Carmen
We landed in Chicago a few hours ago and when I turned on my phone I was greeted with the news that Carmen Elaine Trust went home to be with Jesus and Bob as she joined the great cloud of witnesses. I will miss the funeral as we are on the beginning of a family…
The Hardest Part – Lament
During this lent season there is a small discussion group made up of 12 or so women who meet at lunch once a week to discuss the book study called The Hardest Part by Kate Bowler. I was asked to lead the discussion on Lament. It is conversation still in process. My kids will tell…
Is God Bugging You?
Picture This! Back in the day someone came up with a modern version to help explain the character of God. It included things like God is like Tide – he gets out the stains others leave behind. God is like Coke – He’s the real thing! God is like Hallmark Cards – He only sends…
Generational Bias is not my Favorite
I can remember when I was new in ministry and I found myself in the margins because of my age and gender. I had so much to learn that I just accepted the poor behaviors of those in church who discounted my ideas and my insights because of my age. But that was then. perhaps…