A still image from the bizarre 1980's Laura Branigan music video for 'Self Control' Recently, though I can’t remember why, I watched Cinderella III. I can’t even recall the plot, but here’s a detail I remember. In the king’s palace is a framed portrait of he and his wife. The king is portly, greying, bald. … Continue reading Desire and Obedience
"The Visitation" Lately I feel compelled to speak the truth in love; gently yet firmly. Here's that truth: nowhere in scripture do we find God’s blessing for abortion. Search if you like, you won't find a passage in any of the 66 books of the Bible that says, “It’s okay so long as it’s a … Continue reading Pro-Child
Our hostess with the nose ring gave us a blasé look when we requested her service. Then, her softer counterpart in distressed jeans and converse sneakers wordlessly took us to our table. The 90s are back. While walking a slab of cement not much wider than a 2 x 4 that turned into a narrow … Continue reading The 90s are Back
June signifies lots of things. The start of summer, the lengthening of daylight, and for families, it tends to provide more time together. Christian formation is obviously a value of First CRC. It didn’t take long for me to notice the significant number of kids regularly participating in Sunday School, and the abundance of willing … Continue reading At Home and Away: Christian Practices for Summer
A Warren Family Easter, Circa 1991. Yesterday morning I walked out my door and hopped in my friend Jessi’s truck. She smiled at me in that sweet way she does. “Run the route?” My eyes got wide. “But it’s 23 degrees outside!” I worried. “Twenty-seven,” she corrected, as if that made a difference. “It’s sunny!” … Continue reading It’s Easter. What to Wear?
Last year, some friends of ours shared a video from their Ring alarm system of one of them falling down after taking out the garbage. After laughing out loud at the footage they shared with us, as a comfort to my friend, I quoted the Venite, a piece of liturgy based on Psalm 95 from … Continue reading Palm Sunday & The Venite
Several weeks ago, as I was driving to Sioux Falls with Dordt students, we saw two hot air balloons in flight. Whenever I see balloons like these, in real life or depicted in a photograph or painting, artistically, I begin to sing the hymn Abide with Me in my head. It is because of a … Continue reading Lent 5: Abide with Me
'The Annunciation' as depicted in Franco Zeffireli's epic 1977 miniseries "Jesus of Nazareth" I woke up yesterday to text messages from a friend who informed me that Friday was a “solemnity,” which means Catholics get a break from their Lenten fasts. (My friend enjoyed an unusual Lenten Friday meal – a burger.) I humorously admitted … Continue reading Mama, A Prayer
On Ash Wednesday this year, during the mid-week evening worship service, our pastor invited us to write a sin on a slip of paper, fold it, and then write our name on the outside. These slips were collected, burned, and just before they met the flames, our names – not the sins – were lifted … Continue reading Surrender & The Avett Brothers
'Cruciform 4,' Jane Davies Lord, teach me how. Not by books or courses, not with prestigious titles, excessive income. Teach me instead to let nothing clutter my heart. Prepare me to be emptied of all that stands in the way. I guess this training already began. The pinnacle when, eight years ago, my body, practically … Continue reading ‘Cruciform’
The Cafe in My Head 