Our son loves having books read aloud to him. Lately, one of his consistent favorites is “Away in the Manger.” Yes, I sing it to him. Yes, he’ll probably be scarred for life. But there is one thing that really bothers me about that song. It always has. It’s the following line: “The cattle are [...]
Archive for the 'Faith' Category
Many years ago, there lived a devout man who was convinced that the best way to draw closer to God was to separate himself from others. And so he became a monk. He took his quest for solitude so seriously that he even separated himself from other monks. Time passed, and he was able to [...]
I marvel at how, too often, we define people by what they’ve done. We do it with others and with ourselves. And we sometimes do it with those whose lives are recorded in the Bible. I think the epitome of this error is when we talk about “The Woman Caught in Adultery.” Anyone with a [...]
The purest man ever born, Here forsaken and forlorn Tortured and racked with pain Divinity enfleshed and slain Upon a rugged tree We now call Calvary. Why, we ask, why Did He have to die? Is mankind that evil? Is sin that primeval, Are we that fallen and obscene That God Himself must intervene? The incarnation affirms, [...]
Hope, When faith is gone, And lingers the dawn, Hope, When storms rage, And wars wage, Hope, Cling to the promise, When yawns the abyss, Hope. Hope, Through tear-blinded eyes, Through cloud-darkened skies, Hope, When trapped in grief, And wrapped in unbelief, Hope, When all comes undone, Refuse to abandon Hope. Hope, When temptations ensnare, [...]
Last week, we had our second miscarriage. It’s hard to describe the emotion of hope dashed, of anticipation squelched. We lost our first baby in June of 2008. Those were difficult times. Our first miscarriage was devastating. It was like someone was punching you in the gut, repeatedly, for days. Then the Lord answered our [...]
Heretic A Stage Script by Nathanael Manthey Adapted from Peter Rollins’ parable “The Heretic” from Chapter 33 of his book “The Orthodox Heretic.” Scene One (A group of distinguished-looking older gentlemen are seated at a table. They are facing a man standing before them with his hands cuffed together behind his back. His head is [...]
I’ve always had hearing issues. I’ve had tubes put in my ears three times, the last time being about 13 years ago. And right now, I have moderate hearing loss. One of the things I find most frustrating about my hearing problem is watching movies. For some reason, the dialogue is noticeably lower than the [...]
You are my refuge in the storm, When trials surge and conflicts swarm, Your presence alone will transform The squall into a calm. You are my faith in my unbelief, My consolation in my grief. Your presence alone brings relief, A cool and curing balm. You are my retreat in the chaos Of [...]
The theme of my song The cry of my heart A place to belong No longer apart To be close to you Closer than skin Restored and renewed True peace within You and I Bound by blood You and I Falling in love You and I Bound by grace You and I One embrace My [...]