Netflix binging will no doubt accompany many summer vacations, but who says that much couch time can’t have a little substance? From lesser known Indie flicks to Hollywood’s most successful Blockbusters, many movies unexpectedly point to God’s grace and redemption. Check out these five films, available on Netflix, Amazon, or your local video store, that […]
CAN HOBBIES BE A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE?
Connecting with God through Rest and Relaxation
I used to work for a guy known for saying, “I’ll rest when I’m dead!” He ran a ministry and believed there were too many people who needed to hear about Jesus to take much time for himself. I thought this was admirable. But I noticed he also got sick a lot. For awhile, I […]
AFFECTION IS A LOVE THAT IS NOT FOR SHOW
A reflection on affection inspired by C.S. Lewis' Four Loves
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the most well known theologians in the last 100 years. A literature professor by trade, he was the author of over 70 books ranging from the fantasy fiction of the Chronicles of Narnia series to the allegorical fiction of The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce. He also wrote […]
CREATE
Thoughts on Creator, Creation, and Creativity
We all do it. We can’t help ourselves. We must create. Whether we did it as homework in high school, or we do it because it’s our passion; we’re all creative beings and we must be creative. Unfortunately, many people don’t think of themselves as creative at all. When was the last time you sat down […]
ARE CHRISTIANS JUST NICE PEOPLE OR NEW PEOPLE?
Allowing God to make the most of us inside and out
I’m a huge fan of makeovers. I could spend hours watching rooms, houses, and people being rehabbed, dressed up, spruced up, or slimmed down. My dream cable TV station would be The Makeover Channel, featuring all makeovers all the time. I’d binge watch past episodes of What Not to Wear, The Biggest Loser, and Extreme […]
14 INEXPENSIVE DATE IDEAS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
Fun Excursions both Economical and Ecological
You can do something more meaningful that giving chocolates on your Valentine’s Day this year. What are some inexpensive ways to have fun and enjoy this season, and at the same time respect and help our environment, God’s creation? Even with these challenges you don’t have to be dateless or bored. It is possible to […]
MAKING ROOM AT THE INN
The Spirit of Las Posadas
Christmas is our day to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. But in the shuffle of the holiday season, the original intent of the holiday can also get swept up in holiday busy work, no matter how well-intended we are. But we can take out a page from the cultural traditions of Mexico to reflect upon this Christmas. […]
JUSTICE OR COMPASSION?
The consequences of gossip as seen through the film Doubt.
A woman was gossiping with her friend about a man whom they hardly knew – I know none of you have ever done this. That night, she had a dream: a great hand appeared over her and pointed down on her. She was immediately seized with an overwhelming sense of guilt. The next day she […]
Elevating Easter
Celebrating Christ’s Journey to the Cross and the Victorious Resurrection
Holy Week, a central point of remembrance during the Christian calendar, focuses upon the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is no surprise. Had Jesus not risen from the dead, our faith would be useless, and we would still be guilty of our sins (1 Cor. 15:17). Holy Week helps us reflect upon the last […]
HONORING GOD ON ALL HALLOWS EVE
How you can celebrate Halloween in a way that honors God and not evil
Besides Christmas and Easter, Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. Halloween began as a Celtic festival called Samhain. There were massive bonfires and lots of dancing to celebrate the end of the harvest season. It also began the “time of darkness” which we would consider now as the winter season. […]