As the days shorten and the calendar turns toward December, we enter the holy season of Advent—a time of intentional waiting, reflection, and preparation. It is a four-week journey in which we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, not just as historical markers, but as active commitments for today. This year, let… Continue reading Finding Light in the Waiting: A Progressive Advent for a Progressive Church today
Tag: love
Trading in the Image: A God of Love, Not Abuse
If your understanding of God feels abusive, it’s time to exchange that image for one defined by unconditional love. For too long, many Christians have been taught that the cross was a “cosmic transaction”—a blood sacrifice God supposedly demanded to forgive humanity. This idea, often called substitutionary atonement, wasn’t preached by Jesus; it developed centuries… Continue reading Trading in the Image: A God of Love, Not Abuse
There are many ways to say “love.”
This week our culture is obsessed with love. There are lots of words for love, and there are a great number of meanings. Try and complete this sentence: Love is … If we tallied all our answers, I think it would amaze us with the variety which shows that there are many different kinds of… Continue reading There are many ways to say “love.”
My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”
Bringing the Bible to today’s world is a goal for many of us. Sharon Jaynes used a familiar Bible verse (1 Corinthians 13) to bring out that love is the reason for the season in her, “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version.” I’ve tweaked it to apply to us at The Palms. If we decorate God’s… Continue reading My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”
The Race Is On
By now, the race is on. Thanksgiving leftovers are history, shoppers have come home with bags and bargains in tow, Amazon / UPS / Fed-ex are dropping off the online purchases, and the festivities have officially begun. For the next week or so, advertisements will dominate the airwaves, catalogs will clutter our mailboxes, and coupons… Continue reading The Race Is On
When is a quart not a quart and a pound not a pound?
When is a quart not a quart and a pound not a pound? If you check your local grocery store, you’ll find plenty of examples. What I’m relaying is a recent conversation noting that the sizes of many of the things we’re accustomed to buying are smaller than they used to be. What used to… Continue reading When is a quart not a quart and a pound not a pound?
Pulchritudinous
“Lantana is a high maintenance weed that will take over in the summer and die back in the winter. I hate it.” Yep. That’s what I said, and it is how I felt for most of my adult life. I have removed established lantana bushes from many yards. Until… Until is a powerful word. It… Continue reading Pulchritudinous
Thank you and goodbye
My oldest kid, who lives in Missouri, was out recently for a visit. He recognized that his grandparents were getting older and wanted to come while they were still alive and celebrate their presence in his life. In many respects, he wanted to say, “Thank you and goodbye” to them. Are there people in your life… Continue reading Thank you and goodbye
The ABCs of Christmas!
During this Advent season, an elf helped remind me of the ABC’s of Christmas: Anticipate joyBe kindCount your blessingsDreamExpress gratitudeForgiveGive cheerfullyHarm no oneImagine possibilitiesJettison angerKeep confidencesMake peaceNurture hopeOpen your mindPlay fairQuell rumorsReciprocate goodnessSeek wisdomTouch heartsUnderstandValue truthWelcome diversityXeriscapeYearn for holinessZealously care for others Wait, I Love this list, but the elf left out a letter! Noel! Noel! Noel!… Continue reading The ABCs of Christmas!
Social Justice Team update
Seeking JUSTICE through Prayer, Action, Love, Ministry & Support P. A. L. M. S. The Church of the Palms Social Justice Team, which is part of the Board of Mission & Outreach, is moving forward by addressing major social justice issues of our times. Using the scripture passage from Micah 6:8, “And what does the… Continue reading Social Justice Team update