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Christian Awkwardness (1)

For the past few years, I’ve been wondering, what is it that makes Christians so awkward? At first, I thought it was their weird language, Christianese. Christians throw around terms like sanctification, tribulation, salvation, fellowship, and hallelujah. Does anyone else use words like this? Ever? Christians may ask you questions like, “Have you been born-again?” “HaveContinue reading “Christian Awkwardness (1)”

March Madness

I love to play with words. And ideas. March is madness. I mean, in what other month do we describe the weather as a lion or a lamb? And college basketball, oh yes, Cinderellas still make it in the Big Dance. And yes, every year I am amazed at how horribly my bracket turns out. It is truly madness!Continue reading “March Madness”

Old Men

The other day, an old man boarded the bus. After paying his fare, he quietly thanked the bus driver for the ticket and sat down in the nearest seat. He shifted to find comfort, then crossed his hands on his cane for support. He didn’t look around, he didn’t say a word. He looked straight ahead, appearing content to stay alone inContinue reading “Old Men”

Home

The word “Home” can bring any number of responses to mind. For some, it brings back the smell of mom’s chocolate chip cookies. For some, it brings back memories of playing with dad, catch in the yard or hoops in the driveway. For some, it brings back harsher memories. Maybe home reminds us of a yelling father,Continue reading “Home”

Weather (3)

In that poem I was talking about–the one about people being like trees–the poet uses another striking image. He says wicked people are not like trees. Wicked people are like chaff. For those of you who live in Indiana, you know what the poet is talking about. Chaff is the husk from grains or corn. It is the shell you peelContinue reading “Weather (3)”

Weather (2)

I just realized the last line of the previous post could have been read in two ways: 1. You could think that I will continue my thoughts tomorrow; 2. You could think the rain causes people, specifically me, to procrastinate. Either way you read it, you’re correct. But let’s move onto my third thought about theContinue reading “Weather (2)”

Weather (1)

In case you didn’t know, it rains in Portland. Often. Menudo. Vaak. Souvent. Spesso. (Depending on if you speak Spanish, Dutch, French, or Italian) When it rains this much, I start to think: 1. There are a lot of depressed people. We Portland folk simply are not receiving enough Vitamin D. When the sun doesn’t come out for weeksContinue reading “Weather (1)”