As students and learners, we want to get into the habit of linking and constructing meaning from our experiences. Such work requires reflection. Reflection has many facets. For example, reflecting on work enhances its meaning. Reflecting on experiences encourages insight and understanding. In that light, consider this reflection on this week’s message. Direction (Pastor Terry…
As learners, we want to get into the habit of constructing meaning from our experiences. Such work requires reflection. Reflection has many facets. For example, reflecting on work enhances its meaning. Reflecting on experiences encourages insight and understanding. In that light, consider this reflection on this week’s message. The Mercy of God Psalm 123:1-4 1…
Take some time to read Hebrews 12:4-6. Reading these verses in Hebrews reminds us to be steadfast in our faith, against all challenges and temptations. Discipline is not a popular topic nowadays, however it is crucial not only for children and young people but for all of us. In times of peace and happiness, we…
Loneliness might be a bigger health problem than smoking or obesity. According to researchers at Brigham Young University, the subjective feeling of loneliness increased one’s chances of death by 26%. Our emotions have a physical effect on our health, and there’s a practical reason for this. Human beings are the most socially dependent creatures on…
There’s a well-known expression, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” In essence this means we can never gain anything of value or achieve much without taking risks. According to the internet site “The Phrase Finder”, the quote is very similar to a 14th century French proverb Qui onques rien n’enprist riens n’achieva, translated “he who never undertook…
Hoover Dam is drying up. The water level of Lake Mead, the water source for the dam, is at an all-time low, just around 1000 feet in depth. Particularly disconcerting is the visible water ring surrounding the top of the Hoover Dam wall, a somber reminder of how much the water level has dropped since…
I don’t know about you, but Advent is something I’ve had to grow into. More accurately, perhaps, it’s a season I’m still growing into. I can remember lighting the candles in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I remember beautiful services leading up to Christmas Eve by candlelight. However, my memories are all pretty much…
As we approach Thanksgiving Sunday, we would do well to remember and consider the true meaning of Thanksgiving and the words “thank you”. Aside from its more popular definition as a national holiday, Thanksgiving means an outpouring of gratitude, especially to God. Regrettably, words like as “thank you” have a tendency to lose a lot…
This morning after service, I had a conversation. During the conversation, we chatted about what music selections would be chosen for the next couple of Sunday services. I mentioned that we were in the odd time just before Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. While there is a plan in place for music over the coming…
There are few things that make my heart smile like folks connecting with kids. There’s something about the energy that’s created when people of different ages connect with each other that I don’t feel like we can ever get enough of. The carnival Journey puts on for the kiddos at Casa Blanca Community School is…