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Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten 

As our students begin a new school year of learning and discovery, and as we launch into our fall program of ministry, the insightful words of author Robert Fulghum seem especially appropriate for learners of all ages. “All I really need to know about how to live and...

Unoffendable

“Anger is extraordinarily easy. It’s our default setting. Love is very difficult. Love is a miracle.” – Brant Hansen I’ve often remarked to Carrie that every couple that finds a way to remain married for longer than, say, ten days, embodies a minor miracle. There are...

Do No Harm

“First do no harm.” – Hippocratic Oath For around 2400 years, medical professionals have taken a solemn oath to uphold specific ethical standards. These include maintaining confidentiality and non-malfeasance, which means refraining from all intentional wrongdoing and...

What’s Your Flight Plan?

[Editor’s note: Today’s article, adapted from a piece written by family therapist Michelle Mentzer, provides a hopeful reminder for any families who don’t happen to be perfect. It can also apply to any person who is striving, imperfectly, to live purposefully and...

Are You “Under the Influence?” 

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 When a person in Australia has had too much to drink, Aussies may euphemistically say, “She’s under the weather.”  When an American has imbibed too much, there...

Affirming Your Adult Children

“In those days Jesus… was baptized by John in the Jordan… And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11 Barb Schmidt, an online personality I stumbled upon recently, shared a list of the “Seven Things Adult...

The Redemption of Roger

On April 3 of this year, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Hualien City on the Island nation of Taiwan, killing at least 18 people and injuring over 1,100. As you can imagine, the process of picking through the rubble in search of survivors and victims was...

The Anatomy of Surprise

[Editor’s note: Mark Love leads the 1528 Collaborative and teaches at Rochester College. In today’s article, which was edited for space, he reflects on so-called ministry “failures” and invites us to discern more carefully where God surprises us.] A church wanted to...

Running to Win

Get ready for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, also known as Paris 2024! This year’s opening ceremony takes place on July 26 and the Olympics will continue through August 11. Most events will take place within and around Paris, with some held at 16 other cities...

Breaking Out of Your Rut

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”  Mary Oliver Jessica Hagy’s article, “How to Be More Interesting (In Ten Simple Steps),” got me thinking about taking risks and breaking out of ruts. I don’t think I’m alone in becoming gun-shy...