Category: Faith
A celtic passion at Clonard Monastery
“The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is a precious gift and it is incumbent on the politicians of today to make the most of it.” –Bill Clinton. I pushed the Millar doorbell and a mighty bee buzzed around my head in a slow and haphazard fashion. I was surprised by its size. It was a sign of Spring. The bees are coming. Indoors I enjoyed one of … Continue reading A celtic passion at Clonard Monastery
Facing the past on Holocaust Remembrance Day
On April 12 Jews around the world choose to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day. I was honored to organize Stan Meyer’s missionary itinerary when I worked for Jews for Jesus in San Francisco. This is a part of his family story. Ruth Stateman (my maternal grandmother) came from Biala-Podlaska, Poland, on the Russian border. Ruth, her sisters Lillian and Rose; and their parents aware of the … Continue reading Facing the past on Holocaust Remembrance Day
23 A simple psalm
God, My shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows; you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel … Continue reading 23 A simple psalm
My worth is not in what I own
Every season of my life, a particular worship song will minister deep into the wellspring of my soul. This one belongs to Grahmn Kendrick and has a lovely simple medieval beat to it; My worth is not in what I own Not in the strength of flesh and bone But in the costly wounds of love At the cross My worth is not in skill … Continue reading My worth is not in what I own
Guided walking tour in East Belfast
George Bernard Shaw said, “it’s more civilized to travel 3 miles per hour than 3,000 miles per hour.” Here in Ulster, one of the four provinces of Ireland, I come into agreement with him. Within two weeks, I’ve moved from a success driven sprawling suburban city with a lot of bling and where driving was the norm to a small, close-knit and historic province where … Continue reading Guided walking tour in East Belfast
We come alive in the river
It’s so hot in Arizona cacti are dying, mailboxes are melting and all manner of food can be cooked right on the sidewalk. Temperatures were over 100 F in the Sacramento region, last week. My safe haven from the scorching heat was a popular river in Auburn that flows out of Lake Clementine. It’s a good spot and can be my refuge when the temperatures … Continue reading We come alive in the river
Is there a purposeful denial of violence within Islamic theology and leadership?
I felt guilty enjoying multiple flavors of smooth ice cream at a Granite Bay Women’s Sandals and Sundae’s honoring volunteer’s celebration. How could I enjoy a normal evening after the Manchester suicide bombing, and the London Bridge terrorist attack, not to mention all the other terror atrocities going on around the world? But celebrating life must go on. It’s the only way to defeat hatred … Continue reading Is there a purposeful denial of violence within Islamic theology and leadership?
My year of Jubilee
The Church is sometimes not easy to love. Ego, pride, control, competition can run rampant. My motivation for Church life and structure has taken a beaten this season. I still enjoy a good bible study. I explored a new Church this week-end Jesus Culture in Folsom High School. I needed fresh inspiration. It was my first “out of Bayside Church” experience. I was blown away … Continue reading My year of Jubilee
When does a religious institution become a criminal organisation?
A BBC story and Royal Commission inquiry from Australia touched my heart this week. It’s worth sharing in another format to make people aware of the full scale of the horrendous problem. Also to raise awareness of how importance it is to listen to children who have the courage to come forward and talk about difficult or harrowing experiences. The Commission shows the religious institutions … Continue reading When does a religious institution become a criminal organisation?
