Dear ______: I’m sending this a bit early since I know you are heading out for the Thanksgiving break. I wanted to be sure it reaches you, especially since I know you are having a hard time just now. Holiday gatherings can amplify those feelings (imagine how ambivalent the poor turkey is), but I hope there is also […]
Gratitude, Priority One (Heidelberg Catechism Q94)
Advent is a season of preparation for Christ’s coming. What better time for a little reflection on faith and life. If we were Puritans or Catholics in the Jesuit tradition we might call it “self-examination.” Me, I’m just a 21st Century Presbyterian with a penchant for blogging on the Heidelberg Catechism–that 16th century summary of Biblical […]
From Gratitude to Obedience: Can We Get There from Here?
You’ve probably heard the joke about the fellow who asked for directions only to be told “Sorry. You can’t get there from here.” In the Reformed tradition we think gratitude leads us to obey God’s expressed will. But as a comment in last week’s post on the life of gratitude asked “…it seems like a stretch to […]
What Does The Life of Gratitude Look Like? (Heidelberg Catechism, Q93)
Thanksgiving is coming next week! I love having a day that almost requires me to say “Thank you!” to God and to people around me. I want my whole life to focus on giving thanks. What does a thankful life look like? If you have been here before you know that I often post about […]
The 10 Best Pieces of Advice You’ll Get Today! (Heidelberg Catechism, Q92)
A long time ago I heard a speaker (I think it was Steve Hayner) quote a big survey of college students. Most agreed that the Ten Commandments were very important as a guide to life and ethics. Most could not remember just exactly what all ten commandments were. Oops. I was writing earlier this week about […]