Today, December 14, 2019, my home state of Alabama is celebrating its 200th Anniversary. There have been special events all year, but today is the grand finale in downtown Montgomery. I'm not there, but I'm paying tribute in this post. We have to acknowledge the sins of our history where slavery was integral to the … Continue reading Six Pix on Saturday – or Seven
Culture
It’s December, so Happy New Year!
Yes, it’s the holiday season, but not yet New Year’s Day - as in January 1. It’s the beginning of the Advent season. On the church Christian calendar, Advent begins the new cycle of liturgical seasons that celebrate the full redemption story of Jesus. Sunday, December 1, was the first Sunday of Advent for this … Continue reading It’s December, so Happy New Year!
Happy Thanksgiving
I won't keep you long. There are parades to watch, games to play, turkeys to prepare, pies to bake, and naps to take. We have so, so much for which to be thankful. "God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. By His hands we all are fed. Give us, … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving
Veterans Day 2019
Today, we honor those men and women who have spent time in service to our country. Veterans Day is not the same as Memorial Day in May, where we remember those who died. This is for our living veterans. Many have served and sacrificed at high cost to them. When we see those in uniform, … Continue reading Veterans Day 2019
What’s Your Take on Halloween?
In light of this week's beloved and hated holiday, I want to share some thoughts. This is yet another topic that divides Christians, and like many other points of disagreement, it is not a simple one. Our theology directs us to one side or the other on the subject of Halloween. An oversimplification may set … Continue reading What’s Your Take on Halloween?
Homecoming and Sukkot
Fall means Homecoming for many high schools and colleges. It’s time for football games that present the Homecoming Court with the King, Queen, and attendants. Small towns have parades, and students have been happy to escape classes to decorate floats with this year’s theme. The community turns out to watch their children ride the floats, … Continue reading Homecoming and Sukkot
Lives of Desperation
Nobody checks themselves into a mental health facility just for the fun of it. Desperation is usually the motivation. For several years, I was a therapist for a partial hospitalization program. Many of the patients were middle aged adults who were in desperate situations. Our partial program served people who had dual diagnoses of mental … Continue reading Lives of Desperation