This is not my torn rotator cuff I’ll be on a bit of a blogging hiatus as I’m scheduled for rotator cuff surgery tomorrow morning. Blessings to you as you celebrate the rest of this Christmas/New Year’s season. I’d appreciate your prayers for rapid rehab and healing. See you soon.

First century manger       “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the…

        An energetic blogger I follow put together a list of favorite things, a la The First Lady Of All Media, Oprah. Both women’s lists got me thinking about what I might include in my imaginary Michelle’s Swag Bag, 2010 version. Leonard Sweet’s book will change the way you think about symbols and stories –…

Tony* was building a career he really enjoyed when a leadership crisis at his church erupted. His steady, calm, servant-hearted personality and peacemaking gifts played a huge role in helping to settle the chaos. The elders at the mid-sized congregation invited him to join the church staff. “You’ll be able to use your skill set…

Dr. Sharon King created a pithy little spiritual self-assessment and coaching tool for midlife women modeled after the physical exam we’re all supposed to have at this point in our lives. (Thankfully, there’s no mention of a colonoscopy in Dr. King’s booklet!) The Spiritual Fitness Checkup for the 50something Woman: Ten Steps Toward Midlife Spiritual…

Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, the Jewish Feast of Dedication. (To learn a bit more about the holiday, click here, here or here.) The miracle of the oil spoke of a greater reality. The Temple was once again dedicated to proclaiming the glory of God on the earth in 165 B.C. after it…