Protecting Your Peace throughout the Holidays

Protecting Your Peace throughout the Holidays

Guest Post by Laura Shultz, PsyD, ABPP Watch the TV Interview here: https://www.actionnews5.com/2022/12/14/doctor-shares-tips-setting-boundaries/ “It’s the most wonderful time of the yearWith the kids jingle bellingAnd everyone telling you be of good cheerIt’s the most wonderful time of the year!” -Andy Williams There are many magical moments in the holidays.  We drive down streets flanked with sparkling … Continue reading

Deconstruction/Reconstruction (an Analogy)

Deconstruction/Reconstruction (an Analogy)

Deconstructing/Reconstructing faith is like tearing down/building a building.  If I were to tear down my house, it would not take long.  With the right tools (like a bulldozer or excavator) and a little time, I could pull the whole thing down in less than a week.  If there are particular elements that I want to … Continue reading

3 Ways Christians Encourage Doubt and Deconstruction

There are many Christians in a process of doubting and deconstructing.  The most visible evidence of this is the chorus of Christian “celebrities” who have announced their departure from the faith.  Underneath this are statistics to support that the younger generations are increasingly drifting from core beliefs, church attendance and personal “Christian” designation.  I want … Continue reading

#blessed

#blessed

Sitting across the table from an Old Testament scholar and he asked me a question that I knew would change me: “Jim, do you know what the word blessed means?” Immediately, I thought, “I know I should, but your question kind of makes me feel like you think I don’t know what it means.”  Images … Continue reading

The Doubting Thomas Mission

The Doubting Thomas Mission

“As a man of faith, you are not supposed to doubt.” This was said to me by a seasoned pastor in front of an entire classroom of people. That last part matters. He assumed that this statement was such an axiom that the whole class would agree. On the surface, he was right. One who … Continue reading

Death is like Sowing Seeds

Death is like Sowing Seeds

My grandmother, Georgina Shultz, passed away last Sunday (April 19, 2020).  I had been preparing myself for this for a couple of years after she went into assisted living.  What I was not prepared for were the circumstances.  The home where she stayed has made the news for having a severe outbreak of Coronavirus cases … Continue reading

Lamenting in Pandemic

Ever read the book of Lamentations?  It is a really DARK and SAD book.  We see the author (assumed to be the prophet Jeremiah) grieving of the devastation all around him in real time.  Look at some of the phrases used: “For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears; for a comforter is … Continue reading

Unplug

Unplug

Not long ago, we got an Alexa Dot as a gift.  My 5 year old and 4 year old LOVE shouting out commands: “Alexa, play Let it Go from Frozen!” (Sadly, I know all the words now) “Alexa, play Hot Wheels music!” (I have no idea what that is, but she comes up with something) … Continue reading

A Lesson in Ministry from 9-11

A Lesson in Ministry from 9-11

Disclaimer:  Please do not get the idea that I think this is the most significant lesson of 9-11 for me or anyone else.  I can only post this because some time has past since 2001.  There are a great deal more significant reflections about 9-11 I have had and many others have written.  I only share … Continue reading

Leadership Blurbs:  Lead with a Limp

Leadership Blurbs: Lead with a Limp

Many of us lead from a place of strength. We want to give off an image that we have it together by showing off our strengths and minimizing our weaknesses. In our darkest moments, we may try to hide our mistakes or even blame them on others. Author and Christian speaker Brennan Manning said, “I … Continue reading