paravanes:meditations

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -Jesus Christ, in Matthew 11:28-30. In the earlier part of this chapter, Jesus critiques the abusive dishonesty so common among religious leaders of his--and our-- day. He ends his analysis by saying if you're tired of all of the fraud and emptiness, leave it all behind and come to him. Let him guide you (his yoke) and let him give you a purpose (his burden). These are light and easy because they are based on eternal truth, given by him, for your eternal blessing and benefit. Compared to what the world order offers, his way is easier because he never pressures you and he never leaves you to do anything on your own. It is his joy to be with you, to teach you, and to keep you safe. He is the Good Shepherd. His yoke is easy, and h...

Photo: (c) Deborah Evans  As we say goodbye to Valentine's Day week, here are a few thoughts to help you evaluate your relationships. These thoughts are not just "red flags" (warnings), but can also be considered "white flags" (signs to walk away from or redirect non covenant relationships). If you're in the beginning stages of a relationship, notice how someone handles disappointment or frustration -- large or small. This is an indicator of self control, emotional maturity, and problem solving skill.  If you're mid stream in the relationship, acknowledge reality when someone cannot give or honestly accept an apology. If they can't or won't do both of these, you should slow down or redirect the relationship. If you're planning long term, pay close attention to how this person values and invests in the other relationships in their life: family, work, business, school, neighbors, groups and clubs, etc. If someone does not appreciat...

In his classic book, Further Along the Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck defines love as an action and describes it as extending yourself for the benefit or improvement of another person. In Love and Responsibility , Pope John Paul II  (writing early in life as Karol Wojtyla) explains why love and responsibility are connected and cannot be separated. He goes on to explain the church's position against pre marital and extra marital sex. He says no one deserves the pleasures and intimacy of the sexual relationship if that person is unwilling to be responsible to you and for you. In our culture, that level of deep, sustained responsibility is expressed exclusively in marriage. John Paul II warns against the futility and sadness that come when we separate our sexual relationships from the other parts of our lives.  In much of the English speaking world, Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate and reflect upon all of the love we have experienced, shared, given, and recei...

Blessed Assurance (lyrics by Fanny J. Crosby) Blessed assurance: Jesus is mine. O, what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of God. Born of his spirit, washed in his blood. Many classic hymns, written in the 19th or early 20th century, seem difficult or nearly impossible to understand. The songs often use terms that are obsolete, followed by imagery we no longer use and struggle to appreciate. I grew up singing these hymns each Sunday, but I recognize they may seem strange and difficult to those who aren't comfortable with them. I hope this series gives you new insight into why these songs still speak to the hearts of so many. In this series on classic hymns, I hope to make these hymns more approachable and show why the messages are timeless. While respecting and honoring the original work of the hymn writers, I will attempt to adapt some of their language to the early 21st century.  I hope the adaptations inspire you to seek out the original hymns ...