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 ...

No, I'm not watching the Tyre Nichols video. For those not living in the States: Tyre Nichols was a young African American man who died from injuries he suffered after being beaten, pepper sprayed, and tazed by five police officers in Memphis, Tennessee. His encounter with the officers began during a traffic stop. The five officers who assaulted him now face murder and other charges. News reports stated the video of this attack was so deeply and violently brutal that children and other vulnerable person's should not watch it. My initial reaction to that report was to acknowledge I am not a child and also to acknowledge I am a vulnerable person. We are all vulnerable persons. I accepted I am vulnerable to experiencing the trauma on display in the video. I accepted Tricia Hersey's (the Nap Bishop on Instagram) definition of the video as "trauma porn": a second hand experience making us think we can experience something we can't personally know, but s...

Habits determine character, and character determines destiny. This truth applies to our time here and in the life that follows and continues forever. If you are struggling with any  habit you no longer want (substances, a short temper, procrastination, sloppiness, lying, the failure to keep your promises, etc.), the five minute prayer for habits and discipline will help you move forward. Practicing the five minute prayer: 1. Set a timer for five minutes. 2. Sit in a place that's quiet where you won't be disturbed. 3. Choose words representing your desire for change. Put these words into one sentence. 4. Repeat this sentence prayer until the timer signals. Resist the temptation to check the timer. Breathe deeply as you pray. As an example, here is the sentence I used: "Lord Jesus, be the ruler of my habits and enforce your discipline."  Choose words that come from your heart. Reduce your words to a single sentence. Repeat your sentence slowly for five minut...

Who would you be and how could you live if you were free from the desire for revenge? What would happen if you decided not to hold the energy of hatred and focus that energy on another person? Yes, you might have to permanently disconnect certain connections.  Yes, you would actually have to become another person. I think you would like this new person. This new person would focus on healing and re-creation. This new person wouldn't be alone. This new person would experience real and true freedom. Is this the day you begin?  Release. Recover. Re-create.