Author: vancecrains
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Taming Leviathan: in search of God, and an elusively acceptable explanation for suffering and evil
Though leviathan are mythical – especially tamed ones – and the real-life tragedies of this world are definitely not, this image – literal or not – reminds me that God is not defined by my simplistic definitions of good and bad, right and wrong, just and unjust, fair and unfair. …
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The Spiritual Advantages of Tending vs. Recharging (Warning: technically speaking, this might be utter nonsense. But, hopefully you’ll get the point)
What would my spiritual life be like if it was regularly connected to a spiritual tender, that kept me connected to my power “Source,” all of the time?
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“The Soundtrack of My Life” (Warning: this is very likely the most trivial post I’ve ever written)
Yesterday, listening to the radio, I heard someone talking about the collection of songs that would compose the musical “Soundtrack of My Life.” As I was driving for a couple of hours, with time to ponder pointless thoughts, I’ve composed my own soundtrack…
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My New Favorite Question…
To ask, “What does ‘this’ make possible?,” suggests that certain possibilities wouldn’t have been possible, except for “this.” “This,” whatever “this” is, positive or negative, opens the door to new possibilities, that were previously impossible – or at least not as likely.
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Predictable Growth
if I’m honest, my personal seasons and rhythms of care aren’t nearly as consistent as my gardening. I see what my plants need, and do it. They’re watered, on a schedule. They’re fertilized, regularly. Pruning and trimming is performed as needed. Perhaps there’s a lesson in that.
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Why do we pray?
Increasingly, I’m thinking of prayer as connection, and less about the requests I may or may not make. Just as an electronic device needs to be connected to an electrical outlet to function, I’m thinking of prayer as connection to the “Source.”
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What follows your “but”?
There are times, we all need to lament. I’m thankful God is graciously willing and able to receive our laments, even when they are less than kind, respectful, or faith-filled, without holding our complaints against us.
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I’m a 9
Just like a hammer can’t fix every home repair, the Enneagram has its limits. But, just like a hammer is great for hammering, I’m finding the Enneagram to be very helpful in gaining a deep understanding into myself, and how I can work on growing and becoming a healthier version…
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“Come” – a sermon in a series called “Thirsty?,” preached at First Church Coral Springs on Sunday, March 4, 2018
God does not play hide and seek with us. God isn’t stingy. God doesn’t want us to thirst for him unnecessarily. God doesn’t make us jump through hoops to catch him. The offer is made – “Come and drink.” The offer is made – “Ask me, and I will give…
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Quicksand Spirituality
Perhaps I’m struggling because I’m supposed to speak for God. After all, that’s my job. That is what I’m paid to do. I’m supposed to know why God allows tragedies to happen. No. I take that back. I’m supposed to know why God allowed THIS tragedy to happen. I’m supposed…
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