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What is in the anatomy of a crisis? While crises come in all flavors, they share some common characteristics.  Typically, crises are sudden and unexpected; they are important to the one affected and produce significant consequences.  Usually, a crisis will also involve some form of loss.  Our lives are, quite simply, disrupted.  I suspect that…

WHY JESUS? “…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (I Peter 3:15 NIV) Why have you chosen Jesus and the Christian “Way?” Perhaps it was the only option you were presented with as a child. “Jesus loves me this I…

There are no parachutes allowed when following Jesus. Who is my master? Since it is impossible to serve two masters, my life needs either to submit to God or to consciously reject divine control and aim at some specious “autonomy.” Either I look for self-transcendence based on faith, or I lock myself within my narrow…

Do you see clearly? “And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself  drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him…” (Luke 24:15-16) Something like Jesus’ appearance on the road to Emmaus, I am vision challenged! But my challenge is a bit more practical. Both eyes have…

People search all their lives looking for happiness. This week’s reflection features a piece written by Mr. Raymond Key. He speaks from a lifetime of experience. Blessings and peace, Chaplain Allenchaplain@nationsu.edu chaplainscorner.org When I lose something I search for i. I begin by going to the last place that I remember seeing it. Often, I seek in the wrong place.…

This week’s reflection, My God Is Love is part 6 of a series by Raymond Key on My God and I. The guest author, Mr. Key, who at age 100+ has a lot of wisdom to share. Blessings and peace, Chaplain Allenchaplain@nationsu.edu chaplainscorner.org The little legs ran swiftly across the floor. Little arms reached up. She…

Five Suggestions In this Reflection, I present five suggestions for facing a devastating crisis. Sooner or later, each of us will be called on to care for someone in a time of unparalleled grief. A daughter is tragically killed in an automobile accident. A friend’s pet dog is diagnosed with cancer. Hurricanes and tornadoes strike…

This week’s guest Reflection on “The Truth About Unity in the Church” is written by Chris Tomlin, a famous contemporary composer of Christian hymns. It seems he is also a gifted writer, as evidenced by this Reflection. I’m not sure I would buy every last word he has written, but he certainly gets down to…

Are we living and worshipping in our own stovepipes? Last Sunday afternoon I was at an assisted living facility with my 100-year mother-in-law. We were listening to a video-based worship service from a Church of Christ in San Antonio.  I became acutely aware that two doors down the hallway a group of Catholics were listening…

Have you ever compared good versus great? As we go through life, I am struck by how often settling for what is “good” gets in the way of what is “great”. For example, as couples settle into marriage they sometimes lose the spark that comes from spending quality time with one another. They fill their…