Several years ago, an exceptionally hectic and challenging season forced me to postpone Christmas shopping until December 23. Trying to shop in crowded malls on a minimal budget frustrated me. On the 24th, after a long, crowded bus trip, I forced my way into my hometown’s terminal, lugging wobbly luggage behind me. There was nowhere […]
Author: Katherine Walden
Stop Stoning the Afflicted
I am often gobsmacked as I read some responses to Social Media statuses posted by people who are facing a life-altering crisis or who are afflicted by a chronic disability. While the majority of comments are appropriately encouraging and empathetic, there are always those comments that wound, offering clichéd advice. “Get past this as fast […]
Stuck in the Wrong Groove?
Today’s blog grew around a short quip that I wrote then posted on Facebook years ago. Since then, I have seen it reposted countless times across the Internet. It seemed to strike a chord, no pun intended. Apparently, there are a whole lot of God’s people who have struggled to get past the stumbling block […]
No Strings Attached
When surrender still has a retrieval plan Have you ever fallen victim to the old “money on a string” trick? A prankster attaches a thin fishing line to a twenty-dollar bill and drops the money on a path while holding on to the line. Hiding behind a tree or a mailbox, the jokester then lies […]
Treasure Gracious Friends
Romans 15:2, 5-7 -“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.’ … May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one […]
You Don’t Win a Gold Medal on Your Own
Proverbs 11:24 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Athletes who compete against the clock fascinate me. Long distant runners, bikers, decathletes, swimmers, speed skaters, and skiers. At first glance, it appears they deserve all the glory for their incredible successes, or so it […]
I’m Not Tired, Just Busy!
What overtired toddlers can teach us about our own resistance to rest Most parents know when their children are over-tired and heading for a major meltdown. Preschool teachers know the signs too. Giggles and laughter morph into manic cackles. A carrot accidentally touching meat on the dinner plate triggers a temper tantrum of epic proportions. […]
Heaping Coals of Fire
Romans 12:14-20 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought […]
Are Your Cries for Help Drowning Out His Response?
Dispatcher: “911, Please state the nature of your emergency.” Caller: “HELP!! Oh my God, there’s blood everywhere! Help!” Dispatcher: “Please calm down, sir. What is the nature of your emergency?” Caller: “Please, please help, she fell with a knife, and there is blood spurting all over. HELP! OH, Please help! She was cooking me breakfast!” […]