Canyons & Fireworks

The week before Thanksgiving I was hurrying to tie up loose ends at work. My imaginary clip board of lists was going to be perfectly checked off as tasks were being accomplished in splendid sequence. I was confident all would be settled before our travels. Once the house was spick and span I became the obnoxiously cheerful Christmas caroler buzzing around like one of Santa's helpers. Seemingly out of nowhere I was hit with some pervasive anxiety. Still jolly, I began implementing the guaranteed psychology tool of positive self-talk. After running to a client's house I noticed, the moment I was back in my car, the anxiety was still present. This observation began to penetrate my merriment. Annoyed that I had done the work of self-talk to no avail, I not so consciously tried to shrug off or ignore the pesty uneasiness.  Later in the day, I had to meet another client at their place of employment.  Back in the car I went and again was accompanied by the unpleasant feeling. At this...

Are you an encourager?  Maybe your gifting is more geared toward correction. Ephesians tells us that there are pastors, teachers, evangelists, apostles, and prophets (Ephesians 4:11). Regardless of the role, one usually has a predisposition for either grace or the law.   I have often been described as an encourager.  The gift comes naturally to me because I pay attention and remember details and interactions. Perhaps it’s because I am observant that I can easily spot areas of needed correction. I cannot shut off what I see just because the behaviors have become less admirable. Recently, the conflict between Paul and Barnabas came to mind (Acts 15:36-41) and I mentioned it to my husband, Rob. I have always wondered if it was Paul or Barnabas who was in the right. Any commentary I have read about the matter is summed up to something like: Paul needed Barnabas to get into Christian community. Community was essential for the call of God on Paul's life. Barnabas was...