Dreams Unlocked

I've read two books by Augustine - City of God and Confessions. I think I've read his confessions 3 times. I like him because he is a good writer, has lots of self-insight, and loves God passionately. He was very honest about his pre-Christian life. At one point he makes this observation: "I had my back toward the light, and my face toward the things on which the light falls." Most people have their back to the light - and they focus where his light falls. Where the light falls refers to God's common grace. God does not keep good things only for those who follow him. Because he is good he distributes his blessings and grace widely. Where the light falls are places of grace: art, music, beauty, sunshine, loving relationships, a baby's smile. But - these things are not the light - to enjoy and encounter the light, we must turn around and follow the rays of light back to the source. What is the source of beauty, love, and truth? Jesus said he is the light of the ...

We are several months out of even the most limited pandemic restrictions. I cannot remember the last time I wore a mask. When I see someone wearing a mask, it feels nostalgic - a reminder of a strange time when that person was the norm and I - the unmasked one would look strange. Despite the fact that we can break the 6-foot barrier and admire the lower halves of other's faces - I have been surprised at the number of Christians I meet who are just NOW starting to return to live worship services. I understand the lure of the live stream worship experience while sitting at home on the couch - worshipping in sweats and hot coffee in my mug - much more appealing than a hard couch and no coffee. I've also met believers boldly walking away from regular church attendance and proclaiming they can worship God anywhere - including the pickleball court. Nature is my sanctuary. "God’s Spirit and gift of salvation are not defined by church walls. But without an embodied community of be...

Today I salute the important women in my life:  Leela Ninan Felicia Ninan Sophia Ninan.  Mom - loved and supported me. Still loves and supports me.  Felicia - my confidante. How in the world could I navigate my life without your wisdom? Sophia - the brilliant foil to many of my views. You are one of the most brilliant women I know. Your perception and insight are scary at times. 

I had never heard of Asbury University until last week. And now it's all I can think about. On February 8 Asbury University had its regular chapel service. I was educated in evangelical Christian institutions and am familiar with what these chapels consist of: a worship team made up of fellow students lead some contemporary worship songs a speaker - usually a professor or local pastor an administrator makes some announcements And that's it. Reflecting back on bible school and seminary I can't remember many chapels. I remember the one on Tuesday, September 11 for obvious reasons. I remember a few I spoke at or was involved with - but nothing too spectacular stands out in my memory. I watched the sermon and prayer at Asbury on February 8. Rev. Zach Meerkrebs - a young local Alliance pastor preached a rather straightforward sermon on God's love. It was good - but not revival-shaking good. (Or so we all thought!) But his sermon and prayer sparked an awakening on that campus...

the prophet said let justice roll down and i see nothing the prophet talked about streams of righteousness and i see a parched desert we pray Your kingdom come and wonder when we pray Your will be done and wonder when     when will our sons walk unafraid?     when will our girls live unashamed?      who can treat perpetual trauma? what elixir must we mix? waiting patiently miry clay its a trail of brokenness from Golgotha to Memphis and then                    whispers of a stone that was rolled away                    hazy visions of a coming day (of the Lord?) but still I wonder when