Well-Said Quotables
"…God Almighty has set before me two great objects, the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners…"
William Wilberforce
Real Christianity
Member of Parliament, 18th-century
On Vocation
Seek the Flourishing of the City, Again and Again
“Take Idaho” was the way my sister-in-law Kathryn Elliott Stegall put it so very poetically as she mused over our longing to see all things well in the world. But the world is large, and how on earth do we … more
Posted in On Vocation
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Clowns of God
Like many, many others, I have long loved the work of children’s author and illustrator Tomie De Paola, and particularly how he includes insights into his Italian heritage and his vibrant Catholic faith through simple story-telling. A Mormon friend introduced … more
Posted in On Vocation
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I, like a tomato plant
In addition to being a source of delicious veg and a fine substitute for the gym, gardens are a source of wisdom. Patience, persistence, forgiveness, reflection, discipline—all can be learned with soil in one’s hands. It was just after university, … more
Food in Life, Life in Food
The Food in Life and the Life in Food Nikki Holdridge / The Falls Church Fellows Program 1 May 2017 I love food. I love to eat food. I love to work with food but I think most of all I … more
Posted in On Culture, On Vocation
Tagged Class, Culture, Farming, Fellows, Food, Seeing Seamlessly
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For My Pleasure
Gretta: “I told you, I write songs from time to time.” Dan: “Well what do you write them for?” Gretta: “What do you mean what for? For my pleasure.” The film “Begin Again,” from which the above dialogue is taken, … more
Posted in Biblical Reflections, Ecclesiastes 2, On Vocation
Tagged Begin Again, Ecclesiastes 2, Fulfillment, Identity, Purpose
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If Talking Is A Skill, Then It’s Mine!
Skills are inherent, innate, gifts from God. Before our creation God has enabled us with a set of skills that we are to use for his glory and to further the Kingdom. Just because skills are supposed to be utilized … more
Work Well to Rest Well
Growing up, my folks instilled in me a respect for Sunday, the Lord’s day; though not as extreme as some of my friends at church. Our morning usually consisted of Sunday school, church, and then the same fried chicken and … more
Posted in Biblical Reflections, Deuteronomy 5, On Vocation, Sabbath
Tagged Deuteronomy 5, Love of God, Love of Neighbor, Love of Self, Rest, Sabbath, Work
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Work-Rest Balance
The Word of the Lord spells out the instructions for keeping the Sabbath rather plainly in Deuteronomy. No one is to do any work on that one day of the week. They are to rest from the daily work they … more
Posted in Biblical Reflections, Deuteronomy 5, On Vocation, Sabbath
Tagged Deuteronomy 5, Idolatry, Rest, Sabbath, Service, Workaholic, Worship
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Rest: Making the Top Ten
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God.” — Deut. 5:12-14 (NLT) … more
Posted in Biblical Reflections, Deuteronomy 5, On Vocation, Sabbath
Tagged Deuteronomy 5, Fiddler on the Roof, Holiness, Rest, Sabbath, Ten Commandments, Work
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Loosening Perfectionism’s Grip
This past holiday season, I had the joy of performing one of life’s most satisfying but irritating tasks: stringing up Christmas lights. The frustration begins right off the bat with figuring out how to untangle them. Then, you need to make … more
Posted in Biblical Reflections, On Vocation, Revelation 21
Tagged Anxiety, Christmas Lights, Joy, Leslie Sherlin, Perfectionism, Revelation 21
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