Category Archives: self-in-service

reflections on self in service of reader, applied pastoral counseling, psychology

Back in business

Posted on June 26, 2010 by jlh

It’s been some time since I’ve written regularly for this blog. I confess it’s easy to get out of the habit. And I do my best writing very early in the morning, 2 or 3 o’clock and haven’t been making … Continue reading →

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Beyond the sheltering sky

Posted on September 1, 2009 by jlh

“Every form of refuge has its price” —Lyin’ Eyes, Eagles Your copay today is $50. On a scale of 0-10— 0, being no pain; 10, being the worst pain you can imagine— what number is your pain now? You have … Continue reading →

Posted in New poetry, religion, self-in-service | Tagged , | 7 Comments

The Thundering Sovereignty of God

Posted on July 28, 2009 by jlh

Lear and Fool in Storm, William Dyce, 1851 Scottish National Gallery     Last night I finished reading, dimmed my light, piled up my pillows, and snuggled under my blankets. Often a M*A*S*H DVD distracts me from nagging aches. But … Continue reading →

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No and Yes

Posted on July 17, 2009 by jlh

You know it’s important to write down insights when they come—which I’m doing now. Ask for medical prognostication, and from any truthful physician you’ll get “Yes” and “No,” a mix of the probable and possible. Medicine is a mixture of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, religion, self-in-service, Spiritual life | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

12 hours into Sandy’s dialysis

Posted on July 17, 2009 by jlh

Early morning tea ceremony. Feed cats, freshen their water. Load new dishes in dishwasher (don’t have time to unload—oh well, a few dishes will be really clean). Turn on water miser cycle. Bring 1 1/3 cup water in microwave to boil. … Continue reading →

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What it means to follow Christ

Posted on June 30, 2009 by jlh

In light of my self designation as a “Christ follower” rather than Baptist or Methodist, and  a meditation on what it means to follow Christ at www.TheEvangelismInstitute.org, my friend Jon asks what does it mean for me to follow Christ. Because … Continue reading →

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It’s not easy being green

Posted on April 3, 2009 by jlh

 Thanks to: PD photo.org Kermit the Frog sings here. “He makes me lie down in green pastures,” Psalms 23:2 (NRSV).  As an adult, I’ve had to learn to walk twice.  My spine is kinky, and I grow a lot of … Continue reading →

Posted in prayer, religion, self-in-service, Spiritual life | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Miracle at I-95 and Chippenham Pkwy. 2: Fear and Beyond

Posted on March 26, 2009 by jlh

Left: Our Lady of the Burning Bush I promise: this is not the Dr. Phil show, not a psycho strip tease, so popular in our culture, but a spiritual witness to the astounding grace of God. In my early 40s, … Continue reading →

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Miracle at I-95 and Chippenham Pkwy 1: Scared shitless

Posted on March 26, 2009 by jlh

 Left: Our Lady of the Burning Bush On a beautiful fall morning in 1991, I saw my burning bush. Although I’ve had several mountain top experiences, this is one-of-a-kind.  Remembering it gives me joy. The Western white male scientific culture most of … Continue reading →

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A Dark Christmas Tree

Posted on December 18, 2008 by jlh

Sandy will be OK, coming home in a day or two. They’ll be able to treat her with meds. We have a Christmas tree with several hundred lights. There’s a switch on the floor I can’t reach, so the tree … Continue reading →

Posted in self-in-service, Spiritual life | Tagged , , | 2 Comments