Category Archives: self-in-service

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

Back in business

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

“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

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The Thundering Sovereignty of God

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

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

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12 hours into Sandy’s dialysis

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

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

 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

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

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

 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

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

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