The Meandering Mind of a Christian Woman

            The Old Testament reading in church this morning was the story of creation, the entire first chapter of Genesis. It got me thinking about the creation/evolution debate. Now, I am not looking to debate anyone, I believe what I believe and I am not trying to force any agenda on you. Frankly, I find the whole debate futile. Whether one believes in creation or evolution or a combination of the two is not crucial to salvation.             Working in the medical field as I do, I know that there is validity to science. I also know that there is the corruption of science by men seeking fame and fortune. Because of man (speaking of all people, not gender specific) religion has often been corrupted as well; this is nothing new.   As for what is taught in schools, I would much prefer to see the things that are current in science today being taught. Does it really...

“If you always do what you’ve always done; you will always get what you’ve always gotten.” Most, if not all, of us have seen that quote before. It is true too. At the beginning of the year I decided I would change things I do. I began regular walking then jogging, first on a treadmill and now on terrain. At first I kept going to the same walking path; lately I have begun exploring new paths. My dog, Elsa, absolutely loves going with me, she is actually the one who makes sure we go every day that I am not working. I’ve been rather proud of myself for making this improvement in my lifestyle. Yet, I know there are more changes to be made. There is excitement and a little hesitation in exploring new paths. There could be steep trails, or creepy people or even the brown bear that has been spotted roaming around Northern Illinois. But there can also be beauty, a welcome breeze or a cute bunny waiting for me around a bend.   I have to make a choice to step out of my comfort zone...

            I keep reading that all the people we meet, we meet for a reason. To a certain degree I agree with this, it validates the idea that our lives have meaning, something we all look for in life. As a Christian, I quite frequently believe the reason for meeting someone is so that I can be an example for others, which isn’t a bad idea when it produces positive behaviors. However, it is not always true; there are people I meet who teach me things, people who do not claim Christianity can be placed in my path to teach me and not just as a bad example. I know many people who do very admirable things and behave in upstanding ways that serve others even without proclaiming Christ.             In my youth, I was taught that non-believers cannot do good things because good things are the work of the Spirit. This puzzled me a lot. I have met non-believers who do fabulous th...

            Anyone who has gone through an illness that slows you down or even threatens your life has likely experienced the “gotta live my life” feeling. It is that determination that once one gets through an illness, she will really get out and live, no more couch potato lifestyle. I know this has been my experience. While one is ill, it is easy to make these commitments; “When I get better I’m going to… (Insert activity)” Then, when one recovers, reality comes along and reminds one of the commitments.             I have been trying to fulfill this commitment to myself this year. Today, as I was jogging with my dog (one of my new activities) a song on my I-pod declared, “To know the joy of soaring, you must face the fear of flying.” (Paraphrased) Back in March, my sister and I shared an experience while traveling that illustrated that phrase to a tee. We went zip-linin...

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the fact that Jesus was God before he came to earth as a human; God first, human second. We, on the other hand, are humans first and we become Christians. Sometimes we forget this.             In this internet age, it is very simple to pass judgment anonymously about anything and everything. So often, the comments are bitter denunciations that totally demean another person without responsibility for the words. I am not saying that all judgmental people are Christians. I am asking however, do our comments reflect our Christianity? Of all the people that populate this earth, we are to be lights shining in the darkness. We are humans first, meaning that whatever someone else does, we must remember with great humility that we are no better, we just happen to be forgiven. “There, but for the grace of God, go I” is a phrase that we must continually use to remind ourselves, we are where we are becaus...