I like tomatoes. This year, however, I put in only one plant. I placed it in one of the older gardens next to the fence thinking it would be unobtrusive and the flowers and shrubs would out-shine it. It wouldn’t really be noticed in such majestic company. Several days (weeks) of rain later, the plant stood over six feet tall! I had to add another thick bamboo pole to support it and I may soon have to add a third. So much for unobtrusive! At last count, it had 14 tomatoes growing on it and I was doing the happy dance. Let me tell you, doing the happy dance in Crocs on mulch is not easy. I love fresh tomatoes! Continue reading
Tag Archives: Trump
In the early stages of my journey to pastoral ministry, I was an intern in a mid-sized country church in Ontario, Canada. I don’t remember how old it was exactly, but the church was at least 100 years old and had witnessed many of the cultural changes that came to our denomination over time. One of those changes was the introduction of musical instruments.
I first heard the story of the “organ battle” from Chris, an elderly member of the congregation who told the story with a heavy helping of gentleness and grace. It wasn’t until 1955 that the General Conference of the Brethren in Christ authorized the use of instruments in the church for those that desired them. When interest in having an organ installed at the Rosebank congregation developed, the church essentially divided into two factions, those who were for it and those who were against it.
Things I have been considering as I prepare to vote in this election:
- I need to pray. Prayer is essential before all major decisions. Don’t leave Jesus out of your choice.
- I need to consider more than just the personalities involved. Consider the issues carefully and pray over each one. Issues that concern Christians greatly such as abortion, those that affect religious liberty, and social justice concerns require serious consideration.
- There are more than two candidates running for office. I’m not advocating for third party voting (yes there are more than two parties running) but rather am reminded that there will be more on the ballot than a simple vote for the next President of the United States. Candidates for Senate and Congress, for various state offices, and a ballot measure will all be up for consideration and are worthy of prayer.
- My election choice is not an indication of moral superiority. I am reminded that people choose political affiliations for a wide variety of reasons, some of which are deeply seated and difficult to articulate. I will still love and befriend them after the election regardless of their choices.
- I need to consider my witness for Jesus. Regardless of which party I choose to support, aligning myself too closely with a candidate, because of personality issues, can reflect badly on people’s views of Jesus and His church. I need to walk carefully and not crow too loudly.
- I need to remember that God is still God. Jesus is still Lord and God did not cease to be God simply because it is an election year. He is still sovereign and loves every single one of us, regardless of our affiliations or choices. He will still be there for us on November 9th and forever.