In Pakistan’s church liturgy, the Punjabi Zabūr (“Psalms in Punjabi”) are central. Originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the tireless efforts of Rev. Dr. Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz (1845–1921). A Punjabi convert to Christianity who translated all 150 psalms into Punjabi poetic verse. He, then, collaborated with a music committee to set them …
Have you ever made a paper boat? They hold so much promise for about five seconds — until reality (and water) hit. I’ve made choices in life that felt the same way: beautifully folded plans that didn’t seem waterproof once the storms came. When we moved to Ukraine to help start a church, I had …
This has been a tough year. I lost a job in January, and then a second in May, and a third in July. I have filled out more applications than I care to recall, attended interviews, and put in hours making cold calls—all while the debt kept climbing, towering over me like a tsunami about …
Music. When I was four years old, I came home from my aunt and uncle’s wedding and played “Here Comes the Bride” on the piano by ear. My parents put me in music lessons. That was my introduction to music. We were a musical family. All six of us kids knew music, and I …
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the Earth! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”— Psalm 100:1–2 When I was in high school, I took this command to heart. I thought I had a gift for music. In reality, what sounded beautiful to me probably sounded to others more …
It’s Christmas Eve, and it’s a quiet morning. For many years, quiet and Christmas didn’t go together. We are in a different season now: it’s quiet, which gives me time to ponder. When the kids were young, there were programs and adventures. We never emphasized getting at Christmas time; we focused more on the giving. …
As we enter this celebratory season from November to January—marking Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, it is an ideal time to reflect on our lives and ask, “Am I content or am I restless?” While winter brings many celebrations, it also brings gloom and cold, leading to shorter days and feelings of isolation. Some people enjoy …
“SWOP might be considered a constructive program by nonviolent scholars and activists, as it attempts to create more imaginative and just communities, reducing harm, improving health care and works to uphold the civil and human rights of workers and their communities.” (https://swopusa.org/ ) Doesn’t SWOP sound like a nice organization? One that you might even …
Calling all grandmas and mothers, nanas and moms, mee-maws and mums, who are you raising up? What child can you influence to make a difference in this world? If I were to ask 100 Christians to name Timothy’s mother and grandmother, most couldn’t name these 2 ladies. However, many have heard of Timothy. In fact, …
There is nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a cold glass of iced tea. It is getting to be that time of year again for cold coffee on the porch. In the winter, I enjoy a hot cup of coffee by the fire. In Summer our kids like slushies, cold soda, cold lemonade, …