By Beth Demme Do you remember Paul Harvey? He was on the radio back in the day, always sharing “the rest of the story.” Well, in Christianity, Ascension is the rest of the story. As much as my faith is based on incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, it is also about ascension. I declare this every time I say the Apostles’ …
God Knows We Can’t Help Ourselves
God Knows We Can’t Help Ourselves By Beth Demme Maybe it’s my American-ness or maybe it’s just my personality, but I kind of like the expression, God helps those who help themselves. I like it because I believe I know how to help myself, at least a little. It’s as if I can obligate God to be on my side …
The Irony of A Too Busy Advent
The Irony of a Too Busy Advent By Beth Demme I read a prayer the other day that has really stayed with me: “As water is restless until it reaches its level, so the soul has not peace until it rests in God.” It’s by Sundar Singh and if you happen to be a United Methodist you can find it …
Wrestling With God
Wrestling With God By Beth Demme Sometimes I hold on too tightly to God. To be more precise, I hold on too tightly to my ideas about God. I unintentionally put God in a box. You probably know the story of Jacob wrestling with God. I love how Jacob’s story gives us permission to “wrestle” with God. It’s a poignant …
Rest Isn’t Earned, But It Is Created
By Beth Demme Did you know that the word “business” is actually derived from a word meaning “anxiety” and “busy-ness”? Google says so! I like to be busy. I might even have an unhealthy preoccupation with accomplishing enough tasks to feel like I am enough. If I can make a big enough impact, or live my life well enough, or …
What Happens When Life Isn’t What I Expected?
By Beth Demme Have you ever received something you really wanted, only to discover it wasn’t at all what you expected? I do a lot of online shopping (probably too much). Every once in awhile, I get something that isn’t what I expected. One time I ordered a bar stool, but I didn’t check the dimensions well enough. When it …
Why Jesus is Powerless
The Nicaraguan countryside was dark all around us, but the lights of the hostel courtyard shone brightly. The world was quiet except for our easy conversation and the occasional thump of a bug bumping into a light. Some of us sat in chairs, others swayed gently in hammocks. One of our youngest team members, an eight-year old girl, read out …