A (Blue) Christmas Prayer
Almighty God,Be with those who are dreading the Christmas season this year.Be with those for whom loss and despair occlude hope and light.Be with those facing empty chairs at their tables and those who will sit at their tables alone.Be with those for whom this season reminds them of where they have failed and whatContinue reading “A (Blue) Christmas Prayer”
To the Journey! (What I Have Learned)
As of June 30, I wrapped up thirty-five years of vocational ministry. It all started in 1986 at the Herrin United Methodist Church where I was the Director of Family Life Ministries. Three years later, we left for seminary in Atlanta and I served the St. James Manchester/Chalybeate Springs Charge. After seminary, we shared ourContinue reading “To the Journey! (What I Have Learned)”
The Illusion of Perception (butter anyone?)
Not so long ago, an outspoken person I know was described to me as a “person who tells it like it is.” I replied, “Incorrect. That person tells it like they see it and how they see it is almost NEVER how it is!” The point was conceded in my favor. Often what we perceiveContinue reading “The Illusion of Perception (butter anyone?)”
Who is the Old Dude?
I celebrated a birthday last week. I am now officially fifty-nine. I saw my reflection in a window recently and wondered, “Who is the old dude?” I am pretty sure I am now older than my dad. I should have seen it coming. I didn’t, but I should have. It is like Christmas most years. Continue reading “Who is the Old Dude?”
A Dozen Things I am Seeing in Churches (Post Resurrection 2021)
I don’t think anyone knows what the church world is going to look like in the immediate future. It is not that “things have changed” and we need to adjust. It is that things won’t quit changing. Most of what I read concerning the future is what writers “hope happens” (extinction of the mega-church, collapseContinue reading “A Dozen Things I am Seeing in Churches (Post Resurrection 2021)”
Dump it Out
Thinking about people today; in particular, people I perceive have treated me unfairly. People who walked out, didn’t care to get accurate information and said things that hurt. I am sure everyone has a “they treated me wrong” bucket but the issue at hand is what to do with it. My suggestion is to emptyContinue reading “Dump it Out”
God Can Bless Anything (But Nothing)
When Melissa and I were married in 1983, we decided to tithe despite the fact we collectively made $60 a week. When I say tithe, I mean the old fashioned, ten percent off the top, tithe. Every week we wrote an extremely sacrificial check and put it in the offering plate, not just out ofContinue reading “God Can Bless Anything (But Nothing)”
Controlling What We Can
We have no say in how we are treated by others. We can not control what they say about us; whether what they say is true, whether we get a fair shake or whether we are denied the benefit of the doubt. What we CAN control are our attitudes, actions and reactions. We can choseContinue reading “Controlling What We Can”
Musings on MLK Weekend 2021
When my daughter Lydia was in high school we didn’t really talk much. We spent time together but we didn’t really talk. In fact, I used to joke that the words she most often spoke to me during her teen-age years were, “Dad, is mom there?” and that was over the telephone. When we didContinue reading “Musings on MLK Weekend 2021”
Need a Fresh Start in 2021?
I recently heard someone say they were “hoping” for a better year in 2021. It didn’t sit right with me. To quote my Financial Coach Mark Brooks, “Hope isn’t a strategy.” I suggest we “choose” a better year in 2021. Here are ten choices you can make right now! 1. Choose to be happy ThatContinue reading “Need a Fresh Start in 2021?”
Bring it On 2021! (I am not scared of you!)
BRING IT ON 2021! I am now fifty-eight. I am pretty sure that I am now older than my dad. I should have seen it coming. I didn’t, but I should have. About a decade back, I noticed the hair around my temples was turning bright white and the upper-back-part of my head was goingContinue reading “Bring it On 2021! (I am not scared of you!)”
Twenty Core Values to Guide You (in tough times)
Here are twenty core values that guide me every single day. Especially in tough times. 1. Remember your call. When things get tough, remember why you chose to do what you do. 2. Keep your primary relationships strong 3. Tend your soul 4. Get better every day 5. Add value to the lives of others.Continue reading “Twenty Core Values to Guide You (in tough times)”
Thinking About Returning to On-Site Church?
If you have not been to on-site services at your church since the pandemic began and are considering returning, here are seven thoughts: 1) Churches are running way less than half what they did per-pandemic; there is more room for distancing than you probably think. 2) Most churches have taken substantial measures to keep peopleContinue reading “Thinking About Returning to On-Site Church?”
SURVIVING IN THE FISH BOWL
Lay people who love God often have romantic ideas about vocational ministry. They think it will be like getting paid to go to an endless church camp. The reality is that vocational ministry IS very much like church camp; WORKING at a church camp! Employees cook meals, wash dishes, mow the lawn, maintain the property,Continue reading “SURVIVING IN THE FISH BOWL”
Four Little Things for 2021 (A Movement of One)
Thinking a bit. I wonder if four little things we all can do in 2021 might help the state of our world: 1) Let’s clean up our language. There is just no need for it. Leave yourself something to say when you get really mad. Bad language disrespects everyone. 2) Let’s tap into manners. PleaseContinue reading “Four Little Things for 2021 (A Movement of One)”
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Rev. Shane L. Bishop 