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Author Archives: Allen
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
A Word of Introduction I’m going to explore a theme in this space this month, the theme of “Faith Questions.” This is an intentional title. As people of faith, we will always have a faith question (or two!) we would … Continue reading
Be Holy! Be Perfect!
As I was growing up, my mother had a number of pithy parental pronouncements that have stuck with me as an adult and as a parent. For instance, even today watching a freight train go by causes me to hear my … Continue reading
Transitions: New Beginnings
Four weeks ago when we launched this series on change and transition I told you a bit of my story of moving from Fresno to San Bruno. It was a journey marked by both grief and excitement, as the journey … Continue reading
The Neutral Zone: Life in the Meantime
We’re in the middle of a four-week series on Transitions. Last week, we looked at how to navigate the many changes we face, by keeping the ending in mind. Next week, we’ll finish up as we explore the new beginnings … Continue reading
Transitions: Beginning with the End in Mind
Change can be a messy, complicated, difficult business. It’s been said, in fact, that the only person who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper. Change is hard because it requires that we step out of what’s familiar, … Continue reading
Thriving in the Midst of Change
Moving from Illinois to California In June, 1988 everything changed for me. I was born and raised outside of Chicago, and I went to college and graduate school in Minnesota. But in June of 1988 I crammed all my earthly … Continue reading
Who Are We? Whose Are We?
I can remember when I was young; I was frequently known as “Rob and Ginny’s son.” I can remember liking that most of the time. Aside from a brief season of teen-aged rebellion, I didn’t mind being known as their … Continue reading
Where’s Waldo? Where’s Jesus
Where’s Waldo? Have you ever asked, “Where’s Waldo?” It’s a fun children’s puzzle game in which you try to find the Waldo figure somewhere in the middle of a picture. What makes finding Waldo a challenge? He’s usually buried in a … Continue reading
Happy New Year!
Every fall, I go a little crazy. Just a little, mind you. We have a big, beautiful tree in our front yard that provides wonderful shade to the west side of our house. Throughout the year I rake up the … Continue reading
A Blue Christmas
Joy and Pain The little boy toddle-ran across the family room after spotting his favorite blankie in the corner. Just before he got there, though, he tripped and fell hard. Usually one to catch himself with his hands, this time the 16 month old … Continue reading
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