Guest Blogger Series: Part 3 This is the third post in a guest blogger series on the Bible. Part 2, by Erika Funk, is here. Wee Lassies and Lads…and the Bible too by Noah E. Carlson It has been an enlightening experience to transition from Princetonian theological theory to British parish praxis during my tenure [...]
Scotland Craziness: Burns Supper Report
Megan and I attended our first Burns Supper last night. A Burns Supper celebrates the life of Robert Burns in ways only Scots could think up. The festivities are a tried and true tradition of Scotland and are particularly common in Ayrshire, as the bard hailed from the region. Burns suppers include a many-course meal, [...]
Why I love America
It’s easy to crack on. It’s easy to hate. But through it all I never forget: damn I love America. Here’s why… People who care, who try, who cry. The land that goes on and on. And on. Creeks and lakes and coasts and bayous and fields and farms. Diversity. Ingenuity. Tenacity. Rocking chairs in [...]
The God Who
I’m off this morning to my weekly text study group with local pastors. Since Sunday’s lectionary texts include Mary’s Magnificat, Luke 1:47-55, as the canticle I thought I’d repost this reflection on the powerful text. Are you preaching from Luke 1 this Sunday? How so? The God Who The God who looks with favor on [...]
When Christmas Isn’t
I recently had a lovely phone chat with a friend in the states. She remarked, offhandedly, that she was attending several Holiday Parties this week. While this phrase, “Holiday Party” may not have seemed out of place last year, after living in Scotland for several months it now seems a bit odd. Stay with [...]
What would John say? "Happy Advent!"
Growing up in America with a Scottish mother can be difficult at times. The other kids at school ask questions like, “Why does your mom talk funny?” Your mother signs notes or presents, “Mum” rather than “Mom” as all the other mothers spell it. You use strange words like “wee” and “shoogly” that cause eyebrows [...]
Blogging Advent with the (online) community of faith
I’m participating in an Advent series with other bloggers organized by Brother Maynard, another CCBlogger. About twenty of us will be posting reflections throughout Advent using texts from John and the Old Testament chosen by Brother Maynard who just wrote a book on the same topic. Last year, one of my seminary friends unwittingly became [...]
