Do you remember a time in school when the teacher asked a question of the class and because you did not want to be called on tried to make yourself "disappear" from your teacher's eyesight? Why couldn't we just put on a "coat of invisibility" at that moment! Of course, we all know how successful that can be when your teacher is looking exactly for the students trying to "disappear!" Unfortunately, there have been many times when Jesus' closet disciples tried to hide themselves when confronted with a question from "the Rabbi?" As well, over the centuries since Jesus left this earth, many of his followers have tried the "disappearing act" when it comes to living out the mission of Christ here

How will you handle the most powerful responsibility in the universe? Would you think the best way to do that is to have some "super power" — invisibility to fly around and "lord" over the universe? Would you need a super hero costume? On NPR's program This American Life, John Hodgman conducted an informal, unscientific survey asking the question: Which is better? The power of flight, or the power of invisibility? What he found surprised him. No matter which power people chose, they used it in self-serving ways. Their plans weren't often flashy or heroic. In fact, they were almost never heroic, nor even simply kind. Here's something that hardly anyone ever mentioned in his interviews — "I w

One of the great things about being present to my grandchildren is watching their development whether talking, walking, conflict resolution, etc. Now that I see them at least two times a week, it still amazes me how they handle all the "things of their lives." For example, our three-year old granddaughter is "wise beyond her years!" She can be very present to adults conversing with one another at times, and at other times she chooses simply to ignore them. She chooses when she wants to listen and when she wants to speak. Therefore, when adults are talking and she repeats what is said then or at another time, there is surprise that she repeats their words! Sometimes that is good and sometimes

Thrive: to grow vigorously; flourish; to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances. Study after study has presented reasons why churches in the United States are in a state of decline. And to most of us who grew up from the 1950's until today, "things" just aren't the way they use to be at church" — crowds that outgrew the space in the sanctuaries and in the Sunday School classrooms; building projects to accommodate the influx of people. Families together in worship. Fellowship activities created for the "church folk" to stay connected with one another. Being at church 3-5 times a week for said fellowship activities, meetings, prayer groups, Bible studies, and wor