Children tend to absorb the stress and worry of their parents. I know I did. I can remember questioning purchases my folks made, like groceries or a lawn mower, when the things I so desperately needed seemed to me nothing more than an afterthought for them, like game cartridges or new tapes I wanted to listen to.
The worry with which children seemingly burden themselves over losing the proverbial family farm is merely the tangible expression of the true fear they actually carry, which is that their beloved pony might be taken away and slaughtered for his pricy hooves that make such fine glue. This echo of a once real fear sticks in the American psyche, spilling down from one generation to the next as we grow further and further away from our agrarian roots.
Today, as children are unable to comprehend our nation’s financial crisis, they take on the stress…
Posted by Tim Holland on August 21, 2011
http://www.1together.net/2011/08/21/gluey-the-horse/
I have had a LOT of conversations lately, most revolving around God’s goodness in the midst of suffering and anguish, relinquishing what we want in order to receive what we need, and other hugely foundational subjects of the Christian faith. Thematic throughout each exists a common thread, and that is trusting that God’s goodness, his sovereign oversight that may even cause pain in order to see us through to wholeness, is indeed present and real.
There are times in each Christian’s journey where he may question the existence of God. But, I think as we learn to walk out our faith, embracing the mystery of things often unknown, we learn to rest in the knowledge that…he is. God is who he is. But, is he good? Does his standard for moral and right living preclude me from ultimate happiness? Or, is the ultimate happiness I seek an end of my…
Posted by Tim Holland on June 24, 2011
http://www.1together.net/2011/06/24/trust/
I think I may have had one of the most incredible weekends of my life. I’m generally a fan of worlds colliding. You know, like when friends from home are visiting town and meeting your new social group. This weekend had that, but in a completely unexpected way.
My phone rings on Friday evening. It’s Hollie, asking if I had gotten Brandon’s message? Brandon? Yes, Brandon. The same Brandon who traveled with us on countless mission trips growing up. The same Brandon from my older brother’s youth group. The same Brandon whose brother married Hollie’s sister. And, the same Brandon who some time ago found himself involved in drugs and throwing his life away before it got a chance to start. Brandon.
So, Hollie and I meet up at Union Station here in DC and wait for Brandon’s bus to arrive, all the while unsure why he left Teen Challenge in…
Posted by Tim Holland on June 7, 2011
http://www.1together.net/2011/06/07/427/
Every now and then I find an opportunity that is just too rich to pass up. Last night was one of those instances.
My cousin’s wife, Nat, ordered a black leather ottoman from Overstock.com, but it was damaged in shipping. The vendor sent a new one, but decided not to pay for the return of the first one. So, Nat posted an ad on our favorite, non-creepy, family-safe website, Craigslist. Being the good cousin I am, I created a fake Gmail account, under the pseudonym animalluvr73@gmail.com, aka Erica Marshall.
The following are a series of four emails I wrote to Nat expressing a desire to purchase the ottoman, followed by a kind reply from Nat. It was fun and I thought I’d share the experience with you here. Yes, total departure from the usual blog post I share, but I needed the laugh this weekend.
From: Erica Marshall
Subject: Black Leather Storage…
Posted by Tim Holland on April 24, 2011
http://www.1together.net/2011/04/24/354/
I often hesitate with what to share and how in a forum so public as a blog. A quick look over recent topics here easily reveals a theme of struggle, brokenness, and searching for God. These things are all good, but at the end of the day what we really need, like really, truly NEED in order to keep moving forward in the faith, is the grace to keep fighting the good fight and hope that peace will come. Remove one or both of these two vital ingredients to a vibrant walk with the Lord and in comes the dark night of the soul. But not all is lost.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I have seen more evergreens than some would dream for in a lifetime. I love it. Rain? For days on end? You bet—I still refuse to purchase an umbrella, even during DC’s torrential August downpours!…
Posted by Tim Holland on April 15, 2011
http://www.1together.net/2011/04/15/walking-when-the-lights-go-out/
