The cluster of villages in the shadows of the Himalayas are an anthropologist’s dream: the exquisite wooden courtyard homes and the fertile lands at eight thousand feet elevation provide shelter and work for the P. peoples, one of the last matriarchal societies in the world. Property rights are handed down through the woman’s lineage and “walking marriage” is practiced widely, where the man visits the woman at night but then returns to his sister’s house the next morning to help […]

I have never enjoyed speaking publicly about the pro-life vs. pro-choice debate. As a courtesy, I once announced to our church through email that I would be speaking on this issue in a sermon. A variety of strong opinions about my sermon soon landed in my inbox. I received all of them before I gave the sermon. Even before we open our mouths on the subject, the heat gets turned up. I don’t like stirring up a hornet’s nest. I want people and […]

Have you ever heard of the word “automaticity”? It’s a fancy term for the ability of the body to act without the brain thinking, often when processes become “over-learned.” A common—but scary!—instance of automaticity is referred to as “highway hypnosis.” Have you ever pulled into the driveway after the commute home from work and realized you can’t remember a single part of the trip? You don’t recall stopping at any lights, making any turns, adjusting the radio, even. And yet, […]

As a Director of Music, Christmas 2021 was my worst nightmare! Last year, we had to cancel Lessons and Carols services because of a breakout of COVID among the musicians at Tenth. As preparations are now well underway for our Christmas services this year, I am reminded of another church musician who also had some Yuletide challenges. In 1818, Franz Gruber, organist and choirmaster at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria just north of Salzburg, found himself having to prepare […]

Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Among those who know me I mention Rahab [Egypt] and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush [Ethiopia] – “This one was born there,” they say. Psalm 87:3-4 Psalm 87 is an amazing Psalm that says that the nations will be “born in Zion, the city of God.” They will be considered native-born citizens of the city of God, equal to the Israelites in salvation!  His salvation is for all […]

First Thessalonians 5:14 urges us to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with them all. Have you ever felt inadequate for the task?  I clearly remember many moments where I have failed in this area. A non-believing family member of mine once came to me in desperation after a diagnosis that signaled life on earth is fleeting. I stumbled over many words that day, unsure of how to comfort and how to graciously address […]

An essential key to winning a battle is to have a strategic plan. Our Lord, when describing the necessity of counting the cost of being a disciple, explained that a wise king considers his enemy before engaging in battle (Luke 14:31). As disciples of Christ, the rules of combat for spiritual warfare are much the same. We are soldiers enlisted in the cause of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4). As those who put on the whole armor of God, the weapons […]

As Maranatha wraps up another summer of mission trips, I wanted to pass along this thank you letter written by one of the teen team members: Thank you for supporting our mission trip with Maranatha this summer. Whether it was financially, or through prayers, your support was appreciated and so vital in making the week at Kirkbride a success! Let me give you a small recap.  I feel blessed to have been able to serve another year with Kirkbride in […]

Since arriving in Philadelphia two weeks ago, I have heard incredible testimonies of how God has used Tenth Presbyterian Church in so many lives. It is a joy for me to be here and join in the important work of this church. I grew up in a small town in Michigan, the daughter and granddaughter of pastors. From childhood, the Lord impressed on me the brevity of time. Scriptural admonitions like that of 1 Peter 1:13 to be “sober-minded” and […]