That title is a not so veiled reference to this classic, groundbreaking video and to the approaching July 4th holiday. I’ve been listening to the audiobook version of If You Can Keep It by my new spirit animal Eric Metaxas. Okay, just kidding, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is still my spirit animal. Also I read […]
Author Archives: jennifergrashel
At Least I’m Not Like Those Other People
I’m trying to write this week’s post ahead of time, at least mostly anyway. My recent annual June 25 tradition involves a pedicure and checking out from the world a bit. “Me time” has felt in short supply thus far during this year’s pandemic. But didn’t everything slow down with the stay at home orders? […]
Flaming Dumpsters
“I need to go. I need to write something intelligent. Something coherent anyway.” This is my attempt at coherence. Coherence in the midst of my usual overflowing task list. Coherence in the midst of processing what I described yesterday as a dumpster fire. I’ve cited this verse more than once lately … “I have the […]
Crying Over Spilled Guacamole
I didn’t literally cry. But I literally spilled guacamole. And more. After an extensive cleanup on aisle six … I punted on dinner and quickly nuked some nachos or, as my niece used to request, “chips and cheese”. Mine had a little flair. Our church, like many congregations, resumed in-person services this past Sunday morning. […]
This Week’s Episode Brought to You By the Letter …
“Oh I’m fine. Other than the pollen.” “So you’re fine. Except you’re not.” I had to laugh. I’m so used to my own personal normal. This too shall pass. Pollen passes. Pandemics pass. Protests pass. By the way, the pandemic hasn’t passed yet. If you were at a protest in Columbus, Ohio you may have […]
God’s Fool
“There has to be more. There is more. Much more.” This line from God’s Fool – “A New Story About an Old Saint”, namely St. Francis of Assisi – really makes the entire movie. Granted, I’m biased – my name is in the credits (you guys, my name is in the credits!) – but it […]
The Paradox of the Gospel
I heard it said recently the paradox of the gospel is the suffering and the joy. The $64,000 question no one really has a good answer to is why does a God who is good and loving allow suffering. “Suffering” seems to be the topic on the minds of the collective subconscious in my world […]
Hamster Wheels and Life in the Age of Social Distancing
I’ve mostly stopped looking at coronavirus memes. I’m overwhelmed by social media. I can’t even keep up with friends’ posts, let alone sift through the junk. There’s new music from friends I do need to get to … and a few ministry opportunities I have to leave to my partners in crime at the moment. […]
Bias Schmias
Dear friends, your unconscious bias is showing. Everyone has unconscious bias. You. Me. Them. An orange whip to anyone who immediately recognized the movie reference there. I don’t call myself a feminist. I consider myself a proud member of the vast right wing conspiracy, after all. But I do know a little somethin’ somethin’ about […]
Be Kind
The insanity continues. The insanity of my life. The insanity of social media. The insanity of pandemic pandemonium. Right now I’m tired. But I just downed an iced coffee, so I’ll be fine. I’m thinking of downing another so I’ll be extra fine. Regarding the pandemic … more people’s tinfoil hats are showing. Not to […]