Here we make comments or observations about various aspects of our lives or we write about new insights or perspectives we have learned regarding the practical outworking of our faith and our relationship Jesus, or about other things taught in the Bible.
Their Demand for a King
While studying Esther 3, I noticed something fascinating—Mordecai was from the tribe of Benjamin, and Haman was an Agagite. This took me back in history to Israel’s first king, Saul, who was also a Benjamite. Why did God choose Saul, when His plan was for the Messiah to come from the line of Judah? Before Read More …
Deportation: Justice and the Call of the Gospel
Illegal immigration is a complex issue that must be addressed within the framework of the laws of a sovereign nation. As a legal immigrant to the United States, I understand firsthand the challenges, expenses, and lengthy waiting periods involved in obtaining permanent residency through legal channels. It is frustrating when individuals circumvent these rules to Read More …
When Love Calls
“Be like a tree… Sadness gives depth. Happiness gives height. Sadness gives roots. Happiness gives branches. Both are necessary for life.” -Rumi My beloved grandmother, Pattima, died in the first week of December over a decade ago and my family’s hearts were broken as we loved her so much. We had a memorial service here at Read More …
On the Right Side of History? Our Christian Response to Politics
A new Dietrich Bonhoeffer movie is playing in theaters. I heard that it was not a true depiction of the humble pastor so I started researching a little. I also wanted to understand from a Christian perspective, the political happenings in Germany during WWII and how the Holocaust (from 1933-1945) had played out. We were Read More …
When Mother’s Day Hurts
Mother’s Day can be a day extremely painful for many who have suffered loss. I will mention a few reasons why it could have gut-punched some of us over the years. Loss Miscarriage of a pregnancy. Abortion – by force or by choice. Death of one or more children. Death of Mother or Grandmother Terminal Read More …
25 Years of Grace Alone
My heart soared as we sang “Grace Alone” at church yesterday morning. It is one of my all time favorite songs. Why? Because it exemplifies our story. 25 years have passed since Diwakar officially became Sandeep Nathaniel Thomas. 25 years since I had the privilege of becoming a mother and Peter, a father. 25 years Read More …
9/11 – Twenty Years Later
“Did you see what happened?” was the greeting I got as I took my toddler to her preschool that clear September morning. My heart froze as I watched the second tower of the World Trade Center collapse on the screen of the TV in the corner of the room. My husband had got on the Read More …
How the Gospel Infuses Life into the Bible
Our family has been through some trying times in the last few weeks. It is a combination of many things – loneliness, relationship challenges, and a barrage of spiritual onslaught that we have been facing from several different directions simultaneously. Suffice it to say, our circumstances have been shaking the very foundations of our faith. Read More …
Indian National Anthem
Today India celebrates its Republic Day. In January 26th, 1950, India formally completed its transition to become and independent republic, by adopting a democratic constitution. India has always been deeply religious, and its National Anthem reflects this. Here is the Romanized version of the Indian National Anthem, that is sung in Bengali Janagaṇamana-adhināẏaka jaẏa hē Read More …
Parenting Older Children With Trauma – Part 1
Part 1: The focus is on children 3 years and older. Here we talk about (a) The effects of trauma on children. (b) The grief and loss they face. (c) The importance of their attachment to their caregivers, (d) The social and emotional implications they need to deal with. (e) The developmental delays they have to overcome. Read More …