Nathan E. Lewis

From Holly's Art

From Holly's Art Holly Armstrong has given me permission to show her pen and ink, a blast from the 60’s hippie-esque. Groovy doodling! How does she do it? She is much too young to remember these days, but her Mom, who is also an artist, was alive and well at the height of the movement. Holly, along with her husband and three little girls, are members of Evergreen, the congregation I serve in Beaverton, Oregon. That’s the connection: Here, in Oregon, we flower children are still rockin.

Joy Williams, in the New York Times, February 26, 2009 reviews “The Life of Flannery O’Connor,” by Brad Gooch. Not having read Gooch’s biography, I don’t know his observations and conclusions but through Williams’ review. Williams’ review is a fascinating description of an eccentric Flannery O’Connor. Undoubtedly, she was a weird chick. While there is an inseparable and interesting connection between an author’s life and her writing, I do not think we should judge the merits of the writing based upon the flaws in the author’s character. Continue reading »

The Christian calendar can be most helpful in sharpening our focus upon God and his work within us and in the world. During the 40 days of Lent Christians devote themselves to fasting and praying with an emphasis on repentance and renewed reliance upon God. (From Ash Wednesday to Easter is 46 days, but the six Sundays are not considered lenten days as each Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.) There is a popularly held view moving people to disregard Lent: “Why should I fast and pray for 40 days on the church calendar when I can fast and pray 365 days of the year? Why should I focus on repentance during Lent when I can repent 365 days of the year?” This particular view has the potential of encouraging a Christian lifestyle bereft of fasting, prayer, repentance, and reliance upon God. Continue reading »