JONATHAN C DOW

Personal and Confidential

A number of years ago, while serving on the staff of a non-profit organization, I had an experience that the Lord recently brought to remembrance. Revisiting my original blog entry about that encounter, I took some time to revise it, trusting that it will speak to you afresh.

While I was working at my desk one afternoon, our . . .

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December 01, 2020

A Divine Heads-Up

It may not be just for you.

When was the last time someone gave you a heads-up? It may have been an unsolicited comment from a disgruntled restaurant patron, or the double flash of high beams from an oncoming driver, or even a wide-eyed emoji at the end of a co-worker's foreboding text. This intentional advisement was offered as a courtesy to help you successfully . . .

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November 01, 2020

What's Next, Papa?

Learning to Live in Joyful Expectation

For the last few months, the hospital where I work has implemented a daily medical screening process for employees. When you arrive, signage directs you down a hallway toward a team of people who greet you and inquire of any symptoms of illness as they take your temperature. When the digital thermometer beeps, the screener lets know you what . . .

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September 01, 2020

It is What it Is...

but what if it's not?

One phrase that I have allowed to slip into my conversational vocabulary is, "Well, it is what it is." Usually, it's accompanied by a resigned sigh and an implied, "Suck it up, buttercup."

It makes sense, then, that as I pondered the account of Jairus in Mark 5, this emotionally acquiesced phrase bubbled to the surface. In the unfolding . . .

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June 01, 2020

Awakening

I want it... and I need it

Not too long ago, I came across a video capturing the moment an infant's cochlear implant was activated. Appearing to be uncomfortable with the sound processor attached to his head, the baby squirmed in his mother's lap. In the background, the audiologist explained what was about to happen and then signaled that the receiver was now turned . . .

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May 01, 2020

Satisfied

Hope for When God Moves the Finish Line

Recently, I’ve been listening to the Book of Mark as I get ready for work in the mornings. Although I had downloaded a fully dramatized version, complete with quills scratching on parchment, dogs barking, creaking doors, and busy street-market background sounds, I instead chose to enjoy a simple narration spoken by a gentleman named . . .

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April 17, 2020

Someone Else's Mess

Sometimes there's grace to clean it up

A number of years ago, we made the 22 hour trip to Maine with our dog, Sophie. She loved the cottage where we stayed and enjoyed taking long naps on the cozy couch opposite the fireplace. One afternoon, a neighbor came by to introduce herself with her three Labrador Retrievers in tow. Not confident in how Sophie might react to these canine . . .

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February 01, 2020

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