Today's text was John 11:1-44, the Lazarus story, which is all about lamentation (grief) and love -- and gosh, aren't those two connected? Mary and Martha were torn apart by grief because they loved their brother so, and his death was untimely and unexpected. (We used the DVD of the Gospel of John … [Read more...] about Preaching Lazarus
The Environment & Your Health
Everything is connected. Our actions created reactions and interactions between organisms. 24% of global disease is caused by avoidable environmental exposure, according to the World Health Organization. Pollutants don't disappear because the garbage man comes on Tuesday. Perhaps you've heard … [Read more...] about The Environment & Your Health
Reasons I Love DC
Yesterday evening my husband and I went for a walk around the tidal basin, stopping for a while at the Jefferson Memorial. I loved seeing: ~ The cherry blossoms in the early stages. They are not only iconic, but also beautiful. ~ Groups of high schoolers in their spirit-wear, walking along in … [Read more...] about Reasons I Love DC
Breast Cancer Notes
These notes are from a lecture by Dr Claudine Isaacs, who co-directs the Breast Cancer Program at Georgetown University. If you know something on the subject and I got something wrong, please correct me! It's amazing that I put these notes aside for about a week and already I am not certain that I … [Read more...] about Breast Cancer Notes
Brush Border & other GI miracles
Did you know you have a "brush border" that keeps you alive? The brush border is the little fingerlings that line your small intestine and absorb nutrients from the food you eat. It is only one cell thick. Think about that. There's one cell between the food you eat (mixed with stomach acid into … [Read more...] about Brush Border & other GI miracles
Bust a Gut
Last night was "Gastroenterology: Clinical" at Georgetown Mini-medical school. Dr. Bruce Luxon was the presenter, and he had a perfect blend of expertise, good teaching method, and a relaxed attitude. He also had some amazing, gory films of endoscopies that were fascinating to see. We're going to … [Read more...] about Bust a Gut
Stem Cells
One of the great things about living near Washington DC is having access to something like Georgetown's Mini-Medical School. My husband and I attended this a few years ago and have just started a new round. For eight evenings, on consecutive Tuesdays, we will listen to experts in various … [Read more...] about Stem Cells
A Conversation at the Checkout Counter
Lobster tails were on sale for Valentine's Day, so I bought a package. As she swiped them, the grocery clerk commented: "Lobster tails, huh, I thought about getting me some." "But you didn't?" "We're having Cornish Game Hen instead." "It's been ages since I had Cornish Game Hen," I replied, silently … [Read more...] about A Conversation at the Checkout Counter
Downshifting: Quitting My Job to Write a Book
Last Sunday I announced to my congregation that I would be leaving my position at the church this June. The reason for my leaving is that I want to spend all of my time and energy finishing some writing projects and finding a home for them, either through traditional publishing, or perhaps through … [Read more...] about Downshifting: Quitting My Job to Write a Book
Two Movies I Never Heard of But Loved
I'm posting these titles because I never heard of them before I found them on Netflix (both available on streaming). "Sweet Land" -- set in 1920 in Minnesota -- a "mail order" bride arrives. Really a sweet, tender movie, nice tight dialogue, great acting, interesting story. A congregation, and the … [Read more...] about Two Movies I Never Heard of But Loved
Tiger Mother
I can't recall a book that has gotten as much publicity as Amy Chua's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Clicking that link will bring you to an excerpt (in case you somehow missed the hubbub). What are my thoughts? 1. I don't believe that something is fun only when you're good at it and therefore we … [Read more...] about Tiger Mother
Dawntreader Retreaded, gender roles in the movie
Growing up, I adored the Narnia series. I devoured the books, imagining myself to be a composite of Edmund and Lucy -- with their adventurousness, courage, and ability to converse with animals and fauns. The talking mouse, Reepicheep, was one of my favorite characters, so I was eager to see the … [Read more...] about Dawntreader Retreaded, gender roles in the movie