TonioTimeDaily

"For the past six months, I, like many of you, have missed gathering for worship in person – singing, touching, visiting, breaking bread. Yet now more than ever, I can worship with people from all over, take in a variety of preachers – all without worrying if my wheelchair can get in and around the building.

Most weeks though, my mom and I settle in on the couch with a Zoom screen full of familiar faces. As if we are invited into each other’s homes, we admire artwork and backyard decks...

"The most common question people ask me when we talk either in person or virtually, is essentially a variation on a single theme:

“How do I love someone I no longer like?”

They’ve recently realized something about a friend, family member, or partner that they simply cannot reconcile with the person they once knew and loved: a theological belief, political affiliation, or stance on a social issue that is so far beyond what they consider within the bounds of decency...

"Seven women are recognized by their ministry: Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Junia, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis. One woman, Phoebe, is identified as a deacon. Kevin Madigan and Carolyn Osiek write that Phoebe is “the only deacon of a first-century church whose name we know.” Another woman, Junia, is identified not simply as an apostle but as one who was prominent among the apostles...

"Know what you sign up for

With every relationship, you need to know what you are after. And it’s best to deal with a workplace romance expecting as little as possible. I’m not saying it cannot turn into a big love, but if you expect just to have some fun times and bonding, it might save you from setting yourself up for failure with too high expectations. Set some rules and discuss what you both see — if it’s mutually agreed fun, there shouldn’t be any problems...