Written by Colin Kerr

Sometimes we all wonder why God does or doesn’t do certain things. Why doesn’t He stop this earthquake or thwart that terrorist attack? Or perhaps even more important to some people, why hasn’t the Big Man Up There let the Cubs win a World Series in more than a hundred years? But to add a question: Why hasn’t God trademarked His name yet?

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Written by Alecia May

A Palestinian youth picks up a rock and cocks his arm, gauging the distance of the approaching Israeli soldier. The soldier crouches behind his plastic shield, club drawn, his other hand reaching for a stun grenade.

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Written by David Gorgone

In my mind it is still the 1990’s. That was when I came of age musically when I moved away from folk music’s softer melodies my parents listened to in favor of bands leaning towards an edgier sound. I can remember the first time I heard Nirvana on the radio or when my friend gave me the first Pearl Jam CD telling me how I had to listen to it. I remember when I watched The Pogues perform on Saturday Night Live.

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Written by Lauran Kerr-Heraly

I just got out of a seven-year relationship. I was pretty in love, and I put my whole heart into it. I gave of myself and tried to think about what was best for “us." Through this relationship, I met some of my best friends. I actually grew from it a lot.

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Written by Russ Masterson

The worship leader concluded the familiar praise song and strummed his guitar as he spoke about a new song, one he'd just written and wanted to sing with us. He told us about the moment when the words came to him, and the synergy he felt as his band created the melody. He said he felt God in the creation of this new song.

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Written by Laine Gebhardt

What’s the difference between a church member and a member of Alcoholics Anonymous? Church members value honesty. A.A. members are just plain honest. Tonight I went to my first AA meeting. I’m not an alcoholic, although I do enjoy Leineys Fireside Nut Brown, too much. I went with some friends because they asked me to. They had given my church a shot and so I gave theirs one.

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Written by Gina DeLapa

Ash Wednesday is nine days away, and for that I am both thankful and relieved. It means I have a head start in discerning how to observe the journey toward Easter known as Lent. And of course, the journey toward Easter also includes Good Friday—a fact which, if I really take it in, changes everything.

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Written by Wendy Harbottle

Recently, I spoke to a friend who told me she likes (really, really likes) a guy who is not a Christian. She told me that she wants to date him. She told me she doesn’t care he isn’t a Christian. Then she told me if he wants to sleep with her while they’re dating she will. I listened. She thanked me for not judging her. She told me she couldn’t speak to any other Christians about this because they make her feel like what she wants to do is wrong. She told me she feels so lonely and she just wants to feel loved. I listened. I filtered. I questioned.

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