Main Entry: vine Pronunciation: 'vIn Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French vigne, from Latin vinea vine, vineyard, from feminine of vineus of wine, from vinum wine -- more at WINE 1 : GRAPE 2 2 a : a plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground; also : the stem of such a plant b : any of various sprawling herbaceous plants (as a tomato or potato) that lack specialized adaptations f

Respect:  The Toggle that is Always On Respect is the lifeblood of spiritual community.  It is the water for which every individual thirsts.  Respect is the toggle that is always on. The Biblical Basis of Respect What is the basis of respect?  It is that every individual is made in the image of God.  In Genesis 1:27 we read, “So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female” (all Scripture references are from the Christi

by Stephen Shields A faithmap highlights known reference points on the terrain, does not detail every particular, and is designed to be used while going somewhere. Theology is too often collapsed down to mere information. The faithmap metaphor makes three statements about Christian theology and praxis. 1 - A faithmap does not detail every particular. "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to investigate a matter." Proverbs 25:2 (all Scripture re

Being a pastor – or really any kind of spiritual leader – isn’t difficult because of the money, though that’s not easy.  It’s not hard because of demanding parishioners, though a congregation isn’t a cakewalk.  Leading a flock isn’t tough because of the need to find time for a family or oneself or both, though those can be constant challenges.  No, the hardest thing about being a pastor is managing one’s own heart.  The Puritans wrote that both riches and poverty are a fire.