Author: Lori Ciccanti

Years ago, the pastor of my church invited a rabbi from a local synagogue to host a traditional Passover meal for our congregation during the Easter season. It was an interesting experience, tasting various ritual foods, such as matzo, … Read more

Reflecting on today's Scriptures, I thought about my early upbringing in the Roman Catholic Church. I was taught to genuflect or bow the knee as a sign of reverence, as if Christ were physically present inside the sanctuary. Although … Read more

Some years ago, I purchased a "martyr's cross" to remind myself and others about the price that many have paid for their faithfulness in following Jesus. The symbols depicted are striking: they include a spike, an ichthus (fish symbol) … Read more

In June of this year, I had the awesome opportunity to witness three adorable baby wrens leave their nesting box. Their loud chirping filled my backyard with the sound of joy and excitement as they set out to explore the world. Yet, for … Read more

Two months ago, I injured my ankle when I tripped over a garden fence in my backyard. To my surprise, it was more serious than I'd first thought. An x-ray revealed that a bone was dislocated, so I needed surgery to repair it. Afterward, … Read more

Recently, I watched an interesting movie that brought back memories of a certain kind of pop art. The film portrayed the true story of "Big Eyes" artist, Margret Keane, who was famous in the 1960s and '70s. Her paintings depicted sorrowful … Read more

Preaching from the book of Leviticus, my pastor recently discussed the significance of the eighth day in light of biblical teaching. His message inspired me to explore this idea. Interestingly, the eighth day may be likened to a musical … Read more

Recently, my family went to see the movie "Risen", a film which uniquely depicts the resurrection through the point of view of an unbeliever. As in a detective story, Clavius, a high-ranking Roman official, is put in charge of solving the … Read more

Today's Scriptures bring back memories of a time when a dear friend turned against me and complained to other members of the church. I felt shocked, betrayed, and abandoned by someone I had trusted. Nonetheless, the personal pain that I … Read more

My Thursday evening Bible group is studying the Book of Revelation. Recently, we discussed the incredible actions of the angelic being in chapter ten. While this messenger is identified as a "mighty angel", some believe that the amazing … Read more