Why? - Reece's Peaces

Since the 1960s, it has been observed that select individuals among chimpanzees and gorillas have the ability to understand sign language. While not all members of these species possess this skill, a number of them have been successfully taught basic signs. The extent of their understanding of language, signed or otherwise, is a topic of ongoing debate. However, numerous observations have confirmed that they can grasp the concept of human language at a rudimentary level. 

Interestingly, all these studies share a peculiar commonality. Despite a demonstrated  ability to respond to questions and comment on their surroundings, no ape has ever been  documented asking a question. This is particularly intriguing given that their vocabulary is often likened to that of a young child, a demographic known for their insatiable curiosity and incessant questioning. This raises the question: if apes can comprehend    language to the same degree as a two-year-old child, why can’t they grasp the concept of posing a question in the same manner? 

From a theological perspective, this could be a testament to the unique nature of  human curiosity. Humans are seldom satisfied with not knowing the reasons behind the world’s workings. As stated in Genesis, we were created in the image of God, a being that possesses knowledge of every ‘why’. When my son asks me why the sky is blue, and I respond with an explanation about it being a reflection of the water (an explanation that may or may not be accurate), he is attempting to uncover another ‘why’, striving to emulate God in his quest for knowledge. 

 As we navigate through life, it is crucial  that we nurture our inquisitive spirit. Our capacity to question is, in many ways, a   reflection of our divine likeness. It is our relentless pursuit of knowledge, of answers known only to God, that brings us closer to our faith and, in turn, closer to God. Perhaps our innate curiosity is a manifestation of a deeper yearning. 

Healthy No-Bake Cookies - Jenna's Favorites

If you need something sweet to snack on, but don’t want to consume a bunch of empty calories or massive amounts of sugar, these cookies are the way to go! They’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients, and taste absolutely delicious. Plus they’re super easy and quick to whip up. You don’t even need to heat up the oven!

You can customize these cookies by making them more or less sweet, more or less chocolatey, and by adding whatever mix-ins you enjoy the best. I prefer a mix of unsweetened crispy rice and oats, but you can use different cereals, nuts, or even espresso beans if you want them to pack a little jolt.

Fair warning, though - they will melt all over your fingers as you eat them, so be prepared for some finger-licking… or keep a napkin handy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Coconut Oil

• 2 cups Peanut Butter or Other Nut Butter

• 1 cup Pure Maple Syrup, Honey, or Agave

• 4 tsp Vanilla Extract

• 1/2 tsp Salt

• 12 Tbsp cocoa

• 4 cups Mix-Ins (crispy rice, oats, nuts, etc.)

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat.

2. Add peanut butter or other nut butter and melt together until smooth, then stir in the maple syrup or other sweetener (start with 1/2 cup and increase to taste if you don’t like things that are too sweet, or add a little extra if you want them super sweet).

3. Stir in the vanilla and salt.

4. Start adding the cocoa powder, stirring in a couple of tablespoons at a time. If you want them less rich, use less cocoa. If you like your chocolate super dark, add a few extra tablespoons.

5. Once everything is smooth, remove from heat and add your mix-ins.

6. Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Use a large spoon to drop clumps of the mix onto the sheet, spaced apart an inch or so.

7. Place baking sheet(s) in the refrigerator or freezer until the cookies solidify.

8. Once cookies are solid, you can remove them from the sheet and enjoy, or you can put them away.

These cookies should be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat them, or they will melt and make a mess… but that’s really just part of the fun!

God Be With You - Marc's Music Notables

In 1880, Dr. Jeremiah Rankin, Pastor of First Congregational Church in Washington, D.C., was looking for a farewell hymn to close the worship service. “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” was a possibility, but he wanted something less formal - more engaging.

Not finding the hymn he was looking for, he set out to write it. He took a dictionary from his bookshelf, and began looking at words such as “farewell” and “goodbye” to see if they would spark his imagination. The definition that he found for “goodbye” included the words “God be with you” - and so a hymn was born.

Dr. Rankin wrote a verse and chorus for his new hymn, and sent them to two people asking for a tune. He chose the tune written by William Tomer, a part-time church musician, and was so enthusiastic that he sat down and wrote seven more verses.

Ira Sankey, the music director for Dwight L. Moody, learned of the hymn and began using it as a closing hymn in Moody’s evangelistic services, popularizing it worldwide.

“God Be With You” is a simple hymn that uses a good deal of repetition throughout. Perhaps that is part of its charm. It is like a simple prayer - words from the heart - expressing again and again the lovely sentiment, “God be with you till we meet again.”

The Priesthood of All Believers - Reece's Peace's

The concept of the priesthood of all believers is fundamental to our practices at Hurstbourne Christian Church. However, while it's ingrained in what we do, not everyone may grasp its meaning right away. Recently, I had a conversation with someone who was puzzled by our belief that we are all part of this priesthood. They were particularly confused because we don't refer to anyone as a priest, although we do have ordained and commissioned ministers. This confusion often stems from the difference between priests and ministers in various Christian traditions.

In churches like the Catholic or Orthodox Church, priests serve as intermediaries between individuals and Jesus, facilitating connections through sacraments like confession. On the other hand, in the Disciples of Christ tradition, ministers view their role differently. We don't see ourselves as intercessors between you and Jesus. Rather, we see it as our responsibility to guide and support you in developing your personal relationship with Him. This distinction lies at the heart of why we perceive ministry differently from priesthood.

The priesthood of all believers, for us, means that everyone has the capacity to connect directly with Jesus without needing an intermediary. It's not about everyone becoming a formal minister or preacher, but rather recognizing that each of us can communicate with our Lord on a personal level. We all share in this ability equally. There's no hierarchy or privileged access when it comes to our relationship with Jesus.

So, when I speak about the priesthood of all believers, I'm not suggesting that everyone should pursue formal ministry roles. Instead, I'm emphasizing the importance of nurturing our individual connections with Jesus, understanding the profound privilege it is to communicate with our Creator regardless of our roles or titles. This is the essence of the empowering gift we have as Christians and as members of the holy priesthood of Christ.

Why Allergies? - Reece's Peace's

Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it allergy season to the Ohio Valley. Tissue boxes are flying off the shelves, and yellow pollen is settling on car hoods, patio chairs, and anything else left outside. Despite Spring’s beauty, few of us here in Kentucky are immune to the discomfort that allergies bring.

This leads me to question, why would God make so many of us allergic to His very creation? Why does my nose begin to run the moment I step outside during the very season when all I desire is to escape from my winter hibernation and soak up the sun?

When facing our seasonal adversary, allergies, we might question the goodness of God. However, our understanding of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ is often limited and influenced by our immediate comfort and convenience.

Consider allergies from a different perspective. In many ways, they are a testament to the incredible nature of our bodies, designed to protect us from potential harm. Our sneezes and watery eyes, despite their inconvenience, are our body’s way of expelling foreign particles. It is our immune system at work, tirelessly laboring to keep us healthy.

Challenging times, like the allergy season, can bring about growth and resilience in us. They remind us of our shared human experience, fostering empathy and community as we all navigate these ‘sneezing’ days together. They teach us patience, resilience, and the ability to find joy even in times of discomfort.

Why would a good God allow something like allergies? Perhaps it’s His way of reminding us of the strength He has given us, both in our bodies and our spirits.

As we step into the vibrant outdoors this Spring, let’s carry our tissues with gratitude and resilience. For we know that this too shall pass, and we will be left stronger and more appreciative of the ‘sneeze-free’ days. Even in the yellow haze of spring, we can see the goodness of God, not despite the challenges, but within them.