Today I contemplate my purpose. What defines me? In our culture, after we learn a new person’s name, the next question is almost always related to what they do. Other times we’re defined, not by what we do, but by what happens to us. Rape victim. Cancer survivor. I am...
Few national proclamations for the month of April sound as boring as “Records and Information Management Month.” This uninspiring designation is probably related to April 15—the day by which income tax returns are submitted to the U. S. federal government. The weeks...
Did you know there’s a National I Am in Control Day? Really. And it’s observed annually on March 30. When I first learned of this dedicated day, I laughed. After all, I’m a self-confessed recovering control freak. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that...
These days, passing the buck has become a national pastime in our country. Somebody should do something about those homeless people. Somebody should help the poor. Somebody should share the gospel. And because we keep shifting the responsibility to somebody else,...
“It’s just fiction,” they said. “It was never intended to be a theology textbook,” they said. “It will show people that God is love,” they said. In the seven years I’ve been blogging, I’ve never written a rebuttal post. I write what I believe I’ve been called to write...
As if there isn’t enough to argue about these days, along comes a movie such as The Shack, releasing tomorrow. With Christian supporters and detractors who are equally determined and vocal, what’s the big deal? It’s just a book/movie, right? Fans of The Shack are...
Most people I know would not decline an offer to be prayed for. Even if they’re not convinced of the power of prayer, at the very least, they figure that much like chicken soup, it can’t hurt! But have you ever wondered about the benefits for the one doing the...
I ignored the warnings for months. The first was a quiet, almost imperceptible nudge. Then came stronger recognition. Finally, last fall, when asked for a prayer request, my answer reflected a growing awareness. But still, I pushed those warnings aside. For those who...
I’m weary of people talking without listening to the words they speak. And they seem to be appearing in news headlines with appalling frequency. I’m weary of Christians who say God is love, then spew hatred for unbelievers. I’m weary of secularists who demand...
A new year, a new word. In 2015, my “one word” for the year was release—a word I didn’t like, but did need. These posts explain my choice and my experience in applying my one word. The following year, my word was joy…a word that seemed to be the opposite of release,...
Intentional Bible Study – Part 2 Intentional Bible study is not enough. That may not be what you expect to hear from...
Intentional Bible Study – Part 1 There’s Bible study and then there’s intentional Bible study. But did you know...
Gnarled Branches on Your Family Tree What kind of family legacy did you inherit? Are your parents and...