Start Where They Are “Who is Joseph?” The sincere young woman questioned me after I finished a parenting message to a moms’ group. In my talk, I had illustrated a point about sibling rivalry by describing Joseph’s experience with his eleven brothers. Eleven...
How to Love the Unlovable “Love means to love that which is unlovable; or it is no virtue at all.” Christian apologist G. K. Chesterton’s quote touched a nerve in me the moment I heard it. I’ll be the first to admit that watching current events these days provides...
Loving Sandpaper People What’s the most challenging task you’ve ever had to learn? A foreign language? A new assignment at work? A new software upgrade? Your child’s Common Core math homework? Even more challenging than any of those is the subject of...
It’s Not Always What You Think Autumn is here. Splashes of red, orange, and gold punctuating a green canopy. Falling leaves blanketing lawns. A nip in the air and hot apple cider on the stove (or in the microwave!). Sweaters and scarves become go-to...
Hiding Behind a Mask What do comic book superheroes and villains, children on Halloween, and masquerade balls have in common? You probably guessed masks. Masks conjure up images of mysterious strangers and sinister villains. Or superheroes and playful children...
Is it Easier to Give or Receive Love? A conversation with a friend sparked this question. In her daily quiet time a few years ago, she had asked God to show her how to give absolute love. Aware of the many ways the Lord has lavished His love on her, she wanted...
Please Don’t Say That! Last week another hurricane hit Florida. Yet another powerful storm, this one bringing the added danger of record-breaking tornadoes. We endured Category 1 winds in my hometown, but not the Category 4 and 5 originally forecast. Worse than...
Planting and Growing in God’s Garden Confession time: I’ve killed more plants than I’ve actually grown. Because of my failings, I’m especially drawn to passages in Scripture that describe God as a Gardener or Vinedresser. For example, in Isaiah 5, God is...
The Encouragement of an Encouraging Word Our Western civilization is becoming less and less civil by the day. Anger erupts over true slights as well as perceived ones. The art of civil discourse has all but died. And the lyrics to the familiar “Home on the...
The Impact of Story I love a good story, don’t you? Skilled storytellers have beguiled audiences with mesmerizing tales since the dawn of time. I have vivid memories of waiting breathlessly for stories to unfold, beginning with the words, “Once upon a time . . .”...
Start Where They Are “Who is Joseph?” The sincere young woman questioned me after I finished a parenting...
How to Love the Unlovable “Love means to love that which is unlovable; or it is no virtue at all.” Christian...
Loving Sandpaper People What’s the most challenging task you’ve ever had to learn? A foreign language? A new...