I recently returned from a writers’ conference in Estes Park, Colorado, nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains. When we checked in, our guest packages included a flyer titled, “Be Bear Aware.” The flyer is standard issue to all guests because apparently some folks...
Each year on April 13, I stop to ask the same question. I look back on the past twelve months, look forward to the coming year, and ask myself: “Does my life reflect what I claim to be living for?” It’s a question I do not answer casually. Our time on earth is...
I recently attended a Celebration of Life service for a friend’s adult daughter. It was a beautiful service, with a touching time of fellowship afterward. Even as we celebrated her life, the pain was palpable—agony beyond the pain of the loss of a child, as great as...
Now that the new school year has begun, my thoughts have turned to arithmetic. Quick! Answer the following: 7 x 8 = 144 divided by 12 = 9,000,000 – 7,999,997 = Did you need a calculator? I was recently in a small grocery store trying to pay cash for a purchase. I...
I hate the phrase “blind faith.” All too often, those who don’t share my faith in Christ are quick to dismiss it as blind. Blind, as in, I believe without any supporting evidence. Blind, as in, I’m ignorant to believe what they refer to as fairy tales. However, what...
Thirty-five million people. Three times the population of Greece, Portugal, or Cuba. More than double the population of the Netherlands or Chile. Equal to the total population of Canada. A little less than the population of California. Thirty-five million people. All...
Do you want more of God than you have? It’s not possible. Same with Jesus. You can’t get more of Jesus. Or the Holy Spirit. Can’t get more of Him, either. I’m guessing I have your attention. How many times have we participated in a worship service, singing or crying...
2015 is the first year I’ve participated in adopting One Word for the year. I first wrote about selecting my word in a January blog post. Now that more than half the year has passed, how has God helped me to apply my one word so far this year? I can truly say my one...
Have you noticed how some things are becoming smaller and lighter these days? The first computer took up an entire building. Now you can hold a mini iPad in the palm of your hand. The first mobile phone looked and felt like a brick with an antenna. Now cell phones can...
I deserve this. I earned it. It’s my right. A sense of entitlement. We see it in political debates about whether certain government benefits are a “gift” or have been earned. We see it in marriages and other relationships as individual people focus more on their...
Confessions of a Recovering Pharisee Have you ever looked up to a pastor or teacher, wishing you could be as...
Dayenu – That is Enough! This has been a significant week on several levels. From a Good Friday presentation of...
How Desensitized Are You? As I write this, my phone is dinging. Breaking news: “At least 12 dead after massive...