Each new year brings the potential for a clean slate. New opportunities, new challenges, new experiences. But that clean slate also produces uncertainty. Globally, we're facing wars, terrorism, and natural disasters. Nationally, we're weary of political...
A line from the 1934 Babes in Toyland came to mind recently: “Big bait catches big rat!” It’s a quote by the villain, Barnaby, after he successfully traps the two hapless heroes, Laurel & Hardy. I’m reminded of that line almost every time I scroll through my...
I was recently reminded that a few weeks ago marked the first anniversary of the death of Elisabeth Elliot. She was the wife of martyred missionary Jim Elliot. Even if you don’t know his name, you’ve probably heard some of his quotes: “He is no fool who gives what he...
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...
Six Steps to Speaking the Truth in Love Ever been attacked by someone who wields truth like a club? I have. And...
The Order of Submission If ever a word could be identified as an emotional trigger, it’s submission. And if...
Christians and National Cookie Month Did you know October is National Cookie Month? Not that I need an excuse...