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...
Be Bear Aware, Don’t Put a Baby Bison in Your Car, and Other Wisdom
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...
What Are You Living For?
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...
Love is Painful, But Worth It
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...
Lazy Thinking
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...
Blind Faith?
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 CAN Be Wrong
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...
Can You Get More of God?
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...
One Word for 2015: Update
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...
Lay Down Your Burdens
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...
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