Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb to the peak and conquer Mount Everest was once asked by an interviewer about his passion for mountain climbing. To which he offered this insightful reply. “It’s not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves.”
Hillary’s response is reminiscent of a quote by the 17th-century Russian monarch Peter the Great who once lamented, “I have been able to conquer an empire, but I have not been able to conquer myself.” Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Good Morning from Temple Terrace, Florida
We’re enjoying an overnight visit with our daughter Rachél and our grandkids, Roy and Fern. They live about 80 minutes South of us. So, it’s close. But it’s the first opportunity we’ve had to see them since we returned from Canada. So, they are going to enjoy our goodie bags filled with Maple Syrup, Grape Juice, Dare Maple Cookies, Coffee Crisp candy bars, and more. Our Canadian friends will understand the value of these gifts.
Today’s post is a recap from the past week, giving you an opportunity to catch up in case you missed one. I would especially point out two posts that have received a good deal of positive feedback. Tuesday’s, “In Times Like These,“ and Thursday’s post, “Winning Even When You Lose.” If you missed those, take time to read and think about the application to your life. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
John Mason in his fine little book, “Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop,” offers 52 nuggets of wisdom. Each nugget (chapter) is only 2 pages. And each is designed to help you move forward in life with fervent passion and increased momentum.
Today’s list is taken from Nugget #27 which lists 35 issues that are “Momentum Breakers “in life. Here are 20 that not only slow you down but are a determent to your spiritual welfare. Continue reading
Filed under Friday's List to Life By
“Some things are bigger than sports,” correctly opined David Suggs in sportingnews.com.
We were reminded of this fact (again) as a dramatic, and scary scene unfolded in the first inning during a Little League regional tournament game in Waco, Texas, Tuesday.
With 2 on and 2 out, Texas East pitcher Kaiden Shelton lost grip of a fastball and hit Oklahoma batter, Isaiah Jarvis, on the helmet. Jarvin fell to the ground, clutching his head, as concerned coaches rushed to his aid. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Relationships
Mountain top experiences. They are special. Both literally. And figuratively.
Norma Jean and I enjoy the mountains. We honeymooned in the Smoky Mountains and have been to the top of Clingman’s Dome many times, where on a clear day you can see 7 states. We’ve also marveled at the majesty of the Rocky Mountains and enjoyed the view from over 11,000 ft on the Continental Divide. And we’ve been blessed to enjoy the beauty and the break-taking view from Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii.
However, all of our experiences pale in comparison to the mountain top experience of Peter, James, and John when they stood on the mountain with Jesus in Matthew 17. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Last night I was watching The Five on Fox News where Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina was one of their guest hosts.
Scott is one of eleven African-Americans to have served in the U.S. Senate and the first to serve in both chambers of Congress. His rags to riches story that raised him up from poverty to his present position is compelling and inspiring.
When the panel was talking about our current polarizing political divide in the United States, Scott offered an interesting insight. This is nothing new, he observed. Throughout our history, there have been times of conflict and sharp disagreements. “Remember the Civil War?” he rhetorically asked. Continue reading
Norma Jean and I have recently returned from a trip to Ontario, Canada. We drove 4,000 miles. During the entire time, I used a GPS.
My #1 GPS choice is WAZE. But occasionally, I would use Google maps. Or Apple. And once in a while the GPS on my Ford Expedition.
The GPS mapped the way for us to arrive at our destination. It provided the most direct route. When obstacles such as road closures, traffic jams, or road construction occurred, the GSP either offered us a brief detour or advised us to stay the course because the slowdown would be brief. Continue reading
Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week
Good Morning from Beverly Hills, FL
Although we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Ohio and our month-long stay in Canada, it’s good to be home after being away for 40 days. We either preached or taught a class 17 times in the past six weeks. We’re thankful for the opportunity to minister in the Word and for the fellowship of these wonderful brethren. So, to paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of my retirement from preaching are greatly exaggerated.
Tomorrow, as well as next Sunday, I will be teaching a class and preaching for the West Citrus Church in Crystal River where we worship when we’re home. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Winston Churchill is credited with saying, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
Giving is good. It’s God’s will for His people. Giving may include not only our weekly church contribution but charitable organizations, colleges, clubs, foundations, and individuals in need.
Today’s list offers 10 Biblical guidelines for giving Continue reading
Filed under Friday's List to Life By
A ten-year-old girl, Valeria Yezhova, from Ukraine has recently made international headlines.
In an interview, her mother told reporters, “Valeria asked me how she could help the Ukrainian army. I asked her what she does best, [and] she replied that she is good at checkers.”
“Good” is actually an understatement. She’s the European and world champion in her age group Continue reading
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