Good morning!
Norma Jean and I have returned from an amazing trip to Alaska. It’s been on our “bucket list” for a long time. And now it is a dream realized.
It was not only enjoyable, relaxing and breathtaking, but faith strengthening as well. Soon into the trip I knew my next word of the week for this blog was going to be “Creator.” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
“Seeking holiness rather than happiness is a hard thing to do in the culture in which we live,” wrote John Maxwell, “because so much is geared to happiness—whatever makes you feel good. In a secular society, happiness is the aim of life. In a spiritual society, holiness is the thing that we strive for….Happiness is really found in holiness. But if we try to bypass holiness in our search for happiness, we’ll miss it altogether. Happiness is a by-product of holiness; it’s a benefit of living a pure life, rightly related to God, self and others.” Continue reading
Filed under Holiness, Word of the Week
Earnest Hemingway, in The Capital of the World, tells a popular Spanish story about a father and his son named “Paco.”
Paco was rebellious. Disobedient. Defiant. And irresponsible. Unwilling to follow his father’s rules, he preferred his own way of living. One evening in the heat of an argument, Paco hurled some hurtful and hateful words at his father. Packed up his few possessions. Stomped out the door, slamming it behind him. And traveled to Madrid. Hoping to never see his father again. Continue reading
Filed under Forgiveness, Word of the Week
The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio are off and running. Literally. Soccer. Rowing. Archery. Shooting. Water Polo. Fencing. Beach Volleyball. And table tennis have all had events. Gold medals have been won. And world records have been set.
While I’m more interested in the track and field events and basketball, all of these sports have several things in common: Disciplined athletes. A desire to win. And fans that love and follow the sport. There’s also one more thing they all share. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
Charlotte was from a devout family who taught her faith, piety and commitment to Christ. In her early years she became famous as a humorous poet. However, at age 32 her life changed drastically.
Charlotte suffered a serious illness that left her disabled for the rest of her life. For many years following she suffered feelings of uselessness, loneliness and frustration. During one of the darkness times of her life a minister came to visit. In her depression Charlotte began to vent her feelings of bitterness, anger and resentment. Continue reading
Filed under Perseverence, Word of the Week
Two men were walking along a crowded city sidewalk. Suddenly, one of the men remarked: “Listen. Hear the sound of that cricket?”
But the other man couldn’t hear it. He asked his friend: “How can you hear the sound of a cricket with the roar of the traffic and the sounds of the city?” Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
“What’s in a name?” opined Juliet in Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet.
Her answer: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
This idea has often been applied religiously. Throughout my years of preaching I’ve heard people say, “There’s nothing in a name!”
But, is that really so? Continue reading
Filed under Christian, Word of the Week
“Do you believe?”
This question was asked by Jesus to two blind men who cried to him for sight. Their response was “Yes, Lord.” Immediately they received their sight. (Matt 9:27-31)
To a blind beggar who Jesus had healed of his blindness, he asked, “Do you believe?”
But the question was far greater than Jesus’ ability to heal him. For he already had received his sight. The question spoke to his Deity. Do you believe I am the promised Messiah? was what Jesus was really asking. Continue reading
Filed under Faith, Word of the Week
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
We recognize these words, written by Thomas Jefferson, from the Declaration of Independence, issued 240 years ago today. On America’s birthday we celebrate our freedom and revel in our liberty. We love the feeling of liberty. Continue reading
Filed under America, Word of the Week
“Strength is born in the deep silence of long-suffering hearts, not amid joy” wrote the 19th century British poet Felecia Hemans.
One of the challenges of our 21st century culture is immediate gratification. We are an impatient people. We want what we want. And we want it now! Qualities of forbearance, perseverance and patience are not often lauded as desirable. Instead we seek pleasure. Possessions. And personal satisfaction. However, our true strength is not found in these fleeting fancies. Continue reading
Filed under Work
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