“I know what I’m doing!” You’ve heard it said, maybe said it yourself, and whether it is spoken to a parent or a spouse; a teacher or a supervisor, the implication is always the same, “I don’t need you or your input.” Numerous times as a father I heard these words as I attempted to teach one of my children how to do something. Their […]
I got to hold my new grandson for the first time last night. What a wonderful gift! Looking down as he rested in my arms, his sweet eyes looking back through his desire to go back to sleep, was one of the more precious moments of my life. Looking at each detail of his face, his hands, and his feet filled me with awe and […]
“Don’t be afraid,” it is an easy thing to say, but how do you conquer the fear welling up inside you? What do you do when life brings circumstances that shake your world? Is there something you can do that is more than wishing you were not afraid? The answer is, undeniably, “Yes!” The first step to overcoming fear in our lives is to recognize […]
Life occasionally presents us with interesting juxtapositions, times when we become aware of our great diversity and the infinite creativity of God. Today is one of those times for me. Yesterday, I met with a friend who offered his consulting services to our church. We spent a couple of hours looking at ways to enhance the audio/visual system in our Sanctuary. We discussed difference between […]
The past two days, my morning devotional readings were on the subject of encouragement. Specifically, they were focused on the value of being and encourager. At first, I found myself walking away from the readings saying to myself, “That’s nice. It is a good idea to encourage others,” but honestly, I was not very moved by what I read. Little did I know, those readings […]
I’ve continued to ponder what it means to be blessed by God and thought a little more reflection was in order. Have you ever wondered what God desires for your life? Have you questioned His plans, or goodness? Have you ever asked, “Is God really interested in me?” Well, God has an answer for you. Is He interested in you… that’s not the half of […]
I still remember our first Christmas with our children. It was an awesome season filled with a special wonder and joy. Our long season of prayerful expectation was now replaced with three precious lives come to share life with us. What a wonderful Christmas that was and what wonderful gifts from God they were and continue to be. We are so blessed. There was a […]
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion[b] like a young wild ox. […]
“Who am I?” It was a simple question asked by the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, to which he answered, “I am one loved by Christ.” All of us wrestle with our identity and would that it were only though our teenage years of self discovery. Many of us are haunted by the question of who we are and what our place is in the world. […]
Today, I went to the funeral home to visit with friends and family of one of my church members who went to be with God a few days ago. She was a precious saint with a youthful and joyful spirit. She lived with challenges that affected her mental and physical capabilities, but everyone who knew her, knew how easily she transcended her circumstances. As I […]