While I was in college, a friend gave me a cartoon that parodied a popular phrase at the time, “Remember, Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” The cartoon depicted a woman talking to an exasperated man in a chair, and the text read, “Just remember, Jesus loves you, and everyone else has a wonderful plan for your life.” The cartoon […]
“First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn shall appear.” These words many of us sing around this time each year, are from the hymn, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” They are also the words from Matthew 4:28. A clear reference to the agricultural process, they are certainly appropriate when we begin to think of Thanksgiving and the harvest season. As we celebrate […]
The snow is falling for the first time this year. Some would say that the dreaded day arrived, but for our family we celebrate that it is finally here. In fact, we make a point each year to celebrate first day of snow as a very special day. Typically, when I share my love for snow and all of the winter activity, people, even my […]
In our family, we celebrate special days over a period of time. So birthdays become birthday weeks and anniversaries become week, even month, long celebrations. This anniversary is no different. My wife and I began to celebrate our special day nearly a week before the actual day, and we continue to celebrate even now. As we enjoyed our memories and our time together, I began […]
Have you ever stumbled upon a quote, a scripture, a hymn or prayer that suddenly exploded with significance to you? It is amazing how amid all of the words and images of each day, something of deep meaning can break through. It is one thing to find those treasures while on retreat or in a time of intense reflection. It is something even more amazing […]
Bob pierce, founder of World Vision, once said, “One man cannot do it all, but one man with a lifetime can be enough of an example to have someone follow in his footsteps.” We have the opportunity to the impact our communities and to consider what we are leaving behind us. Many others will inherit the results of our decisions and ministry efforts, just as we […]
Last night our church held its annual Fall Festival for our children and their families and friends. This year we began with “Trunk or Treat” where families decorated the trunks of their cars and vans and then stood by them to hand out candy as the children made their way around a part of the parking lot sectioned off for the event. The children had a […]