The flames pushed high into the night sky, inching their way from the base to the top of the spire. Voices gasped, hearts stopped. A beautiful monument was crumbling before our eyes. Standing on the perimeter, watching across the ocean, unable to help or save. It looked like a lost cause, now smoldering, broken, stripped … More Damaged but not destroyed
We live in a day when people are described by the cause they serve. “She serves the cause of the poor and homeless.” “He promotes the cause of justice for all.” “They have given their lives for the cause of freedom.” Getting behind a cause brings many people a sense of purpose in life. Some, … More A person not a cause
I’ve decided I live an eclectic life. That’s better than saying I’m schizophrenic. When I look back at this last week, I wonder how one person can be involved in things so amazingly diverse. Then God reminds me that diversity adds some spice to life, for which I’m grateful. When I was called out of … More Meetings, Muslims, and a Movie
Studying the book of Ecclesiastes can be difficult. If you focus on the word meaningless, then you’re in for a rough ride. Thankfully, the book we’re using is geared to finding meaning, so even when Solomon can get you down, we end on a good note! Today, we talked about finding meaning in work, and how … More Crystal and China
My dad had a gift. He could remember sermons from his young adult years, name the pastor, know the title and passage used. I wish I had a mind like his — I’ll blame learning multiple languages to inhibiting my ability to remember anything in one. It’s a poor excuse, but handy, when I need … More Worth remembering
Have you ever pointed your finger at someone else’s obvious mistakes in order to avoid your own? Well, though I hate to admit it, I’m going to start off this post doing just that, because I get so irritated with the Israelites of the Old Testament. I mean, God had performed some amazing miracles to … More Glory Exchange
If someone asked you today, “Why are you a Christian?” what would you say? If you answered, “I’ve always been a Christian?” then I have a question for you — “Then why did Jesus have to die on the cross?” There is no evidence in Scripture that being born into a Christian home guarantees salvation. … More What’s your redemption story?
I’m sure some of you can say, “been there, done that and have the t-shirt to prove it.” Any time you go to the beach, it doesn’t matter which one, you’re inundated with “The Salt Life” merchandise. The last time we were on vacation, I asked my boys if that was a Christian symbol, but … More The Salt Life
When I was in kindergarten, my teacher, Mrs. Flatt, asked me an important question: “Do you button the buttons before you put on your coat or after?” I mulled that question over in my mind and then, confidently gave my answer: “Before.” “Carol, go and get your coat off the hook,” she told me. I … More Detox
Too much of a good thing can wear you down. We’ve had a lot of rain lately in my area of the world, and I’m ready for a reprieve. I say that as I sit in my warm, dry house, protected from the elements. Who am I to complain? My mind moves to others who … More Rain on the Righteous
