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?
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
The First Century followers of Jesus faced some hard days. One of their number had been stoned, and after Stephen was killed, it seemed a rage poured out against all who called themselves members of The Way. The book of Acts says a great persecution broke out against the church. Then a moving verse follows: … More The Scattered
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
I have a vivid memory from my childhood, and it’s not a pretty one. While I don’t remember what prompted the outburst, I had a temper-tantrum in my mother’s presence and told her, “I’m tired of being good! It’s too hard!” I was obviously exasperated about something, and my parents’ guidance on good behavior had … More It takes effort
I was supposed to have a meeting at 5 p.m. and then rush to ESL class before 6:30, but I couldn’t figure out why no one was showing up for the meeting. Then I realized — it’s Valentine’s Day. They must have rescheduled and didn’t tell me. So, I had time to go home, feed … More This is Love
It’s been a day of contrasts. Much of my morning was spent with police officers and an unruly patron. My lunch was with a dear friend over tomato soup and quiche. My afternoon was caught up again with some of our regular patrons and a complaint aimed at a colleague, while my dinner was spent … More For and Against
I had a birthday last month which had me thinking about life, years, and, to be honest, mortality. Nothing like a birthday to give you a reality check. If birthdays haven’t done that for you, then you’re not old enough. Just sayin’. I am using Christmas and birthday cards this year to pray for the … More Counting Life
When I say the phrase “theme song,” what comes to mind? Maybe the tune to your favorite TV show or movie, or the song that is shared by you and your spouse? A theme song is like a brand — it defines and brings recognition to something or someone. The great songwriter David wrote in … More My theme song
