I’m not giving him a dime, he should get a job! Plus he smells. – Oh no, here comes Ms. Talkstoomuch. She’s so insensitive about my time constraints. – Why can’t she keep her problems and rabbit trails out of our classroom discussion? Is this generosity? We can all relate to feeling like this at one time or another. Ugly,… [Read More]
A View From The Sanctuary
When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Psalms 73:16-17 We all struggle with doubt from time to time. Even people with a deep and abiding faith in God. Doubts arise from circumstances, family, friends, intellectual pursuits, and of course Satan. It’s… [Read More]
Always Behind Me
Memories of Dad resound. It’s a melody in the background of my mind that’s always playing. Sometimes a special arrangement–memory–catches my ear and I dwell there for a time. Inevitably, an immediate need of the day pushes it back. Time, in different measure for God, should render a lesson. We’ll meet again, worthy goals deserve a… [Read More]
Imprisoned
I was in jail. Not for a crime, but to visit a former student. He seemed young for this situation, but his face revealed a harder life than most. We were in rooms separated by glass; at desks with a phone and partition on each side. I did not feel safe. An officer stood guard… [Read More]
Happy New Year
And we’re off… 2016 is here leaving 2015 in the dust. The year passed at lightning speed and brought many changes. One worth a mention is that we have a new Pastor at our church. He’s a vibrant young man with a dynamic message. And we’re so happy to welcome him along with the New… [Read More]
Have a Mary Christmas
Whispers of the season stir some curious thoughts. Chatter ranges from hectic schedules, to parties, shopping, and finally exhaustion. It’s joy mixed with the nuisance of doing. Holidays are a busy time, but what month of the year is not? We are a fast paced society, our tasks are not limited to seasonal celebrations. Festivities… [Read More]
The Christmas Cactus
Must we tolerate deception even in our houseplants? Christmas Cacti bloom in October or February, not December as the name suggests. Research shows they can produce flowers at Christmastime, if trained under the correct conditions. Left alone, flowers occur at a more appropriate time, a perfect time. It reminds me God is never late, nor is He… [Read More]
Reaching For An Extraordinary Life
“For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Luke 23:31 (HCSB) October is an amazing month. In September a gun sounds and the race begins, as school and church ministries resume. By October, routines are established and blessings start to pour forth. One is the… [Read More]
Unfriended – Offline
Conflicts, misunderstandings, rejection, all reasons people will part ways. In an imperfect world we are liable to make a mistake when it comes to our friendships. When I think about the grace that Jesus expressed to us, knowing our weaknesses, I wonder why we cannot extend that to each other. Instead we are quick to… [Read More]
UNFRIENDED
The Internet is a scary place with many camouflaged dangers. Children are lured by predators. Bullies declare open season on their victims. People respond impulsively to later regret their hasty words. The truth is anyone can pretend anything online and at some level many do. Today begins a discussion on the Internet challenges and temptations of… [Read More]