There are a lot of “shoulds” being thrown around. We all want to weigh in on what should have happened. “He should have set an example.” “They should show respect.” “This should never have happened.” If we listen to all the shoulds, it becomes difficult to keep...
Of course you are! (Maybe compared to most?) But the world! A mess! So much hate. So many selfish people. So much hypocrisy! Sure, nobody’s imperfect. But we’re not THAT bad, right? So, can we even live up to our own standards? Sadly, I can’t. We...
Give me a song over a fight. Enough darkness, give me Light. Is there a way to make things right? I’m sure trying with all my might. But left to myself I’m oh such a mess. Inconsistent, maybe? I guess? Too much of me, I must confess. More love for you, for me a...
You may feel alone, unworthy, devastated, or frustrated. Maybe you’re in mourning. You may find yourself in indescribable pain. We all have struggles, but perhaps you feel like you get more than your fair share. Isn’t it comforting to know? Even if you’re not sure the...
I love her all the time, but OH. MY. GOSH. Come November, it’s on. By Thanksgiving weekend we have more lights, poinsettias, mangers, Santas, snowmen, wreaths, tinsel, holly, and ornaments than anywhere south of the Arctic circle. Most people slow down, lay back, and...
Got kids? You know. What a life-changer! Your love levels skyrocketed! Plans changed, schedules changed, you changed! You strive to be the best parent you can be. You’re fighting daily battles of discipline, emotional highs and lows of school/activities,...
It’s been said you’ve either got time or money, but rarely both. You finally get something paid off, then another major expense hits. One season is behind you, then something else comes up. It’s one thing after another. It’s always something and we scramble to...
Ever back your car into a pole and take out a tail light? Ever do it in your WIFE’S CAR? Follow it by “helping” out with breakfast and breaking the knob off the stove. Complete the trifecta by bumping a shelf and knocking off three century-old ornaments, shattering...
It’s been a tumultuous season: COVID, the election, the annual Christmas-music-too-soon debate. Everyone is weighing in. The world runs rife with contention. The temptation is to say “We need to speak up.” No we don’t. These “debates” lure us in. In the...
He’s a working Joe. In fact his name is Joe. He’s the guy behind the counter at Jiffy Lube who does the stuff on your car you can’t or don’t want to do. He not only has the technical know-how to change your oil and inspect all the important moving parts you’ve...
Our staff was recently offered autographed David Crowder albums. My immediate response? “Sure!” One co-worker declined. “No, thanks. I’m trying to get rid of stuff.” “Get rid of stuff.” Wow! What a concept! Got any stuff? Probably more than you know. We only get a...
The Chosen is an ongoing dramatic and historical account of the life of Jesus and who He is. To say it’s very well done glosses over the extensive thought, research, and presentation this fine series offers. The characters are portrayed as culturally authentic, yet...
As we enter its final quarter, many say 2020 can’t end too soon. So, with high hopes for 2021, what will we remember about the year we wish wasn’t? Besides the obvious answers, a few facts you may not have considered. COVID, for all its tragedy, evolution, and...
It was as if I felt a weight lift off of my chest and I could breathe! That’s what I experienced right in the middle of worship this past Sunday and it wasn’t because the music was “moving me.” This was the first time for Nathan, Izzy, and me to be back at church...
Ever feel like you’re losing your joy? Here’s where to find it: In your innocence. When we were kids, we were carefree! As we grew up, we got discouraged, disappointed, and less joyful. Our past hurts slowly affected our thinking, making us tired and susceptible to...
Do you love your kids? Of course! Thankful for your family and friends? Likely. There are a million blessings we could count. Are you so grateful you forget why? Most of us would agree God is the giver of all good things. But our lives may not show evidence of...
Hindsight is 2020
“Speaking the truth in love” is often viewed as a way to say something difficult in a gentle way. But it’s more. This Bible verse is actually part of a bigger picture instructing us to be gracious, patient, mature, more Christ-like. Truth and love are important, but...
Some shy away from “old Guy-isms.” Words of caution, words of patience, words of unmerited grace in tense situations. We may disdain "sounding old.” But I contend it's a blessing to embrace. The older I get, the wiser I get. I'm not necessarily any wiser than the next...
We’re told in scripture multiple times if we seek Him, we’ll find Him. Initially, the concept and the action are pretty easy. The hard part is the long game. Most of the time real results come from a daily, disciplined, intentional process that takes patience,...
Those 2 words...maybe you used them today, maybe you use them every day. But the question I have for you is do you REALLY mean those 2 words? Or when you say "I'm doing good" or "It's okay." See, those phrases, those words, they seem to roll off the tongue of most of...