A brown paper bag was all that I needed. In my pre-Kristi years, I developed a certain reputation for how I wrapped presents. Back then, you could still get your groceries in brown paper bags, and that was what I chose for wrapping my presents. I asked a cashier for a few extra bags every … Continue reading God’s Gift at Christmas
Year: 2024
Be a Man Who Makes Things Right
Do you remember the phrase, “He’s too big for his britches”? I do not hear that phrase used very often anymore, but it is a good description of what we see far too often. Too many people think they are more important than anyone else. If you watched the latest Heisman ceremony and its aftermath, … Continue reading Be a Man Who Makes Things Right
Counting Blessings or Feeling Entitled?
A famous person seems to be in control of his life. He is successful and admired by many. He seems to have life by the tail until the news breaks, and everyone discovers that his life was not what everyone assumed. He was involved in things that repulse people. So, before long, the success is … Continue reading Counting Blessings or Feeling Entitled?
Are You Ready for Christmas?
Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. I hope yours was special as you expressed your gratitude to God for His many, many blessings. But now – we enter the Christmas season. Are you ready? I am not asking if you have all of your presents, have put up your decorations, have all of your parties … Continue reading Are You Ready for Christmas?
How Can I Be Thankful?
When I was a child, I used to trek into the woods to create a masterpiece that would be the envy of any architect. I gathered old limbs. I pulled down vines. I gathered up old nails. And I built a fort or castle or house or whatever I wanted it to be on any … Continue reading How Can I Be Thankful?
Dealing with the Bad Times
We moved to a new ministry in 2008 and put our house on the market. We had high expectations until the housing bubble burst that year. For two years we could not sell the house no matter what we tried or how much we cut the price. It was hard, and it was scary. One … Continue reading Dealing with the Bad Times
Are You Surprised?
Are you surprised? It seems like there have been many people surprised by many things of late. The election surprised quite a few. How football teams have performed has surprised many. Many have been surprised by the weather, certain people facing possible legal penalties, and steadily rising prices to name a few. Benjamin Franklin is … Continue reading Are You Surprised?
You Can Be a Good Citizen
As I write these thoughts, the national election has not yet happened. I do not know what the outcome will be, but I am concerned about what will happen – between neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family. I believe that it is important to utilize the freedom we have to vote. And for Christians, I believe … Continue reading You Can Be a Good Citizen
Do You Look (and Think) Before You Leap?
I did not always plan to be in ministry. I had a few options that I considered in my early years. However, one of those options did not stay on the list very long. Do you remember Evel Knievel? Boy, do I! As a boy I marveled at his death-defying jumps – busses, canyons, or … Continue reading Do You Look (and Think) Before You Leap?
When You Feel Lost…
Have you ever been lost in the woods? Walking through the woods can be refreshing and entertaining. There is something special about the fresh air and the scenery. It is exhilarating to sneak up on wild (but tame) animals in their habitat. Even the act of walking through the woods can clear your mind and … Continue reading When You Feel Lost…
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