Building Character
Christmas Wish List
When I was a child, the song, “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” was popular. While that was me one year in particular, I thought it was hilarious that two front teeth would be the entire list for Santa. My list always had a lot of…
Read MoreTime Out
Parental disciplinary tactics have changed somewhat through the years. Spanking or paddling was most popular when I was a child. Speaking to that is the comedic account of corporal punishment employed by one father that elicited fear and respect from all six of his children. That is contrasted sharply by…
Read MoreRanger Up!
In the American military, the Rangers are to the Army what the Seals are to the Navy, both of them elite, specially trained fighting forces. Most serious soldiers covet wearing the Ranger patch, but the fact is that two-thirds who undertake the training do not make it to the end. …
Read MoreDangerous Alliances
We have all heard the saying “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” While it carries a lot of truth, those relationships rarely outlast the momentary need. In biblical times those alliances were often strengthened through arranged or negotiated marriages. Such was the case between Jehoshaphat, King of Judah,…
Read MoreThe Here and Now
When Tom and I were first married, we knew a couple who were on fire for God and talked about Him all the time, constantly punctuating their conversation with “praise the Lord!” We would leave their presence choking for a breath of “normalcy” where life could continue without all the…
Read MoreNot Enough
With about a year to go before the primaries in our next national election, potential candidates from both main political parties are throwing their hats into the ring. Concern over the state of our nation has all eyes on this process, believing the right leadership will make all the difference…
Read MoreNot Pedigree, But Heart
The book of Judges contains a disturbing account of a young Levite who became the priest of one man’s household hosting a shrine that was adorned with an ephod, household idols, a carved silver image and a silver idol. This family was Jewish, and the Levite was a grandson of…
Read MoreForgiveness Conundrum
Jesus taught many hard Kingdom truths that are difficult to practice like loving your enemies and giving your possessions to someone who would otherwise steal them. Many of us conveniently ignore these teachings, or at best make grudging obligatory attempts. On the other hand, a majority of Christ-followers would probably…
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