Good listeners are rare. I represent the problem well. I’m too quick to share my opinion or to tell a story that I’m reminded of by something said. That means I miss opportunities to say, “Tell me more.” By not listening, I fail to show I care. That grieves me. I commit to do better, but…
continue reading »James* was doing well in his rehab program. His mother, Sue*, was hopeful that this time it would succeed. She was working to tear down the defensive walls she’d erected around her heart, trying to not always be on her guard, always measuring his words and actions. Maybe, just maybe, he could return to a productive…
continue reading »As Jesus and His disciples sat around their final Passover meal together, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, gave it to His disciples, and said, “Take, eat, this is My body” (Mt. 26:26). Eat my body? What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples to eat His body? As if that is not…
continue reading »It belonged in the closet, just above eye level, but it wasn’t there. I looked under all around but didn’t see it. I looked above and below its customary spot, but couldn’t find it. My search was in vain. Not long afterward, Robert asked me if, during my search, I saw something that he needed. “No, I didn’t,”…
continue reading »As Christians, we’re called to be light in the midst of darkness, to represent Christ to those who don’t know Him by letting His light shine through us. I sometimes wonder how to do that. When I read FaceBook posts that spread lies about Christians, their beliefs, and their actions, I want to protest. I’m…
continue reading »Three-year-old Caitlin seemed oblivious to everything around her as she dug in the sand. However, if a wave got too close, she jumped and ran to safety. Her brother and sisters were in the ocean, laughing as they welcomed incoming waves. But Caitlin kept her distance from tongues of water that threatened her security.…
continue reading »Is anger endangering your life? You are probably in greater danger than you realize. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 80% of U.S. drivers have expressed anger toward other drivers within the last year, ranging from showing annoyance through yelling or honking to purposefully ramming another vehicle. What is most alarming is the number…
continue reading »It’s time for battle. When I think of the happenings of the last week, I can only conclude it’s time for action, time for drastic measures to turn our nation from the anger and hatred that is driving vitriol and violence. I’m grieved by the deaths and the responding expressions of anger, bitterness, and hatred. I’m…
continue reading »I am grateful to be an American. Grateful to have grown up in the land of the brave and the free. The land of opportunity. The land that was founded on principles that honored God and respected the will of the people. However, I’m concerned that America has lost the way and is in grave…
continue reading »In 1975 Robert and I visited Reichardt and Elizabeth Taylor, who were missionaries in Uruaçu, Brazil. Robert was overseeing five churches in central Brazil at the time, and conversation turned to his concern about the lack of enthusiasm and spiritual hunger of so many long-time Christians. He also shared his frustration and discouragement concerning how to encourage…
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