This month we celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the horrendous terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. As I have been reflecting on what happened and how it impacted me, I cannot help but think about some of the famous lines connected to our country: “Land of the free and home of the brave.”, “One nation... Continue Reading →
An Honest Vote
We are about to elect a new president, while such elections are usually somewhat difficult and stressful, this election cycle seems to be particularly stressful, even more so for those of faith. I have had several people ask me what to do in this election in which both of the major candidates seem to them... Continue Reading →
Spend the Time
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments oh dear Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How... Continue Reading →
Healing Touch
Physical touch is important to our lives, we were created to touch and be touched. In times of grief, we console loved ones with a hug, a kiss, or simply by holding hands. In times of illness, we soothe with a kiss on the forehead, or holding hands. In times of stress, we relax with... Continue Reading →
Gifts
There are very few things in human civilization that are as universal as gift giving, almost every culture values gift giving and uses gifts to express a variety of meanings. Gifts are used to express regret and remorse, to express joy, festivity, and celebration, and perhaps most importantly a loving bond between two people. For... Continue Reading →
Lesser of Two Evils
"Of two evils, choose neither." Charles Spurgeon In this year’s U.S. presidential election there is a first, the candidates put forward by the two major political parties have disapproval ratings above 50%. No matter which of these candidates gets elected over half of the country will be dissatisfied, AMAZING! Disapproval ratings means the people who... Continue Reading →
Loving Service
In John 13 Jesus is approaching the end of his ministry and is giving his disciples his final instructions. Jesus begins this final set of instructions with a very physical and very humbling illustration, he takes off his “good clothes” and wraps himself with a towel to perform the work often delegated to a very... Continue Reading →
Prepare to die!
So many are familiar with the classic film The Princess Bride; a wonderfully romantic film, and a perfect choice to watch on St. Valentine’s day. Among the more memorable scenes in the film is the climactic scene between Inigo Montoya and the six-fingered man (Count Rugen). Inigo as he is fighting with the count repeats... Continue Reading →
It is Well?
Many are familiar with Horatio Spafford’s life and the story behind his wonderful hymn “It is Well with My Soul” (for a brief history see here). The song was written in response to the news that his four daughters had drown on their way to England. I cannot imagine penning the words, “When peace, like... Continue Reading →
Learning to Push Through
Over the course of the fall our neighbors have begun clearing off the hillside which separates our houses. What was once a thicket full of dense underbrush has become a neat little grove of trees. I have begun to take my daughter for little walks up the hillside to look at the trees and little... Continue Reading →
Squinting in the Light 