We say you’re not crazy if you talk to yourself; you’re only crazy if you answer. Well to tell you the truth that isn’t crazy either. Our running internal dialogue is probably what separates us most from even the most sophisticated other animals on earth—dolphins, orcas, chimpanzees, and elephants. But this isn’t what’s most important. What’s most important is what we do with what we say to ourselves. We talk… Read More »MOVE FORWARD
There’s a saying you may have heard. “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.” There are times when we may wonder about that. Is God good when there is a tragic death? Is God good when you lose your job and you’re left wondering how you are going to make it financially? Is God good when a loved one suffers a serious illness? I had… Read More »GOD IS GOOD
I want to talk to you today about not settling for good enough. It’s easy to think, “My marriage is not what it should be, but at least we’re still together. It’s good enough.” Or “I don’t really like this job, but at least I’m employed. It’s good enough.” “I would love to make A’s in school, but I’m not that smart. These C’s are good enough.” Too many people… Read More »HARAN OR CANAAN? YOU CHOOSE 8/29/21
I remember typing a paper in seminary. It was about 30 pages or so, with footnotes and everything. It was when computers were coming out. I didn’t have my own, so I went to the computer room at the University of Chicago. The computer was so much better than a typewriter. But a computer has one big issue, and most of us have learned it several times: it’s possible to… Read More »FRESH JOB 8/22/21
Fresh Perspective 8/15/21 – YouTube The beginning of the school year is upon us. There’s excitement that comes with it and of course concerns and fears with the Delta variant. For some there’ll be new schools; for everyone new schedules and classes, and hopefully even new friends. A new year with new experiences gives us new perspectives. Perspective matters. What we look for, think about, look and listen for, and… Read More »FRESH PERSPECTIVE 8/15/21
December 23, 1783, was a very important day in American history. On that day George Washington resigned his commission as commander of the United States of America’s Continental Army after finally and amazingly prevailing over the British forces, the strongest Army and Navy in the world. Washington had won independence for the thirteen colonies. Washington intended to return to civilian life. He was admired, adored, virtually worshiped by his troops… Read More »THE FIRST DAY 7/4/21
A pastor, known for his lengthy sermons, noticed a man get up and leave during the middle of his message. The man returned just before the conclusion of the service. Afterwards the pastor asked the man where he had gone. “I went to get a haircut,” said the man. “Well why didn’t you do that before the service?” the pastor asked. “Because” the man said, “I didn’t need one then.”… Read More »GOOD HABITS, GOOD LIFE 6/27/21
We all have things that we’re waiting on: waiting for a dream to come to pass, waiting for health to improve, waiting to meet the right person. When it’s taken longer than the amount thought, it’s easy to get discouraged and think that it’s not meant to be. But David said in Psalm 37:34, “Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act. Travel steadily along his path. God will honor… Read More »STAYING STEADY 6/13/21
I don’t think you could find a more important word, a word more central to Christian faith, than grace. But of course it’s not a just a religious word. Grace is sewn into the fabric of our lives, in our words, in how we see some of the most important, special, and even the most ordinary acts and activities we experience or engage in. We say grace before meals, giving… Read More »WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT GRACE? 6/6/21
Today, it seems so many people are stressed and anxious. We’re trying to climb out of such a tough last year and more. Each of us is doing what we can to deal with the constraints and concerns that have become commonplace. What’s amazing is how well we can adapt to changes we face, and challenges we undergo. What’s troubling is how easily we can accept the stress we’re under… Read More »GOOD HELP ISN’T HARD TO FIND 5/23/21