The Pursuit of Happiness “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776). American children learn the words early in life. They hear them quoted often and for many reasons; they are taught in history classes, sometimes earlier than junior high. But what is “the pursuit... Read more
Jesse Owens Last week we celebrated Juneteenth. It was extremely hot out, so most of our day was spent watching documentaries on television. By mid-afternoon, I was tired of “academic” television, so I asked Marty if we couldn’t please change the channel. He agreed, but said he wanted to come back to it to watch the program about Jesse Owens. I have never been so glad. That documentary included a story of the 1936 Olympic trials that I had... Read more
There is a trend across social media right now that I find greatly disturbing–the use of filters and apps that many of my friends (particularly the young women) use to alter their online appearance, sometimes drastically. For what it’s worth, here is my opinion about filters, apps, and blood. Apps and Filters Once upon a time, it seemed like a fun thing to “cartoon” oneself. It was amusing to add mouse ears or cat eyes, or even to distort... Read more
7 Ingenious Parenting Hacks The hardest job in the world is parenting. I think most parents will agree on that. Parenting can initiate the most blessed moments of our lives, but it can also spur the most stressful and confusing moments. No child is the same; no parent is the same; and no family dynamic comes together the same; therefore, there is no book in human history (no, not even the Bible) that has every answer for parents who... Read more
This is NOT my story. It is Charles (Chuck) Colson’s story. It appeared in the January 1995 issue of Guideposts magazine. I’m not sure when I heard it for the first time, but I am sure that over the years it has come to mind many... Read more
Fantasy in My World It is that odd transition time between school and summer break; you know, the first week when you don’t have to go but it hasn’t really sunk in yet. To get into the swing of “summer doings,” I have a tradition–faerie gardens. I’m not sure how this got started, but it is a hobby that has deeply touched my inmost creative heart. I am a fan of fantasy, and faerie gardens, faerie stories, and the creative... Read more
Do You Love the Unlovely? The parable is familiar. The message is, too. As Christians, we are charged to love the unlovely. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger... Read more
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, ... Read more
Dry Bones by Oudsidescape/pixabayEzekiel 37:1-5: The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone... Read more
image by Vargazs/pixabay I’m tired. Period. It’s the end of the school year, last week was the senior trip to Orlando (lots of action, little sleep), exams are next week … and graduation. Sunday I am teaching the lesson at a local assisted living facility. Two of my grandchildren have birthdays and I need to send gifts. My elderly parents have needs. My house desperately needs to be cleaned. And I’m tired. I’m Fatigued According to Medical News Today,... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In