Plans are useless; planning is indispensable. Dwight D. Eisenhower Have you ever planned and dreamed about something until you were certain that you had it all figured out–and then watched as things unraveled? I didn’t write the following story, but I share it with the hope that you’ll join me in seeking a bigger perspective.
Continue readingMore TagWill You Accept The Gift Of Christmas?
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great […]
Continue readingMore TagWhat Are You Giving Jesus For Christmas?
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” … On coming to the house, they […]
Continue readingMore TagHow To Help Without Hurting
What are your important anniversaries? Birthdays, weddings, holidays—we all keep significant dates tucked away as reminders of important milestones and events. Many anniversaries prompt celebrations and warm memories, but some recall events of sorrow and tragedy.
Continue readingMore TagBack To School (Relentless Grace Excerpt #10)
Happy Monday! For the next few Mondays, I’ll post a series of excerpts from RELENTLESS GRACE. You can read previous excerpts here. I hope you enjoy them, and that you’ll encounter God’s invitation to give hope another chance. BACK TO SCHOOL (Relentless Grace Excerpt #10) Prior to my accident, I taught mathematics in a junior high […]
Continue readingMore TagJesus Writes About Christmas
Are you an “email forwarder?” You know what I mean—all of those clever email messages you’re supposed to send to ten of your friends right away? I receive a lot of them, I read some, but I almost never pass them along. Email inboxes already contain enough stuff, and I usually wonder who had time […]
Continue readingMore Tag10 Ways You Can Enjoy An Intentional Christmas
Yesterday I asked a question: Who Else Wants To Finish Strong? The question referenced my 2009 resolution about Living Intentionally and proposed the notion of an Intentional Christmas. After I posted the article and listened to feedback, I decided to be a little more specific about what I meant. “Intentional” simply means making conscious choices […]
Continue readingMore TagWho Else Wants To Finish Strong?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. [Hebrews 12:1] Did you make any resolutions this year?
Continue readingMore TagChristmas In The Hospital
“Wasn’t it hard to spend Christmas in the hospital?” She had just finished reading Relentless Grace and I guess the story prompted thoughts of the approaching holiday. CHRISTMAS IN A HOSPITAL might make a good title for an inspirational story or a heartwarming Hallmark movie, but it wouldn’t be my choice for personal experience. I didn’t […]
Continue readingMore TagThe Elevator Part 2 (Relentless Grace Excerpt #9)
Happy Monday! For the next few Mondays, I’ll post a series of excerpts from RELENTLESS GRACE. You can read previous excerpts here. I hope you enjoy them, and that you’ll encounter God’s invitation to give hope another chance. ELEVATOR–Part 2 (Relentless Grace Excerpt #9) Note: This is part 2 of my initial unassisted encounter with an elevator( […]
Continue readingMore TagThirty Scriptures That Shape My Theology
What’s your personal theology? A while back, I started a personal project. I wanted to identify one hundred scripture passages that form the core of my theology. I think we’re each accountable tor knowing what we believe, and I thought this exercise might help me crystalize my thinking.
Continue readingMore TagAdversity And Gratitude
“I realized that my faith was not in my paycheck or in the housing market.” I read a great article this week about people who have discovered unexpected blessings in the recession. I admire folks who can see the rainbow while the storm rages. I’m pretty good at looking back and seeing the hidden blessings, […]
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