Category: Spiritual Developments

Ever Green

As I enter the Christmas season, I’m once again struck by the memories that have accumulated over the years. This is my 67th Christmas and as I think back, I have memories of at least 62 of them. Every year the time of Christmas was inaugurated in our home by the Christmas tree. That tree … Continue reading “Ever Green”

Prayer

Prayer has always been difficult for me. It’s not that I don’t believe that it’s ineffective of that God’s somehow not listening, it’s just that I think of praying most of the time as a last resort. A few years back, my wife and I were talking about a recurring problem that had not been … Continue reading “Prayer”

Don’t Be So Quick to Laugh

 There are times when I just can’t help being skeptical, really just struggling with doubt. Sitting in church yesterday I was reminded of a familiar Old Testament passage:d Genesis 18:1-15. God has made a promise to Abraham and Sarah: “You will have a child.” But decades have passed and there’s been no fulfillment, and the … Continue reading “Don’t Be So Quick to Laugh”

Where did it go?

“As time goes by, many years will pass.”  This was the off-handed, tongue-in-cheek statement my college buddies would wisecrack to each other when we were chafing at some seemingly irresolvable problem or irritating class that we were enduring.  “It’ll be over eventually” was the thought, I guess.  But what we didn’t know then is how … Continue reading “Where did it go?”

The Law of Mercy

She came into my office reluctantly, perhaps tinged with a bit of defiance. “I don’t even know why I’m here,” she sputtered. “I guess my frustration level has just gotten to the point where I don’t know where else to turn. I’ve lived a lie for most of my life. Outwardly I exude confidence, but … Continue reading “The Law of Mercy”

Easter Reflections

This is the week culminating in Easter, and it is a week of reflection for me as I consider the events of 2013 thus far. I have been asked to fill the pulpit for my church while they consider their next steps in choosing a teaching team. It has been an overwhelming but enjoyable journey … Continue reading “Easter Reflections”

Hope Abounds

As I was biking on the cady way trail yesterday I found myself focusing on Easter, on Christ, and on what it all represents. Yes, I know the “Christian” answer of what Easter means, but my relationship with God is personal. I was digging deep for a personal “reaction” to Easter. At first I hit … Continue reading “Hope Abounds”

Easter Season

As we enter another Easter season, I’m reminded of amazing themes that this time of year brings to us over two millennia.  Life over death, good over evil, humility over pride, and sacrifice over selfishness… these are just a few that come to mind.  A few days ago I was tossing a small football with … Continue reading “Easter Season”

The Good News

Christmas is less than a week away and I’m already looking beyond the holiday to the year ahead.  Clients of mine have been through very rough sledding this last year, due in part to the perilous economic times we live in.  Jobs are in short supply, and good jobs seem to be almost non-existent.  However, … Continue reading “The Good News”

Perspective is Everything

It’s been raining all weekend and it’s an unusual amount coming off the summer thunderstorms where you’ll have downpours one minute and bright sunshine the next.  These rains were soakers and the sun did not shine through once for over 36 hours.  A friend of mine mentioned to me that he loved weekends like the … Continue reading “Perspective is Everything”