The stench was nearly unbearable but the words ringing loudly in her consciousness steeled her resolve in a way she was unable to fully understand. She couldn't deny that this place was not at all what she had envisioned. Perhaps a spot under a tree with a portable tent. Or maybe a simple 10 x … Continue reading Live This Way in 2019
As a child there is no doubt that I experienced more joy in the weeks leading up to Christmas than I did at any other time of the year. I mean, really, so many exciting things were going on: Mom baking cookies (pinwheels and fruitcake cookies!), preparing candy (divinity and peanut butter fudge!) and boiling … Continue reading The Challenge of the Nativity
I was never a big Patrick Swayze fan - God rest his soul. The movies in which he starred always seemed pretty shallow and predictable to me - although I must admit, MOST modern movies are, in fact, shallow and predictable. Come to think of it, I am often shallow and predictable. Maybe I'm just … Continue reading Joy, India Style
In my experience one of the most effective antidotes for a foul mood is the simple exercise of listing things for which I am grateful. A thoughtful review of such a list can cure a bout of self-pity like nothing else. Creating real gratitude lists, mentally or in actual written form, is a common exercise … Continue reading Delighted Gratitude
Mr. C's Enlightening Train RideMr C was sitting quietly in his seat as the subway car came to a slow stop at the next station. Among the 10 or 15 people that made their way into the already crowded car, Mr C noticed a slightly disheveled woman followed closely by two very active boys. The … Continue reading First Listen and Understand
“Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” 1 Co 4:16 “We did this... in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.” 2 Thes 3:9 --------- Richard, one of our long-time pastors, once asked a penetrating question: “Are you living a life worth imitating?” To be honest, it felt a little presumptuous … Continue reading Be Like Mike
