Real Lessons from Real Life
Two Days
The goal we seek could be as close as it was for those Spanish sailors.
The True Joy of Christmas
Surprised by joy? I was flooded with it.
Of Sparrows and Drivers’ Licenses
How can the God of the measureless universe care about me at all, let alone the details of my life?
Remembrance…and Gratitude
I grew up in a world at war. One of my earliest memories was praying with my mother for “the soldiers and sailors overseas.”
The Final Word
No matter how dark things look in the world or my own life, God is still in control.
A Hard Winter and the Sixth Man
But ask any coach how much better his team plays when the stadium is full of cheering fans. They can make the difference between winning and losing.
Chosen
It was the worst moment of the worst Time of my life.
But Would I?
Suppose Jesus came to you, not in church with the bells ringing, but smack in the middle of a messy Monday…
A Flea-Bitten Thanksgiving
What happens if we’re not surrounded by full grain bins and root cellars stacked with food, but problems, disappointments, trouble? What if we don’t see blessings…but fleas?
His Job; His Glory
I might want to produce the fruit of the Spirit in my life but I can’t. I must “dwell” in Him–remain closely attached to the Lord and let Him fill me with the water and nutrients I need.
God’s Home …and Mine
No major problems, really, but just enough to take the edge off my faith, my joy, my optimism. Honestly, I didn’t expect much when we went to church, but that’s when God seems to do His best work.
A Feast is Coming
My mother used to say, “Old age isn’t for sissies.” The older I get, the more I realize she was right. Aging is a season of loss: loss of friends, one after another, loss of ability, agility, strength, loss of the things I used to do and enjoy. The latest one came...
Major Andre’s Boots
On such tiny pins do the hinges of history turn.
And Perfectionism
What I slowly began to understand is that perfection is a gift, not an achievement. If, by chance, I do happen to do something perfectly, I can enjoy the moment and thank God for it, but should not expect to repeat it.
A Little Lesson in Patience
Do you need patience in paradise? I did, late one morning, on our recent trip to Hawaii.
The Other Side of the Mountain
I’ve learned you can’t live on a mountain-top, even a good one like that. I also know the Enemy redoubles his efforts when you’ve had such an experience. There’s nothing he likes better than to steal our joy.
The Little Team that Could
In a year when all the news seems so ugly, it’s wonderful to have some good, honest fun. Stories like Loyola’s are why I watch all those games in the first place.
Margaret
Margaret Emerson died last week. I’ve been blessed with many friends over my lifetime and loved them all, but few changed my life. Margaret did.