Today I share a story from our 2008 experiences in Guatemala. “Victor and Timotea helped us distribute flyers this week, inviting people to the conference and fiesta on the weekend, and inviting the children to VBS this week. I write about Victor and Timotea because they are ordinary, but extraordinary. “I sat and talked to …
Monthly Archives: February 2012
Noah’s Ark–Top Eleven List
With apologies to Robert Fulghrum: Everything I need to know, I learned from comtemplating Noah’s Ark. 11. When God is part of your plans, there’s always a rainbow waiting. 10. The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. 9. When you’re stressed, float awhile. 8. Speed isn’t everything. Both the snails and the …
Bull’s Eye
We saw an unusual sight yesterday morning. In the eastern sky, a perfect circle rainbow framing the sun. Some mornings I greet the dawn without really seeing much–I mean that not much registers. How easily one misses the beauty of God’s creation. How easily we take for granted the rising and setting of the sun–and many other aspects …
Too Conservative
I like to read sermon titles. Some are catchy, some are just plain weird. Sometimes one can tell what the sermon is about, some keep the sermon content a mystery. This sermon title caught my eye: “Too Conservative.” The text was Ecclesiastes 11:4. “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will …
A Word In Season
“…a word in season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23) “The second year I was married, my husband opened an envelope and then looked over at me. His brow was furrowed and his mouth a little awry as he said, ‘Maxine, this is April. My birthday’s in July.’ ‘I know,’ I replied, ‘but I saw this …
Conflict and Leadership
Spiritual leadership does not allow one to avoid conflict. Spiritual leadership sets one up for conflict. Conflict shapes our hearts. Too many Christians are conflict-allergic. Because we are sensitive, we are vulnerable to the pain of conflict. Without a strategy for dealing with conflict we are tempted to withdraw from the battle. The inability or …
Before the sun set last night….
I get to spend far too much time in my car. Sometimes I listen to tapes or CDs, more often I pray and meditate. On longer trips in moments of extreme boredom, sometimes I see if I can find a Christian radio station. I heard a song a few years ago that was new to me. …
Dr. Bill Jones: A Tribute
With the passing of Dr. Bill Jones, the last of my major professors in my undergraduate studies has gone to be with the Lord. The time spent at the feet of Dr. Raymond Kelcy, Dr. Hugo McCord, and Dr. Bill Jones was rich and rewarding. It is hard to believe that 40+ years have passed. …
It’s Sunday Again: Recharging
After four consecutive Sundays “on the road”, I welcome the quietness of today. The Lord’s Day is familiar after 3000+ Sundays, but I am also today enjoying familiar surroundings, my own bed, my usual routines. Already this morning I am recharging, reflecting, rejoicing, and praying for what God is preparing in coming weeks. What a …
Faith: What are you seeking?
The statement beckons for our attention. We must think, be honest with ourselves, think about our religion/faith. What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What is our focus, purpose, goal? From Sarah Miles (Jesus Freak), “We’d rather have a dead religion than a living God.” I recoil from the suggestion. Surely not I? …