How the Christian can open doors for sharing the gospel effectively
Closing verses of Paul’s letter to the Colossians offer us practical advice for relating well to those who don’t follow Christ.
How we can extend the grace of Jesus to the mourners around us
Even though we may feel overwhelmed by the burdens of grief we see all around us, we can extend the grace of Jesus to the mourners in our lives.
Service or self-absorption? The connections can be complicated
The service I’ve chosen brings me satisfaction. Is that wrong? And if not, when might serving be more about me than those I’m serving?
I’m coming to terms with totally new definitions for success
“How do I measure the worth of my life?” Writing now from a caregiver’s point of view, I’m coming to terms with new answers to that question.
I couldn’t have finished without my encouragers, and neither can you
All of us need encouragement, none more than I on that race . . . and this race . . . and every race!
A psalm to bring courage when we wonder when the evil will cease
Although there’s nothing new about evil, facing it fresh every day threatens to overwhelm us. The psalmist can relate. God understands.
The most surprising advice I’ve received: Look for the humor!
Little did I realize that along with tears we’d have more than one occasion to laugh because of the strange rearrangement of reality that Alzheimer’s brings.
There’s no future in two little words I’m trying to put behind me
So much might have been be so different. But that thinking is a rabbit hole from which I’d never escape. I’m learning the peace of “We have this moment.”
Three tips for weeding your garden, and other untended places
When it comes to weeding, I’m afraid my thoughts go faster to the devil than to God. Reflections from a summertime gardener.
A remarkable restoration, a tragic figure, a lesson for all time
A professional actor reflects on a remarkable theater and the tragic figure who made it famous.
Why do we make excuses? 10 reasons, and then 13 ways to stop
Golfers aren’t the only ones who make excuses (although they make plenty!). But anyone can break their excuse-making habit.
Praying “God, bless America!” It’s more than a song or a sentiment
“God Bless America,” made famous by Kate Smith decades ago, really is a prayer, not a national anthem. More than ever, we can pray this prayer with passion this Independence Day.
There’s something better than the most efficient, predictable path
Have we become interstate people, insisting that the best path between two points is the shortest? I’m not convinced that’s true.
How to react when the spreadsheet says you don’t have enough
“My grace is sufficient for you” threatens not to satisfy in our more-is-better world.
Why it’s good to find ourselves in the place of the in-between
Whatever stress you’re feeling, whatever tragedy you’re facing, perhaps you’ll find encouragement here. All of us walk the path of the in-between.
A question for me—and for you—as I celebrate a milestone birthday
Someone just asked me, “So what does it feel like to be75?” Since I’ve never been this old, I wasn’t really sure what to say. I’ll start with “I’m fulfilled, but not yet finished.”
These days I’m discovering—and embracing—a sometimes painful joy
Joy can be found if we look for it. This is as true for the accounting clerk forgotten in some corner cubicle as it is for the caregiver rising each morning to the same, sad routine.
The Preacher’s advice in a world like ours: Time for a deep breath?
The Preacher of Ecclesiastes knows something about the issues that arise when people get too worried about money. In our present economic condition, perhaps we all need the reminder that this ancient Preacher provides in Ecclesiastes 5:10-15.
Now and forever, pondering the full impact of mothers’ prayers
Only in eternity will we understand the full impact of prayers offered by all the mothers of the world. They may not be as poetic as Hannah’s, but every mother’s prayers stir the heart and compassion of God.
How everyday forgiveness can help us cope with everyday life
We tend to look at forgiveness as a Big Deal. But making it a daily practice frees us for a better way to live.