Have you ever made a paper boat? They hold so much promise for about five seconds — until reality (and water) hit. I’ve made choices in life that felt the same way: beautifully folded plans that didn’t seem waterproof once the storms came. When we moved to Ukraine to help start a church, I had …
It was one of those moments, being a gospel pianist, that I forgot the music and watched the song leader. Of course, that’s what you are supposed to do, but with this song, at this time, with a church full of singers, the song leader was taking his liberty to lead. It was an old …
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the Earth! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”— Psalm 100:1–2 When I was in high school, I took this command to heart. I thought I had a gift for music. In reality, what sounded beautiful to me probably sounded to others more …
We all do it when discussing a certain cold, milky, sweet substance. We might start with a description, when they learn that, then we spell it, but kids learn to spell pretty quickly. We had exhausted all the terminology that could be used for these sweet, milky substances and started referring to them in other …
Matthew introduces us to a part of life that we feel and experience probably daily. What is the integrity of our words? Do they matter, or perhaps more importantly, do people take what we say with a grain of salt, or know we are good for our word? Matthew 21:28-32 “What do you think? There …
The Wheat and the Weeds: Trusting the Master Gardener Many of us are attending camps and youth rallies this summer. A few years ago, I went to a camp where each team was asked to create their own “country.” They came up with flags, languages, cultures—you name it. The entire week was devoted to developing …
I try to grow things, but apparently plants need water, sun, and the will to grow under my care. However, mine chose the sweet release of compost instead. Jesus used parables every day to illustrate biblical truths. I have never ceased to be amazed at his ability to tell a simple story that transcends time …
Mathew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then, in his joy, went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went …
Today, I stood in the driveway and watched my daughter drive off—off to begin her own journey in this wide, uncertain world. My heart was full of pride, but as soon as she turned the corner, the tears came. I don’t softly cry, the tears don’t silently fall. I stood and sobbed, not out of …
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Have you ever been robbed and left for dead on the side of the road? You might be surprised to know—I never have either. Growing up in Sunday School and hearing the parables of Jesus, I remember thinking people were robbed and left for dead all the time. I believed it was only a matter …