“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11 NRSV) It’s probably safe to assume we all know what it’s like to feel down, discouraged, and alone. We’ve all felt like we’re walking in the dark at some point. So we all likely know how even a…
I should have known better. After teaching kindergarten for so many years, I should’ve recognized I was wandering into dangerous territory. At snack time, the kids were getting a special treat, cupcakes, but the cupcakes weren’t identical. Someone was going to be discontented. I should’ve remembered the Theorem of Cupcakes: If you have 6 chocolate…
My desk is positioned right in front of the window in my home office. Not only does light literally shine upon my work, but I can see and hear what is happening outside. I love to see my cows and sheep come in for water or to bed down in the evening. I love to…
Recently, while studying the Book of Ephesians, it occurred to me that the apostle Paul wouldn’t be any more popular now than he was in his day. Sure, he had his converts. Yes, Christians were turning the world upside down. But there has never been a time when the majority welcomed what he called good…
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” –Anne of Green Gables I love October. It’s the month when the leaves start to turn and the morning air finally feels crisp here in Northern California. It’s the time of year when I start to bake cinnamony apples in the oven and…
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Prov. 16:3 NIV) Do you dream of a lush, beautiful and, most of all, productive vegetable garden? Your family picking fresh ingredients for a salad to go with dinner? Advertisements often use images, like that of a woman strolling through her garden,…