“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Eph. 4:29 NLT) I was perplexed about the growing distance and silence in our relationship. Until I received the email. My friend took a brave step and let…
Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites faced many adversaries. When Joshua was close to the end of his life, he warned the Israelites that the land of the Philistines was one of the areas they still needed to defeat (Josh. 13:1–3). Because the Philistines were not completely removed as God had commanded, Israel faced them…
A few months back, my daughter had an appointment with her orthodontist. She has follow-up appointments every eight weeks while she endures the childhood anguish of wearing braces. The office has a really cool incentive program for kids: they can earn “wooden nickels” by doing things like maintaining good dental hygiene and having no broken…
As far as resumes go, Moses’s life experiences‘ remain unmatched compared to those of most leaders. He freed an entire nation from slavery in Egypt and parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape. Moses also received the Ten Commandments directly from God, establishing the laws by which the Israelites lived. When Moses died,…
I have an unusual habit. I write letters. I mean the old-fashioned, handwritten (in cursive), on pretty stationery, with a postage stamp, sent through the U.S. mail kind of letters. One reason I do this is that I enjoy receiving letters. There is a look and feel to a personal letter that almost casts its…
I have a peace lily that has moved with our family across the United States a few times. Lately, the leaves have turned brown, and I’ve had to water more often. The peace lily is known for its low-maintenance classification and its ability to purify the air. Even its pruning process is low-maintenance—just simple deadheading….