And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from…
Two years ago, an elder in our church taught a class on the book of Job. He’s also an oncologist, so he knows a thing or two about suffering. He has walked hard paths with his patients. All required endurance. His biblical insights combined with his life experiences brought new perspective to Job’s story. Currently,…
You know when something feels like a chore instead of a joy? Something is off. Either you’re burned out or you’re not in your sweet spot. Maybe both. Vocations and relationships can both oscillate between exuberance and burnout, all in one tidy little pendulum. That vague feeling that something is blasé is a mild version…
Many years ago, I was speaking on stage at a large leadership meeting for a few thousand people. Afterward, the host of the meeting asked if a few of the other speakers and I could serve as an expert panel and answer questions from the audience. About halfway through, a woman from the audience stood…
5:45 a.m. The alarm hasn’t even gone off, but I hear them fighting. Sigh. One peek in the mirror, and I know it’s going to be a hopeless hair day. Ugh. “Mom! Where are my clean clothes?” I haven’t even had coffee yet or rubbed the sleep from my eyes. “Babe, did you remember that…
“My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31 NIV) The weight of the backpack surprised me, tipping the scales at nearly thirty pounds. I wondered, How can a second-grade student carry this much weight? My shoulders ached in sympathy as I imagined the weight on…