Recently there was a potentially significant fire somewhat near my home. I have an app on my phonecalled “Watch Duty”, and it started “binging” out notifications. It announced how many fire trucks andother emergency vehicles were being dispatched...

A while back, I got a colored envelope in the mail and I got all excited. That odd shaped fancy envelope suggested that it was a personal note. According to the return address, it was from a friend, and I couldn’t wait to open it.  But to my...

A while back, I read that in Japan, folks can avoid the pains of loneliness by renting fakefriends. (I can’t even imagine what a coffee date with fake friends would be like!)But then I came across a more recent article in The Christian Post, by...

I love to drive. I hate traffic. I love visiting new places. I hate meandering endlesslythrough security or immigration lines at an airport. And I hate standing in lines at placeslike the DMV. (Truth be told, I am convinced that those governmental...

Face the Music Apparently, the expression “Face the Music,” began centuries ago in the country ofChina. The emperor had a massive orchestra that performed year-round at publicfestivals and private concerts for the court.It was a tremendous honor to...

Recently, as I was praying through a long list of things I am grateful for, I realized thatmy friends definitely need to be on that list. So, I started calling them out by name. “I amgrateful for him, and for her and for that family and for their...

As the school year launches (and after 43 years in Christian education), I have oneglaring piece of advice for every family. DO NOT CARPOOL!Now, I fully understand that we all live very busy lives. Moms and dads work and havevery busy schedules....

The last words from Jesus gave us our “marching orders.” We are to take the gospel to all the corners of the world. He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). That assignment is a tough one. And it starts...

Tom Rainer of The Christian Post recently wrote about the importance of actually carrying a Bible to church each week. He emphasized that having the book in your lap can help you move from being a casual observer to an active participant. He said...

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to cruise the inland passage of Alaska (again!!!) I saw humpbacked whales jump entirely out of the water. (What a sight!) I saw orcas slide by with their babies. (Those black and white dorsal fins are...

Summer is a great time to ponder the truth that Jesus is the source of all life. Since the days are longer and the sun stays hotter, we tend to be outside more often. BBQs let us linger on the patio engaged in fun conversation with family and...

Every fall as the new school year starts, teachers across the country ask their students to write an essay on what they did or saw or learned on their summer vacation. So, I thought I might get a jump on that assignment and share a few things about...