Flash Fiction from Three Perspectives

I’ve been having my two high school seniors focus on creative writing this semester. They recently completed an assignment in which they had to write a story of a few hundred words, complete with a surprise ending, beginning with the line, “When they finally unlocked the door, they were met with the smell of furniture…

The Light of the World

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5 There is so much to enjoy about the Christmas season, so much about our Savior to ponder! Perhaps one of my favorite aspects to consider is Christ as…

How Bad Is Ingratitude?

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. – 2 Timothy 3:2 If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you'll know that I've been on a quest to get fit. After working through a shoulder injury and balancing the realities of middle-aged joints…

The Literal Meaning of Trust

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5 I have many hobbies, but perhaps one of my favorites is cooking. To me, the entire process of creating food from scratch is satisfying – and, in varying degrees, my kids have grown to enjoy cooking and baking as…

Forgiving Others (Even When It’s Tough!)

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. – Luke 23:34 I’ve been reading about forgiveness this week, in The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. The author made the point that it is possible – and we should make it a goal – to forgive others…

One Another, One Another, One Another

A recent message by Dr. Charles Stanley brought to mind the many times the phrase “one another,” or something similar, is used throughout Scripture. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. – John 13:14 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour…

The Process of Perfection

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. – Psalm 138:8 It’s a comfort to know that I’m not the one responsible for my own perfection – that is, for becoming more mature, complete, and well-rounded as a Christian. The Bible says that my perfection is the…

Holding on to Hope

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:21-23 While my family and I have been forging through these strange times relatively unscathed, I have been bothered…

Steady Rain, Soft Ground

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. – Hebrews 6:7 This spring, it has rained a lot here in Central Illinois. Though some farmers and gardeners have delayed planting, or have had to…

How Jesus Revolutionized the Golden Rule

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. – Matthew 7:12 Arguably Jesus’ most well-known teaching, the Golden Rule is subscribed to by both believers and non-believers, and for good reason: that one precept encompasses all others,…