A Fresh Perspective on “To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice”

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. – 1 Samuel 15:22b Don’t you love it when familiar lines of Scripture take on new clarity and depth? For me, that’s one of the most exciting things about reading Scripture. When the Holy Spirit shares His insight (and I am sensible enough to listen), it’s a…

Trusting God’s Plans & Processes

My family will celebrate my son’s eighteenth birthday this weekend. Here he is, from this sweet little face… …to this far too grown-up one. When he was a little guy, I made him many themed birthday cakes, like this Star Wars Millennium Falcon cake. But this year, he asked for something simple – a layer…

A New Year’s Plan, God’s Way

Let all things be done decently and in order. – 1 Corinthians 14:40 Every year, I tend to get a bit stressed out during the holidays.  Perhaps more than a bit, actually. During much of October, November, and December, I add more tasks to my to-do list each day than I cross off, and I usually end squeezing in…

The True Measure of Our Thanksgiving

I love celebrating Thanksgiving. I appreciate the relaxed pace of the day. I’m grateful that it’s free of all the trappings that make Christmas such an event. Thanksgiving is a time of pleasant reminiscences, favorite signature dishes, and heartfelt gratitude. Considering all that our forefathers endured leading up to their first Thanksgiving celebration also refreshes…

Walking: It’s Still the Best Exercise for Body and Soul

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. – Galatians 5:25 In an effort to stay healthy and fit the past few years, I’ve learned a lot about the benefits of various types of exercise, especially weight training and HIIT (high intensity interval training). If I don’t work out, I can expect to lose muscle tone and…

The “One Thing” Jesus Emphasized

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. – Mark 10:21 My oldest son and I were talking late one night last week about…

Celebrating Christ Every Day (not just when the calendar dictates!)

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the…

Still Together, Still Charitable During the Christmas Season

Following is an excerpt from an article I wrote for a local magazine. The inspiring community leaders I interviewed shared their insights on how we can come still come together and give to others during this holiday season. Perhaps they will inspire you as well! By this shall all men know that ye are my…

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…