Back to Fruit

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. – John 15:5 At my house, the last of the Christmas cookies, candy, and other treats are finally gone. They are a rare treat for…

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…

A Christian’s View of Death (from my kids’ perspective)

I asked my kids, now seniors in high school, to write brief essays inspired by John Donne's "Death, Be Not Proud" (linked here). I always enjoy reading their thoughts on weighty issues. They seem more mature than I was as a teenager! I hope their words will be a blessing to you. From Aidan, age…

Ignored by Christ

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. – Psalm 27:14 My two seniors, sixth grader, and I began our home school year last week. The beginning of a new school year never fails to bring back memories of our very first day of school thirteen years…

Your Reputation Precedes You

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. – Matthew 7:20 My family and I have spent the past few days packing for a long-awaited vacation to the Great Lakes region. Because we’re not big fans of hotels, we reserved a place to stay through Home Away. It’s a family home on several acres within walking distance of a…

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…

Best Friends

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends. – John 15:15a Close friends came to visit our family last week. Missionaries to Tanzania, they had quite a harrowing journey back to the States recently, and much to share with us about that adventure…

Planting, Watering, and Harvesting

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. – 1 Corinthians 3:6 I’m a huge fan of the PBS series “Poirot,” which ran intermittently over the course of twenty-five years. In the series, David Suchet brought to life Agatha Christie’s super sleuth with the unequaled “little gray cells,” Hercule Poirot. I’ll finish the final season…

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…

Just Be the Best Building Block You Can – Not the Whole House!

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:5 I once thought that if there was an opportunity to serve at church, and no one else filled that role, I should do it. I quickly…