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…

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…

Is it Right to Hide Our Struggles from Fellow Believers?

In my Sunday school class several weeks ago, a fellow class member brought up the fact that we often keep our trials and tribulations from other church members. Sometimes, we don’t want to drag others down with our burdens, preferring to uplift them with a positive attitude and encouraging words. After all, other’s lives are…

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…

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…

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 Hard-Won Wisdom of the Magi Can Be Ours, Too!

Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. – Psalm 25:4, 5 During a recent Bible study, I learned that the Hebrew word for “wisdom” is interchangeable with the word…

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…