Go Ahead, 'Bother' the Teacher
A Not-So-Tongue-in-Cheek Invitation
“Don’t bother the teacher any longer.” That was the rebuke that derailed my focus from the sermon one recent Sunday morning. Abandoning the preacher's train of thought (sorry, pastor), I lingered in that Luke 8 passage, trying to understand the context for such a harsh statement.
Jesus, returning to the shore . . .
Posted in: #assurance#grief#healing#peace
Three Minute Miracle... or Maybe Not
On a recent stroll through the aisles of a discount department store, I came across a large endcap displaying a product called “3 Minute Miracle.” I chuckled, admiring the ample supply of divine favor in shiny-golden tubes at never-before-seen prices.
Further reflection, however, brought an unexpected weightiness as I thought . . .
Posted in: #assurance#characterdevelopment#hope#peace
"End of Cycle"
Reflections Inspired by an Old Clothes Dryer
Our 15-year-old dryer has an “End of Cycle” signal. When set to “on,” the dryer emits a piercing, five-second buzz at the completion of the cycle. Let me simply say, when the cycle is over, you know it!
I am mindful, however, that we are not always offered this luxury in life and in ministry. The One who . . .
Posted in: #assurance#guidance#hope#peace
You're a Gem
Not too long ago I subbed for a dear friend who served as a church musician. In retrospect, knowing the caliber of his musicianship, his passion for excellence, and his vast artistic experience, I foolishly made assumptions about the environment in which he regularly ministered as the Director of Music.
As I sat with the congregation . . .
Go Online
An uber, Uber Lesson
Recently, my wife and I had a long overdue dinner with friends. While catching up, we discovered that one of them had become an Uber driver. Having heard so much about it, I was curious to hear what the Uber experience was like from the driver’s perspective. Primary in my mind was this question, “How do people find you?” . . .
Back to the Recipe
When my children come home for a weekend, I often make pancakes on Saturday morning. I usually double the recipe to ensure we have plenty, including an extra one for the dog who faithfully waits by the griddle in hopeful expectation.
Over the years, it has been my practice to assemble all of the dry ingredients in one bowl and all of the . . .
Mystery Ingredients
One of the TV shows my family enjoys watching is called “Chopped.” This cooking competition features four chefs who each must prepare an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. At the beginning of each course, the chefs are presented with a basket of three "mystery ingredients" that must be included. The additional twist in the show is that . . .
Posted in: #assurance#characterdevelopment#hope
