October 11, 2017 When Anna Warner wrote “Jesus Loves Me” in 1860, I doubt she had any idea how familiar and impacting the words would become over the next 150 years. Almost everyone growing up in a church environment learned this song at an early age. It amuses me how often people feel the song […]
October 4, 2017 Mountain climbers give extensive time to training, followed by the energy and resources needed for the journey. The risk involved is overcome by their desire to reach the summit. Upon finally arriving, their statement is simple: “It was worth all that it took.” This example can apply to many of our life
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September 27, 2017 It is a rare opportunity to celebrate 72 years of marriage in our church family, and this week is one of those special times. Ray and Betty Whipps will be married 72 years on September 29. It is a privilege and a gift to have them as mentors and to realize the
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September 20, 2017 When humans face a difficulty, the natural tendency is to get away from it by solving, conquering, removing or healing it. Typically, we do not welcome a hurtful situation or desire to keep it in our life. We accept some challenges, like a minor illness, that we know we cannot remove. We
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September 14, 2017 Modern medicine and plastic surgery have nearly eliminated lingering scars on our body that result from cuts and breaks. In our culture, which places major emphasis on physical appearance, these advances are welcome and appreciated. I have been pondering the value of visible scars while thinking of the Apostle Paul’s comment in
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September 6, 2017 Fires and floods tend to bring people together with the one goal of preserving lives. Property and personal possessions are cherished and efforts are made to save as much as possible, but the concern for life is what appropriately gets energy and attention. I find it difficult to believe that anyone would
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August 30, 2017 Life is often described in terms of years or decades, but we know that it is lived as individual days. The current day is the only one we have. Yesterday is gone. We may not be on Planet Earth tomorrow. I have been pondering the significance of today. The reality is that
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August 23, 2017 Along with millions of people, I enjoyed viewing the eclipse. It was wonderful thinking about so many people staring into the heavens enjoying Creator God’s amazing work. I wondered if He thought about hollering out in many languages: “Do you know that I am the One Who designed this?” I
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August 16, 2017 Carol and I just celebrated 52 years of marriage. I have taken time to ponder the benefits of marriage. High on the list is companionship. I cannot imagine doing life without the daily conversation and encouragement we enjoy. It is a gift to have someone I trust completely know my mind and
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August 9, 2017 Conversation with someone we trust is an amazing gift. I would not want to be without the privilege I enjoy of spending time with Carol as we discuss life issues along with laughter, tears, dreams, hurts and memories. I have been pondering what it would be like to have a face-to-face conversation
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August 2, 2017 Parents in Old Testament days were told to teach their children “when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Our culture has many distractions that make this process difficult. Walking provides teaching opportunities that are
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July 26, 2017 “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony” (Psalm 133:1). I observed this statement in action last Friday evening at the annual Wood Village City Nite Out on our church campus. While the community enjoyed four hours of free food and entertainment, more than 100 teens and adults