The Awana curriculum that I teach for 5th and 6th graders instructed me to teach that “Jesus Gives Us Grace.”  I thought of the story of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. In the beginning of that story, Valjean is staying… Continue reading

While preparing for the sermon I read a familiar story in John’s Gospel. While reading the lines, emotion overwhelmed me, tears blurring my vision, my heart full. Why? I sensed the unbelievable, deep love of Jesus for me!  One little… Continue reading

Do you choose a long-term reward over a short-term moment of happiness? Years ago, researchers selected a group of children who were presented with a single treat. They were told if they waited for 15 minutes to eat the treat,… Continue reading

Yesterday it came to my attention that Dr. Suess, you know the guy who gave us Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat, is now on the list of authors who created books that are too dangerous… Continue reading

Last week I pulled a book off of my shelf, The Different Drum, authored by M. Scott Peck in 1986.  It is about “community making and peace.”  What an appropriate place to spend time musing in 2021.  Our nation is… Continue reading

Yesterday my sermon asked “Who Is Jesus?”  It is a simple and complex question at the same time.  He was a Jew who lived 2000 years ago whose teaching about God’s love and how we live with one another is… Continue reading

One of the real complications in dealing with the COVID pandemic is knowing who and what to believe about it.  With confidence in government at a low point, early on many Americans rejected guidelines. Even the simple choice about wearing… Continue reading

They were two tough men – one who served in the Marines who was still in excellent physical condition at mid-life – the other a guy in his 20’s who worked hard every day with a frame that was solid… Continue reading

The speaker in the video was addressing change in the Church, speaking about leadership somewhat critically. About 10 minutes in I turned the presentation off, surprised at my reaction. I felt defensive, even angry.  The why of that response would… Continue reading

Are you trusting God, praying in hope, expecting that He will be your Peace and Provider today?  Our faith can get battered by life. We can become pressed by problems, disillusioned in disappointment. There is no sin in admitting that… Continue reading