When I was a teenager, I heard voices. "Let's get drunk," said the first voice. The 1970s were in full force. Drinking seemed to be a way of life, so I agreed. And since this voice represented acceptance by my peers, I justified my … Read more
"I'll be praying for you" are words which can be a soothing balm to our troubled souls in our time of need. Alas, though genuine and heartfelt, my promise to pray for others is sometimes soon forgotten. After years of feeling regretful … Read more
An ancient memory pictures an event that occurred when I was four. I was busily engaged in playing with grain stored in the spare bedroom of a farm home where my family lived. My small hands were spreading the grain over the floor. What … Read more
The other day, a friend forgot something and immediately said, "I guess I'm having a 'senior's moment'". As we age, our memories start to fail, and we can't recall even recent events as easily as before. Some years ago, when I reached … Read more
I dwell in a tiny home, just under 400 square feet, along with eight dogs. Each one of them has its own share of flaws or shortcomings, which I encounter each and every day. Some days, they can wear on my nerves, especially if it's one of … Read more
Have you ever had joy in doing a difficult task? Was your joy related to the expected outcome? The writer of the Biblical letter to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus had joy in His perspective even when enduring the cross, in what we see as … Read more
Dear friends of mine, who had previously enjoyed a prosperous lifestyle, savings, and a fine home, experienced job loss and successive calamities of workplace injustice, ensuing legal struggles, dwindling savings, loss of their house, care … Read more
I hated the pressure cooker when I was growing up. It hissed and made strange noises. I expected it to blow up every time Mom used it. My bedroom was beside the kitchen, so I had to walk by the scary thing any time I left my room. I'd dash … Read more
You've likely heard the phrase, "It's against my religion", used as an excuse to avoid unpleasant tasks. You'll also know that religions tend to have forbidden practices. That's true across the branches of Christianity. Can you think of … Read more