These three words spoken by Jesus have the power to transform lives, yet we rarely use them today. Instead we are telling people to take any number of things . . .
a chill pill another shot anti depressants a drink a smoke or a hit
It’s so easy for us to rely on taking things that change the physical chemistry in our bodies. But doing the hard work of soul and mind work requires the heart. Spiritual transformation…..
Today, at the local children’s library I experienced a lesson in puzzling perseverance. It’s wonderful to have the honor of being a grandparent and helping your grandchildren to learn the art of perseverance in finishing something they’ve started. My granddaughter was excited as she pulled down a puzzle. “Oh look! It’s a princess! She’s so pretty!” She set the box down and studied the cover. Inside I was saying, “And you, my child are a princess . . . a…..
So much of our life is about making choices. One way to make choices is to observe the way in which other people make choices. Another way is to have someone tell you what to choose. And yet another is to think things through and make your own decision.
Parenting is an interesting task in regards to teaching children how to make their own choices. Some children relish making their own choices while others resist and seem to be…..
“I’m convinced that when Jesus prayed for unity among those who love him he was praying for a willingness to struggle together for understanding out of mutual respect for him.”
I wrote the above statement in a previous post titled “Engage Yourself in a Struggle to Understand.”
What person, place, thing or event are you trying to understand at this moment in time? Why is it important for you right now?
Have you ever felt misunderstood? When you feel…..
Someone asked me once if it was possible for a person to ‘lose their salvation.’ Not understanding what they meant I had to ask them and they replied: Well, do you believe in the saying “Once saved, always saved.” or do you think we can lose our salvation?
I had to think about this for a moment because I hadn’t heard that saying before they quoted it to me and it sounded rather odd to me. Finally I answered ……
This morning I came across a book given to me by my mother many years ago: A Child’s Faith: Fifty-two Lessons for Home and School. By Sibyl Harton. First published in 1938 and reprinted several times – the last date in my copy is 1951. I remember seeing my mother study this book when I was very young, no doubt in preparation for teaching Sunday School Lessons or for helping us with ours. I remember reading from it when I…..
In my last post I told you the thought behind writing “A Litany of Prayer for a Loving Attitude.” And I admitted that I, like many others, have struggled with loving myself.
Having struggled and won that battle I’m going to touch on the topic of Love and Perfection.
I think there are two ways of looking at Perfection. One is in the way of thinking everything and everyone have to be perfect. The other is in thinking about…..
The question was asked of me by a young woman trying to make sense out of her life and the Christian faith she was returning to.
This is a common struggle experienced by many people. Influenced by many factors. Not easily answered. I encouraged her to seek professional counseling and thankfully she did. Too many don’t and their lives keep spiraling downward.
Why is it so hard to love myself in this condition?
This question was asked of me by…..
In my book, “Praying Our Way Through Stress” in writing about The Lord’s Prayer and the phrase; Save us from the time of trial I quote Luke 22:31, which reads:
“Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
I go on to write:
Perhaps this relates to Peter (aka Simon) having his faith shaken by the arrest,…..
On my wall above my desk hangs a framed print statement about faith. There is no indication who made the statement so I am unable to credit anyone for it. This is what the framed print states:
“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”
It’s an intriguing statement. Especially when you pair it with some of the statements about faith that are recorded in…..