Over the previous few posts, we’ve looked at the Beverage Guidelines for Children and addressed some questions about milk. You may have noticed that I have intentionally not been explicit or dogmatic about my opinions. This might disappoint some, but with controversial issues, I think it is wise to hold …
Since we’re on a roll here talking about expectations, disappointment, and trusting in the Lord through it all, I was reminded of a song by my aforementioned musical mentor, Jason Upton. He’s got this children’s song called “Everything You See is a Gift From God.” It’s simple and childlike, but …
Yesterday I wrote about being disappointed or even disillusioned when things don’t go the way we hope or expect. Today I would like to explore another aspect of this painful phenomenon – how to handle expectations. Is it possible to rein in our expectations, but still get excited about possibilities? …
The other day my daughter had hoped to be able to play outside with her neighborhood friends – one of her most favorite things to do. It was a beautiful day, and we had every intention of spending some time outside. But we had some errands to do first. She …
Just about 15 years ago I had heard a series of messages on the value of journaling. To many, ‘keeping a journal’ is what middle school girls might do as they gush their emotions over their latest crush. Which is, no doubt, a form of journaling. However, I was encouraged …
Would you rather love more or love less? Be more thankful or less thankful? Would you rather have more faith or less faith? Hopefully, the answer to these questions is pretty simple and straight-forward. Of course I’d rather love more and be more thankful and have more faith! Yeah, but …
One of my favorite musicians is Jason Upton. I still remember the first time I heard one of his songs. My brother had put on a CD for background noise while we worked on a project, and I was immediately drawn to it. “Who is this??” I asked. “Jason Upton.” …
A few weeks ago I was able to have a wonderful morning quiet time sitting at the edge of Lake Michigan. The sun was still coming up. The breeze was blowing calmly over the lake, and the waves were gently crashing against the shore. Ah. I love that. As I …
Most of us know the Christian story of Jesus coming to Earth to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins and to redeem the world. It’s a very tangible image of God sacrificing himself. Countless books have been written on the depths of mystery contained in this …
When did you last read the Sermon on the Mount? Has it been a while? Have you ever read it? If you haven’t, you need to! It is one of Jesus’s most influential and powerful sermons. It is documented in Matthew 5-7. I read it again just the other day. …