What Scars Are For

 Name That Tune My favorite Christian artist is Mandisa.  She began her career in 2005 when she auditioned for the TV show “American Idol.”  During her audition, she was famously insulted for her weight by Simon Powell.  Later she confronted him and publicly forgave him, after which he apologized for his snarky remarks.  Mandisa finished … Read more

From Bitter To Better

What’s In A Name? Within the pages of the Bible is a short book, only four chapters long, and it describes one of the most famous romances of all time.  Its author is unnamed, though most scholars attribute it to the prophet Samuel, because it is set in the days of the Judges. If you … Read more

Celebrate the Sabbath!

Stop The World, I Wanna Get Off! Have you ever felt like that?  I know I have.  For much of my life I was a workaholic, following my dad’s example.  I was working six days a week (in a Christian ministry, no less).  My one day “off” was Sunday– but I spent most Sundays teaching … Read more

Why the Wilderness?

Next Stop:  The Desert Did you know that the word “wilderness” occurs nearly 300 times in the Bible?  Many people in the Bible had a wilderness experience– Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, just to name a few.  And if you’re a Christian, sooner or later you’ll find yourself there also. You may wonder, “Why the wilderness?  … Read more

Winter: The Season of Waiting

  Winter:  Yea or Nay? Ah, winter: perhaps the most controversial of all the seasons.  Unlike the others, winter is a season that you either love or hate. Take my wife, for instance.  She has multiple health issues, including arthritis, which is aggravated by the cold, precipitation, and changes in barometric pressure.  My wife hates … Read more

Thanksgiving: With Or Without The Turkey

What Does Thanksgiving Mean To You? Thanksgiving is a special time of year for a lot of reasons.  For some it’s the launch of the holiday season.  These people know that when the turkey dinner is over the shopping season begins.  For them, Thanksgiving is just the prelude to the real holiday– Black Friday.  They … Read more

Give Thanks With A Gratitude Journal

More Than A National Holiday It comes every November:  Thanksgiving Day.  For many Americans it’s a day to gather with family and friends, stuff yourself on delicious food, and watch football.  Sadly, giving thanks to God is often left off the schedule. As a Christian, though, it seems kind of strange to dedicate just one … Read more

5 Tips For Handling Anxiety

Riding the Anxiety Rollercoaster Have you been feeling a bit anxious lately?  If so, you’re not alone.  Are you feeling guilty for having those feelings?  Don’t be.  Many people in the Bible experienced anxiety.  It’s not a result of flawed faith. Christians can and do experience anxiety at times.  I know, because I recently had … Read more