A few days ago, a package arrived at our house. My wife normally handles the Amazon orders, so I had no idea what was inside. I didn’t think much more of it until a few random squares showed up on a charger on our kitchen island. Even then, I didn’t ask many questions. One evening, I heard her on the stairs, counting steps. I could not figure out what she was doing. Then I heard a squeal of excitement. Whatever she was working on had clearly turned out well. She called me ove

“We had hoped...” This phrase is common in our world and culture. It often describes disappointment in a person, plan, or situation . But when you slow it down, it exposes something deeper: not just disappointment, but misalignment. This is a great season for many people. The weather is warming up and spring is here. We’re coming off the most watched stretch of college basketball all year, March Madness . People come from everywhere to predict who the next national champion w

This past week, while substitute teaching at the local middle school, a couple of kids came up to me at lunch fussing about how somebody...

Many things are caught more than taught. You've probably heard that phrase before. Over the past couple of weeks, this idea has surfaced in shows, podcasts, and even songs. The predominant example describes children catching mannerisms and sayings from their parents. In one show, one of the characters even said, “Oh no, I am beginning to sound like my father!” The question leaps off the page, “Why?” Why does this happen to us? How after all the years of denial and rebellion

Dorothy and Toto. Luke, Han, and Leia. Rey, Poe, and Fin. Katniss and Peeta. Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel. The...

NOTE : My intention of this post was to talk about how we need to be careful about how we live out our faith and use Scripture because...

There are many different ways to study a passage of Scripture, none being more “correct” than another. However, I recommend the Summary, Meaning, Application method. My mother taught me this model many years ago. I am sure she got it from one of her many Bible Study groups she participated in and led over the years. It is pretty simple to understand, but lengthy to explain in written form. Check out this podcast (starting at 2:30 mark) where I explain it for our high school