We look at indicators all the time – the gas gage tells us the car is empty or full (or somewhere in between); the thermostat can tell us how hot or cold our house is; or the altimeter in a plane can keep us informed regarding the elevation at which we are flying. But is…
You have just returned from you annual physical somewhat stunned. Your doctor has told you that your cholesterol numbers are through the roof and you have to cut down your carb intake and get on the treadmill multiple times per week. More specifically, he said, “If you want to be around for your grandkids –…
When I was growing up, I had a pretty good idea of what courage was. In high school I read the book, Profiles in Courage. People would talk about heroes on the battlefield or leaders who would stand with principles against discrimination. We would read the history of people who remained true to their faith,…
“There are just two things I’d need to find out everything I want to know about everyone: 1) Let me see them drive; 2) Let me hear them talk about marriage . . . . That’s going to tell me exactly your relationship to the world.” – Jerry Seinfeld Most of us would probably agree…
“The stories we love are filled with struggle, conflict, and failure, yet so often the stories we present to others are a highlight reel of accomplishments, perfect meals, and sunny days.” – Brian Bailey. As I reflect upon this quote, I realize the many ways that we see the truth of his statement. Think about…
A few months ago I heard a speaker talk about his years of pastoring a church in Arkansas. During his time there, he had a gentleman in the church who was a Fish and Games Official. This came in pretty handy as this official would periodically call him to tell him where they had recently…
Do you remember when you were young and your mother said something like, “Don’t eat any cookies before dinner or you will ruin your appetite.” So what did you do? For me, the call of the cookies was oftentimes too strong and I would succumb. But then you know what would happen. I wasn’t hungry…
At first I intended to just use excerpts of this letter in my comments. However, I fear my comments would pale in comparison to the power of the letter as it stands. Ronald Reagan wrote this letter to his son on the eve of his wedding. They are powerful words for all men. June 1971…
I came across an article a few months ago in which the author was complaining about the continual need for new passwords. I could relate as every 90 days my university wants me to change my computer password. In the case of the author of the article, his company made him change his every 30…
My mother is the mildest mannered and least confrontational person that I know. So, it was interesting, and out of character, for her to recently comment to a family member, “I think if they took the word complain out of the English language, you wouldn’t have anything to say.” Let’s face it, we like to…