Naturally a pessimistic and skeptical person, I’ve struggled to maintain my hold on joy. Life often feels like a grind we just survive through till we can get to eternity and really relax. Obviously, Christ didn’t promise us a life free from pain–quite the opposite actually–but even so, He offers us satisfaction and contentment, joy […]
For Sale: Beware of the Industry
*Disclaimer: this content is not appropriate for younger eyes.* Imagine your daughter perched on the couch, laughing with friends while painting their fingernails and watching an Austen film. In the last year, she’s grown taller than you, but her knobby knees and questions let you know she’s still a child at heart. It wasn’t that […]
A Bike and A.D. 33
In the last four months, I’ve biked over 650 miles. Regarding legwork, I’ve traveled from the northern border of Missouri all the way down to Louisiana. But, I haven’t gotten anywhere. Although I burned calories and toned my leg muscles, I accomplished little else. I saw nothing of the world and didn’t help anyone along […]
How to be a Friend to an Introvert
First off, let’s blast some misconceived notions ignorantly floating out there: introverts do like people. To say that all introverts are shy is like saying that all extroverts are obnoxious. Yes, introverts really do have friends. In fact, introverts appreciate deeper, long-lasting relationships more fully than some extroverts can or want to. For most, it looks more […]
Motivating our Minions
In college, I worked two years at a daycare. Although I appreciated the preparation it afforded toward future parenting, some of the methods employed didn’t set me up as a successful instructor. Obviously, a daycare regulated by the state had to be cautious when it came to disciplinary actions. We as teachers were not allowed […]
Resurrection Art & Music: Ushering You In
By His wounds we are healed. I’ve always loved Ron DiCianni’s work, but this painting impacts me in a powerful way. He IS risen and holds the keys of death! “Oh, death, where is your sting? Oh, Hell, where is your victory? Oh […]
Joy, I Miss You, But I Feel Guilty Around You Too
A few days ago, Jon Acuff posted of picture of himself in Austria, skiing these gorgeous slopes. Under the photo, he shared this: “I didn’t ski for 11 years. I grew up going in Massachusetts but then it was like I forgot something that gives me joy. Part of it was our stage of life, […]
What’s on the Horizon
After publishing my first book last year, I felt a great relief and freedom. Whew! After the tedious editing and publishing process, I could finally exhale. Several months later when a friend directed some video footage of me and my work, she asked if I had thoughts of a “next book”. My response involved laughter […]
Strange and Set Apart
When I was in elementary school, I attended VBS at our church. As was typical of most Baptist churches in the 80’s, snacks consisted of Ritz crackers and the ever-present Kool-Aid, which we were never permitted to drink. Being far ahead of the trend, my mom sought to feed us organic food, avoiding chemicals and […]
Misery, Party of One, Seeking Company
Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world. ~Helen Keller Last night I watched a show that involved a man named Charlie. Charlie had been working hard for a group of lawyers who treated him like a peon. He made their coffee runs […]