The Bible is not a book full of clever maxims, helpful suggestions, or do’s and don’ts—it is the book of LIFE! As such, its many principles and paradoxes challenge our human thinking: when we give, we receive; when we lose ourselves, we find ourselves; to be rich, we must become poor; exalting ourselves, we’ll be humbled, but humbling ourselves, we’ll be exalted. God longs to fill us and be part of all we do, all we are, and all we become, but His hands are tied if we’re hanging on to our human pride. When we think our ways are…
A Rose Without Thorns
Long-stemmed red roses are nearly synonymous with Valentine’s Day and portray the language of deepest love. It’s an interesting tradition that dates back to 17th century Sweden when a new kind of art known as the “language of flowers” was sweeping across Europe. It focused on communicating using flowers only and no words. Lists of flowers and their meanings spread far and wide as more and more people embraced the fad. For example, giving someone a yellow carnation meant they disappointed you. A purple hyacinth indicated you’re sorry and were asking forgiveness. In new or seasoned relationships, giving lavender roses…
SMART Goals for the New Year
A new year brings hope, a sense of fresh beginnings and better days. For many, it’s a time to set goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important. Enter the “SMART” acronym . . . A well-known business model for setting goals and objectives says SMART goals are: S-specific; M-measurable; A-attainable; R-relevant; T-time-bound. A lot has been written on these highly effective concepts, and they offer a practical measuring stick for success when making personal goals. But let’s also consider Ephesians 6, which gives us the crucial reminder that at its core, all of life is spiritual. Finally,…
Give More Presence
It’s said that to a child, love is spelled T-I-M-E. What means the most—and often the greatest gift we can give—is not another toy but simply our time and attention. How a child’s eyes light up when we sit close and read a book together—or take the time to watch and listen while they show us yet another thing! Children need love, and crave attention. In many ways we’re all children, aren’t we? In fact, in Scripture God calls us His “little children”, not His “little adults”. He made us to need each other—to be interdependent rather than independent. Yet…
Encouraging Words of Blessing
At the college I attended, in addition to completing required courses in your major—mine being English—students also submitted a portfolio of their best work, which after the approval of an academic Board of professors qualified them for graduation. Tucked inside my portfolio, I still have an orange 3 x 5 card on which one of my professors wrote: A beautiful body of work—I’m proud of you and feel lucky to be one of your readers. . . . I hope you continue writing and try to start publishing. You have talent, and heart, and wonderful wit; and equally important, you…