Some dear old friends of mine returned for a visit with me this evening. There were so many of them ,in fact, that they wouldn’t all fit into my house. We had our reunion in my backyard then. It was only fitting too since that is where we have had all our best times...
"All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." (1 Cor 16:20 NIV) Life’s biggest lessons aren’t learned all at once. They are taught and learned time and time again over years and years. I realized this today when I was with my...
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. ...
The dandelions are back here in the fields around my home. My favorite flowers are always among the first to show up in Spring and among the last to leave in Fall. Their sweet, gentle beauty always warms my heart, delights my eye, and brings joy to my soul. They...
There is a story from long ago that I really love. A young novice had entered a monastery run by a wise abbot. One day the abbot told his monks that he was going to share a secret teaching with them that would bring them lasting peace and happiness, but if they shared...
"Beloved, let us love one another." (1 John 4:7) My kitchen table was covered with papers. It was the end of the month and I was trying to get all of my paperwork done and taken to the office on time. I sat down in a chair, picked up my pen, and started writing on the...
When I was growing up my Dad would often give me chores to do to help out around the house. Some were easy but the three I remember the most were the three toughest of all. The first was helping to weed the four gardens we had. It was tedious work. I would much rather...
It is Summer here in the mountains of my home. A season also known by another name: road construction time. There is paving, ditching, and tree trimming going on everywhere. This year there are also new water lines being installed in a nearby town so I find myself...
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,...
Have you ever had unwanted house guests? I am talking about the ones who wear out their welcome in the first two minutes yet plan to stay forever. I am talking about the ones who trash the place, eat all the food, sit in your favorite chair, and take over your bed. I...