As I glanced out the kitchen window this snowy Saturday morning, I was astonished to see my neighbor, all bundled up in coat, boots and toque, walking across the yard behind my house. Why? I could think of no other reason than he was coming to knock on my back door,...
Some time ago a friend and I traveled together. The airport where we landed was small. Actually, everything in it was small. With her caring nature, my friend made sure she guided me through all doorways, hallways, and elevators -- being careful to avoid obstacles in...
My jaw was still numb as I approached the receptionist desk at the dentist. She handed me the card. “Here’s your next appointment date.” “Thank you,” I said. Then I leaned toward her and whispered, “And stay as sweet as you are.” She didn’t answer. But after a few...
It is a typical, late-fall day. It's what Winnie the Pooh would call a "Blustery Day", and as I opened the door for the dog to "blow" in from outside, I got to thinking about the seasons. Now I must admit, winter isn't my favorite season. In fact, it is pretty much at...
This past summer, we had the privilege of visiting Berlin. We walked along the path of the Berlin wall, we visited several memorials to the Berlin wall, and we even stayed in the part of Berlin that was once considered "East Berlin". It was an amazing eye-opener to...
Last time, in The Benefits of Encouragement, Part 1, we saw the power of giving encouragement, even when the givers were suffering as well. But is there any payback for the givers of encouragement? The Bible tells the story of a Moabite woman, one who married an...
A patient of mine was discouraged yesterday, and as I tried to pour out comforting words, I couldn't help thinking, "poor guy!" You see, I knew his medical history. I knew there weren't many silver linings to his clouds, many bright spots to focus on. Later that...
"From there they went to Beer, which is the well where the LORD said to Moses, 'Gather the people together, and I will give them water.'" (Num 21:16) As a result of their disobedience, the Children of Israel spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. We don't have...
Ever wish you could change the world? You can you know! It doesn’t take great wealth or power. You don’t need extraordinary talent. You have tremendous power right now to impact this world. Don’t believe me? Read on . . . Remember the old song, "Little Things Mean a...
Rom 12:6,8 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us... if it is encouraging, let him encourage..." NIV One of the often forsaken gifts from the Holy Spirit is the gift of encouragement. In a world where depression...