We are accustomed to character assassination. The media loves to jump on a rising star (particularly a conservative who aspires to public office) and find serious flaws in their character or life. In this world, there is NO ONE who has their character assassinated more than God. He is accused of delighting in causing suffering [...]
Today we remember a terrorist attack ten years ago, on U.S. soil, which culminated in the death of 2,996 persons. Though the sights and sounds and emotions are still vivid in our memory, these are not so different from the memories of countless generations before us. Eighty years ago this week, a baby girl was [...]
SIX THOUSAND THIRTEEN FALLEN (as of 5/26/11) These are not just numbers but individuals who had families and friends; individuals who had bodies that were healthy and strong and brave. These are souls who Jesus died for, and who are now in eternity. These are our American military casualties of the past ten years, from [...]
“Don’t put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. Mere humans don’t have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing!” (Psalm 146:3-5 from THE MESSAGE: The [...]
Finally {mothers} “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of [...]
Are you old enough to remember the days before cell phones? Contrary to popular belief, life was survivable. I’ve had to remind myself of this the past month, since Waukegan instituted its Cell Phone Ban for Drivers. I’m certainly re-thinking, before I flip open my phone while driving, lest I be ticketed and fined. Maybe [...]
Once upon a time there were four brothers who attended the same church — Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. When the Pastor announced a “special project to help their sister church in the Philippines” Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about [...]
Whew – we officially made it through another winter in the Midwest. From this point on, even if we have more snow, we watch the buds start forming on the trees and we get excited. We know the end is in sight — warmer weather is coming! Jesus describes a fig tree’s twigs getting tender [...]
“Mardi Gras” and “Fat Tuesday” are “celebrated” by some just before the start of Lent. Some view them as a last chance to “be really bad” before repenting of one’s sins (on Ash Wednesday) and then with renewed devotion and discipline “being good again” for Lent. Sadly, the Christian tradition of Lent has become [...]
For some of us at this time of year, every time we pass it, we “toss a coin into the kettle.” We feel a pang of guilt if we don’t (especially if our carts or arms happen to be overflowing with shopping bags). We “toss our coin” out of a sense of obligation. I wonder–do [...]