We’re winding through the mountains, enjoying miles of thick evergreen forests topped by stunning snow-capped peaks. In the context of such beauty and the joy of time off with my beloved, the sadness doesn’t make sense. But it’s there. Every time we get away without the kids and grandkids and I step out of the car to breathe deep of pine-scented air, a pang hits me. A nameless, keening ache that refuses to leave. I close my eyes. Warm summer breeze caressing my skin, I’m transported to another time and place. I’m a kid visiting Yosemite National Park with my parents and Continue Reading
Why the Depth of Your Faith Matters Less than Where It’s Rooted
"Am I a person of faith? Yes ... deep faith," replies the pleasant blonde woman I've just become acquainted with. We are seated in the sun-drenched dining room of a B & B, enjoying scrambled eggs with candied salmon, red potatoes, and a fruit plate with a dab of yogurt and tiny ribbons of mint. "Tricia," I'll call her, describes the current transition in her life. After many years, her marriage has ended. Returning to her career would require a masters degree, which seems pointless so close to retirement. Should she move closer to her daughter and grandchildren, or back to Continue Reading
How Your Dark Valley is Evidence of God’s Love
Sickness had dogged him since childhood; year after year, he battled despair. At times he felt so hopeless that he described himself as a living dead man, cut off from God's care. Yet he was one of three appointed, anointed national worship leaders during Israel's glory days, the reign of King David. The same man who wrote Psalm 88, the most despondent Psalm in the whole Bible, which ends with the line,"Darkness is my closest friend," also led a full choir and orchestra in singing praise to God, time after time: "He is good; his love endures forever." (2 Chronicles 5:13) Talk Continue Reading
How to Model the Priority of the Gospel to Your Children
"Oh, Mama," enthused my then four-year-old son, "You love Jesus, and I love Jesus, and ... oh, everyone loves Jesus!" Hesitantly, I offered, "Well, Jed, it's true that we love Jesus, but ... not everyone loves Jesus." Jed's eyes grew wide. Planting his hands on his hips, he demanded, "Who doesn't love Jesus?" I decided it best to give my pre-schooler a concrete example."You know Mikey?" I ventured, referring to young boy in the neighborhood. "I don't think he knows very much about Jesus ... wait, Jed, come back! Let's talk about this!" With evangelistic fervor, my four-year-old Continue Reading