She meanders through the bar, looking for him. Is he the young brunette in the snappy sport coat? The suave middle-aged businessman? The dimpled crooner at the mic? Where, oh where, is Mr. Right? She has her audition plan all worked out. When she sees a likely candidate, she asks him if he's single, if he's gay, and if he's working. If he passes the first battery of questions, she kisses him full on the mouth. If the magic feeling doesn't hit her, she walks away. In the end, using this highly questionable method, she finds Mr. Right, and wedding bells ring. Why? Because this Continue Reading
6 Ways to Take Heart While You Wait for Your Breakthrough
You've prayed. You've waited. You've prayed again and waited some more. You've had other people pray -- and you're still waiting. Which begs the question: How do we do life in the tension of the already/not yet? Three parallel phrases in Scripture speak to the "in between" places of our lives. Psalm 84 describes pilgrims on their way to Zion going "from strength to strength." Romans 1:17 says the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is "from faith to faith." 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes believers as being transformed "from glory to glory." We're on a Continue Reading
The Surprising Privilege You Have as a Christian Grandparent
If you have grandchildren, I don't have to tell you what a delight they can be. It's the best of both worlds -- we get to enjoy them, but then hand them off to their parents when it comes to discipline. What a sweet deal! While it's true that we are not primarily responsible for our grandchildren, just last night, I ran across a verse in my Bible reading which caused me to sit up and pay attention. In Deuteronomy, Moses is leaving final instructions with the Israelites as they prepare to go in and take possession of the land God has promised them. As he reiterates the history of Continue Reading
Why You Still Need to Apologize (It’s Not Just Water Under the Bridge)
Ever had a conversation with yourself about whether it's worth it to try to right a wrong that happened a long time ago? It starts like this: You recall something you said or did, or failed to say or do, and you know your actions hurt another person. But time has gone by. The relationship seems to be functioning comfortably enough. After all, time heals all wounds, right? So you say to yourself, It would just be awkward to bring it up now. It's been years. Why pick open the scab? The relationship is doing okay. However, the Holy Spirit is relentless. You keep thinking Continue Reading