I told them the story and watched confusion cross their faces. One thing I love about teaching middle schoolers entails telling them stories about how things were when I was their age. When I was
Read moreTag: encouragement
When Christmas Mixes with Sorrow
“Can you think of anything we can sell?” I asked my wife. “The only thing I can think of,” she responded, is my…” Christmas 2013 was shaping up to be the leanest Christmas season my
Read moreGrateful for Manure
Can you imagine being grateful for manure? My pastor* expanded on the story from Luke 13 about the fig tree that wasn’t producing fruit. The owner told the caretaker to cut it down. “It’s useless
Read moreGratefulness Through the Seasons
Only two remained. As I sat on my old antique porch glider, I watched as two hummingbirds fought over the lone feeder, hanging just outside my den window. Just a few days before, I had
Read moreGratitude with Grief
For many that I love and respect, it’s been a year of tragedy and loss. Some of my dearest friends or family find themselves in a deep season of grief as Thanksgiving rolls around. My
Read moreSeven Leadership Lessons from Deborah and Barak
Although Deborah held several roles atypical for a woman in Israel’s patriarchal society, she did not back down from her responsibilities. God called her. She obeyed. Her straightforward response served her and others well throughout
Read morePopcorn at Pirate’s World
A trip to the theme park Pirate’s World was every teenager’s dream. . When in my freshman year of high school, we took a class trip, I was elated—and yes, we were “studying.” I’m not
Read moreDestined To Lead
Prophesied messiah, or prejudged leader? “John. Peter. Paul. Come, follow me.” I imagine Jesus’s smile as he reached out his hand to each man. But, did they drop everything and run to Him? What about
Read moreLife Lessons from a Tough Cookie
“I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT). “Will you please
Read moreThankfulness and all the Colorful Flavors of Fall
Thankful for all the flavors? While the abundance of fall and my favorite season’s harvest means more to me than picking apples in North Carolina, baking pumpkin pies, or roasting huge turkeys, I smile with
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