I’ve known a number of people who, upon coming into a connection with Jesus, had their greatest temptation removed, instantly. Kind of cold turkey, but without the withdrawal issues. In my own life, that process has also occurred…once or twice. Seeing those who have gone cold turkey, we may expect that to be the norm. If so, might we unknowingly make ourselves more vulnerable with false expectations on…
Read MoreFreedom?
I suspect all who either follow Jesus or are intrigued with him know he yearns for behavioral change in his people. But how should we respond when we fail? What does that say about our faith?
Read MoreLost Battles
Even at twenty-four, I’d lived enough to see the uneven pattern of life. I’d discovered how life could kick you in the teeth, sometimes in the form of friends. Church friends. Or pastors. So, I wasn’t a rosy-glasses idealist. So how do we, how can we, respond when we lose battles and dreams? Maybe nature can…
Read MoreI Rest
This wise yet anonymous quote helps me, “Complexity seeks you out. Simplicity must be sought;” I know it’s spot on. The added years merely increase the baggage to carry, in memories, stuff, even friendships to maintain. Our technology gives us tremendous power, but at the cost of having to learn to use the latest innovation or update. Fifty years ago, I knew southern California well, and felt content. Now I’m impacted by…
Read MoreI Know Boats
Some time ago I sat in a harbor-side café, watching the seals cavorting on the docks, the boats bobbing with the gentle waves. Identifying the various styles and types, enjoying their beauty and the functionality. It came to mind that I know boats. But perhaps true knowledge requires something deeper…
Read MoreTemecula
Some mornings, the sun instantly brightens the sky. And some gloomy mornings merely become more dreary. Yet on others, the midday sun blasts through the clouds and haze and fog. Why do our emotions seem to follow the amount of sunlight? I discovered that our current hometown of Temecula provides a metaphor that might help here…
Read MoreThe Eagle
Mundane. Among the worse choices of how we live. To follow all the expectations of others, when our nature doesn’t match that. To live such a safe life we rarely risk, we rarely let our adrenal glands work. Maybe we can learn to soar from the eagles…
Read MoreChristmas Freedom
Distractions come easy for me, especially this time of year. The joy of picking and giving gifts. The beauty of houses extravagantly lit. The comfort of getting with family so often scattered in needed pursuit of separate lives. Congenial gatherings with friends and coworkers. All so focused on the fun of Christmas that I, at least, sometimes miss deeper truths. Not about the birth of Jesus, the wise men, the shepherds, and all. They get ample attention. But this year, another Christmas thought captivates me…
Read More