I Did Not Choose To Be A Leader, But Follow Me
He says the words like a charge and a challenge to us, the warm bodies filling the pews on a Sunday morning. "We're all called to be leaders." The too shy and too-busy. The servants. The broken, the ill-equipped and the unwilling. You say that if we call ourselves followers, we are also called to be leaders? "Without wise leadership, a nation...
A Little Learning, a Little Fun and a Lot of Great Food in Sunny Florida
While my kids were growing up, learning something new meant our family vacation was a success. In pursuit of education and fun, we traveled to lighthouses, museums, historic sites, big cities and large zoos. Which is probably why I love Tarpon Springs, Florida. I first visited Tarpon Springs near Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico two years ago. (You...
The Freedom of Being ‘Unstuck’
We were stuck in a fog here in the valley today. It was noon before the sun broke through. Earlier this morning, while I was still in my p.j.s and just getting ready to make some coffee, Hubby came through the back door saying "I need your help." He was stuck in the mud. Like a good wife, I quickly changed, threw on a jacket and headed out to...
When Fitting In Means Shedding Some Skin
Growing up, a couple of my sons were fascinated with reptiles and rodents. Not atypical for boys, but they also had a strong desire to own and nurture them. In a cage. In our house. Along with the traditional kittens, dogs and farm animals, at various times, we also raised hamsters, guinea pigs and iguanas. While I never warmed up to any of...
Retirement Is Not An Option: Plan To Finish Well
I have “retired” twice in my lifetime. I don’t plan to do it again. Mailings from AARP have begun arriving in my mailbox, and I’ve been notified that this is the year I can begin collecting Social Security benefits. No, thank you. By my optimistic estimations (backed up by statistical evidence) I still have 25 percent of my life before me....
When What You Need Is God Straight-Up
I spent three days in the city worshiping and listening, then another three wishing I could be back in that place of joy and inspiration. I invested hours reading and writing about a movie and book I never intend to consume, but which consumed me as I fretted over the pain and confusion they cause. I joined in a revival that's spreading...
What To Do With “Fifty Shades of Grey”
I watched The Grammy Awards on television Sunday night. About mid-way through, I saw my President encourage all of us to create awareness and help women out of violent relationships. His message was followed by a moving statement from domestic violence survivor Brooke Axtell and Katy Perry's performance of her song "By the Grace of God", which...
Harper Lee’s ‘New’ Book Tells the Rest of the Story
I remember vividly the time I first read "To Kill A Mockingbird". I was a high-school freshman and was assigned to read it for English. I finished the book then turned around and read it again. A recently discovered novel by Harper Lee, author of "To Kill A Mockingbird", will be released in July. "Go Set A Watchman" was penned 60 years ago,...
When Storm Clouds Gather, Press On
I'd been watching for a window of opportunity all morning. The weatherman promised a ray of sunshine or two and I could really use it. After struggling through November and December, I was craving sun on my face. (God really meant for me to be born near a tropical beach. I just know it. Somehow, my parents didn't get the message.) It's my...
Choose Your Traveling Companions Wisely: My Journey with O.C.
I've invited a dear friend to travel with me through The New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes during 2015. He's a spry Scotsman, still relevant in his old age and a long-trusted adviser. In the journals I keep of our adventures, my traveling companion goes by the nickname O.C. -- Oswald Chambers. I've had a crush on this wise...