Entries by Joe Albright

From Everlasting to Everlasting

Years ago I remember one of my daughters asking me, “Daddy, what was here before God?” And, I answered, “Honey, God has always been here, and God will always be here.” “How is that possible?” she replied. “Hmmm. The truth is, I don’t know.” It is difficult to get our minds around the concept of […]

Give Grace

Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed!” It is amazing how often in the New Testament Paul’s letters include words of encouragement. He almost always opens his letters with thanksgiving for those to whom he is writing. And he almost always finds something supportive, something uplifting to share […]

Growing From Mistakes

Over the years I have kept much of the feedback I have received as a pastor – both good and bad. I do glance back over it from time to time. I look at the positive correspondence when I need a lift, when I need to be reminded of why I do what I do. […]

Valentine’s Day

Do you remember the comic strip Cathy? Several years ago, around Valentine’s Day, I saw one where Cathy was talking to her friend Charlene. And Charlene said to her, “Irving’s been trying so hard, Cathy. You’re not even giving him a chance?” Cathy replied, ‘Too late Charlene. This Valentine’s Day, I’m recommitting to Me! Taking […]

Recovering Wonder and Awe

In an old Peanuts comic strip, Snoopy’s brother Spike who lives in the desert is sitting with his back against a cactus. He’s writing a letter, “At night the sun goes down, and the stars come out; and then in the morning, the sun comes up again. It’s so exciting to live in the desert.” […]

A Sabbath Rest

When I lived in Jamaica, a couple of my neighbors kept a regular Sabbath. One such neighbor was called Smith – though I think that was his last name. Smith worked two jobs and his wife was a full-time nursing student. She actually worked and attended school an hour away in Kingston. They led busy, […]

There Goes God!

In a church where I used to serve, we had a thriving preschool. One day a little girl was walking down the hall with her mother. She pointed at me and said, “Look Mommy, there goes God!” From time to time we get confused, don’t we? Not just preschoolers but all of us. We allow […]

Finding Purpose

In his book, Deep-Rooted in Christ, Joshua Kang wrote, “The abundant life comes when we live a life of mission; a life that serves others has meaning and purpose.” Kang encourages us to reflect on our lives and evaluate them based not on their length, or by how face-paced they are, but by their content. […]

Whole

Today, I am deeply grateful for those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. So many people benefit from your giving! Francis de Sales was one of the most revered saints of French history. Back in his day, there was a bishop who intended to write a biography of […]

Love Your Enemies

I have heard that former Boston Red Sox Hall-of-Fame third baseman Wade Boggs hated Yankee Stadium. Not because of the Yankees; but because of one particular Yankee’s fan. This man had a box seat close to the field, and whenever the Red Sox were in town, he would shout obscenities and insults at Boggs. It’s […]