You may remember that in 1953 Edmund Hillary was the very first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. What you may not know is that he had a partner in his success. His name was Tenzing Norgay. Not only did Tenzing climb the mountain with him but on the way back down the […]
Many of you will be familiar with the Hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King.” It was written in the year 1225 by St. Francis of Assisi. Originally, this poetic masterpiece was titled, “Canticle of the Sun.” It was clearly inspired by Psalm 148. Francis was almost completely blind at the time he wrote […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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.” […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
