Philosophers, sociologists, theologians, and politicians have had their turn at explaining why we have problems and how to fix them. It is ironic that simultaneously some want to blame one problem on root causes while avoiding the root causes of others. Many problems have a beginning with some standard that was either twisted, ignored, or outright transgressed.
Continue reading “Root Causes”Hands of My Father
We were at a reunion gathering of our extended family when a distant cousin excitedly called his wife over to see my dad’s hands. He was amazed that Daddy’s hands looked like his deceased father’s hands. I looked at my hands and they looked like Dad’s. Two of my brother’s hands are also similar.
Continue reading “Hands of My Father”Simple Pleasures
Some folks just don’t know how to be happy! They chase a dream that is just beyond their grasp and are blind to the blessings in their hand.
Continue reading “Simple Pleasures”Generations of Mothers
Mother’s Day rolls around every year to give honor to our mothers. We shower our living mothers with presents, special meals, and recognition. Those who have gone from our midst, we shower with accolades of remembrance and honor.
This year I thought about the generational line of women in my life from my grandparents to my four granddaughters. The grandmothers to the mothers of the future.
Continue reading “Generations of Mothers”Treatment of our Families and Enemies are Revealing
I find myself repeating some phrases along my journey of life. One that I use from time to time is about representing Jesus to others by “Showing the life, love, and the light of Jesus to the world.”
Continue reading “Treatment of our Families and Enemies are Revealing”Journey Update: February 2021
About one year ago, Butch Suddath and I returned to the United States from a mission trip from Asia on January 21, 2020. The news reports were trickling in about a coronavirus from China before we left, but it was mostly a dot on most people’s radar screen. The day we returned to the Atlanta Airport, the first confirmed case in the United States was announced with an individual in Washington state. It progressively grew worse.
Continue reading “Journey Update: February 2021”KISS (Keep It Simple Saints)
Yeah, I Christianized the acrostic a little. Most of us have heard of the acrostic KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid), so my modified version is a little less offensive.
Human beings can complicate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Sometimes we just need to get two pieces of white bread, smear some PB&J on it and go with it.
Continue reading “KISS (Keep It Simple Saints)”Outa Sorts
You know the feeling! You’re not sick but you don’t really feel good. You’re not depressed but you’re not really in a happy place. Yep, you’re “outa sorts” (out of sorts) and you feel blah. Outa sorts is something akin to stale bread or constipation.
Continue reading “Outa Sorts”Having a Grateful Heart
It is funny how some things stick in our brains forever and others flee like a bird. I have never forgotten the statement of my good friend and Christian brother Kenny Gilbreath, who related the phrase his uncle always prayed in every prayer, “Lord, give me a grateful heart.” I have often thought about that phrase and the profound meaning of it.
Continue reading “Having a Grateful Heart”Resurrection of Personal Responsibility
When I get up in the morning and look in the mirror, I see the man who gives me the most trouble in life—ME! It would be easier to blame my parents, my wife, my siblings, my co-workers, or society in general, but I need to take responsibility for my own failures, brokenness, and, yes, sin.
Continue reading “Resurrection of Personal Responsibility”
