Should We Fast? And Other Things I’m Pondering

As we approach the end of Lent, it occurs to me God orchestrated a world fast from many things. No ballgames, no concerts, no parties, no work for many, and empty worship centers. People are dying, and we are helpless, but not without hope. In the Bible, when things...

Background Music

For the past week, I’ve been the only one working in the library, and it’s quiet. Other than the HVAC unit kicking on or the odd phone call, it’s silent. On a typical day, it’s rare for me to close my office door, so there’s always a hum of activity in the background....

How to Battle the Winter Blues

January is always a tough month for me. The short days leave me little time to spend outdoors and I battle the winter blues. Maybe, part of the problem is I spent too much time working and running during the holiday season, which cut into my time alone with God. While...

Hope for the Overwhelmed and Weary

(28) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30...

God Spoke to Me – And It Wasn’t Pretty

Sometimes, it takes a while for God to answer my prayers, but when I ask him to reveal the sin in my life, he always answers immediately. Yesterday, God reminded me of some ugly thoughts, and then,  even worse, he replayed hateful words that came out of my mouth. Some...

Defining Friendship After a Year of Sorrow

By Tricia K. Brown My mother quizzed one of the littles in my family recently about friendship. When asked “What is a friend?” she seemed stumped. Her 4-year-old brain couldn’t get past the chocolate popsicle in her mouth. Mom asked, “Do you have friends? Who is your...