What does it mean to be an optimist? And why should or could anybody be optimistic when things are so bad all around us. The government is a mess, the weather is bad, and things seem to be falling apart all around us. Even the people we have to deal with every day are often…
Prayer Seed: Dear Abba, Since faith requires us to visualize things we can’t see, please help us to use our imagination to envision the things You have in store for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joy and happiness are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in the way each is experienced. It may seem like splitting hairs, because some of the same things that make us joyful also make us happy. The difference is, in the source of the pleasurable feelings. As far as the Bible is concerned,…
Prayer Seed: Dear Abba, Thank you for our families, friends and the other people you place in our lives. Please help us to treat everyone we meet along life’s journey with kindness, respect and compassion so we can live together in peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In the media age, it has become common to encounter a wide variety of so-called influencers online. They range from people who espouse crack-pot conspiracy theories to inspirational bloggers who have honorable motives to try to help us think more clearly about serious social issues. The problem we have, is to choose wisely what we…
Prayer Seed: Dear Abba, Thank you for dying on the cross and concurring death so we can have the gift of salvation through Your sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
According to Wikipedia, “Physical fitness is a state of health and well-being and, specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities. Physical fitness is generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderate, vigorous physical exercise, and sufficient rest along with a formal recovery plan.” “Mental fitness is defined as a state of well-being and having…
I grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. My family worked hard. My four older sisters all seemed to enjoy working in the fields with our dad as well as in the house and garden with Mom. My brother, who was the fifth child, and the only boy, was always right out there with my…
Prayer Seed: Dear Abba, Thank you for coming to earth and living a life in human form so we can have salvation. Praise be to You Jesus! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Young people who have been forced to go to church and Sunday school and required to “suffer” through a year or more of confirmation classes can be forgiven for thinking that the purpose of religion is to control people, themselves in particular. This is not to dismiss the youngsters who are sincere in their professions…