A pastor was interviewing three prospective new members for her church. She asked several questions in order to understand their reasons for wanting to join the church. When she was satisfied that they were sincere in their professions of faith, she went on to make some notes concerning how they each might want to be…
The day of Epiphany is celebrated in most churches as a day to commemorate the visit of the Magi (wise men) to the Christ child. It represents the realization that the long-awaited birth of the Messiah had occurred. It is considered the manifestation of the divine in the world, in the form of a human…
John Wesley is one of the founders of what came to be called the “Methodist” denomination. People erroneously thought Wesley’s followers were using a “method” to gain salvation rather than making a commitment to simply accept salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross. Wesley actually believed that it is not only essential for us to…
On October 24, 2017, Albert Einstein’s theory of happiness sold for $1.3 million at a Jerusalem auction. While traveling in Tokyo during 1922, the Nobel-winning scientist scribbled a note to the bellboy when he did not have cash for a tip. He wrote, “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of…
President Ronald Reagan said, “The person who agrees with you 80% of the time is a friend and an ally, not a 20% traitor.” What’s true in politics is also true in relationships, and especially in marriage. Focus on the 80%. Time, 1/29/18, p.24 In the midst of a disagreement, it is hard to remember all…
Parkinson’s Law reminds us that, “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” This means that we need to be very intentional about the use of our time or we will consume all available time accomplishing very little. Why People Fail, Siimon Reynolds, 2012 One year, when I taught art at…
In February of 2014, a man in China had a nasty breakup with his girlfriend before Valentine’s Day. The jealous man bought all of the odd numbered seats in a local theater for February 14th so that couples couldn’t sit together during the movie. Those last five letters of jealousy are there for a reason. Reader’s Digest,…
The figure of speech, “sowing the seeds of discontent” has been around for centuries. It refers to the practice of starting a process of convincing people that a future event or problem is likely to happen, and the process itself causes the event or problem to happen. While that can be a negative thing, the…
For more than five years, I proctored exams at Harvard University. During the first couple of years, the protocol was to accompany students whenever they left the room, even to the restroom. We were to check the bathroom stalls before the student entered to make sure that no one had left notes that could help…
Is it okay to have doubts about God? In fact, it is not unusual for people to have doubts, especially when we are feeling vulnerable and insecure. When we don’t feel worthy of God’s love, and when things aren’t going well, it is easy to wonder if God has abandoned us, or if He was…