We have all experienced difficulties of one kind or another. Sometimes we feel weak when we have physical, emotional or financial problems. We might even feel helpless when things seem beyond our control. We may be getting older or have an illness or injury that leaves us weak and unable to do what we think…
Pride is defined as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. We are encouraged to show school pride, and to be proud of our teams’ accomplishments on the sports fields. We are…
We all have unused potential. That is, we do not always fully use all of the energy and talents we have been given to do what we are capable of doing. Sometimes there might have been something standing in the way of our ability to develop a particular skill or talent. More often than not…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Whenever things just seem to click and everything falls conveniently into place, we say that it was “meant to be”. We might think that God put everything into place, and we thank Him. My question is: then how do you explain that, when I fly, the rule seems to be that if I have plenty…