Until he moved away, Jim and I met regularly at the Swing Inn in Old Town Temecula. Breakfast and God talk and job and health issues and well, just life. Guy times. Good times. Once, Jim brought up a friend of his who had a marvelous job opportunity in another state, and every step seemed orchestrated by God. Prayer inundated it all. They asked for input from trusted friends. Too many coincidences to be coincidental. The job turned out to be the proverbial “died and gone to heaven” type. Until…
Within a few months, the job ended, bringing financial devastation. Jim wondered why? Where was God when he seemed so involved in the move?…
Read MoreHow can we tell if events are merely a coincidence, or a sign from God guiding us? Some never sense that leading; others see a sale on toothpaste as an omen. Having seen God guide in amazing ways, I’m in the middle. Back in ’75, I planned on leaving California for a new phase in Colorado. Starting with a desire to go dancing about 8 PM in Albuquerque, nine separate events, all outside my control (well, apart from the dancing) combined to…
Read MoreNo, the title doesn’t reflect one of Clint Eastwood’s early films, rather James statement that our lives quickly disappear like a mist. Yes, last week had that passage, but let’s revisit one hidden gem. With the passing of each calendar year, I ponder this bit about mist more and more. Maybe you do as well. How do we balance making a spiritual impact on the world if we’re here so briefly, like fog?
Read MoreLet’s flip the coin. Last week, we began to explore God’s role in daily life with a story of how he overwhelmingly directed a major change in moving me to Taos. One repeated response by readers dealt with the rarity of such clear direction. Though seldom for many of us, it does happen. But my time in Taos ended in a radically opposite form. I’d spent a year in youth ministry a few years earlier, and upon getting fired, declared I’d rather…
Read MoreMaybe it’s time we all amp down our levels of anxiety about our 2016 Presidential race. Yes, the race is important—the American president holds more power and influence than any other individual. He or she will change history, have no doubt. And many of us have strong concerns about one or both of the major candidates. The latest Real Clear Politics summary has both Trump and Clinton at an unheard of 54% unfavorable rating. 75% of Americans dislike the direction of our country. But ...
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