Tears come to us all. They accompany poor health, friction with people, unresolved sins and wrongs, economic hardship, death, floods and fires, culture and politics, the list could go on into eternity. Just one example, my community in SoCal is facing 8 of 10 days with temps over 100, maxing at 109. Three days ago, our power went out in the middle of the day for four hours—luckily we were on our way to the beach. But may we remember that Jesus said troubles come with breathing in John 16:33. His brother James told us…
Read MoreSecrets of a Serene Spirit
In a surprise twist, I re-learned the secrets of a serene spirit at a recent memorial service. I met with the family before, and they detailed a very difficult life for their mother Darlene. When just 16, a car accident not only killed the driver in her car, but injured her badly, including the loss of all her teeth. She married three times, and each husband died. Humorously, she wouldn’t marry her longtime boyfriend—she wanted to keep him alive. She lost a young son, one of the most difficult losses when your child dies young. But…
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image by Andy Scheer
Just Add Heat and...
A good friend, Andy Scheer, put up this pic with the tag, “In another hour, the individual dried split peas will have disappeared, leaving in their wake a wonderful, creamy soup.” Not only did it make me begin to salivate, that post of Andy’s gives a nice extended metaphor for following Jesus. Heat. Heat transformed dried or raw foods into a delectable soup. Back in high chemistry with John Gunning, I discovered that heat…
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Lemonade
A long time friend, Sue Thornburg Fellows, posted the above pic on FB, and I commented with a simple “Lemonade!” Her husband responded with “????”, and I quoted the cliché, “When life gives you lemons (cancer), make lemonade (ear warmers).” Sue has battled cancer, and decided to make lemonade. Here’s her story, in her words.
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Reasons to Believe
A week or so ago I gave a Facebook update on my skin cancer surgery, that the margins were all clear and the cancer had not spread. In relief, I added, “God is good.” Then I thought of the many friends, some who love God deeply, who currently struggle with very serious cancers and other health issues. For some, death approaches and when is the only question. What about them? I had to add, “And, he would be just as good if the news had been bad, but I do rejoice.” That prompted more pondering, about God and trouble, about the reasons people enter into faith, about...
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Pic by forum.androidcentral.com
Flashes of Glory
In a lifetime of following Jesus, with a plethora of peaks and valleys, of feasts and feathers, I’ve learned that managing expectations determines the level of faith frustration or satisfaction. Unrealistic hopes, when birthed, tend to result in disappointment with God—a jaded been there, done that experience.
Here’s that lesson learned.
Only when riding east to work
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