Book-satchel in tow, I scrambled off the dusty, yellow school bus onto where the farm-to-market road comes to a “T.” Finally home, I was glad to leave the hand-clapping game in the front of the bus and the loud kissing in the back. My second-grade stomach grumbled loudly, anticipating the brownies my mother promised to bake. As I rounded the …
Before time existed, the Fire burned. This blazing Fire ignites character, consuming one and sparking another into a warm glow. Those that stand the test of fire kindle into a pinpoint of light to shine within darkness. They themselves are not the Fire but re-present the Flame, like an ever-ready pilot light. You are that pilot light. Small but unquenchable, …
Shhh. Be stilled. Today, we are invited into the portal of faith. With the tiniest granule of belief, our thoughts lift into a realm of hope. Close your eyes and ask unconditional love to reveal Himself to you. What do you see? When the Apostle Paul glimpsed the heavenlies, he noticed our sitting position with Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). Next to Him? Beside …
Like revolving skyward on a spiral escalator, my thoughts ascend to the realm of the Kingdom. “First things first,” I hear upon entry, for Kingdom matters are of utmost importance here. Rather than allowing lower things to feed anxiety into my mind, I turn my restless energy toward seeking Truth above. Breathing deeply of hope, I loiter among the promises …
There’s a dimension where all things are possible. A realm where the tangled becomes loose, and the unfeasible becomes achievable. Images of the place appear in our dreams, but we seldom access the sphere during daylight hours. We’re vaguely aware of its presence, yet we rarely enter. This place is very close, yet not in our immediate element. Whether located …
Preparation had been underway for months. The food. The music. The wine. Weddings are no small events. Once the family sent invitations, they thought of nothing but wedding prep. Friends and family lined up to cook, clean, and serve. Maidens were selected to help the bride, and a special friend attended to the groom’s needs. Torches lined the parameter of …
I was twenty years old when I spent my first summer in Asia. Afternoons in sub-tropical heat forced me indoors, so I retreated to the third floor to spend solitary time before the Word of God and a single rotary fan. All summer, a long-distance relationship remained at the forefront of my mind. He was tall, tan, and good-looking, with …
I lay aside the quill as my eyes mist with remembrance. How often I think back to those sequenced events. Even today, some thirty years after the fact, my heart still quivers from the splendor of that night. You see, I walked with this Man. His feet dirtied with the fine Jordanian clay as did mine. I talked with Him, …
It was the first day of class, and a handful of preschool students filled the classroom with laughter and excitement. Despite the abundant learning resources in every corner, most students were more interested in entertainment than in education. The instructor realized the immaturity of the children and that this lesson would involve a lifetime. The teacher, wise and experienced, knew …
“For what man, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? (Luke 14:28). I stare at this parable, alternately condemning myself and making resolutions. “What tower am I building? What is my foundation? How can I build differently?” Then, gently, quietly, I hear …
