Tale of Two Athletes

During this time of year we often (and should) turn our thoughts to helping and giving. Christmas in America stands for different things to different people, however. In today's society, some are taught that receiving is more important than giving, and indeed some feel they are entitled to do and say whatever they want. So, … Continue reading Tale of Two Athletes

Created Equal

All men – all people -- are created equal - then a few become firefighters. All people are created equal - then a few become cops. All people are created equal - then a few become brothers and sisters. And aunts and uncles. And wives and husbands. And mothers and fathers. And grandma's and grandpa's. … Continue reading Created Equal

Trust the Giver

2 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 4 You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” 5 So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith … Continue reading Trust the Giver

Happy and Merry

How will you say it this year? "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas"? Saying "Merry Christmas" is as American as apple pie and baseball. Perhaps we should start calling it simply "fruit pie" and "field ball"?? Except there are a lot of games played on fields and a lot of different kinds of fruit pies. But … Continue reading Happy and Merry

Abounding in Hope

A story was sent to me about a man who was imprisoned during Napoleon's reign. While sulking in his dungeon one day, he etched on the wall the words "Nobody Cares". A few weeks later, through a crack in the dungeon floor, a little green shoot sprang forth, reaching toward the tiny ray of sunlight … Continue reading Abounding in Hope

Cause and Effect

The following was sent to me via email by a brother; it's from John Hagee Ministries; it's called "Small Beginnings": We love to celebrate big things! We bestow huge awards on people who perform better than everyone else. Behind every person who reaps the recognition, though, someone else has sown the little things. In 1970, … Continue reading Cause and Effect

Thank You for Your Service

When you go to the grocery store and see rows and rows of food, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and you can afford to buy some of it, thank a veteran. When you go to church – any church you want to – or even if you choose not to go to church – thank a … Continue reading Thank You for Your Service

Abundance of Possessions

In the 21st century we have more “things” living in America than most of the world's population ever dreamed of. The poorest of our poor have more than many people, save perhaps our homeless. It's simply astounding that in the richest countries of the world there are still homeless people wandering and living on our … Continue reading Abundance of Possessions

Actions

A man was traveling one winter night when he came upon a car that had pulled over onto the snowy shoulder and became "stuck on top of the ground." There was just enough frozen slush, ice, and snow the car was unable to move; the tires would just spin. The man was going through a … Continue reading Actions

Standing on the Bank

In July 1993 I stood in Riverview Park in Hannibal, MO and looked to the east. As far as I could see was water; the Mississippi River was about 12 miles wide at that time. Standing next to me was an 80-year-old man; we stood there in silence for what seemed like several minutes. He … Continue reading Standing on the Bank