The Power of a Thankful Heart
There are some things we learn by reading or studying. Some things we learn through experiencing a single event. And then there are things we learn by virtue of being on this earth 60 years (did I actually just admit to being 60!); certain things that have stood the test of time and circumstances. Hopefully, I’ve learned a lot in those sixty years and I don’t claim that what I’ve learned is applicable to you, but I’d like to share two things that have made a difference in my life. I’ve learned that thankfulness and forgiveness are incredibly powerful in [...]
Pursuit of Perfektion
Everywhere you look, we seem to be enticed by the possibility of perfection. Eharmony.com can find you the perfect mate. A certain facial cream provides perfect skin. Liposuction can help you get the perfect body. “Cosmo” can tell you how to have perfect sex. I even saw an advertisement for a prep course that would help you get a perfect score on your SATs! We are surrounded by these messages that tell us that perfection is obtainable and therefore we ought to pursue it. Well, I believe that perfection is OVERRATED! As the world defines perfection, it is not all [...]
You are on the same team!
Everywhere you look there is evidence that the Fall Sports season is soon upon us. High school students are waking up early for practice. Parents are at the sporting goods store buying shin guards and shoulder pads and coaches of every level are giving interviews extolling the merits of TEAMWORK! “Teamwork” is essential to the success of any athletic team, but it is equally important to our marriages. Sometimes in our marriages, it feels like we are working against each other; therefore, we believe that it is essential that you purpose to recognize that you are both on the same [...]
Graham Advice
Recently, we had the opportunity to watch a tape of the funeral service of the Rev. Billy Graham. One of the speakers at the service shared a bit of advice that Dr. Graham had shared with him. Dr. Graham said that most people want to talk about themselves and as a pastor, he would be tempted to share his personal stories. Dr. Graham told him to share Jesus with people that he met, what Jesus said and what Jesus did; not the pastor’s personal experience. This advice isn’t always the easiest thing for a blogger to do, but in honor [...]
God gives grace for the moment, but not for our imagination
When we started our ministry to couples raising a child with special needs, our desire was to share truths or helpful ideas that we wished someone had shared with us when we were new to parenting. A lot of the concepts are similar to advice given to couples that are raising children without a disability, but we think a few are unique to us raising a child with a disability. One principle that really helped us, was to try to discipline ourselves to focus on the “here and now.” Although “taking one day at a time” may sound like a [...]
Going for the … Bronze?
One Bible verse that has been helpful to me, especially when I feel as though I am being tested or under fire is Job 23:10, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold”. I know that to become gold, something/someone has to go through a lot of heat. But honestly, sometimes I have to admit I want to say, “Lord, I think I’ve been tested enough. Alright Already!!! I think I’m OK with bronze; you can stop testing me now. Certainly, I’ve been tested enough to come forth as [...]