He will not fail or abandon you; never abandon Him or neighbors
“Ugh, maybe I should just abandon the whole project.” I received yet another rejection for an essay I’d revised and submitted several times. But then I thought, “My writing colleagues know personal essay writing is hard, uncomfortable work. I can ask them for...
It’s important not to stay comfortable when feeling too comfortable
“I know you think this is a comfortable place, but trust me, you don’t want to stay here,” Keith said, looking over his shoulder into the garage. This happened a few falls ago, as Keith and I stood outside the open garage door, he readying to chop wood...
Walking by faith, not by sight, and living in God’s sight
Late afternoon last Thursday, Keith and I caught sight of our dog Lark, limping home, carrying his left, hind paw. He loves running with Mac since we let him off leash in May, but freedom can be costly. The sight of Lark’s injury and pain landed him in surgery at...
A mist that appears for a brief while and then vanishes
Last week’s rain seemed to last only a brief time but actually continued over a couple of days. Two days of mist, appearing for a brief while then vanishing. And now, it’s autumn. As a child, I thought summer lasted forever, but now seasons seem to fly...
Actively responsible for our choices, family, and others
When we say someone is a responsible person, we’re often referring to work. Showing up on time, completing tasks, being honest, owning up to mistakes. These values hold regardless of faith or lack thereof. Biblically speaking, being responsible means knowing what...
If I want people to approve of me, I put myself before God
Sometimes I want people to approve of me so much that I’m willing to put people pleasing before God pleasing. Putting what I want for myself and from others before God is selfishness. Of course, my greatest fear is disapproval or abandonment, the root of all...