No Need to Recalculate

“Recalculating.” I bet you’ve heard that phrase before. Personally, I feel like my GPS is scolding me when I hear the word, “Recalculating.” It’s as if the little device is implying, “Can’t you just turn when I say’ turn?’” Occasionally, I have caught myself talking to the GPS out loud saying something like, “Be quiet, …

Who Is Responsible For The Pastor’s Joy?

He’s not a soldier, but he fights for truth; He’s not a police officer, but he watches out for me; He’s not a university professor, but he teaches me; He’s not a social worker, but he is always available to listen to me; He’s not a professional consultant, but he provides guidance for me; He’s …

Hypocrite Dad

I knew something was wrong when we were getting in the car Sunday morning and Bryce said, “I know, I know, we’re in a hurry –we’re always in a hurry.” His comment caused me to pause. Is that the message I’m always sending him? Is that how he sees me –as a frantic, impatient timekeeper? …

How to Make an Effective Announcement

The morning worship service was broadcast live each week on the local radio station. So, the pastor knew he had to wrap everything up by noon. At the close of the sermon, he glanced at his watch to see that he had only one minute left, so he quickly transitioned to announcements. Imagine driving in …

One Story to Get Stuck In Your Brain

A friend texts you a strange picture of a piece of rusted iron fashioned into the shape of the number “1.” As you try to figure out the significance of the picture, another text arrives from the same friend. It is the same image; only this time the picture shows a wider angle. The iron …

“Do No Harm” to the Boston Bomber

Yesterday’s newspaper reported that one of the Boston Marathon bombers was alive and in custody at a local hospital. More specifically, the bomber is being treated at the same hospital as eleven victims of the bombing. That’s quite a powerful picture, isn’t it? Certainly the thought of a terrorist being treated alongside his victims provokes …